501
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Pudewell S, Wittich C, Kazemein Jasemi NS, Bazgir F, Ahmadian MR. Accessory proteins of the RAS-MAPK pathway: moving from the side line to the front line. Commun Biol 2021; 4:696. [PMID: 34103645 PMCID: PMC8187363 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02149-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Health and disease are directly related to the RTK-RAS-MAPK signalling cascade. After more than three decades of intensive research, understanding its spatiotemporal features is afflicted with major conceptual shortcomings. Here we consider how the compilation of a vast array of accessory proteins may resolve some parts of the puzzles in this field, as they safeguard the strength, efficiency and specificity of signal transduction. Targeting such modulators, rather than the constituent components of the RTK-RAS-MAPK signalling cascade may attenuate rather than inhibit disease-relevant signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Pudewell
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christoph Wittich
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Neda S. Kazemein Jasemi
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Farhad Bazgir
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mohammad R. Ahmadian
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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502
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Chang WH, Nguyen TTT, Hsu CH, Bryant KL, Kim HJ, Ying H, Erickson JW, Der CJ, Cerione RA, Antonyak MA. KRAS-dependent cancer cells promote survival by producing exosomes enriched in Survivin. Cancer Lett 2021; 517:66-77. [PMID: 34111513 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in KRAS frequently occur in human cancer and are especially prevalent in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), where they have been shown to promote aggressive phenotypes. However, targeting this onco-protein has proven to be challenging, highlighting the need to further identify the various mechanisms used by KRAS to drive cancer progression. Here, we considered the role played by exosomes, a specific class of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from the endocytic cellular trafficking machinery, in mediating the ability of KRAS to promote cell survival. We found that exosomes isolated from the serum of PDAC patients, as well as from KRAS-transformed fibroblasts and pancreatic cancer cells, were all highly enriched in the cell survival protein Survivin. Exosomes containing Survivin, upon engaging serum-starved cells, strongly enhanced their survival. Moreover, they significantly compromised the effectiveness of the conventional chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, as well as a novel therapy that combines an ERK inhibitor with chloroquine, which is currently in clinical trials for PDAC. The survival benefits provided by oncogenic KRAS-derived exosomes were markedly reduced when depleted of Survivin using siRNA or upon treatment with the Survivin inhibitor YM155. Taken together, these findings demonstrate how KRAS mutations give rise to exosomes that provide a unique form of intercellular communication to promote cancer cell survival and therapy resistance, as well as raise interesting possibilities regarding their potential for serving as therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers for KRAS-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Thuy-Tien Thi Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Chia-Hsin Hsu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Kirsten L Bryant
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hong Jin Kim
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Haoqiang Ying
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Division of Basic Science Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jon W Erickson
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Channing J Der
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Richard A Cerione
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Marc A Antonyak
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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503
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What Is New in Biomarker Testing at Diagnosis of Advanced Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma? Implications for Cytology and Liquid Biopsy. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmp2020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery and clinical validation of biomarkers predictive of the response of non-squamous non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NS-NSCLC) to therapeutic strategies continue to provide new data. The evaluation of novel treatments is based on molecular analyses aimed at determining their efficacy. These tests are increasing in number, but the tissue specimens are smaller and smaller and/or can have few tumor cells. Indeed, in addition to tissue samples, complementary cytological and/or blood samples can also give access to these biomarkers. To date, it is recommended and necessary to look for the status of five genomic molecular biomarkers (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAFV600, NTRK) and of a protein biomarker (PD-L1). However, the short- and more or less long-term emergence of new targeted treatments of genomic alterations on RET and MET, but also on others’ genomic alteration, notably on KRAS, HER2, NRG1, SMARCA4, and NUT, have made cellular and blood samples essential for molecular testing. The aim of this review is to present the interest in using cytological and/or liquid biopsies as complementary biological material, or as an alternative to tissue specimens, for detection at diagnosis of new predictive biomarkers of NS-NSCLC.
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504
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Yen I, Shanahan F, Lee J, Hong YS, Shin SJ, Moore AR, Sudhamsu J, Chang MT, Bae I, Dela Cruz D, Hunsaker T, Klijn C, Liau NPD, Lin E, Martin SE, Modrusan Z, Piskol R, Segal E, Venkatanarayan A, Ye X, Yin J, Zhang L, Kim JS, Lim HS, Kim KP, Kim YJ, Han HS, Lee SJ, Kim ST, Jung M, Hong YH, Noh YS, Choi M, Han O, Nowicka M, Srinivasan S, Yan Y, Kim TW, Malek S. ARAF mutations confer resistance to the RAF inhibitor belvarafenib in melanoma. Nature 2021; 594:418-423. [PMID: 33953400 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03515-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although RAF monomer inhibitors (type I.5, BRAF(V600)) are clinically approved for the treatment of BRAFV600-mutant melanoma, they are ineffective in non-BRAFV600 mutant cells1-3. Belvarafenib is a potent and selective RAF dimer (type II) inhibitor that exhibits clinical activity in patients with BRAFV600E- and NRAS-mutant melanomas. Here we report the first-in-human phase I study investigating the maximum tolerated dose, and assessing the safety and preliminary efficacy of belvarafenib in BRAFV600E- and RAS-mutated advanced solid tumours (NCT02405065, NCT03118817). By generating belvarafenib-resistant NRAS-mutant melanoma cells and analysing circulating tumour DNA from patients treated with belvarafenib, we identified new recurrent mutations in ARAF within the kinase domain. ARAF mutants conferred resistance to belvarafenib in both a dimer- and a kinase activity-dependent manner. Belvarafenib induced ARAF mutant dimers, and dimers containing mutant ARAF were active in the presence of inhibitor. ARAF mutations may serve as a general resistance mechanism for RAF dimer inhibitors as the mutants exhibit reduced sensitivity to a panel of type II RAF inhibitors. The combination of RAF plus MEK inhibition may be used to delay ARAF-driven resistance and suggests a rational combination for clinical use. Together, our findings reveal specific and compensatory functions for the ARAF isoform and implicate ARAF mutations as a driver of resistance to RAF dimer inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Yen
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Frances Shanahan
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeeyun Lee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Intelligence Precision Healthcare Convergence, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Yong Sang Hong
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang Joon Shin
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Amanda R Moore
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jawahar Sudhamsu
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew T Chang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Inhwan Bae
- Department of New Chemical Entity Discovery, Hanmi Research Center, Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Korea
| | - Darlene Dela Cruz
- Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Hunsaker
- Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christiaan Klijn
- Department of Bioinformatics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas P D Liau
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eva Lin
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Scott E Martin
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zora Modrusan
- Department of Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Robert Piskol
- Department of Bioinformatics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ehud Segal
- Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Xin Ye
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jianping Yin
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Liangxuan Zhang
- Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jin-Soo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeong-Seok Lim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyu-Pyo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yu Jung Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Hye Sook Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Soo Jung Lee
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Seung Tae Kim
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minkyu Jung
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yoon-Hee Hong
- Department of Clinical Research and Development, Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young Su Noh
- Department of Clinical Research and Development, Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Korea
| | - Munjeong Choi
- Department of Clinical Research and Development, Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Korea
| | - Oakpil Han
- Department of Clinical Research and Development, Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Korea
| | - Malgorzata Nowicka
- Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shrividhya Srinivasan
- Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yibing Yan
- Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tae Won Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Shiva Malek
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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505
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Patelli G, Tosi F, Amatu A, Mauri G, Curaba A, Patanè DA, Pani A, Scaglione F, Siena S, Sartore-Bianchi A. Strategies to tackle RAS-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer. ESMO Open 2021; 6:100156. [PMID: 34044286 PMCID: PMC8167159 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAS oncogene is among the most commonly mutated in cancer. RAS mutations are identified in about half of patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), conferring poor prognosis and lack of response to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies. In the last decades, several investigational attempts failed in directly targeting RAS mutations, thus RAS was historically regarded as 'undruggable'. Recently, novel specific KRASG12C inhibitors showed promising results in different solid tumors, including mCRC, renewing interest in this biomarker as a target. In this review, we discuss different strategies of RAS targeting in mCRC, according to literature data in both clinical and preclinical settings. We recognized five main strategies focusing on those more promising: direct RAS targeting, targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, harnessing RAS through immunotherapy combinations, RAS targeting through metabolic pathways, and finally other miscellaneous approaches. Direct KRASG12C inhibition is emerging as the most promising strategy in mCRC as well as in other solid malignancies. However, despite good disease control rates, tumor response and duration of response are still limited in mCRC. At this regard, combinational approaches with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor drugs or checkpoint inhibitors have been proposed to enhance treatment efficacy, based on encouraging results achieved in preclinical studies. Besides, concomitant therapies increasing metabolic stress are currently under evaluation and expected to also provide remarkable results in RAS codon mutations apart from KRASG12C. In conclusion, based on hereby reported efforts of translational research, RAS mutations should no longer be regarded as 'undruggable' and future avenues are now opening for translation in the clinic in mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Patelli
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Milan, Italy
| | - F Tosi
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - A Amatu
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - G Mauri
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Milan, Italy
| | - A Curaba
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Milan, Italy
| | - D A Patanè
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Milan, Italy
| | - A Pani
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Milan, Italy
| | - F Scaglione
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Milan, Italy; Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - S Siena
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Milan, Italy
| | - A Sartore-Bianchi
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), Milan, Italy.
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506
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Guaitoli G, Tiseo M, Di Maio M, Friboulet L, Facchinetti F. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in oncogene-addicted non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2021; 10:2890-2916. [PMID: 34295687 PMCID: PMC8264334 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-20-941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Treatment of oncogene-addicted non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been changed by the advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Albeit great benefits are achieved with target therapies, resistance invariably occurs and recourse to alternative treatments is unavoidable. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) role and the best setting of immunotherapy administration in oncogene-driven NSCLC are matter of debate. Methods We performed a systematic literature review through PubMed, in order to gather all the available information regarding ICI activity and efficacy in oncogene-addicted NSCLC, from both prospective trials and retrospective series. A meta-analysis of objective response rate in different molecular subgroups was provided. Combinatorial strategies including ICIs and related toxicities were also recorded. Results Eighty-seven studies were included in the qualitative analysis. EGFR mutation may be a biomarker of poor response to single-agent ICIs (7% of EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients achieved disease response in prospective trials), while encouraging results have been shown with combination strategies. KRAS-mutated disease (response rate, RR, 22%) has different clinical and pathological characteristics, and the co-existence of additional mutations (e.g., STK11 or TP53) influence tumor microenvironment and response to immunotherapy. Other molecular alterations have been marginally considered prospectively, and data from clinical practice are variegated, given poor effectiveness of ICIs in ALK-rearranged disease (RR 9.5%, pooling the data of retrospective studies) or some encouraging results in BRAF-(RR 25%, retrospective data) or MET-driven one (with estimations conditioned by the presence of both exon 14 skipping mutations and gene amplification in reported series). Conclusions In oncogene-addicted NSCLC (with the exception of KRAS-mutated), ICIs are usually administered at the failure of other treatment options, but administering single-agent immunotherapy in later disease phases may limit its efficacy. With the progressive administration of TKIs and ICIs in early-stage disease, molecular characterization will become fundamental in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Guaitoli
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy.,Université Paris-Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, Inserm, Biomarqueurs Prédictifs et Nouvelles Stratégies Thérapeutiques en Oncologie, Villejuif, France
| | - Marcello Tiseo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Maio
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin at Ordine Mauriziano Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Luc Friboulet
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, Inserm, Biomarqueurs Prédictifs et Nouvelles Stratégies Thérapeutiques en Oncologie, Villejuif, France
| | - Francesco Facchinetti
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, Inserm, Biomarqueurs Prédictifs et Nouvelles Stratégies Thérapeutiques en Oncologie, Villejuif, France
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507
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Lee MS, Pant S. Personalizing Medicine With Germline and Somatic Sequencing in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Current Treatments and Novel Opportunities. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2021; 41:1-13. [PMID: 33929876 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_321255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Performing germline and somatic sequencing in locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer can identify potentially targetable genomic aberrations that impact current standard treatment options or eligibility for biomarker-targeted clinical trials. Testing for deleterious germline mutations in BRCA1/2 impacts patient selection for platinum-based chemotherapy regimens and selection of patients who are candidates to receive maintenance therapy with olaparib. Additional germline mutations also similarly introduce potential vulnerabilities to the cancers that arise and may be targeted by clinical trials. Somatic mutation testing also provides opportunities for optimal selection of patients for biomarker-driven clinical trials. Although KRAS mutations are found in 90% to 93% of pancreatic cancers, there are increasing opportunities for therapies against particular mutant KRAS isoforms, especially with the advent of KRAS G12C-specific small molecule inhibitors, and KRAS targeting trials will increasingly require identification of the specific KRAS mutation present. There are also a range of tumor site-agnostic molecular features, such as microsatellite instability and NTRK fusions that, although rarely found in pancreatic cancers, impact selection of patients who have the potential for dramatic benefit with immune checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab or TRK inhibitors such as larotrectinib or entrectinib, respectively, and thus motivate broader somatic mutation and fusion testing for patients with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancers. Multiple other rare actionable aberrations, particularly gene fusions in the 8% to 10% of KRAS wild-type pancreatic cancers, are also known, and enrollment in basket trials for these rare patient cohorts is highly encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Lee
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Shubham Pant
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.,Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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508
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Zhang H, Cao X, Wang J, Li Q, Zhao Y, Jin X. LZTR1: A promising adaptor of the CUL3 family. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:564. [PMID: 34113392 PMCID: PMC8185703 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of the disorders of ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation may unravel the molecular basis of human diseases, such as cancer (prostate cancer, lung cancer and liver cancer, etc.) and nervous system disease (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease, etc.) and help in the design of new therapeutic methods. Leucine zipper-like transcription regulator 1 (LZTR1) is an important substrate recognition subunit of cullin-RING E3 ligase that plays an important role in the regulation of cellular functions. Mutations in LZTR1 and dysregulation of associated downstream signaling pathways contribute to the pathogenesis of Noonan syndrome (NS), glioblastoma and chronic myeloid leukemia. Understanding the molecular mechanism of the normal function of LZTR1 is thus critical for its eventual therapeutic targeting. In the present review, the structure and function of LZTR1 are described. Moreover, recent advances in the current knowledge of the functions of LZTR1 in NS, glioblastoma (GBM), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and schwannomatosis and the influence of LZTR1 mutations are also discussed, providing insight into how LZTR1 may be targeted for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Xinyi Cao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Yiting Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
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509
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Soriano O, Alcón-Pérez M, Vicente-Manzanares M, Castellano E. The Crossroads between RAS and RHO Signaling Pathways in Cellular Transformation, Motility and Contraction. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12060819. [PMID: 34071831 PMCID: PMC8229961 DOI: 10.3390/genes12060819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras and Rho proteins are GTP-regulated molecular switches that control multiple signaling pathways in eukaryotic cells. Ras was among the first identified oncogenes, and it appears mutated in many forms of human cancer. It mainly promotes proliferation and survival through the MAPK pathway and the PI3K/AKT pathways, respectively. However, the myriad proteins close to the plasma membrane that activate or inhibit Ras make it a major regulator of many apparently unrelated pathways. On the other hand, Rho is weakly oncogenic by itself, but it critically regulates microfilament dynamics; that is, actin polymerization, disassembly and contraction. Polymerization is driven mainly by the Arp2/3 complex and formins, whereas contraction depends on myosin mini-filament assembly and activity. These two pathways intersect at numerous points: from Ras-dependent triggering of Rho activators, some of which act through PI3K, to mechanical feedback driven by actomyosin action. Here, we describe the main points of connection between the Ras and Rho pathways as they coordinately drive oncogenic transformation. We emphasize the biochemical crosstalk that drives actomyosin contraction driven by Ras in a Rho-dependent manner. We also describe possible routes of mechanical feedback through which myosin II activation may control Ras/Rho activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Soriano
- Tumor Biophysics Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Marta Alcón-Pérez
- Tumour-Stroma Signalling Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Miguel Vicente-Manzanares
- Tumor Biophysics Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.V.-M.); (E.C.)
| | - Esther Castellano
- Tumour-Stroma Signalling Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.V.-M.); (E.C.)
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510
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Hashimoto A, Handa H, Hata S, Tsutaho A, Yoshida T, Hirano S, Hashimoto S, Sabe H. Inhibition of mutant KRAS-driven overexpression of ARF6 and MYC by an eIF4A inhibitor drug improves the effects of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:54. [PMID: 34001163 PMCID: PMC8127265 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00733-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Many clinical trials are being conducted to clarify effective combinations of various drugs for immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. However, although extensive studies from multiple aspects have been conducted regarding treatments for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), there are still no effective ICB-based therapies or biomarkers for this cancer type. A series of our studies have identified that the small GTPase ARF6 and its downstream effector AMAP1 (also called ASAP1/DDEF1) are often overexpressed in different cancers, including PDAC, and closely correlate with poor patient survival. Mechanistically, the ARF6-AMAP1 pathway drives cancer cell invasion and immune evasion, via upregulating β1-integrins and PD-L1, and downregulating E-cadherin, upon ARF6 activation by external ligands. Moreover, the ARF6-AMAP1 pathway enhances the fibrosis caused by PDAC, which is another barrier for ICB therapies. KRAS mutations are prevalent in PDACs. We have shown previously that oncogenic KRAS mutations are the major cause of the aberrant overexpression of ARF6 and AMAP1, in which KRAS signaling enhances eukaryotic initiation factor 4A (eIF4A)-dependent ARF6 mRNA translation and eIF4E-dependent AMAP1 mRNA translation. MYC overexpression is also a key pathway in driving cancer malignancy. MYC mRNA is also known to be under the control of eIF4A, and the eIF4A inhibitor silvestrol suppresses MYC and ARF6 expression. Using a KPC mouse model of human PDAC (LSL-Kras(G12D/+); LSL-Trp53(R172H/+)); Pdx-1-Cre), we here demonstrate that inhibition of the ARF6-AMAP1 pathway by shRNAs in cancer cells results in therapeutic synergy with an anti-PD-1 antibody in vivo; and furthermore, that silvestrol improves the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy, whereas silvestrol on its own promotes tumor growth in vivo. ARF6 and MYC are both essential for normal cell functions. We demonstrate that silvestrol substantially mitigates the overexpression of ARF6 and MYC in KRAS-mutated cells, whereas the suppression is moderate in KRAS-intact cells. We propose that targeting eIF4A, as well as mutant KRAS, provides novel methods to improve the efficacy of anti-PD-1 and associated ICB therapies against PDACs, in which ARF6 and AMAP1 overexpression, as well as KRAS mutations of cancer cells are biomarkers to identify patients with drug-susceptible disease. The same may be applicable to other cancers with KRAS mutations. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hokkaido University Faculty of Medicine, N15W7 Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638 Japan
| | - Haruka Handa
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hokkaido University Faculty of Medicine, N15W7 Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638 Japan
| | - Soichiro Hata
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hokkaido University Faculty of Medicine, N15W7 Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638 Japan
| | - Akio Tsutaho
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hokkaido University Faculty of Medicine, N15W7 Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638 Japan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15W7 Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638 Japan
| | - Takao Yoshida
- Research Center of Oncology, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 3-1-1 Sakurai, Shimaoto-cho, Mishima-gun, Osaka 618-8585 Japan
| | - Satoshi Hirano
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15W7 Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638 Japan
| | - Shigeru Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hokkaido University Faculty of Medicine, N15W7 Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638 Japan
- Present Address: Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871 Japan
| | - Hisataka Sabe
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hokkaido University Faculty of Medicine, N15W7 Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638 Japan
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511
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Huestis MP, Durk MR, Eigenbrot C, Gibbons P, Hunsaker TL, La H, Leung DH, Liu W, Malek S, Merchant M, Moffat JG, Muli CS, Orr CJ, Parr BT, Shanahan F, Sneeringer CJ, Wang W, Yen I, Yin J, Rudolph J, Siu M. Targeting KRAS Mutant Cancers via Combination Treatment: Discovery of a Pyridopyridazinone pan-RAF Kinase Inhibitor. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:791-797. [PMID: 34055227 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Structure-based optimization of a set of aryl urea RAF inhibitors has led to the identification of Type II pan-RAF inhibitor GNE-9815 (7), which features a unique pyrido[2,3-d]pyridazin-8(7H)-one hinge-binding motif. With minimal polar hinge contacts, the pyridopyridazinone hinge binder moiety affords exquisite kinase selectivity in a lipophilic efficient manner. The improved physicochemical properties of GNE-9815 provided a path for oral dosing without enabling formulations. In vivo evaluation of GNE-9815 in combination with the MEK inhibitor cobimetinib demonstrated synergistic MAPK pathway modulation in an HCT116 xenograft mouse model. To the best of our knowledge, GNE-9815 is among the most highly kinase-selective RAF inhibitors reported to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm P. Huestis
- Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Matthew R. Durk
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Charles Eigenbrot
- Structural Biology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Paul Gibbons
- Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Thomas L. Hunsaker
- Translational Oncology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Hank La
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Dennis H. Leung
- Small Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Wendy Liu
- Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Shiva Malek
- Molecular Oncology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Mark Merchant
- Translational Oncology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - John G. Moffat
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Christine S. Muli
- Small Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Christine J. Orr
- Translational Oncology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Brendan T. Parr
- Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Frances Shanahan
- Molecular Oncology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Christopher J. Sneeringer
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Weiru Wang
- Structural Biology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Ivana Yen
- Molecular Oncology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jianping Yin
- Structural Biology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Joachim Rudolph
- Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Michael Siu
- Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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512
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Teng KW, Tsai ST, Hattori T, Fedele C, Koide A, Yang C, Hou X, Zhang Y, Neel BG, O'Bryan JP, Koide S. Selective and noncovalent targeting of RAS mutants for inhibition and degradation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2656. [PMID: 33976200 PMCID: PMC8113534 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22969-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating mutants of RAS are commonly found in human cancers, but to date selective targeting of RAS in the clinic has been limited to KRAS(G12C) through covalent inhibitors. Here, we report a monobody, termed 12VC1, that recognizes the active state of both KRAS(G12V) and KRAS(G12C) up to 400-times more tightly than wild-type KRAS. The crystal structures reveal that 12VC1 recognizes the mutations through a shallow pocket, and 12VC1 competes against RAS-effector interaction. When expressed intracellularly, 12VC1 potently inhibits ERK activation and the proliferation of RAS-driven cancer cell lines in vitro and in mouse xenograft models. 12VC1 fused to VHL selectively degrades the KRAS mutants and provides more extended suppression of mutant RAS activity than inhibition by 12VC1 alone. These results demonstrate the feasibility of selective targeting and degradation of KRAS mutants in the active state with noncovalent reagents and provide a starting point for designing noncovalent therapeutics against oncogenic RAS mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wen Teng
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven T Tsai
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Takamitsu Hattori
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carmine Fedele
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Akiko Koide
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xuben Hou
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yingkai Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin G Neel
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - John P O'Bryan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Shohei Koide
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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513
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Koga T, Suda K, Fujino T, Ohara S, Hamada A, Nishino M, Chiba M, Shimoji M, Takemoto T, Arita T, Gmachl M, Hofmann MH, Soh J, Mitsudomi T. KRAS Secondary Mutations That Confer Acquired Resistance to KRAS G12C Inhibitors, Sotorasib and Adagrasib, and Overcoming Strategies: Insights From In Vitro Experiments. J Thorac Oncol 2021; 16:1321-1332. [PMID: 33971321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2021.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION KRAS mutations have been recognized as undruggable for many years. Recently, novel KRAS G12C inhibitors, such as sotorasib and adagrasib, are being developed in clinical trials and have revealed promising results in metastatic NSCLC. Nevertheless, it is strongly anticipated that acquired resistance will limit their clinical use. In this study, we developed in vitro models of the KRAS G12C cancer, derived from resistant clones against sotorasib and adagrasib, and searched for secondary KRAS mutations as on-target resistance mechanisms to develop possible strategies to overcome such resistance. METHODS We chronically exposed Ba/F3 cells transduced with KRASG12C to sotorasib or adagrasib in the presence of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea and searched for secondary KRAS mutations. Strategies to overcome resistance were also investigated. RESULTS We generated 142 Ba/F3 clones resistant to either sotorasib or adagrasib, of which 124 (87%) harbored secondary KRAS mutations. There were 12 different secondary KRAS mutations. Y96D and Y96S were resistant to both inhibitors. A combination of novel SOS1 inhibitor, BI-3406, and trametinib had potent activity against this resistance. Although G13D, R68M, A59S and A59T, which were highly resistant to sotorasib, remained sensitive to adagrasib, Q99L was resistant to adagrasib but sensitive to sotorasib. CONCLUSIONS We identified many secondary KRAS mutations causing resistance to sotorasib, adagrasib, or both, in vitro. The differential activities of these two inhibitors depending on the secondary mutations suggest sequential use in some cases. In addition, switching to BI-3406 plus trametinib might be a useful strategy to overcome acquired resistance owing to the secondary Y96D and Y96S mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takamasa Koga
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Kenichi Suda
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Toshio Fujino
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Shuta Ohara
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Akira Hamada
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Masaya Nishino
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Masato Chiba
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Masaki Shimoji
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Toshiki Takemoto
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Takeo Arita
- Specialty Care Medicine, Medicine Division, Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Junichi Soh
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mitsudomi
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan.
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514
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Rudack T, Teuber C, Scherlo M, Güldenhaupt J, Schartner J, Lübben M, Klare J, Gerwert K, Kötting C. The Ras dimer structure. Chem Sci 2021; 12:8178-8189. [PMID: 34194708 PMCID: PMC8208300 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc00957e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic mutated Ras is a key player in cancer, but despite intense and expensive approaches its catalytic center seems undruggable. The Ras dimer interface is a possible alternative drug target. Dimerization at the membrane affects cell growth signal transduction. In vivo studies indicate that preventing dimerization of oncogenic mutated Ras inhibits uncontrolled cell growth. Conventional computational drug-screening approaches require a precise atomic dimer model as input to successfully access drug candidates. However, the proposed dimer structural models are controversial. Here, we provide a clear-cut experimentally validated N-Ras dimer structural model. We incorporated unnatural amino acids into Ras to enable the binding of labels at multiple positions via click chemistry. This labeling allowed the determination of multiple distances of the membrane-bound Ras-dimer measured by fluorescence and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. In combination with protein-protein docking and biomolecular simulations, we identified key residues for dimerization. Site-directed mutations of these residues prevent dimer formation in our experiments, proving our dimer model to be correct. The presented dimer structure enables computational drug-screening studies exploiting the Ras dimer interface as an alternative drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Till Rudack
- Biospectroscopy, Center for Protein Diagnostics (PRODI), Ruhr University Bochum 44801 Bochum Germany
- Department of Biophysics, Ruhr University Bochum 44801 Bochum Germany
| | - Christian Teuber
- Biospectroscopy, Center for Protein Diagnostics (PRODI), Ruhr University Bochum 44801 Bochum Germany
- Department of Biophysics, Ruhr University Bochum 44801 Bochum Germany
| | - Marvin Scherlo
- Biospectroscopy, Center for Protein Diagnostics (PRODI), Ruhr University Bochum 44801 Bochum Germany
- Department of Biophysics, Ruhr University Bochum 44801 Bochum Germany
| | - Jörn Güldenhaupt
- Biospectroscopy, Center for Protein Diagnostics (PRODI), Ruhr University Bochum 44801 Bochum Germany
- Department of Biophysics, Ruhr University Bochum 44801 Bochum Germany
| | - Jonas Schartner
- Department of Biophysics, Ruhr University Bochum 44801 Bochum Germany
| | - Mathias Lübben
- Biospectroscopy, Center for Protein Diagnostics (PRODI), Ruhr University Bochum 44801 Bochum Germany
- Department of Biophysics, Ruhr University Bochum 44801 Bochum Germany
| | - Johann Klare
- Department of Physics, Osnabrück University 49074 Osnabrück Germany
| | - Klaus Gerwert
- Biospectroscopy, Center for Protein Diagnostics (PRODI), Ruhr University Bochum 44801 Bochum Germany
- Department of Biophysics, Ruhr University Bochum 44801 Bochum Germany
| | - Carsten Kötting
- Biospectroscopy, Center for Protein Diagnostics (PRODI), Ruhr University Bochum 44801 Bochum Germany
- Department of Biophysics, Ruhr University Bochum 44801 Bochum Germany
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515
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Bellio H, Fumet JD, Ghiringhelli F. Targeting BRAF and RAS in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092201. [PMID: 34063682 PMCID: PMC8124706 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In colorectal cancer, mutations of the KRAS and BRAF genes are quite common and can contribute to the activation of cell signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation and differentiation. These processes promote cancer growth, and in some cases, they may cause cells to develop resistance to certain types of treatment, notably EGFR inhibitors. We summarize recent knowledge regarding the effects of KRAS and BRAF mutations in the setting of colorectal cancer and discuss the new therapies under development. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is still one of the most frequent forms of cancer in the world in terms of incidence. Around 40% of CRC patients carry a mutation of the Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) gene, while 10% have a mutation in the B-Raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) gene. These mutations are responsible for dysregulation of the mitogen-associated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, leading to the proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, and resistance to apoptosis of cells. Activation of the MAPK pathway results in adaptive therapeutic resistance, rendering EGFR inhibitors ineffective. This review aims to highlight the recent findings that have improved our understanding of KRAS and BRAF mutations in colorectal cancer and to describe new targeted therapies, used alone or in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Bellio
- University of Burgundy-Franche Comté, Maison de l’université Esplanade Erasme, 21000 Dijon, France; (H.B.); (J.D.F.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Jean David Fumet
- University of Burgundy-Franche Comté, Maison de l’université Esplanade Erasme, 21000 Dijon, France; (H.B.); (J.D.F.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21000 Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21000 Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, 7 Boulevard Jeanne d’Arc, 21000 Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, 14 rue Paul Gaffarel, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Francois Ghiringhelli
- University of Burgundy-Franche Comté, Maison de l’université Esplanade Erasme, 21000 Dijon, France; (H.B.); (J.D.F.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21000 Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21000 Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, 7 Boulevard Jeanne d’Arc, 21000 Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, 14 rue Paul Gaffarel, 21000 Dijon, France
- Correspondence:
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516
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Xie M, Xu X, Fan Y. KRAS-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: An Emerging Promisingly Treatable Subgroup. Front Oncol 2021; 11:672612. [PMID: 34012925 PMCID: PMC8126715 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.672612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, can be classified into small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is the most common histological type, accounting for 85% of all lung cancers. Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) mutations, common in NSCLC, are associated with poor prognosis, likely due to poor responses to most systemic therapies and lack of targeted drugs. The latest published clinical trial data on new small-molecule KRAS G12C inhibitors, AMG510 and MRTX849, indicate that these molecules may potentially help treat KRAS-mutant NSCLC. Simultaneously, within the immuno-therapeutic process, immune efficacy has been observed in those patients who have KRAS mutations. In this article, the pathogenesis, treatment status, progress of immunotherapy, and targeted therapy of KRAS-mutant NSCLC are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingying Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yun Fan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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517
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PHLPPing the balance: restoration of protein kinase C in cancer. Biochem J 2021; 478:341-355. [PMID: 33502516 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase signalling, which transduces external messages to mediate cellular growth and metabolism, is frequently deregulated in human disease, and specifically in cancer. As such, there are 77 kinase inhibitors currently approved for the treatment of human disease by the FDA. Due to their historical association as the receptors for the tumour-promoting phorbol esters, PKC isozymes were initially targeted as oncogenes in cancer. However, a meta-analysis of clinical trials with PKC inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy revealed that these treatments were not advantageous, and instead resulted in poorer outcomes and greater adverse effects. More recent studies suggest that instead of inhibiting PKC, therapies should aim to restore PKC function in cancer: cancer-associated PKC mutations are generally loss-of-function and high PKC protein is protective in many cancers, including most notably KRAS-driven cancers. These recent findings have reframed PKC as having a tumour suppressive function. This review focusses on a potential new mechanism of restoring PKC function in cancer - through targeting of its negative regulator, the Ser/Thr protein phosphatase PHLPP. This phosphatase regulates PKC steady-state levels by regulating the phosphorylation of a key site, the hydrophobic motif, whose phosphorylation is necessary for the stability of the enzyme. We also consider whether the phosphorylation of the potent oncogene KRAS provides a mechanism by which high PKC expression may be protective in KRAS-driven human cancers.
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518
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Abstract
Aberrant Ras signaling is linked to a wide spectrum of hyperproliferative diseases, and components of the signaling pathway, including Ras, have been the subject of intense and ongoing drug discovery efforts. The cellular activity of Ras is modulated by its association with the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Son of sevenless (Sos), and the high-resolution crystal structure of the Ras-Sos complex provides a basis for the rational design of orthosteric Ras ligands. We constructed a synthetic Sos protein mimic that engages the wild-type and oncogenic forms of nucleotide-bound Ras and modulates downstream kinase signaling. The Sos mimic was designed to capture the conformation of the Sos helix-loop-helix motif that makes critical contacts with Ras in its switch region. Chemoproteomic studies illustrate that the proteomimetic engages Ras and other cellular GTPases. The synthetic proteomimetic resists proteolytic degradation and enters cells through macropinocytosis. As such, it is selectively toxic to cancer cells with up-regulated macropinocytosis, including those that feature oncogenic Ras mutations.
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519
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Lai LP, Brel V, Sharma K, Frappier J, Le-Henanf N, Vivet B, Muzet N, Schell E, Morales R, Rooney E, Basse N, Yi M, Lacroix F, Holderfield M, Englaro W, Marcireau C, Debussche L, Nissley DV, McCormick F. Sensitivity of Oncogenic KRAS-Expressing Cells to CDK9 Inhibition. SLAS DISCOVERY 2021; 26:922-932. [PMID: 33896272 DOI: 10.1177/24725552211008853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic forms of KRAS proteins are known to be drivers of pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers. The goal of this study is to identify chemical leads that inhibit oncogenic KRAS signaling. We first developed an isogenic panel of mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cell lines that carry wild-type RAS, oncogenic KRAS, and oncogenic BRAF. We validated these cell lines by screening against a tool compound library of 1402 annotated inhibitors in an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-based cell viability assay. Subsequently, this MEF panel was used to conduct a high-throughput phenotypic screen in a cell viability assay with a proprietary compound library. All 126 compounds that exhibited a selective activity against mutant KRAS were selected and prioritized based on their activities in secondary assays. Finally, five chemical clusters were chosen. They had specific activity against SW620 and LS513 over Colo320 colorectal cancer cell lines. In addition, they had no effects on BRAFV600E, MEK1, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2), phosphoinositide 3-kinase alpha (PI3Kα), AKT1, or mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) as tested in in vitro enzymatic activity assays. Biophysical assays demonstrated that these compounds did not bind directly to KRAS. We further identified the mechanism of action and showed that three of them have CDK9 inhibitory activity. In conclusion, we have developed and validated an isogenic MEF panel that was used successfully to identify RAS oncogenic or wild-type allele-specific vulnerabilities. Furthermore, we identified sensitivity of oncogenic KRAS-expressing cells to CDK9 inhibitors, which warrants future studies of treating KRAS-driven cancers with CDK9 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lick Pui Lai
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Viviane Brel
- Sanofi, Open Innovation Access Platform, Strasbourg, France
| | - Kanika Sharma
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Julia Frappier
- Sanofi, Open Innovation Access Platform, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Bertrand Vivet
- Sanofi, Open Innovation Access Platform, Strasbourg, France
| | - Nicolas Muzet
- Sanofi, Open Innovation Access Platform, Strasbourg, France
| | - Emilie Schell
- Sanofi, Open Innovation Access Platform, Strasbourg, France
| | - Renaud Morales
- Sanofi, Open Innovation Access Platform, Strasbourg, France
| | - Eamonn Rooney
- Sanofi, Open Innovation Access Platform, Strasbourg, France
| | - Nicolas Basse
- Sanofi, Open Innovation Access Platform, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ming Yi
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | | | - Matthew Holderfield
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Walter Englaro
- Sanofi, Open Innovation Access Platform, Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | - Dwight V Nissley
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, USA.,UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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520
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Kazi A, Chen L, Xiang S, Vangipurapu R, Yang H, Beato F, Fang B, Williams TM, Husain K, Underwood P, Fleming JB, Malafa M, Welsh EA, Koomen J, Trevino J, Sebti SM. Global Phosphoproteomics Reveal CDK Suppression as a Vulnerability to KRas Addiction in Pancreatic Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:4012-4024. [PMID: 33879459 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-4781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Among human cancers that harbor mutant (mt) KRas, some, but not all, are dependent on mt KRas. However, little is known about what drives KRas dependency. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Global phosphoproteomics, screening of a chemical library of FDA drugs, and genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 viability database analysis were used to identify vulnerabilities of KRas dependency. RESULTS Global phosphoproteomics revealed that KRas dependency is driven by a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) network. CRISPR/Cas9 viability database analysis revealed that, in mt KRas-driven pancreatic cancer cells, knocking out the cell-cycle regulators CDK1 or CDK2 or the transcriptional regulators CDK7 or CDK9 was as effective as knocking out KRas. Furthermore, screening of a library of FDA drugs identified AT7519, a CDK1, 2, 7, and 9 inhibitor, as a potent inducer of apoptosis in mt KRas-dependent, but not in mt KRas-independent, human cancer cells. In vivo AT7519 inhibited the phosphorylation of CDK1, 2, 7, and 9 substrates and suppressed growth of xenografts from 5 patients with pancreatic cancer. AT7519 also abrogated mt KRas and mt p53 primary and metastatic pancreatic cancer in three-dimensional (3D) organoids from 2 patients, 3D cocultures from 8 patients, and mouse 3D organoids from pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, primary, and metastatic tumors. CONCLUSIONS A link between CDK hyperactivation and mt KRas dependency was uncovered and pharmacologically exploited to abrogate mt KRas-driven pancreatic cancer in highly relevant models, warranting clinical investigations of AT7519 in patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslamuzzaman Kazi
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Liwei Chen
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Shengyan Xiang
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Rajanikanth Vangipurapu
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Francisca Beato
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Bin Fang
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Terence M Williams
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Kazim Husain
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Jason B Fleming
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Mokenge Malafa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Eric A Welsh
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - John Koomen
- Molecular Oncology Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - José Trevino
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Saïd M Sebti
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida. .,Chemical Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
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521
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Pearson AT, Vokes EE. Is This the Dawn of Precision Oncology in Head and Neck Cancer? J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:1839-1841. [PMID: 33877869 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander T Pearson
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.,University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Everett E Vokes
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.,University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL
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522
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Li Y, Umbach DM, Krahn JM, Shats I, Li X, Li L. Predicting tumor response to drugs based on gene-expression biomarkers of sensitivity learned from cancer cell lines. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:272. [PMID: 33858332 PMCID: PMC8048084 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07581-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human cancer cell line profiling and drug sensitivity studies provide valuable information about the therapeutic potential of drugs and their possible mechanisms of action. The goal of those studies is to translate the findings from in vitro studies of cancer cell lines into in vivo therapeutic relevance and, eventually, patients’ care. Tremendous progress has been made. Results In this work, we built predictive models for 453 drugs using data on gene expression and drug sensitivity (IC50) from cancer cell lines. We identified many known drug-gene interactions and uncovered several potentially novel drug-gene associations. Importantly, we further applied these predictive models to ~ 17,000 bulk RNA-seq samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database to predict drug sensitivity for both normal and tumor tissues. We created a web site for users to visualize and download our predicted data (https://manticore.niehs.nih.gov/cancerRxTissue). Using trametinib as an example, we showed that our approach can faithfully recapitulate the known tumor specificity of the drug. Conclusions We demonstrated that our approach can predict drugs that 1) are tumor-type specific; 2) elicit higher sensitivity from tumor compared to corresponding normal tissue; 3) elicit differential sensitivity across breast cancer subtypes. If validated, our prediction could have relevance for preclinical drug testing and in phase I clinical design. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07581-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Li
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, MD A3-03, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - David M Umbach
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, MD A3-03, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Juno M Krahn
- Genome Integrity & Structural Biology Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Igor Shats
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Leping Li
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, MD A3-03, Durham, NC, 27709, USA.
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523
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Hidden Targets in RAF Signalling Pathways to Block Oncogenic RAS Signalling. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040553. [PMID: 33920182 PMCID: PMC8070103 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic RAS (Rat sarcoma) mutations drive more than half of human cancers, and RAS inhibition is the holy grail of oncology. Thirty years of relentless efforts and harsh disappointments have taught us about the intricacies of oncogenic RAS signalling that allow us to now get a pharmacological grip on this elusive protein. The inhibition of effector pathways, such as the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway, has largely proven disappointing. Thus far, most of these efforts were aimed at blocking the activation of ERK. Here, we discuss RAF-dependent pathways that are regulated through RAF functions independent of catalytic activity and their potential role as targets to block oncogenic RAS signalling. We focus on the now well documented roles of RAF kinase-independent functions in apoptosis, cell cycle progression and cell migration.
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524
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Erlanson DA, Webster KR. Targeting mutant KRAS. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 62:101-108. [PMID: 33838397 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The protein KRAS has for decades been considered a holy grail of cancer drug discovery. For most of that time, it has also been considered undruggable. Since 2018, five compounds have entered the clinic targeting a single mutant form of KRAS, G12C. Here, we review each of these compounds along with additional approaches to targeting this and other mutants. Remaining challenges include expanding the identification of inhibitors to a broader range of known mutants and to conformations of the protein more likely to avoid development of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Erlanson
- Frontier Medicines Corporation, 151 Oyster Point Blvd., 2nd Floor, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
| | - Kevin R Webster
- Frontier Medicines Corporation, 151 Oyster Point Blvd., 2nd Floor, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
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525
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Noordhof AL, Damhuis RAM, Hendriks LEL, de Langen AJ, Timens W, Venmans BJW, van Geffen WH. Prognostic impact of KRAS mutation status for patients with stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lung treated with first-line pembrolizumab monotherapy. Lung Cancer 2021; 155:163-169. [PMID: 33838467 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Monotherapy with pembrolizumab is the preferred first-line treatment for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression ≥50 %, without targetable oncogenic drivers. Although targeted therapies are in development for patients with specific Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) mutations, these are not available in daily care yet. It is not clear whether there is a difference in survival on first-line pembrolizumab for patients with a high PD-L1 status with or without a KRAS mutation. We aim to compare this survival based on real-world data. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a real-world retrospective population-based study using data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. We selected patients with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma with PD-L1 expression ≥50 % diagnosed between January 2017 and December 2018, treated with first-line pembrolizumab. Patients with EGFR mutations, ALK translocations or ROS1 rearrangements were excluded. The primary outcome parameter was overall survival. RESULTS 388 (57 %) of 595 patients had a KRAS mutation. KRAS was seen more frequently in women than in men (65 % versus 49 % respectively, p < 0.001). The median overall survival was 19.2 months versus 16.8 months for patients with and without KRAS mutation, respectively (p = 0.86). Multivariable analysis revealed WHO performance score, number of organs with metastases and PD-L1 percentage as independent prognostic factors. KRAS mutation status had no prognostic influence (hazard ratio = 1.03, 95 % CI 0.83-1.29). CONCLUSION The survival of KRAS mutated versus KRAS wild-type lung adenocarcinoma patients, treated with first-line pembrolizumab monotherapy, is similar, suggesting that KRAS has no prognostic value with respect to treatment with pembrolizumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Noordhof
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical Center Leeuwarden, Henri Dunantweg 2, 8934 AD, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - R A M Damhuis
- Department of Research, Comprehensive Cancer Organization, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - L E L Hendriks
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - A J de Langen
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, NA 1007 MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - W Timens
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - B J W Venmans
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical Center Leeuwarden, Henri Dunantweg 2, 8934 AD, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - W H van Geffen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical Center Leeuwarden, Henri Dunantweg 2, 8934 AD, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands.
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526
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Tateo V, Manuzzi L, Parisi C, De Giglio A, Campana D, Pantaleo MA, Lamberti G. An Overview on Molecular Characterization of Thymic Tumors: Old and New Targets for Clinical Advances. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:316. [PMID: 33915954 PMCID: PMC8066729 DOI: 10.3390/ph14040316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic tumors are a group of rare mediastinal malignancies that include three different histological subtypes with completely different clinical behavior: the thymic carcinomas, the thymomas, and the rarest thymic neuroendocrine tumors. Nowadays, few therapeutic options are available for relapsed and refractory thymic tumors after a first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. In the last years, the deepening of knowledge on thymus' biological characterization has opened possibilities for new treatment options. Several clinical trials have been conducted, the majority with disappointing results mainly due to inaccurate patient selection, but recently some encouraging results have been presented. In this review, we summarize the molecular alterations observed in thymic tumors, underlying the great biological differences among the different histology, and the promising targeted therapies for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Tateo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico di Sant’Orsola University Hospital, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (V.T.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (D.C.); (M.A.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Lisa Manuzzi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico di Sant’Orsola University Hospital, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (V.T.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (D.C.); (M.A.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Claudia Parisi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico di Sant’Orsola University Hospital, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (V.T.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (D.C.); (M.A.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Andrea De Giglio
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico di Sant’Orsola University Hospital, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (V.T.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (D.C.); (M.A.P.); (G.L.)
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Campana
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico di Sant’Orsola University Hospital, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (V.T.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (D.C.); (M.A.P.); (G.L.)
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Abbondanza Pantaleo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico di Sant’Orsola University Hospital, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (V.T.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (D.C.); (M.A.P.); (G.L.)
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lamberti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico di Sant’Orsola University Hospital, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (V.T.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (D.C.); (M.A.P.); (G.L.)
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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527
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Cavagna R, Escremim de Paula F, Sant'Anna D, Santana I, da Silva VD, da Silva ECA, Bacchi CE, Miziara JE, Dias JM, De Marchi P, Leal LF, Reis RM. Frequency of KRAS p.Gly12Cys Mutation in Brazilian Patients With Lung Cancer. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:639-645. [PMID: 33956502 PMCID: PMC8162527 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Cavagna
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | - Débora Sant'Anna
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Iara Santana
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - José E. Miziara
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Josiane M. Dias
- Department of Medical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Pedro De Marchi
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Department of Medical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Oncoclinicas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leticia F. Leal
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Barretos School of Health Sciences, Dr Paulo Prata—FACISB, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Rui M. Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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528
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Tani T, Kitajima S, Conway EB, Knelson EH, Barbie DA. KRAS G12C inhibition and innate immune targeting. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:167-174. [PMID: 33703985 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1902991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION KRAS mutations drive tumorigenesis by altering cell signaling and the tumor immune microenvironment. Recent studies have shown promise for KRAS-G12C covalent inhibitors, which are advancing rapidly through clinical trials. The sequencing and combination of these agents with other therapies including immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) will benefit from strategies that also address the immune microenvironment to improve durability of response. AREAS COVERED This paper reviews KRAS signaling and discusses downstream effects on cytokine production and the tumor immune microenvironment. RAS targeted therapy is introduced and perspectives on therapeutic targeting of KRAS-G12C and its immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment are offered. EXPERT OPINION The availability of KRAS-G12C covalent inhibitors raises hopes for targeting this pervasive oncogene and designing better therapeutic combinations to promote anti-tumor immunity. A comprehensive mechanistic understanding of KRAS immunosuppression is required in order to prioritize agents for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Tani
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
| | - Shunsuke Kitajima
- Department of Cell Biology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ella B Conway
- Department of Health Sciences, Chapman University, Orange, USA
| | - Erik H Knelson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
| | - David A Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
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529
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Hwang MS, Mog BJ, Douglass J, Pearlman AH, Hsiue EHC, Paul S, DiNapoli SR, Konig MF, Pardoll DM, Gabelli SB, Bettegowda C, Papadopoulos N, Vogelstein B, Zhou S, Kinzler KW. Targeting loss of heterozygosity for cancer-specific immunotherapy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2022410118. [PMID: 33731480 PMCID: PMC8000272 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2022410118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing therapeutic agents with potent antitumor activity that spare normal tissues remains a significant challenge. Clonal loss of heterozygosity (LOH) is a widespread and irreversible genetic alteration that is exquisitely specific to cancer cells. We hypothesized that LOH events can be therapeutically targeted by "inverting" the loss of an allele in cancer cells into an activating signal. Here we describe a proof-of-concept approach utilizing engineered T cells approximating NOT-gate Boolean logic to target counterexpressed antigens resulting from LOH events in cancer. The NOT gate comprises a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting the allele of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) that is retained in the cancer cells and an inhibitory CAR (iCAR) targeting the HLA allele that is lost in the cancer cells. We demonstrate that engineered T cells incorporating such NOT-gate logic can be activated in a genetically predictable manner in vitro and in mice to kill relevant cancer cells. This therapeutic approach, termed NASCAR (Neoplasm-targeting Allele-Sensing CAR), could, in theory, be extended to LOH of other polymorphic genes that result in altered cell surface antigens in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Hwang
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- HHMI, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
- Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Brian J Mog
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- HHMI, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
- Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Jacqueline Douglass
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- HHMI, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
- Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Alexander H Pearlman
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- HHMI, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
- Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Emily Han-Chung Hsiue
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- HHMI, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
- Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Suman Paul
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- HHMI, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
- Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Sarah R DiNapoli
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- HHMI, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
- Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Maximilian F Konig
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- HHMI, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
- Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Drew M Pardoll
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Sandra B Gabelli
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Nickolas Papadopoulos
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Bert Vogelstein
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- HHMI, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
- Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Shibin Zhou
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287;
- Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Kenneth W Kinzler
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287;
- Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
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530
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László L, Kurilla A, Takács T, Kudlik G, Koprivanacz K, Buday L, Vas V. Recent Updates on the Significance of KRAS Mutations in Colorectal Cancer Biology. Cells 2021; 10:667. [PMID: 33802849 PMCID: PMC8002639 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The most commonly mutated isoform of RAS among all cancer subtypes is KRAS. In this review, we focus on the special role of KRAS mutations in colorectal cancer (CRC), aiming to collect recent data on KRAS-driven enhanced cell signalling, in vitro and in vivo research models, and CRC development-related processes such as metastasis and cancer stem cell formation. We attempt to cover the diverse nature of the effects of KRAS mutations on age-related CRC development. As the incidence of CRC is rising in young adults, we have reviewed the driving forces of ageing-dependent CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loretta László
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Enzymology, 1051 Budapest, Hungary; (L.L.); (A.K.); (T.T.); (G.K.); (K.K.); (L.B.)
| | - Anita Kurilla
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Enzymology, 1051 Budapest, Hungary; (L.L.); (A.K.); (T.T.); (G.K.); (K.K.); (L.B.)
| | - Tamás Takács
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Enzymology, 1051 Budapest, Hungary; (L.L.); (A.K.); (T.T.); (G.K.); (K.K.); (L.B.)
| | - Gyöngyi Kudlik
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Enzymology, 1051 Budapest, Hungary; (L.L.); (A.K.); (T.T.); (G.K.); (K.K.); (L.B.)
| | - Kitti Koprivanacz
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Enzymology, 1051 Budapest, Hungary; (L.L.); (A.K.); (T.T.); (G.K.); (K.K.); (L.B.)
| | - László Buday
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Enzymology, 1051 Budapest, Hungary; (L.L.); (A.K.); (T.T.); (G.K.); (K.K.); (L.B.)
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Semmelweis University Medical School, 1071 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Virag Vas
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Enzymology, 1051 Budapest, Hungary; (L.L.); (A.K.); (T.T.); (G.K.); (K.K.); (L.B.)
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531
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Yip HYK, Papa A. Signaling Pathways in Cancer: Therapeutic Targets, Combinatorial Treatments, and New Developments. Cells 2021; 10:659. [PMID: 33809714 PMCID: PMC8002322 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular alterations in cancer genes and associated signaling pathways are used to inform new treatments for precision medicine in cancer. Small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies directed at relevant cancer-related proteins have been instrumental in delivering successful treatments of some blood malignancies (e.g., imatinib with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)) and solid tumors (e.g., tamoxifen with ER positive breast cancer and trastuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer). However, inherent limitations such as drug toxicity, as well as acquisition of de novo or acquired mechanisms of resistance, still cause treatment failure. Here we provide an up-to-date review of the successes and limitations of current targeted therapies for cancer treatment and highlight how recent technological advances have provided a new level of understanding of the molecular complexity underpinning resistance to cancer therapies. We also raise three basic questions concerning cancer drug discovery based on molecular markers and alterations of selected signaling pathways, and further discuss how combination therapies may become the preferable approach over monotherapy for cancer treatments. Finally, we consider novel therapeutic developments that may complement drug delivery and significantly improve clinical response and outcomes of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonella Papa
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
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532
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Köhler J, Jänne PA. If Virchow and Ehrlich Had Dreamt Together: What the Future Holds for KRAS-Mutant Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3025. [PMID: 33809660 PMCID: PMC8002337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) mutations has notoriously challenged oncologists and researchers for three notable reasons: (1) the historical assumption that KRAS is "undruggable", (2) the disease heterogeneity and (3) the shaping of the tumor microenvironment by KRAS downstream effector functions. Better insights into KRAS structural biochemistry allowed researchers to develop direct KRAS(G12C) inhibitors, which have shown early signs of clinical activity in NSCLC patients and have recently led to an FDA breakthrough designation for AMG-510. Following the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors for PDL1-positive NSCLC, this could fuel yet another major paradigm shift in the treatment of advanced lung cancer. Here, we review advances in our understanding of the biology of direct KRAS inhibition and project future opportunities and challenges of dual KRAS and immune checkpoint inhibition. This strategy is supported by preclinical models which show that KRAS(G12C) inhibitors can turn some immunologically "cold" tumors into "hot" ones and therefore could benefit patients whose tumors harbor subtype-defining STK11/LKB1 co-mutations. Forty years after the discovery of KRAS as a transforming oncogene, we are on the verge of approval of the first KRAS-targeted drug combinations, thus therapeutically unifying Paul Ehrlich's century-old "magic bullet" vision with Rudolf Virchow's cancer inflammation theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Köhler
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Oncology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Pasi A. Jänne
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Oncology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Sciences, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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533
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Liu YT, Sun ZJ. Turning cold tumors into hot tumors by improving T-cell infiltration. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:5365-5386. [PMID: 33859752 PMCID: PMC8039952 DOI: 10.7150/thno.58390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 327] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has greatly improved the clinical efficacy of malignant tumor therapy. ICI-mediated antitumor responses depend on the infiltration of T cells capable of recognizing and killing tumor cells. ICIs are not effective in "cold tumors", which are characterized by the lack of T-cell infiltration. To realize the full potential of immunotherapy and solve this obstacle, it is essential to understand the drivers of T-cell infiltration into tumors. We present a critical review of our understanding of the mechanisms underlying “cold tumors”, including impaired T-cell priming and deficient T-cell homing to tumor beds. “Hot tumors” with significant T-cell infiltration are associated with better ICI efficacy. In this review, we summarize multiple strategies that promote the transformation of "cold tumors" into “hot tumors” and discuss the mechanisms by which these strategies lead to increased T-cell infiltration. Finally, we discuss the application of nanomaterials to tumor immunotherapy and provide an outlook on the future of this emerging field. The combination of nanomedicines and immunotherapy enhances cross-presentation of tumor antigens and promotes T-cell priming and infiltration. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms opens new possibilities for the development of multiple T cell-based combination therapies to improve ICI effectiveness.
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534
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Dong L, Han D, Meng X, Xu M, Zheng C, Xia Q. Activating Mutation of SHP2 Establishes a Tumorigenic Phonotype Through Cell-Autonomous and Non-Cell-Autonomous Mechanisms. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:630712. [PMID: 33777940 PMCID: PMC7991796 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.630712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gain-of-function mutation of SHP2 is a central regulator in tumorigenesis and cancer progression through cell-autonomous mechanisms. Activating mutation of SHP2 in microenvironment was identified to promote cancerous transformation of hematopoietic stem cell in non-autonomous mechanisms. It is interesting to see whether therapies directed against SHP2 in tumor or microenvironmental cells augment antitumor efficacy. In this review, we summarized different types of gain-of-function SHP2 mutations from a human disease. In general, gain-of-function mutations destroy the auto-inhibition state from wild-type SHP2, leading to consistency activation of SHP2. We illustrated how somatic or germline mutation of SHP2 plays an oncogenic role in tumorigenesis, stemness maintenance, invasion, etc. Moreover, the small-molecule SHP2 inhibitors are considered as a potential strategy for enhancing the efficacy of antitumor immunotherapy and chemotherapy. We also discussed the interconnection between phase separation and activating mutation of SHP2 in drug resistance of antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Dong
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Da Han
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Meng
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Mengchuan Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Chuwen Zheng
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Qin Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
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535
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Petroni G, Buqué A, Zitvogel L, Kroemer G, Galluzzi L. Immunomodulation by targeted anticancer agents. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:310-345. [PMID: 33338426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
At odds with conventional chemotherapeutics, targeted anticancer agents are designed to inhibit precise molecular alterations that support oncogenesis or tumor progression. Despite such an elevated degree of molecular specificity, many clinically employed and experimental targeted anticancer agents also mediate immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive effects that (at least in some settings) influence therapeutic efficacy. Here, we discuss the main immunomodulatory effects of targeted anticancer agents and explore potential avenues to harness them in support of superior clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Petroni
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aitziber Buqué
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laurence Zitvogel
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France; INSERM U1015, Villejuif, France; Center of Clinical Investigations in Biotherapies of Cancer (CICBT) 1428, Villejuif, France; Faculty of Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe Labellisée Par La Ligue Contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France; Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France; Suzhou Institute for Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Suzhou, China; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Université de Paris, Paris, France.
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536
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Xiao X, Lai M, Song Z, Geng M, Ding J, Xie H, Zhang A. Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of bicyclic and tetracyclic pyridopyrimidinone analogues as new KRAS G12C inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 213:113082. [PMID: 33309163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
KRAS is the most commonly altered oncogene of the RAS family, especially the G12C mutant (KRASG12C), which has been a promising drug target for many cancers. On the basis of the bicyclic pyridopyrimidinone framework of the first-in-class clinical KRASG12C inhibitor AMG510, a scaffold hopping strategy was conducted including a F-OH cyclization approach and a pyridinyl N-atom working approach leading to new tetracyclic and bicyclic analogues. Compound 26a was identified possessing binding potency of 1.87 μM against KRASG12C and cell growth inhibition of 0.79 μM in MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells. Treatment of 26a with NCI-H358 cells resulted in down-regulation of KRAS-GTP levels and reduction of phosphorylation of downstream ERK and AKT dose-dependently. Molecular docking suggested that the fluorophenol moiety of 26a occupies a hydrophobic pocket region thus forming hydrogen bonding to Arg68. These results will be useful to guide further structural modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanzheng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Mengzhen Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zilan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Meiyu Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jian Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hua Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Ao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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537
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Hahn WC, Bader JS, Braun TP, Califano A, Clemons PA, Druker BJ, Ewald AJ, Fu H, Jagu S, Kemp CJ, Kim W, Kuo CJ, McManus M, B Mills G, Mo X, Sahni N, Schreiber SL, Talamas JA, Tamayo P, Tyner JW, Wagner BK, Weiss WA, Gerhard DS. An expanded universe of cancer targets. Cell 2021; 184:1142-1155. [PMID: 33667368 PMCID: PMC8066437 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The characterization of cancer genomes has provided insight into somatically altered genes across tumors, transformed our understanding of cancer biology, and enabled tailoring of therapeutic strategies. However, the function of most cancer alleles remains mysterious, and many cancer features transcend their genomes. Consequently, tumor genomic characterization does not influence therapy for most patients. Approaches to understand the function and circuitry of cancer genes provide complementary approaches to elucidate both oncogene and non-oncogene dependencies. Emerging work indicates that the diversity of therapeutic targets engendered by non-oncogene dependencies is much larger than the list of recurrently mutated genes. Here we describe a framework for this expanded list of cancer targets, providing novel opportunities for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William C Hahn
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Oncology, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Joel S Bader
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Theodore P Braun
- Knight Cancer Institute and Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andrea Califano
- Department of Systems Biology, Biomedical Informatics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, and Medicine, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Brian J Druker
- Knight Cancer Institute and Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andrew J Ewald
- Department of Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Haian Fu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Subhashini Jagu
- Office of Cancer Genomics, Center for Cancer Genomics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christopher J Kemp
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - William Kim
- Moores Cancer Center, Center for Novel Therapeutics and Department of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Calvin J Kuo
- Hematology Division, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael McManus
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UCSF Diabetes Center, and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gordon B Mills
- Department of Cell, Development and Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Xiulei Mo
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Nidhi Sahni
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX, USA
| | | | - Jessica A Talamas
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Oncology, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pablo Tamayo
- Moores Cancer Center, Center for Novel Therapeutics and Department of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Tyner
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University and Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - William A Weiss
- Departments of Neurology, Neurological Surgery, Pediatrics, and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniela S Gerhard
- Office of Cancer Genomics, Center for Cancer Genomics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
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538
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Hitchman TD, Bayshtok G, Ceraudo E, Moore AR, Lee C, Jia R, Wang N, Pachai MR, Shoushtari AN, Francis JH, Guan Y, Chen J, Chang MT, Taylor BS, Sakmar TP, Huber T, Chi P, Chen Y. Combined Inhibition of Gα q and MEK Enhances Therapeutic Efficacy in Uveal Melanoma. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:1476-1490. [PMID: 33229459 PMCID: PMC8086191 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-2860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE All uveal melanoma and a fraction of other melanoma subtypes are driven by activation of the G-protein alpha-q (Gαq) pathway. Targeting these melanomas has proven difficult despite advances in the molecular understanding of key driver signaling pathways in the disease pathogenesis. Inhibitors of Gαq have shown promising preclinical results, but their therapeutic activity in distinct Gαq mutational contexts and in vivo have remained elusive. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We used an isogenic melanocytic cellular system to systematically examine hotspot mutations in GNAQ (e.g., G48V, R183Q, Q209L) and CYSLTR2 (L129Q) found in human uveal melanoma. This cellular system and human uveal melanoma cell lines were used in vitro and in in vivo xenograft studies to assess the efficacy of Gαq inhibition as a single agent and in combination with MEK inhibition. RESULTS We demonstrate that the Gαq inhibitor YM-254890 inhibited downstream signaling and in vitro growth in all mutants. In vivo, YM-254890 slowed tumor growth but did not cause regression in human uveal melanoma xenografts. Through comprehensive transcriptome analysis, we observed that YM-254890 caused inhibition of the MAPK signaling with evidence of rebound by 24 hours and combination treatment of YM-254890 and a MEK inhibitor led to sustained MAPK inhibition. We further demonstrated that the combination caused synergistic growth inhibition in vitro and tumor shrinkage in vivo. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the combination of Gαq and MEK inhibition provides a promising therapeutic strategy and improved therapeutic window of broadly targeting Gαq in uveal melanoma.See related commentary by Neelature Sriramareddy and Smalley, p. 1217.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler D Hitchman
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Gabriella Bayshtok
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Emilie Ceraudo
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Amanda R Moore
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Cindy Lee
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ruobing Jia
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Naitao Wang
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Mohini R Pachai
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Alexander N Shoushtari
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, New York
| | - Jasmine H Francis
- Opthalmic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Youxin Guan
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Juliet Chen
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Matthew T Chang
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Barry S Taylor
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Thomas P Sakmar
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Thomas Huber
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Ping Chi
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, New York
| | - Yu Chen
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, New York
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539
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Mukhopadhyay S, Vander Heiden MG, McCormick F. The Metabolic Landscape of RAS-Driven Cancers from biology to therapy. NATURE CANCER 2021; 2:271-283. [PMID: 33870211 PMCID: PMC8045781 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-021-00184-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of how the RAS protein family, and in particular mutant KRAS promote metabolic dysregulation in cancer cells has advanced significantly over the last decade. In this Review, we discuss the metabolic reprogramming mediated by oncogenic RAS in cancer, and elucidating the underlying mechanisms could translate to novel therapeutic opportunities to target metabolic vulnerabilities in RAS-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Mukhopadhyay
- National Cancer Institute RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew G Vander Heiden
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- National Cancer Institute RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA.
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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540
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Healy FM, Prior IA, MacEwan DJ. The importance of Ras in drug resistance in cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:2844-2867. [PMID: 33634485 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we analyse the impact of oncogenic Ras mutations in mediating cancer drug resistance and the progress made in the abrogation of this resistance, through pharmacological targeting. At a physiological level, Ras is implicated in many cellular proliferation and survival pathways. However, mutations within this small GTPase can be responsible for the initiation of cancer, therapeutic resistance and failure, and ultimately disease relapse. Often termed "undruggable," Ras is notoriously difficult to target directly, due to its structure and intrinsic activity. Thus, Ras-mediated drug resistance remains a considerable pharmacological problem. However, with advances in both analytical techniques and novel drug classes, the therapeutic landscape against Ras is changing. Allele-specific, direct Ras-targeting agents have reached clinical trials for the first time, indicating there may, at last, be hope of targeting such an elusive but significant protein for better more effective cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona M Healy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ian A Prior
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - David J MacEwan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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541
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Kyriakopoulos G, Katopodi V, Skeparnias I, Kaliatsi EG, Grafanaki K, Stathopoulos C. KRAS G12C Can Either Promote or Impair Cap-Dependent Translation in Two Different Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042222. [PMID: 33672357 PMCID: PMC7926983 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
KRASG12C is among the most common oncogenic mutations in lung adenocarcinoma and a promising target for treatment by small-molecule inhibitors. KRAS oncogenic signaling is responsible for modulation of tumor microenvironment, with translation factors being among the most prominent deregulated targets. In the present study, we used TALENs to edit EGFRWT CL1-5 and A549 cells for integration of a Tet-inducible KRASG12C expression system. Subsequent analysis of both cell lines showed that cap-dependent translation was impaired in CL1-5 cells via involvement of mTORC2 and NF-κB. In contrast, in A549 cells, which additionally harbor the KRASG12S mutation, cap-dependent translation was favored via recruitment of mTORC1, c-MYC and the positive regulation of eIF4F complex. Downregulation of eIF1, eIF5 and eIF5B in the same cell line suggested a stringency loss of start codon selection during scanning of mRNAs. Puromycin staining and polysome profile analysis validated the enhanced translation rates in A549 cells and the impaired cap-dependent translation in CL1-5 cells. Interestingly, elevated translation rates were restored in CL1-5 cells after prolonged induction of KRASG12C through an mTORC1/p70S6K-independent way. Collectively, our results suggest that KRASG12C signaling differentially affects the regulation of the translational machinery. These differences could provide additional insights and facilitate current efforts to effectively target KRAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Kyriakopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (G.K.)
| | - Vicky Katopodi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (G.K.)
- Laboratory for RNA Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilias Skeparnias
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (G.K.)
| | - Eleni G Kaliatsi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (G.K.)
| | - Katerina Grafanaki
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (G.K.)
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
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542
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Liu J, Chen SJ, Hsu SW, Zhang J, Li JM, Yang DC, Gu S, Pinkerton KE, Chen CH. MARCKS cooperates with NKAP to activate NF-kB signaling in smoke-related lung cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:4122-4136. [PMID: 33754052 PMCID: PMC7977464 DOI: 10.7150/thno.53558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer development and progression; however, the mechanism of how cigarette smoke activates signaling pathways in promoting cancer malignancy remains to be established. Herein, we aimed to determine the contribution of a signaling protein, myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS), in smoke-mediated lung cancer. Methods: We firstly examined the levels of phosphorylated MARCKS (phospho-MARCKS) in smoke-exposed human lung cancer cells and specimens as well as non-human primate airway epithelium. Next, the MARCKS-interactome and its gene networks were identified. We also used genetic and pharmacological approaches to verify the functionality and molecular mechanism of smoke-induced phospho-MARCKS. Results: We observed that MARCKS becomes activated in airway epithelium and lung cancer cells in response to cigarette smoke. Functional proteomics revealed MARCKS protein directly binds to NF-κB-activating protein (NKAP). Following MARCKS phosphorylation at ser159 and ser163, the MARCKS-NKAP interaction was inhibited, leading to the activation of NF-κB signaling. In a screen of two cohorts of lung cancer patients, we confirmed that phospho-MARCKS is positively correlated with phospho-NF-κB (phospho-p65), and poor survival. Surprisingly, smoke-induced phospho-MARCKS upregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and stem-like properties. Conversely, targeting of MARCKS phosphorylation with MPS peptide, a specific MARCKS phosphorylation inhibitor, suppressed smoke-mediated NF-κB signaling activity, pro-inflammatory cytokines expression, aggressiveness and stemness of lung cancer cells. Conclusion: Our results suggest that phospho-MARCKS is a novel NF-kB activator in smoke-mediated lung cancer progression and provide a promising molecular model for developing new anticancer strategies.
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543
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Lu W, Kostic M, Zhang T, Che J, Patricelli MP, Jones LH, Chouchani ET, Gray NS. Fragment-based covalent ligand discovery. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:354-367. [PMID: 34458789 PMCID: PMC8341086 DOI: 10.1039/d0cb00222d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted covalent inhibitors have regained widespread attention in drug discovery and have emerged as powerful tools for basic biomedical research. Fueled by considerable improvements in mass spectrometry sensitivity and sample processing, chemoproteomic strategies have revealed thousands of proteins that can be covalently modified by reactive small molecules. Fragment-based drug discovery, which has traditionally been used in a target-centric fashion, is now being deployed on a proteome-wide scale thereby expanding its utility to both the discovery of novel covalent ligands and their cognate protein targets. This powerful approach is allowing ‘high-throughput’ serendipitous discovery of cryptic pockets leading to the identification of pharmacological modulators of proteins previously viewed as “undruggable”. The reactive fragment toolkit has been enabled by recent advances in the development of new chemistries that target residues other than cysteine including lysine and tyrosine. Here, we review the emerging area of covalent fragment-based ligand discovery, which integrates the benefits of covalent targeting and fragment-based medicinal chemistry. We discuss how the two strategies synergize to facilitate the efficient discovery of new pharmacological modulators of established and new therapeutic target proteins. Covalent fragment-based ligand discovery greatly facilitates the discovery of useful fragments for drug discovery and helps unveil chemical-tractable biological targets in native biological systems.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Lu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA 02215 USA .,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02215 USA
| | - Milka Kostic
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA 02215 USA
| | - Tinghu Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA 02215 USA .,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02215 USA
| | - Jianwei Che
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA 02215 USA .,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02215 USA.,Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA 02215 USA
| | | | - Lyn H Jones
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA 02215 USA
| | - Edward T Chouchani
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA 02215 USA .,Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02215 USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA 02215 USA .,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02215 USA
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544
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Wang Y, Ji D, Lei C, Chen Y, Qiu Y, Li X, Li M, Ni D, Pu J, Zhang J, Fu Q, Liu Y, Lu S. Mechanistic insights into the effect of phosphorylation on Ras conformational dynamics and its interactions with cell signaling proteins. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:1184-1199. [PMID: 33680360 PMCID: PMC7902900 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.01.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras undergoes interconversion between the active GTP-bound state and the inactive GDP-bound state. This GTPase cycle, which controls the activities of Ras, is accelerated by Ras GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) and guanine nucleotide exchange factors (SOS). Oncogenic Ras mutations could affect the GTPase cycle and impair Ras functions. Additionally, Src-induced K-Ras Y32/64 dual phosphorylation has been reported to disrupt GTPase cycle and hinder Ras downstream signaling. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To address this, we performed molecular dynamics simulations (~30 μs in total) on unphosphorylated and phosphorylated K-Ras4B in GTP- and GDP-bound states, and on their complexes with GTPase cycle regulators (GAP and SOS) and the effector protein Raf. We found that K-Ras4B dual phosphorylation mainly alters the conformation at the nucleotide binding site and creates disorder at the catalytic site, resulting in the enlargement of GDP binding pocket and the retard of Ras-GTP intrinsic hydrolysis. We observed phosphorylation-induced shift in the distribution of Ras-GTP inactive-active sub-states and recognized potential druggable pockets in the phosphorylated Ras-GTP. Moreover, decreased catalytic competence or signal delivery abilities due to reduced binding affinities and/or distorted catalytic conformations of GAP, SOS and Raf were observed. In addition, the allosteric pathway from Ras/Raf interface to the distal Raf L4 loop was compromised by Ras phosphorylation. These results reveal the mechanisms by which phosphorylation influences the intrinsic or GAP/SOS catalyzed transformations between GTP- and GDP-bound states of Ras and its signal transduction to Raf. Our findings project Ras phosphorylation as a target for cancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhao Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Dong Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chaoyu Lei
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yingfei Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yuran Qiu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Mingyu Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Duan Ni
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- The Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jun Pu
- Department of Cardiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Centre, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Yaqin Liu
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Centre, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Centre, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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545
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Kiel C, Matallanas D, Kolch W. The Ins and Outs of RAS Effector Complexes. Biomolecules 2021; 11:236. [PMID: 33562401 PMCID: PMC7915224 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RAS oncogenes are among the most commonly mutated proteins in human cancers. They regulate a wide range of effector pathways that control cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, migration and metabolic status. Including aberrations in these pathways, RAS-dependent signaling is altered in more than half of human cancers. Targeting mutant RAS proteins and their downstream oncogenic signaling pathways has been elusive. However, recent results comprising detailed molecular studies, large scale omics studies and computational modeling have painted a new and more comprehensive portrait of RAS signaling that helps us to understand the intricacies of RAS, how its physiological and pathophysiological functions are regulated, and how we can target them. Here, we review these efforts particularly trying to relate the detailed mechanistic studies with global functional studies. We highlight the importance of computational modeling and data integration to derive an actionable understanding of RAS signaling that will allow us to design new mechanism-based therapies for RAS mutated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Kiel
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland; (C.K.); (D.M.)
- UCD Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - David Matallanas
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland; (C.K.); (D.M.)
| | - Walter Kolch
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland; (C.K.); (D.M.)
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
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546
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The ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling network: the final frontier in RAS signal transduction. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:253-267. [PMID: 33544118 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The RAF-MEK-ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is aberrantly activated in a diverse set of human cancers and the RASopathy group of genetic developmental disorders. This protein kinase cascade is one of the most intensely studied cellular signaling networks and has been frequently targeted by the pharmaceutical industry, with more than 30 inhibitors either approved or under clinical evaluation. The ERK-MAPK cascade was originally depicted as a serial and linear, unidirectional pathway that relays extracellular signals, such as mitogenic stimuli, through the cytoplasm to the nucleus. However, we now appreciate that this three-tiered protein kinase cascade is a central core of a complex network with dynamic signaling inputs and outputs and autoregulatory loops. Despite our considerable advances in understanding the ERK-MAPK network, the ability of cancer cells to adapt to the inhibition of key nodes reveals a level of complexity that remains to be fully understood. In this review, we summarize important developments in our understanding of the ERK-MAPK network and identify unresolved issues for ongoing and future study.
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547
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Promotion of cancer cell stemness by Ras. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:467-476. [PMID: 33544116 PMCID: PMC7925005 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) may be the most relevant and elusive cancer cell population, as they have the exquisite ability to seed new tumors. It is plausible, that highly mutated cancer genes, such as KRAS, are functionally associated with processes contributing to the emergence of stemness traits. In this review, we will summarize the evidence for a stemness driving activity of oncogenic Ras. This activity appears to differ by Ras isoform, with the highly mutated KRAS having a particularly profound impact. Next to established stemness pathways such as Wnt and Hedgehog (Hh), the precise, cell cycle dependent orchestration of the MAPK-pathway appears to relay Ras activation in this context. We will examine how non-canonical activities of K-Ras4B (hereafter K-Ras) could be enabled by its trafficking chaperones calmodulin and PDE6D/PDEδ. Both dynamically localize to the cellular machinery that is intimately linked to cell fate decisions, such as the primary cilium and the centrosome. Thus, it can be speculated that oncogenic K-Ras disrupts fundamental polarized signaling and asymmetric apportioning processes that are necessary during cell differentiation.
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548
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Targeting Oncoimmune Drivers of Cancer Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030554. [PMID: 33535613 PMCID: PMC7867187 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Residual metastasis is a major cause of cancer-associated death. Recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the related cancer stem cells (CSCs) have revealed the landscapes of cancer metastasis and are promising contributions to clinical treatments. However, this rarely leads to practical advances in the management of cancer in clinical settings, and thus cancer metastasis is still a threat to patients. The reason for this may be the heterogeneity and complexity caused by the evolutional transformation of tumor cells through interactions with the host environment, which is composed of numerous components, including stromal cells, vascular cells, and immune cells. The reciprocal evolution further raises the possibility of successful tumor escape, resulting in a fatal prognosis for patients. To disrupt the vicious spiral of tumor-immunity aggravation, it is important to understand the entire metastatic process and the practical implementations. Here, we provide an overview of the molecular and cellular links between tumors' biological properties and host immunity, mainly focusing on EMT and CSCs, and we also highlight therapeutic agents targeting the oncoimmune determinants driving cancer metastasis toward better practical use in the treatment of cancer patients.
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549
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Andreasson C, Ansari D, Ekbom F, Andersson R. Macropinocytosis: the Achilles' heel of pancreatic cancer? Scand J Gastroenterol 2021; 56:177-179. [PMID: 33280476 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2020.1855471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carl Andreasson
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund SE -221 85, Sweden
| | - Daniel Ansari
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund SE -221 85, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Ekbom
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund SE -221 85, Sweden
| | - Roland Andersson
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund SE -221 85, Sweden
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550
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Du H, Gao J, Weng G, Ding J, Chai X, Pang J, Kang Y, Li D, Cao D, Hou T. CovalentInDB: a comprehensive database facilitating the discovery of covalent inhibitors. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:D1122-D1129. [PMID: 33068433 PMCID: PMC7778999 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors that form covalent bonds with their targets have traditionally been considered highly adventurous due to their potential off-target effects and toxicity concerns. However, with the clinical validation and approval of many covalent inhibitors during the past decade, design and discovery of novel covalent inhibitors have attracted increasing attention. A large amount of scattered experimental data for covalent inhibitors have been reported, but a resource by integrating the experimental information for covalent inhibitor discovery is still lacking. In this study, we presented Covalent Inhibitor Database (CovalentInDB), the largest online database that provides the structural information and experimental data for covalent inhibitors. CovalentInDB contains 4511 covalent inhibitors (including 68 approved drugs) with 57 different reactive warheads for 280 protein targets. The crystal structures of some of the proteins bound with a covalent inhibitor are provided to visualize the protein–ligand interactions around the binding site. Each covalent inhibitor is annotated with the structure, warhead, experimental bioactivity, physicochemical properties, etc. Moreover, CovalentInDB provides the covalent reaction mechanism and the corresponding experimental verification methods for each inhibitor towards its target. High-quality datasets are downloadable for users to evaluate and develop computational methods for covalent drug design. CovalentInDB is freely accessible at http://cadd.zju.edu.cn/cidb/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Du
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Lab of CAD&CG, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junbo Gao
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gaoqi Weng
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junjie Ding
- Beijing Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Xin Chai
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinping Pang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Kang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dan Li
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dongsheng Cao
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
| | - Tingjun Hou
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Lab of CAD&CG, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
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