51
|
Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the allosteric effect of F1174C resistance mutation to ceritinib in ALK-associated lung cancer. Comput Biol Chem 2016; 65:54-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
52
|
Mou L, Cui T, Liu W, Zhang H, Cai Z, Lu S, Gao G. Microsecond molecular dynamics simulations provide insight into the ATP-competitive inhibitor-induced allosteric protection of Akt kinase phosphorylation. Chem Biol Drug Des 2016; 89:723-731. [PMID: 27797456 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Akt is a serine/threonine protein kinase, a critical mediator of growth factor-induced survival in key cellular pathways. Allosteric signaling between protein intramolecular domains requires long-range communication mediated by hotspot residues, often triggered by ligand binding. Here, based on extensive 3 μs explicit solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of Akt1 kinase domain in the unbound (apo) and ATP-competitive inhibitor, GDC-0068-bound states, we propose a molecular mechanism for allosteric regulation of Akt1 kinase phosphorylation by GDC-0068 binding to the ATP-binding site. MD simulations revealed that the apo Akt1 is flexible with two disengaged N- and C-lobes, equilibrated between the open and closed conformations. GDC-0068 occupancy of the ATP-binding site shifts the conformational equilibrium of Akt1 from the open conformation toward the closed conformation and stabilizes the closed state. This effect enables allosteric signal propagation from the GDC-0068 to the phosphorylated T308 (pT308) in the activation loop and restrains phosphatase access to pT308, thereby protecting the pT308 in the GDC-0068-bound Akt1. Importantly, functional hotspots involved in the allosteric communication from the GDC-0068 to the pT308 are identified. Our analysis of GDC-0068-induced allosteric protection of Akt kinase phosphorylation yields important new insights into the molecular mechanism of allosteric regulation of Akt kinase activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linkai Mou
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Tongwei Cui
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Weiguang Liu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Zhanxiu Cai
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guojun Gao
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Intrinsic K-Ras dynamics: A novel molecular dynamics data analysis method shows causality between residue pair motions. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37012. [PMID: 27845397 PMCID: PMC5109477 DOI: 10.1038/srep37012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
K-Ras is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancers, but there are still no drugs that directly target it in the clinic. Recent studies utilizing dynamics information show promising results for selectively targeting mutant K-Ras. However, despite extensive characterization, the mechanisms by which K-Ras residue fluctuations transfer allosteric regulatory information remain unknown. Understanding the direction of information flow can provide new mechanistic insights for K-Ras targeting. Here, we present a novel approach –conditional time-delayed correlations (CTC) – using the motions of all residue pairs of a protein to predict directionality in the allosteric regulation of the protein fluctuations. Analyzing nucleotide-dependent intrinsic K-Ras motions with the new approach yields predictions that agree with the literature, showing that GTP-binding stabilizes K-Ras motions and leads to residue correlations with relatively long characteristic decay times. Furthermore, our study is the first to identify driver-follower relationships in correlated motions of K-Ras residue pairs, revealing the direction of information flow during allosteric modulation of its nucleotide-dependent intrinsic activity: active K-Ras Switch-II region motions drive Switch-I region motions, while α-helix-3L7 motions control both. Our results provide novel insights for strategies that directly target mutant K-Ras.
Collapse
|
54
|
Abstract
RAS mutations are among the most common genetic alterations found in cancerous tumors but rational criteria or strategies for targeting RAS-dependent tumors are only recently emerging. Clinical and laboratory data suggest that patient selection based on specific RAS mutations will be an essential component of these strategies. A thorough understanding of the biochemical and structural properties of mutant RAS proteins form the theoretical basis for these approaches. Direct inhibition of KRAS G12C by covalent inhibitors is a notable recent example of the RAS mutation-tailored approach that establishes a paradigm for other RAS mutation-centered strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven K Montalvo
- School of Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lianbo Li
- Departments of Biochemistry & Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kenneth D Westover
- Departments of Biochemistry & Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Lu S, Jang H, Gu S, Zhang J, Nussinov R. Drugging Ras GTPase: a comprehensive mechanistic and signaling structural view. Chem Soc Rev 2016; 45:4929-52. [PMID: 27396271 PMCID: PMC5021603 DOI: 10.1039/c5cs00911a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Ras proteins are small GTPases, cycling between inactive GDP-bound and active GTP-bound states. Through these switches they regulate signaling that controls cell growth and proliferation. Activating Ras mutations are associated with approximately 30% of human cancers, which are frequently resistant to standard therapies. Over the past few years, structural biology and in silico drug design, coupled with improved screening technology, led to a handful of promising inhibitors, raising the possibility of drugging Ras proteins. At the same time, the invariable emergence of drug resistance argues for the critical importance of additionally honing in on signaling pathways which are likely to be involved. Here we overview current advances in Ras structural knowledge, including the conformational dynamic of full-length Ras in solution and at the membrane, therapeutic inhibition of Ras activity by targeting its active site, allosteric sites, and Ras-effector protein-protein interfaces, Ras dimers, the K-Ras4B/calmodulin/PI3Kα trimer, and targeting Ras with siRNA. To mitigate drug resistance, we propose signaling pathways that can be co-targeted along with Ras and explain why. These include pathways leading to the expression (or activation) of YAP1 and c-Myc. We postulate that these and Ras signaling pathways, MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR, act independently and in corresponding ways in cell cycle control. The structural data are instrumental in the discovery and development of Ras inhibitors for treating RAS-driven cancers. Together with the signaling blueprints through which drug resistance can evolve, this review provides a comprehensive and innovative master plan for tackling mutant Ras proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyong Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, U.S.A
| | - Shuo Gu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, U.S.A
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Sackler Institute of Molecular Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Li Z, Cao S, Buck M. K-Ras at Anionic Membranes: Orientation, Orientation…Orientation. Recent Simulations and Experiments. Biophys J 2016; 110:1033-5. [PMID: 26958879 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- ZhenLu Li
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Shufen Cao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Matthias Buck
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Jang H, Muratcioglu S, Gursoy A, Keskin O, Nussinov R. Membrane-associated Ras dimers are isoform-specific: K-Ras dimers differ from H-Ras dimers. Biochem J 2016; 473:1719-32. [PMID: 27057007 PMCID: PMC7830773 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Are the dimer structures of active Ras isoforms similar? This question is significant since Ras can activate its effectors as a monomer; however, as a dimer, it promotes Raf's activation and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) cell signalling. In the present study, we model possible catalytic domain dimer interfaces of membrane-anchored GTP-bound K-Ras4B and H-Ras, and compare their conformations. The active helical dimers formed by the allosteric lobe are isoform-specific: K-Ras4B-GTP favours the α3 and α4 interface; H-Ras-GTP favours α4 and α5. Both isoforms also populate a stable β-sheet dimer interface formed by the effector lobe; a less stable β-sandwich interface is sustained by salt bridges of the β-sheet side chains. Raf's high-affinity β-sheet interaction is promoted by the active helical interface. Collectively, Ras isoforms' dimer conformations are not uniform; instead, the isoform-specific dimers reflect the favoured interactions of the HVRs (hypervariable regions) with cell membrane microdomains, biasing the effector-binding site orientations, thus isoform binding selectivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, U.S.A
| | - Serena Muratcioglu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Attila Gursoy
- Department of Computer Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Keskin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, U.S.A. Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Abstract
The formation and maintenance of an organism are highly dependent on the orderly control of cell growth, differentiation, death, and migration. These processes are tightly regulated by signaling cascades in which a limited number of molecules dictate these cellular events. While these signaling pathways are highly conserved across species and cell types, the functional outcomes that result from their engagement are specified by the context in which they are activated. Using the Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) cancer predisposition syndrome as an illustrative platform, we discuss how NF1/RAS signaling can create functional diversity at multiple levels (molecular, cellular, tissue, and genetic/genomic). As such, the ability of related molecules (e.g., K-RAS, H-RAS) to activate distinct effectors, as well as cell type- and tissue-specific differences in molecular composition and effector engagement, generate numerous unique functional effects. These variations, coupled with a multitude of extracellular cues and genomic/genetic changes that each modify the innate signaling properties of the cell, enable precise control of cellular physiology in both health and disease. Understanding these contextual influences is important when trying to dissect the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of cancer relevant to molecularly-targeted therapeutics.
Collapse
|
59
|
Shang J, Lu S, Jiang Y, Zhang J. Allosteric modulators of MEK1: drug design and discovery. Chem Biol Drug Des 2016; 88:485-97. [PMID: 27115708 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK, MEK) mediates signal transduction, controlling cell proliferation and survival. MEK occupies a key downstream position in the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway, implying that inhibition of MEK will potently suppress tumor cell growth, with potential applications in cancer therapy. Based on the promising therapeutic effects of MEK modulators, continued efforts have been made in this class. Here, we review the discovery and development of MEK1 allosteric modulators, classifying them into four structural groups. The allosteric mechanisms and recent clinical progress involving these modulators are also reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Shang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 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, China
| | - Yongjun Jiang
- School of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Technology, Zhejiang University, Ningbo, 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, China. .,Medicinal Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Boulton S, Melacini G. Advances in NMR Methods To Map Allosteric Sites: From Models to Translation. Chem Rev 2016; 116:6267-304. [PMID: 27111288 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The last five years have witnessed major developments in the understanding of the allosteric phenomenon, broadly defined as coupling between remote molecular sites. Such advances have been driven not only by new theoretical models and pharmacological applications of allostery, but also by progress in the experimental approaches designed to map allosteric sites and transitions. Among these techniques, NMR spectroscopy has played a major role given its unique near-atomic resolution and sensitivity to the dynamics that underlie allosteric couplings. Here, we highlight recent progress in the NMR methods tailored to investigate allostery with the goal of offering an overview of which NMR approaches are best suited for which allosterically relevant questions. The picture of the allosteric "NMR toolbox" is provided starting from one of the simplest models of allostery (i.e., the four-state thermodynamic cycle) and continuing to more complex multistate mechanisms. We also review how such an "NMR toolbox" has assisted the elucidation of the allosteric molecular basis for disease-related mutations and the discovery of novel leads for allosteric drugs. From this overview, it is clear that NMR plays a central role not only in experimentally validating transformative theories of allostery, but also in tapping the full translational potential of allosteric systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Boulton
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University , 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton L8S 4M1, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Melacini
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University , 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton L8S 4M1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Jang H, Banerjee A, Chavan TS, Lu S, Zhang J, Gaponenko V, Nussinov R. The higher level of complexity of K-Ras4B activation at the membrane. FASEB J 2016; 30:1643-55. [PMID: 26718888 PMCID: PMC4799498 DOI: 10.1096/fj.15-279091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Is nucleotide exchange sufficient to activate K-Ras4B? To signal, oncogenic rat sarcoma (Ras) anchors in the membrane and recruits effectors by exposing its effector lobe. With the use of NMR and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we observed that in solution, farnesylated guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP)-bound K-Ras4B is predominantly autoinhibited by its hypervariable region (HVR), whereas the GTP-bound state favors an activated, HVR-released state. On the anionic membrane, the catalytic domain adopts multiple orientations, including parallel (∼180°) and perpendicular (∼90°) alignments of the allosteric helices, with respect to the membrane surface direction. In the autoinhibited state, the HVR is sandwiched between the effector lobe and the membrane; in the active state, with membrane-anchored farnesyl and unrestrained HVR, the catalytic domain fluctuates reinlessly, exposing its effector-binding site. Dimerization and clustering can reduce the fluctuations. This achieves preorganized, productive conformations. Notably, we also observe HVR-autoinhibited K-Ras4B-GTP states, with GDP-bound-like orientations of the helices. Thus, we propose that the GDP/GTP exchange may not be sufficient for activation; instead, our results suggest that the GDP/GTP exchange, HVR sequestration, farnesyl insertion, and orientation/localization of the catalytic domain at the membrane conjointly determine the active or inactive state of K-Ras4B. Importantly, K-Ras4B-GTP can exist in active and inactive states; on its own, GTP binding may not compel K-Ras4B activation.-Jang, H., Banerjee, A., Chavan, T. S, Lu, S., Zhang, J., Gaponenko, V., Nussinov, R. The higher level of complexity of K-Ras4B activation at the membrane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyunbum Jang
- *Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA; Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Avik Banerjee
- *Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA; Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tanmay S Chavan
- *Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA; Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- *Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA; Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jian Zhang
- *Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA; Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Vadim Gaponenko
- *Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA; Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- *Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA; Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Lu S, Jang H, Nussinov R, Zhang J. The Structural Basis of Oncogenic Mutations G12, G13 and Q61 in Small GTPase K-Ras4B. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21949. [PMID: 26902995 PMCID: PMC4763299 DOI: 10.1038/srep21949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras mediates cell proliferation, survival and differentiation. Mutations in K-Ras4B are predominant at residues G12, G13 and Q61. Even though all impair GAP-assisted GTP → GDP hydrolysis, the mutation frequencies of K-Ras4B in human cancers vary. Here we aim to figure out their mechanisms and differential oncogenicity. In total, we performed 6.4 μs molecular dynamics simulations on the wild-type K-Ras4B (K-Ras4B(WT)-GTP/GDP) catalytic domain, the K-Ras4B(WT)-GTP-GAP complex, and the mutants (K-Ras4B(G12C/G12D/G12V)-GTP/GDP, K-Ras4B(G13D)-GTP/GDP, K-Ras4B(Q61H)-GTP/GDP) and their complexes with GAP. In addition, we simulated 'exchanged' nucleotide states. These comprehensive simulations reveal that in solution K-Ras4B(WT)-GTP exists in two, active and inactive, conformations. Oncogenic mutations differentially elicit an inactive-to-active conformational transition in K-Ras4B-GTP; in K-Ras4B(G12C/G12D)-GDP they expose the bound nucleotide which facilitates the GDP-to-GTP exchange. These mechanisms may help elucidate the differential mutational statistics in K-Ras4B-driven cancers. Exchanged nucleotide simulations reveal that the conformational transition is more accessible in the GTP-to-GDP than in the GDP-to-GTP exchange. Importantly, GAP not only donates its R789 arginine finger, but stabilizes the catalytically-competent conformation and pre-organizes catalytic residue Q61; mutations disturb the R789/Q61 organization, impairing GAP-mediated GTP hydrolysis. Together, our simulations help provide a mechanistic explanation of key mutational events in one of the most oncogenic proteins in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 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
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Sackler Institute of Molecular Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - 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
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou 213001, China
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Nussinov R, Muratcioglu S, Tsai CJ, Jang H, Gursoy A, Keskin O. K-Ras4B/calmodulin/PI3Kα: A promising new adenocarcinoma-specific drug target? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2016; 20:831-42. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2016.1135131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Serena Muratcioglu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Chung-Jung Tsai
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Attila Gursoy
- Department of Computer Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Keskin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Chakrabarti M, Jang H, Nussinov R. Comparison of the Conformations of KRAS Isoforms, K-Ras4A and K-Ras4B, Points to Similarities and Significant Differences. J Phys Chem B 2016; 120:667-79. [PMID: 26761128 PMCID: PMC7815164 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.5b11110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Human HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS genes encode four isoforms of Ras, a p21 GTPase. Mutations in KRAS account for the majority of RAS-driven cancers. The KRAS has two splice variants, K-Ras4A and K-Ras4B. Due to their reversible palmitoylation, K-Ras4A and N-Ras have bimodal signaling states. K-Ras4A and K-Ras4B differ in four catalytic domain residues (G151R/D153E/K165Q/H166Y) and in their disordered C-terminal hypervariable region (HVR). In K-Ras4A, the HVR is not as strongly positively charged as in K-Ras4B (+6e vs +9e). Here, we performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate isoform-specific differences between the two splice variants. We observe that the catalytic domain of GDP-bound K-Ras4A has a more exposed nucleotide binding pocket than K-Ras4B, and the dynamic fluctuations in switch I and II regions also differ; both factors may influence guanine-nucleotide exchange. We further observe that like K-Kas4B, full-length K-Ras4A exhibits nucleotide-dependent HVR fluctuations; however, these fluctuations differ between the GDP-bound forms of K-Ras4A and K-Ras4B. Unlike K-Ras4B where the HVR tends to cover the effector binding region, in K-Ras4A, autoinhibited states are unstable. With lesser charge, the K-Ras4A HVR collapses on itself, making it less available for binding the catalytic domain. Since the HVRs of N- and H-Ras are weakly charged (+1e and +2e, respectively), autoinhibition may be a unique feature of K-Ras4B.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayukh Chakrabarti
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Lu S, Jang H, Muratcioglu S, Gursoy A, Keskin O, Nussinov R, Zhang J. Ras Conformational Ensembles, Allostery, and Signaling. Chem Rev 2016; 116:6607-65. [PMID: 26815308 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 266] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ras proteins are classical members of small GTPases that function as molecular switches by alternating between inactive GDP-bound and active GTP-bound states. Ras activation is regulated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors that catalyze the exchange of GDP by GTP, and inactivation is terminated by GTPase-activating proteins that accelerate the intrinsic GTP hydrolysis rate by orders of magnitude. In this review, we focus on data that have accumulated over the past few years pertaining to the conformational ensembles and the allosteric regulation of Ras proteins and their interpretation from our conformational landscape standpoint. The Ras ensemble embodies all states, including the ligand-bound conformations, the activated (or inactivated) allosteric modulated states, post-translationally modified states, mutational states, transition states, and nonfunctional states serving as a reservoir for emerging functions. The ensemble is shifted by distinct mutational events, cofactors, post-translational modifications, and different membrane compositions. A better understanding of Ras biology can contribute to therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyong Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Universities E-Institute for Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai, 200025, China.,Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute , Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute , Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | | | | | | | - Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute , Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States.,Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Sackler Institute of Molecular Medicine, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Universities E-Institute for Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai, 200025, China
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Chavan TS, Jang H, Khavrutskii L, Abraham SJ, Banerjee A, Freed BC, Johannessen L, Tarasov SG, Gaponenko V, Nussinov R, Tarasova NI. High-Affinity Interaction of the K-Ras4B Hypervariable Region with the Ras Active Site. Biophys J 2015; 109:2602-2613. [PMID: 26682817 PMCID: PMC4699860 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2015.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras proteins are small GTPases that act as signal transducers between cell surface receptors and several intracellular signaling cascades. They contain highly homologous catalytic domains and flexible C-terminal hypervariable regions (HVRs) that differ across Ras isoforms. KRAS is among the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human tumors. Surprisingly, we found that the C-terminal HVR of K-Ras4B, thought to minimally impact the catalytic domain, directly interacts with the active site of the protein. The interaction is almost 100-fold tighter with the GDP-bound than the GTP-bound protein. HVR binding interferes with Ras-Raf interaction, modulates binding to phospholipids, and slightly slows down nucleotide exchange. The data indicate that contrary to previously suggested models of K-Ras4B signaling, HVR plays essential roles in regulation of signaling. High affinity binding of short peptide analogs of HVR to K-Ras active site suggests that targeting this surface with inhibitory synthetic molecules for the therapy of KRAS-dependent tumors is feasible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanmay S Chavan
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland; Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Lyuba Khavrutskii
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland; Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Sherwin J Abraham
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Avik Banerjee
- Chemistry Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Structural Biophysics Laboratory, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Benjamin C Freed
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Liv Johannessen
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Sergey G Tarasov
- Chemistry Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Structural Biophysics Laboratory, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Vadim Gaponenko
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland; Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Nadya I Tarasova
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland.
| |
Collapse
|
67
|
Lu S, Jang H, Zhang J, Nussinov R. Inhibitors of Ras-SOS Interactions. ChemMedChem 2015; 11:814-21. [PMID: 26630662 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Activating Ras mutations are found in about 30 % of human cancers. Ras activation is regulated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors, such as the son of sevenless (SOS), which form protein-protein interactions (PPIs) with Ras and catalyze the exchange of GDP by GTP. This is the rate-limiting step in Ras activation. However, Ras surfaces lack any evident suitable pockets where a molecule might bind tightly, rendering Ras proteins still 'undruggable' for over 30 years. Among the alternative approaches is the design of inhibitors that target the Ras-SOS PPI interface, a strategy that is gaining increasing recognition for treating Ras mutant cancers. Herein we focus on data that has accumulated over the past few years pertaining to the design of small-molecule modulators or peptide mimetics aimed at the interface of the Ras-SOS PPI. We emphasize, however, that even if such Ras-SOS therapeutics are potent, drug resistance may emerge. To counteract this development, we propose "pathway drug cocktails", that is, drug combinations aimed at parallel (or compensatory) pathways. A repertoire of classified cancer, cell/tissue, and pathway/protein combinations would be beneficial toward this goal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - 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.
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA. .,Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Sackler Institute of Molecular Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|