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Dunnett-Kane V, Nicola P, Blackhall F, Lindsay C. Mechanisms of Resistance to KRAS G12C Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:E151. [PMID: 33466360 PMCID: PMC7795113 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS is one of the most common human oncogenes, but concerted efforts to produce direct inhibitors have largely failed, earning KRAS the title of "undruggable". Recent efforts to produce subtype specific inhibitors have been more successful, and several KRASG12C inhibitors have reached clinical trials, including adagrasib and sotorasib, which have shown early evidence of efficacy in patients. Lessons from other inhibitors of the RAS pathway suggest that the effect of these drugs will be limited in vivo by the development of drug resistance, and pre-clinical studies of G12C inhibitors have identified evidence of this. In this review we discuss the current evidence for G12C inhibitors, the mechanisms of resistance to G12C inhibitors and potential approaches to overcome them. We discuss possible targets of combination therapy, including SHP2, receptor tyrosine kinases, downstream effectors and PD1/PDL1, and review the ongoing clinical trials investigating these inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Dunnett-Kane
- Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M23 9LT, UK;
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK; (P.N.); (F.B.)
| | - Pantelis Nicola
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK; (P.N.); (F.B.)
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Fiona Blackhall
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK; (P.N.); (F.B.)
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Colin Lindsay
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK; (P.N.); (F.B.)
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
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102
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Liao Z, Gingras AR, Lagarrigue F, Ginsberg MH, Shattil SJ. Optogenetics-based localization of talin to the plasma membrane promotes activation of β3 integrins. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100675. [PMID: 33865854 PMCID: PMC8131925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Interaction of talin with the cytoplasmic tails of integrin β triggers integrin activation, leading to an increase of integrin affinity/avidity for extracellular ligands. In talin KO mice, loss of talin interaction with platelet integrin αIIbβ3 causes a severe hemostatic defect, and loss of talin interaction with endothelial cell integrin αVβ3 affects angiogenesis. In normal cells, talin is autoinhibited and localized in the cytoplasm. Here, we used an optogenetic platform to assess whether recruitment of full-length talin to the plasma membrane was sufficient to induce integrin activation. A dimerization module (Arabidopsis cryptochrome 2 fused to the N terminus of talin; N-terminal of cryptochrome-interacting basic helix-loop-helix domain ended with a CAAX box protein [C: cysteine; A: aliphatic amino acid; X: any C-terminal amino acid]) responsive to 450 nm (blue) light was inserted into Chinese hamster ovary cells and endothelial cells also expressing αIIbβ3 or αVβ3, respectively. Thus, exposure of the cells to blue light caused a rapid and reversible recruitment of Arabidopsis cryptochrome 2-talin to the N-terminal of cryptochrome-interacting basic helix-loop-helix domain ended with a CAAX box protein [C: cysteine; A: aliphatic amino acid; X: any C-terminal amino acid]-decorated plasma membrane. This resulted in β3 integrin activation in both cell types, as well as increasing migration of the endothelial cells. However, membrane recruitment of talin was not sufficient for integrin activation, as membrane-associated Ras-related protein 1 (Rap1)-GTP was also required. Moreover, talin mutations that interfered with its direct binding to Rap1 abrogated β3 integrin activation. Altogether, these results define a role for the plasma membrane recruitment of talin in β3 integrin activation, and they suggest a nuanced sequence of events thereafter involving Rap1-GTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongji Liao
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.
| | - Alexandre R Gingras
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Frederic Lagarrigue
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Mark H Ginsberg
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sanford J Shattil
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.
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103
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Klochkov SG, Neganova ME, Aleksandrova YR. Promising Molecular Targets for Design of Antitumor Drugs Based on Ras Protein Signaling Cascades. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162020050118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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104
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Meng F, Liang Z, Zhao K, Luo C. Drug design targeting active posttranslational modification protein isoforms. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:1701-1750. [PMID: 33355944 DOI: 10.1002/med.21774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Modern drug design aims to discover novel lead compounds with attractable chemical profiles to enable further exploration of the intersection of chemical space and biological space. Identification of small molecules with good ligand efficiency, high activity, and selectivity is crucial toward developing effective and safe drugs. However, the intersection is one of the most challenging tasks in the pharmaceutical industry, as chemical space is almost infinity and continuous, whereas the biological space is very limited and discrete. This bottleneck potentially limits the discovery of molecules with desirable properties for lead optimization. Herein, we present a new direction leveraging posttranslational modification (PTM) protein isoforms target space to inspire drug design termed as "Post-translational Modification Inspired Drug Design (PTMI-DD)." PTMI-DD aims to extend the intersections of chemical space and biological space. We further rationalized and highlighted the importance of PTM protein isoforms and their roles in various diseases and biological functions. We then laid out a few directions to elaborate the PTMI-DD in drug design including discovering covalent binding inhibitors mimicking PTMs, targeting PTM protein isoforms with distinctive binding sites from that of wild-type counterpart, targeting protein-protein interactions involving PTMs, and hijacking protein degeneration by ubiquitination for PTM protein isoforms. These directions will lead to a significant expansion of the biological space and/or increase the tractability of compounds, primarily due to precisely targeting PTM protein isoforms or complexes which are highly relevant to biological functions. Importantly, this new avenue will further enrich the personalized treatment opportunity through precision medicine targeting PTM isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanwang Meng
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zhongjie Liang
- Center for Systems Biology, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kehao Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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105
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Leyland B, Zarka A, Didi-Cohen S, Boussiba S, Khozin-Goldberg I. High Resolution Proteome of Lipid Droplets Isolated from the Pennate Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Bacillariophyceae) Strain pt4 provides mechanistic insights into complex intracellular coordination during nitrogen deprivation. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2020; 56:1642-1663. [PMID: 32779202 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Lipid droplets (LDs) are an organelle conserved amongst all eukaryotes, consisting of a neutral lipid core surrounded by a polar lipid monolayer. Many species of microalgae accumulate LDs in response to stress conditions, such as nitrogen starvation. Here, we report the isolation and proteomic profiling of LD proteins from the model oleaginous pennate diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, strain Pt4 (UTEX 646). We also provide a quantitative description of LD morphological ontogeny, and fatty acid content. Novel cell disruption and LD isolation methods, combined with suspension-trapping and nanoflow liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry, yielded an unprecedented number of LD proteins. Predictive annotation of the LD proteome suggests a broad assemblage of proteins with diverse functions, including lipid metabolism and vesicle trafficking, as well as ribosomal and proteasomal machinery. These proteins provide mechanistic insights into LD processes, and evidence for interactions between LDs and other organelles. We identify for the first time several key steps in diatom LD-associated triacylglycerol biosynthesis. Bioinformatic analyses of the LD proteome suggests multiple protein targeting mechanisms, including amphipathic helices, post-translational modifications, and translocation machinery. This work corroborates recent findings from other strains of P. tricornutum, other diatoms, and other eukaryotic organisms, suggesting that the fundamental proteins orchestrating LDs are conserved, and represent an ancient component of the eukaryotic endomembrane system. We postulate a comprehensive model of nitrogen starvation-induced diatom LDs on a molecular scale, and provide a wealth of candidates for metabolic engineering, with the potential to eventually customize LD contents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Leyland
- The Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory, The French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology, Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boker Campus, Be'er Sheva, 84990, Israel
| | - Aliza Zarka
- The Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory, The French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology, Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boker Campus, Be'er Sheva, 84990, Israel
| | - Shoshana Didi-Cohen
- The Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory, The French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology, Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boker Campus, Be'er Sheva, 84990, Israel
| | - Sammy Boussiba
- The Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory, The French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology, Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boker Campus, Be'er Sheva, 84990, Israel
| | - Inna Khozin-Goldberg
- The Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory, The French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology, Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boker Campus, Be'er Sheva, 84990, Israel
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106
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Abstract
RAS proteins control a number of essential cellular processes as molecular switches in the human body. Presumably due to their important signalling role, RAS proteins are among the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancers. Hence, numerous efforts were done to develop appropriate therapies for RAS-mutant cancers in the last three decades. This review aimed to collect all of the reported small molecules that affect RAS signalling. These molecules can be divided in four main branches. First, we address approaches blocking RAS membrane association. Second, we focus on the stabilization efforts of non-productive RAS complexes. Third, we examine the approach to block RAS downstream signalling through disturbance of RAS-effector complex formation. Finally, we discuss direct inhibition; particularly the most recently reported covalent inhibitors, which are already advanced to human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Orgován
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, 2 Magyar tudósok körútja, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, 2 Magyar tudósok körútja, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary.
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107
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Scaffold association factor B (SAFB) is required for expression of prenyltransferases and RAS membrane association. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:31914-31922. [PMID: 33257571 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2005712117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibiting membrane association of RAS has long been considered a rational approach to anticancer therapy, which led to the development of farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs). However, FTIs proved ineffective against KRAS-driven tumors. To reveal alternative therapeutic strategies, we carried out a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen designed to identify genes required for KRAS4B membrane association. We identified five enzymes in the prenylation pathway and SAFB, a nuclear protein with both DNA and RNA binding domains. Silencing SAFB led to marked mislocalization of all RAS isoforms as well as RAP1A but not RAB7A, a pattern that phenocopied silencing FNTA, the prenyltransferase α subunit shared by farnesyltransferase and geranylgeranyltransferase type I. We found that SAFB promoted RAS membrane association by controlling FNTA expression. SAFB knockdown decreased GTP loading of RAS, abrogated alternative prenylation, and sensitized RAS-mutant cells to growth inhibition by FTI. Our work establishes the prenylation pathway as paramount in KRAS membrane association, reveals a regulator of prenyltransferase expression, and suggests that reduction in FNTA expression may enhance the efficacy of FTIs.
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108
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Liu Y, Wang D, Zhou M, Chen H, Wang H, Min J, Chen J, Wu S, Ni X, Zhang Y, Gong A, Xu M. The KRAS/Lin28B axis maintains stemness of pancreatic cancer cells via the let-7i/TET3 pathway. Mol Oncol 2020; 15:262-278. [PMID: 33107691 PMCID: PMC7782082 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence demonstrates that Lin28B plays critical roles in numerous biological processes including cell proliferation and stemness maintenance. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Lin28B nuclear translocation remain poorly understood. Here, we found for the first time that KRAS promoted Lin28B nuclear translocation through PKCβ, which directly bound to and phosphorylated Lin28B at S243. Firstly, we observed that Lin28B was upregulated in pancreatic cancer, contributing to cellular migration and proliferation. Furthermore, nuclear Lin28B upregulated TET3 messenger RNA and protein levels by blocking the production of mature let‐7i. Subsequently, increased TET3 expression could also promote the expression of Lin28B, thereby forming a Lin28B/let‐7i/TET3 feedback loop. Our results suggest that the KRAS/Lin28B axis drives the let‐7i/TET3 pathway to maintain the stemness of pancreatic cancer cells. These findings illuminate the distinct mechanism of Lin28B nuclear translocation and its important roles in KRAS‐driven pancreatic cancer, and have important implications for development of novel therapeutic strategies for this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Meng Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Huizhi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jingyu Min
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jiaxi Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shuhui Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiufan Ni
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Youli Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Aihua Gong
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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109
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Chen H, Smaill JB, Liu T, Ding K, Lu X. Small-Molecule Inhibitors Directly Targeting KRAS as Anticancer Therapeutics. J Med Chem 2020; 63:14404-14424. [PMID: 33225706 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
KRAS, the most frequently mutated oncogene, plays a predominant role in driving initiation and progression of cancers. Decades of effort to target KRAS using small molecules has been unsuccessful, causing KRAS to be considered an "undruggable" cancer target. However, this view began to change recently, as drug discovery techniques have developed several KRAS G12C allosteric inhibitors that are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Herein we provide an in-depth analysis of the structure and binding pockets of KRAS, medicinal chemistry optimization processes, and the biological characterization of small-molecule inhibitors that directly target KRAS, including covalent allosteric inhibitors specific for the G12C mutant, GTP-competitive inhibitors targeting the nucleotide-binding site, and protein-protein interaction inhibitors that bind in the switch I/II pocket or the A59 site. Additionally, we propose potential challenges faced by these new classes of KRAS inhibitors under clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jeff B Smaill
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Tongzheng Liu
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ke Ding
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaoyun Lu
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou 510632, China
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110
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Lu H, Martí J. Influence of Cholesterol on the Orientation of the Farnesylated GTP-Bound KRas-4B Binding with Anionic Model Membranes. MEMBRANES 2020; 10:E364. [PMID: 33266473 PMCID: PMC7700388 DOI: 10.3390/membranes10110364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The Ras family of proteins is tethered to the inner leaflet of the cell membranes which plays an essential role in signal transduction pathways that promote cellular proliferation, survival, growth, and differentiation. KRas-4B, the most mutated Ras isoform in different cancers, has been under extensive study for more than two decades. Here we have focused our interest on the influence of cholesterol on the orientations that KRas-4B adopts with respect to the plane of the anionic model membranes. How cholesterol in the bilayer might modulate preferences for specific orientation states is far from clear. Herein, after analyzing data from in total 4000 ns-long molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for four KRas-4B systems, properties such as the area per lipid and thickness of the membrane as well as selected radial distribution functions, penetration of different moieties of KRas-4B, and internal conformational fluctuations of flexible moieties in KRas-4B have been calculated. It has been shown that high cholesterol content in the plasma membrane (PM) favors one orientation state (OS1), exposing the effector-binding loop for signal transduction in the cell from the atomic level. We confirm that high cholesterol in the PM helps KRas-4B mutant stay in its constitutively active state, which suggests that high cholesterol intake can increase mortality and may promote cancer progression for cancer patients. We propose that during the treatment of KRas-4B-related cancers, reducing the cholesterol level in the PM and sustaining cancer progression by controlling the plasma cholesterol intake might be taken into account in anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jordi Martí
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Catalonia-Barcelona Tech, 08034 Barcelona, Spain;
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111
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Béganton B, Coyaud E, Laurent EMN, Mangé A, Jacquemetton J, Le Romancer M, Raught B, Solassol J. Proximal Protein Interaction Landscape of RAS Paralogs. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113326. [PMID: 33187149 PMCID: PMC7696408 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary RAS paralogs (HRAS, NRAS and KRAS) are of major interest in biology because they are involved in developmental disorders (e.g., Costello and Noonan syndromes) and in a broad variety of human neoplasia. Many research groups have devoted tremendous efforts to deepen our understanding of the RAS proteins functions and regulations, notably through identifying their functional protein partners. However, while most of these studies were focused on pathogenic RAS mutants, much less research has been dedicated to deciphering the normal activities of RAS paralogs. However, such characterization appears as a prerequisite to clearly identify pathogenic features. We delineated and compared the wild type RAS paralogs proximal interactomes. We detected more than 800 RAS high confident proximal interactors, either shared between paralogs or unique, and validated a subset of data through proximity ligation assays-based validation. Our results describe differential interactors enrichment between RAS paralogs and uncover novel ties between RAS signaling and cellular metabolism. We believe that our findings will support further studies aiming at better understanding how RAS paralogs could be differentially involved in discrete cellular processes and could serve as a basis to template oncogenic mechanism investigations. Abstract RAS proteins (KRAS, NRAS and HRAS) are frequently activated in different cancer types (e.g., non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma and bladder cancer). For many years, their activities were considered redundant due to their high degree of sequence homology (80% identity) and their shared upstream and downstream protein partners. However, the high conservation of the Hyper-Variable-Region across mammalian species, the preferential activation of different RAS proteins in specific tumor types and the specific post-translational modifications and plasma membrane-localization of each paralog suggest they could ensure discrete functions. To gain insights into RAS proteins specificities, we explored their proximal protein–protein interaction landscapes using the proximity-dependent biotin identification technology (BioID) in Flp-In T-REx 293 cell lines stably transfected and inducibly expressing wild type KRAS4B, NRAS or HRAS. We identified more than 800 high-confidence proximal interactors, allowing us to propose an unprecedented comparative analysis of wild type RAS paralogs protein networks. These data bring novel information on poorly characterized RAS functions, e.g., its putative involvement in metabolic pathways, and on shared as well as paralog-specific protein networks that could partially explain the complexity of RAS functions. These networks of protein interactions open numerous avenues to better understand RAS paralogs biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Béganton
- CHU Montpellier, Department of Pathology and Onco-Biology, Univ Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France;
- IRCM, INSERM, Univ Montpellier, ICM, 34298 Montpellier, France;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-467-33-58-71
| | - Etienne Coyaud
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (E.C.); (E.M.N.L.); (B.R.)
| | - Estelle M. N. Laurent
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (E.C.); (E.M.N.L.); (B.R.)
| | - Alain Mangé
- IRCM, INSERM, Univ Montpellier, ICM, 34298 Montpellier, France;
| | - Julien Jacquemetton
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Université Lyon 1, 69008 Lyon, France; (J.J.); (M.L.R.)
| | - Muriel Le Romancer
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Université Lyon 1, 69008 Lyon, France; (J.J.); (M.L.R.)
| | - Brian Raught
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (E.C.); (E.M.N.L.); (B.R.)
| | - Jérôme Solassol
- CHU Montpellier, Department of Pathology and Onco-Biology, Univ Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France;
- IRCM, INSERM, Univ Montpellier, ICM, 34298 Montpellier, France;
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112
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Klimpel A, Stillger K, Wiederstein JL, Krüger M, Neundorf I. Cell-permeable CaaX-peptides affect K-Ras downstream signaling and promote cell death in cancer cells. FEBS J 2020; 288:2911-2929. [PMID: 33112492 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cysteine prenylation is a post-translational modification that is used by nature to control crucial biological functions of proteins, such as membrane trafficking, signal transduction, and apoptosis. It mainly occurs in eukaryotic proteins at a C-terminal CaaX box and is mediated by prenyltransferases. Since the discovery of prenylated proteins, various tools have been developed to study the mechanisms of prenyltransferases, as well as to visualize and to identify prenylated proteins. Herein, we introduce cell-permeable peptides bearing a C-terminal CaaX motif based on Ras sequences. We demonstrate that intracellular accumulation of those peptides in different cells is controlled by the presence of their CaaX motif and that they specifically interact with intracellular prenyltransferases. As proof of concept, we further highlight their utilization to alter downstream signaling of Ras proteins, particularly of K-Ras-4B, in pancreatic cancer cells. Application of this strategy holds great promise to better understand and regulate post-translational cysteine prenylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Klimpel
- Institute for Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Janica L Wiederstein
- Institute for Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Institute for Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Ines Neundorf
- Institute for Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Germany
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113
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Bowden TJ, Kraev I, Lange S. Extracellular vesicles and post-translational protein deimination signatures in haemolymph of the American lobster (Homarus americanus). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 106:79-102. [PMID: 32731012 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The American lobster (Homarus americanus) is a commercially important crustacean with an unusual long life span up to 100 years and a comparative animal model of longevity. Therefore, research into its immune system and physiology is of considerable importance both for industry and comparative immunology studies. Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are a phylogenetically conserved enzyme family that catalyses post-translational protein deimination via the conversion of arginine to citrulline. This can lead to structural and functional protein changes, sometimes contributing to protein moonlighting, in health and disease. PADs also regulate the cellular release of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which is an important part of cellular communication, both in normal physiology and in immune responses. Hitherto, studies on EVs in Crustacea are limited and neither PADs nor associated protein deimination have been studied in a Crustacean species. The current study assessed EV and deimination signatures in haemolymph of the American lobster. Lobster EVs were found to be a poly-dispersed population in the 10-500 nm size range, with the majority of smaller EVs, which fell within 22-115 nm. In lobster haemolymph, 9 key immune and metabolic proteins were identified to be post-translationally deiminated, while further 41 deiminated protein hits were identified when searching against a Crustacean database. KEGG (Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) and GO (gene ontology) enrichment analysis of these deiminated proteins revealed KEGG and GO pathways relating to a number of immune, including anti-pathogenic (viral, bacterial, fungal) and host-pathogen interactions, as well as metabolic pathways, regulation of vesicle and exosome release, mitochondrial function, ATP generation, gene regulation, telomerase homeostasis and developmental processes. The characterisation of EVs, and post-translational deimination signatures, reported in lobster in the current study, and the first time in Crustacea, provides insights into protein moonlighting functions of both species-specific and phylogenetically conserved proteins and EV-mediated communication in this long-lived crustacean. The current study furthermore lays foundation for novel biomarker discovery for lobster aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Bowden
- Aquaculture Research Institute, School of Food & Agriculture, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA.
| | - Igor Kraev
- Electron Microscopy Suite, Faculty of Science,Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK.
| | - Sigrun Lange
- Tissue Architecture and Regeneration Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, W1W 6UW, UK.
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114
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Marshall CB, KleinJan F, Gebregiworgis T, Lee KY, Fang Z, Eves BJ, Liu NF, Gasmi-Seabrook GMC, Enomoto M, Ikura M. NMR in integrated biophysical drug discovery for RAS: past, present, and future. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2020; 74:531-554. [PMID: 32804298 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-020-00338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in RAS oncogenes occur in ~ 30% of human cancers, with KRAS being the most frequently altered isoform. RAS proteins comprise a conserved GTPase domain and a C-terminal lipid-modified tail that is unique to each isoform. The GTPase domain is a 'switch' that regulates multiple signaling cascades that drive cell growth and proliferation when activated by binding GTP, and the signal is terminated by GTP hydrolysis. Oncogenic RAS mutations disrupt the GTPase cycle, leading to accumulation of the activated GTP-bound state and promoting proliferation. RAS is a key target in oncology, however it lacks classic druggable pockets and has been extremely challenging to target. RAS signaling has thus been targeted indirectly, by harnessing key downstream effectors as well as upstream regulators, or disrupting the proper membrane localization required for signaling, by inhibiting either lipid modification or 'carrier' proteins. As a small (20 kDa) protein with multiple conformers in dynamic equilibrium, RAS is an excellent candidate for NMR-driven characterization and screening for direct inhibitors. Several molecules have been discovered that bind RAS and stabilize shallow pockets through conformational selection, and recent compounds have achieved substantial improvements in affinity. NMR-derived insight into targeting the RAS-membrane interface has revealed a new strategy to enhance the potency of small molecules, while another approach has been development of peptidyl inhibitors that bind through large interfaces rather than deep pockets. Remarkable progress has been made with mutation-specific covalent inhibitors that target the thiol of a G12C mutant, and these are now in clinical trials. Here we review the history of RAS inhibitor development and highlight the utility of NMR and integrated biophysical approaches in RAS drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B Marshall
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.
| | - Fenneke KleinJan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Teklab Gebregiworgis
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ki-Young Lee
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Zhenhao Fang
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ben J Eves
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ningdi F Liu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | | | - Masahiro Enomoto
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Mitsuhiko Ikura
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.
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115
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Zuberi M, Khan I, O’Bryan JP. Inhibition of RAS: proven and potential vulnerabilities. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:1831-1841. [PMID: 32869838 PMCID: PMC7875515 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RAS is a membrane localized small GTPase frequently mutated in human cancer. As such, RAS has been a focal target for developing cancer therapeutics since its discovery nearly four decades ago. However, efforts to directly target RAS have been challenging due to the apparent lack of readily discernable deep pockets for binding small molecule inhibitors leading many to consider RAS as undruggable. An important milestone in direct RAS inhibition was achieved recently with the groundbreaking discovery of covalent inhibitors that target the mutant Cys residue in KRAS(G12C). Surprisingly, these G12C-reactive compounds only target mutant RAS in the GDP-bound state thereby locking it in the inactive conformation and blocking its ability to couple with downstream effector pathways. Building on this success, several groups have developed similar compounds that selectively target KRAS(G12C), with AMG510 and MRTX849 the first to advance to clinical trials. Both have shown early promising results. Though the success with these compounds has reignited the possibility of direct pharmacological inhibition of RAS, these covalent inhibitors are limited to treating KRAS(G12C) tumors which account for <15% of all RAS mutants in human tumors. Thus, there remains an unmet need to identify more broadly efficacious RAS inhibitors. Here, we will discuss the current state of RAS(G12C) inhibitors and the potential for inhibiting additional RAS mutants through targeting RAS dimerization which has emerged as an important step in the allosteric regulation of RAS function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariyam Zuberi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States of America; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29401, United States of America
| | - Imran Khan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States of America; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29401, United States of America
| | - John P. O’Bryan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States of America; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29401, United States of America
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116
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Endo T. M-Ras is Muscle-Ras, Moderate-Ras, Mineral-Ras, Migration-Ras, and Many More-Ras. Exp Cell Res 2020; 397:112342. [PMID: 33130177 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Ras family of small GTPases comprises about 36 members in humans. M-Ras is related to classical Ras with regard to its regulators and effectors, but solely constitutes a subfamily among the Ras family members. Although classical Ras strongly binds Raf and highly activates the ERK pathway, M-Ras less strongly binds Raf and moderately but sustainedly activates the ERK pathway to induce neuronal differentiation. M-Ras also possesses specific effectors, including RapGEFs and the PP1 complex Shoc2-PP1c, which dephosphorylates Raf to activate the ERK pathway. M-Ras is highly expressed in the brain and plays essential roles in dendrite formation during neurogenesis, in contrast to the axon formation by R-Ras. M-Ras is also highly expressed in the bone and induces osteoblastic differentiation and transdifferentiation accompanied by calcification. Moreover, M-Ras elicits epithelial-mesenchymal transition-mediated collective and single cell migration through the PP1 complex-mediated ERK pathway activation. Activating missense mutations in the MRAS gene have been detected in Noonan syndrome, one of the RASopathies, and MRAS gene amplification occurs in several cancers. Furthermore, several SNPs in the MRAS gene are associated with coronary artery disease, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Therefore, M-Ras carries out a variety of cellular, physiological, and pathological functions. Further investigations may reveal more functions of M-Ras.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Endo
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoicho, Inageku, Chiba, Chiba 263-8522, Japan.
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117
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Li Y, Wang S, Chen Y, Li M, Dong X, Hang HC, Peng T. Site-specific chemical fatty-acylation for gain-of-function analysis of protein S-palmitoylation in live cells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:13880-13883. [PMID: 33094750 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc06073a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Protein S-palmitoylation, or S-fatty-acylation, regulates many fundamental cellular processes in eukaryotes. Herein, we present a chemical fatty-acylation approach that involves site-specific incorporation of cycloalkyne-containing unnatural amino acids and subsequent bioorthogonal reactions with fatty-acyl tetrazines to install fatty-acylation mimics at target protein sites, allowing gain-of-function analysis of S-palmitoylation in live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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118
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Mei L, Qiu X, Jiang C, Yang A. Host Delipidation Mediated by Bacterial Effectors. Trends Microbiol 2020; 29:238-250. [PMID: 33092951 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Protein lipidation, the covalent attachment of a lipid moiety to a target protein, plays a critical role in many cellular processes in eukaryotic cells. Bacterial pathogens secrete various effectors to subvert the host signaling pathway as a mechanism of microbial pathogenesis. An increasing number of effectors from diverse bacterial pathogens function as cysteine proteases to cause irreversible delipidation of host lipidated proteins. This in turn results in disruption of crucial lipidation-mediated host signal transduction, thereby enabling pathogen survival and replication. In this review, we discuss the role of the bacterial effectors in interactions with the host and highlight our knowledge of irreversible host delipidation, with a focus on the common concerted biochemical mechanisms of the bacterial effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligang Mei
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xiaofeng Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Chen Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Aimin Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China; Ultrafast Transient Materials Science Center, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
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119
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Yin G, Zhang J, Nair V, Truong V, Chaia A, Petela J, Harrison J, Gorfe AA, Campbell SL. KRAS Ubiquitination at Lysine 104 Retains Exchange Factor Regulation by Dynamically Modulating the Conformation of the Interface. iScience 2020; 23:101448. [PMID: 32882514 PMCID: PMC7479270 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RAS proteins function as highly regulated molecular switches that control cellular growth. In addition to regulatory proteins, RAS undergoes a number of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) that regulate its activity. Lysine 104, a hot spot for multiple PTMs, is a highly conserved residue that forms key interactions that stabilize the RAS helix-2(H2)/helix-3(H3) interface. Mutation at 104 attenuates interaction with guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), whereas ubiquitination at lysine 104 retains GEF regulation. To elucidate how ubiquitination modulates RAS function, we generated monoubiquitinated KRAS at 104 using chemical biology approaches and conducted biochemical, NMR, and computational analyses. We find that ubiquitination promotes a new dynamic interaction network and alters RAS conformational dynamics to retain GEF function. These findings reveal a mechanism by which ubiquitination can regulate protein function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowei Yin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Jerry Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Vinay Nair
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Vinh Truong
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
| | - Angelo Chaia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Johnny Petela
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Joseph Harrison
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
| | - Alemayehu A. Gorfe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sharon L. Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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120
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Wang X, Feng W, Peng C, Chen S, Ji H, Zhong H, Ge W, Zhang Y. Targeting RNA helicase DHX33 blocks Ras-driven lung tumorigenesis in vivo. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:3564-3575. [PMID: 32767810 PMCID: PMC7540983 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras has been found to be mutated in 30% of non‐small cell lung cancers, and its mutation has been regarded as a causal factor underlying tumorigenesis. However, no successful medicine has been developed so far to inhibit Ras for lung cancer treatment. We have previously identified DHX33 as a Ras downstream effector, promoting cell cycle progression and cell growth. In this study, with the K‐Ras (G12D);DHX33 (lox/lox) mouse model, we discovered that genetic ablation of DHX33 inhibited tumor development. We further found that ablation of DHX33 altered the expression of nearly 2000 genes which are critical in cancer development such as cell cycle, apoptosis, glycolysis, Wnt signaling, and cell migration. Our study for the first time demonstrates the pivotal role of the DHX33 in Ras‐driven lung cancer development in vivo and highlights that pharmacological targeting DHX33 can be a feasible option in treating Ras‐mutant lung cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingshun Wang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Weimin Feng
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Shiyun Chen
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hongbin Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai, China.,Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanbing Zhong
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Yandong Zhang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,KeYe Life Technologies Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
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121
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Vora HD, Johnson M, Brea RJ, Rudd AK, Devaraj NK. Inhibition of NRAS Signaling in Melanoma through Direct Depalmitoylation Using Amphiphilic Nucleophiles. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:2079-2086. [PMID: 32568509 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Activating mutations in the small GTPase NRAS are responsible for driving tumor growth in several cancers. Unfortunately, the development of NRAS inhibitors has proven difficult due to the lack of hydrophobic binding pockets on the protein's surface. To overcome this limitation, we chose to target the post-translational S-palmitoyl modification of NRAS, which is required for its signaling activity. Utilizing an amphiphile-mediated depalmitoylation (AMD) strategy, we demonstrate the ability to directly cleave S-palmitoyl groups from NRAS and inhibit its function. C8 alkyl cysteine causes a dose-dependent decrease in NRAS palmitoylation and inhibits downstream signaling in melanoma cells with an activating mutation in NRAS. This compound reduces cell growth in NRAS-driven versus non-NRAS-driven melanoma lines and inhibits tumor progression in an NRAS-mutated melanoma xenograft mouse model. Our work demonstrates that AMD can effectively suppress NRAS activity and could represent a promising new avenue for discovering lead compounds for treatment of NRAS-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hetika D. Vora
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Natural Sciences Building 3328, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Mai Johnson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Natural Sciences Building 3328, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Roberto J. Brea
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Natural Sciences Building 3328, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Andrew K. Rudd
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Natural Sciences Building 3328, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Neal K. Devaraj
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Natural Sciences Building 3328, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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122
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Gasper R, Wittinghofer F. The Ras switch in structural and historical perspective. Biol Chem 2020; 401:143-163. [PMID: 31600136 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2019-0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Since its discovery as an oncogene more than 40 years ago, Ras has been and still is in the focus of many academic and pharmaceutical labs around the world. A huge amount of work has accumulated on its biology. However, many questions about the role of the different Ras isoforms in health and disease still exist and a full understanding will require more intensive work in the future. Here we try to survey some of the structural findings in a historical perspective and how it has influenced our understanding of structure-function and mechanistic relationships of Ras and its interactions. The structures show that Ras is a stable molecular machine that uses the dynamics of its switch regions for the interaction with all regulators and effectors. This conformational flexibility has been used to create small molecule drug candidates against this important oncoprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Gasper
- Max-Planck-Institut für molekulare Physiologie, Otto-Hahn-Str. 11, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Fred Wittinghofer
- Max-Planck-Institut für molekulare Physiologie, Otto-Hahn-Str. 11, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
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123
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Plain F, Howie J, Kennedy J, Brown E, Shattock MJ, Fraser NJ, Fuller W. Control of protein palmitoylation by regulating substrate recruitment to a zDHHC-protein acyltransferase. Commun Biol 2020; 3:411. [PMID: 32737405 PMCID: PMC7395175 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01145-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although palmitoylation regulates numerous cellular processes, as yet efforts to manipulate this post-translational modification for therapeutic gain have proved unsuccessful. The Na-pump accessory sub-unit phospholemman (PLM) is palmitoylated by zDHHC5. Here, we show that PLM palmitoylation is facilitated by recruitment of the Na-pump α sub-unit to a specific site on zDHHC5 that contains a juxtamembrane amphipathic helix. Site-specific palmitoylation and GlcNAcylation of this helix increased binding between the Na-pump and zDHHC5, promoting PLM palmitoylation. In contrast, disruption of the zDHHC5-Na-pump interaction with a cell penetrating peptide reduced PLM palmitoylation. Our results suggest that by manipulating the recruitment of specific substrates to particular zDHHC-palmitoyl acyl transferases, the palmitoylation status of individual proteins can be selectively altered, thus opening the door to the development of molecular modulators of protein palmitoylation for the treatment of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Plain
- School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Jacqueline Howie
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jennifer Kennedy
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Elaine Brown
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michael J Shattock
- Cardiovascular Division, The Rayne Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - William Fuller
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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124
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Röth S, Macartney TJ, Konopacka A, Chan KH, Zhou H, Queisser MA, Sapkota GP. Targeting Endogenous K-RAS for Degradation through the Affinity-Directed Protein Missile System. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 27:1151-1163.e6. [PMID: 32668202 PMCID: PMC7505679 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
K-RAS is known as the most frequently mutated oncogene. However, the development of conventional K-RAS inhibitors has been extremely challenging, with a mutation-specific inhibitor reaching clinical trials only recently. Targeted proteolysis has emerged as a new modality in drug discovery to tackle undruggable targets. Our laboratory has developed a system for targeted proteolysis using peptidic high-affinity binders, called “AdPROM.” Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to knock in a GFP tag on the native K-RAS gene in A549 adenocarcinoma (A549GFPKRAS) cells and constructed AdPROMs containing high-affinity GFP or H/K-RAS binders. Expression of GFP-targeting AdPROM in A549GFPKRAS led to robust proteasomal degradation of endogenous GFP-K-RAS, while expression of anti-HRAS-targeting AdPROM in different cell lines resulted in the degradation of both GFP-tagged and untagged K-RAS, and untagged H-RAS. Our findings imply that endogenous RAS proteins can be targeted for proteolysis, supporting the idea of an alternative therapeutic approach to these undruggable targets. Generation of A549 cells with a homozygous knockin of GFP tag on the KRAS gene Proteasomal degradation of endogenous GFP-K-RAS using a VHL-GFP-nanobody fusion Proteasomal degradation of endogenous H/K-RAS using VHL-H/K-RAS-monobody fusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Röth
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Thomas J Macartney
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Agnieszka Konopacka
- GlaxoSmithKline, Protein Degradation Group, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, UK
| | - Kwok-Ho Chan
- GlaxoSmithKline, Protein Degradation Group, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, UK
| | - Houjiang Zhou
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Markus A Queisser
- GlaxoSmithKline, Protein Degradation Group, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, UK
| | - Gopal P Sapkota
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
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125
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Abstract
RAS was identified as a human oncogene in the early 1980s and subsequently found to be mutated in nearly 30% of all human cancers. More importantly, RAS plays a central role in driving tumor development and maintenance. Despite decades of effort, there remain no FDA approved drugs that directly inhibit RAS. The prevalence of RAS mutations in cancer and the lack of effective anti-RAS therapies stem from RAS' core role in growth factor signaling, unique structural features, and biochemistry. However, recent advances have brought promising new drugs to clinical trials and shone a ray of hope in the field. Here, we will exposit the details of RAS biology that illustrate its key role in cell signaling and shed light on the difficulties in therapeutically targeting RAS. Furthermore, past and current efforts to develop RAS inhibitors will be discussed in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Matthew Rhett
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Imran Khan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - John P O'Bryan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States.
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126
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Chung CR, Chang YP, Hsu YL, Chen S, Wu LC, Horng JT, Lee TY. Incorporating hybrid models into lysine malonylation sites prediction on mammalian and plant proteins. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10541. [PMID: 32601280 PMCID: PMC7324624 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67384-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein malonylation, a reversible post-translational modification of lysine residues, is associated with various biological functions, such as cellular regulation and pathogenesis. In proteomics, to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of malonylation at the molecular level,
the identification of malonylation sites via an efficient methodology is essential. However, experimental identification of malonylated substrates via mass spectrometry is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive. Although numerous methods have been developed to predict malonylation sites in mammalian proteins, the computational resource for identifying plant malonylation sites is very limited. In this study, a hybrid model incorporating multiple convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with physicochemical properties, evolutionary information,
and sequenced-based features was developed for identifying protein malonylation sites in mammals. For plant malonylation, multiple CNNs and random forests were integrated into a secondary modeling phase using a support vector machine. The independent testing has demonstrated that the mammalian and plant malonylation models can yield the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) at 0.943 and 0.772, respectively. The proposed scheme has been implemented as a web-based tool, Kmalo (https://fdblab.csie.ncu.edu.tw/kmalo/home.html), which can help facilitate the functional investigation of protein malonylation on mammals and plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ru Chung
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, 32001, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ping Chang
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, 32001, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lin Hsu
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, 32001, Taiwan
| | - Siyu Chen
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Li-Ching Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, 32001, Taiwan
| | - Jorng-Tzong Horng
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, 32001, Taiwan. .,Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, 41359, Taiwan.
| | - Tzong-Yi Lee
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China. .,Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China.
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127
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Abstract
A complex molecular machinery converges on the surface of lysosomes to ensure that the growth-promoting signaling mediated by mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is tightly controlled by the availability of nutrients and growth factors. The final step in this activation process is dependent on Rheb, a small GTPase that binds to mTOR and allosterically activates its kinase activity. Here we review the mechanisms that determine the subcellular localization of Rheb (and the closely related RhebL1 protein) as well as the significance of these mechanisms for controlling mTORC1 activation. In particular, we explore how the relatively weak membrane interactions conferred by C-terminal farnesylation are critical for the ability of Rheb to activate mTORC1. In addition to supporting transient membrane interactions, Rheb C-terminal farnesylation also supports an interaction between Rheb and the δ subunit of phosphodiesterase 6 (PDEδ). This interaction provides a potential mechanism for targeting Rheb to membranes that contain Arl2, a small GTPase that triggers the release of prenylated proteins from PDEδ. The minimal membrane targeting conferred by C-terminal farnesylation of Rheb and RhebL1 distinguishes them from other members of the Ras superfamily that possess additional membrane interaction motifs that work with farnesylation for enrichment on the specific subcellular membranes where they engage key effectors. Finally, we highlight diversity in Rheb membrane targeting mechanisms as well as the potential for alternative mTORC1 activation mechanisms across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Angarola
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, and Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Shawn M Ferguson
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, and Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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128
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Analysis of RAS protein interactions in living cells reveals a mechanism for pan-RAS depletion by membrane-targeted RAS binders. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:12121-12130. [PMID: 32424096 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2000848117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HRAS, NRAS, and KRAS4A/KRAS4B comprise the RAS family of small GTPases that regulate signaling pathways controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. RAS pathway abnormalities cause developmental disorders and cancers. We found that KRAS4B colocalizes on the cell membrane with other RAS isoforms and a subset of prenylated small GTPase family members using a live-cell quantitative split luciferase complementation assay. RAS protein coclustering is mainly mediated by membrane association-facilitated interactions (MAFIs). Using the RAS-RBD (CRAF RAS binding domain) interaction as a model system, we showed that MAFI alone is not sufficient to induce RBD-mediated RAS inhibition. Surprisingly, we discovered that high-affinity membrane-targeted RAS binding proteins inhibit RAS activity and deplete RAS proteins through an autophagosome-lysosome-mediated degradation pathway. Our results provide a mechanism for regulating RAS activity and protein levels, a more detailed understanding of which should lead to therapeutic strategies for inhibiting and depleting oncogenic RAS proteins.
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129
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Isoprenylcysteine Carboxyl Methyltransferase and Its Substrate Ras Are Critical Players Regulating TLR-Mediated Inflammatory Responses. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051216. [PMID: 32422978 PMCID: PMC7291029 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the functional role of isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase (ICMT) and its methylatable substrate Ras in Toll-like receptor (TLR)-activated macrophages and in mouse inflammatory disease conditions. ICMT and RAS expressions were strongly increased in macrophages under the activation conditions of TLRs by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, a TLR4 ligand), pam3CSK (TLR2), or poly(I:C) (TLR3) and in the colons, stomachs, and livers of mice with colitis, gastritis, and hepatitis. The inhibition and activation of ICMT and Ras through genetic and pharmacological approaches significantly affected the activation of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK)s, tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6), transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and MAPK kinases (MAPKKs); translocation of the AP-1 family; and the expressions of inflammation-related genes that depend on both MyD88 and TRIF. Interestingly, the Ras/ICMT-mediated inflammatory reaction critically depends on the TIR domains of myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) and TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF). Taken together, these results suggest that ICMT and its methylated Ras play important roles in the regulation of inflammatory responses through cooperation with the TIR domain of adaptor molecules.
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130
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Kopra K, Vuorinen E, Abreu-Blanco M, Wang Q, Eskonen V, Gillette W, Pulliainen AT, Holderfield M, Härmä H. Homogeneous Dual-Parametric-Coupled Assay for Simultaneous Nucleotide Exchange and KRAS/RAF-RBD Interaction Monitoring. Anal Chem 2020; 92:4971-4979. [PMID: 32106676 PMCID: PMC7143314 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b05126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a rapid and sensitive single-well dual-parametric method introduced in linked RAS nucleotide exchange and RAS/RAF-RBD interaction assays. RAS mutations are frequent drivers of multiple different human cancers, but the development of therapeutic strategies has been challenging. Traditionally, efforts to disrupt the RAS function have focused on nucleotide exchange inhibitors, GTP-RAS interaction inhibitors, and activators increasing GTPase activity of mutant RAS proteins. As the amount of biological knowledge grows, targeted biochemical assays enabling high-throughput screening have become increasingly interesting. We have previously introduced a homogeneous quenching resonance energy transfer (QRET) assay for nucleotide binding studies with RAS and heterotrimeric G proteins. Here, we introduce a novel homogeneous signaling technique called QTR-FRET, which combine QRET technology and time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET). The dual-parametric QTR-FRET technique enables the linking of guanine nucleotide exchange factor-induced Eu3+-GTP association to RAS, monitored at 615 nm, and subsequent Eu3+-GTP-loaded RAS interaction with RAF-RBD-Alexa680 monitored at 730 nm. Both reactions were monitored in a single-well assay applicable for inhibitor screening and real-time reaction monitoring. This homogeneous assay enables separable detection of both nucleotide exchange and RAS/RAF interaction inhibitors using low nanomolar protein concentrations. To demonstrate a wider applicability as a screening and real-time reaction monitoring method, the QTR-FRET technique was also applied for G(i)α GTP-loading and pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of G(i)α, for which we synthesized a novel γ-GTP-Eu3+ molecule. The study indicates that the QTR-FRET detection technique presented here can be readily applied to dual-parametric assays for various targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Kopra
- Materials
Chemistry and Chemical Analysis, University
of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Emmiliisa Vuorinen
- Materials
Chemistry and Chemical Analysis, University
of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Maria Abreu-Blanco
- Leidos
Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National
Laboratory for Cancer Research, 8560 Progress Dr., Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute
of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Ville Eskonen
- Materials
Chemistry and Chemical Analysis, University
of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - William Gillette
- Leidos
Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National
Laboratory for Cancer Research, 8560 Progress Dr., Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Arto T. Pulliainen
- Institute
of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Matthew Holderfield
- Leidos
Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National
Laboratory for Cancer Research, 8560 Progress Dr., Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Harri Härmä
- Materials
Chemistry and Chemical Analysis, University
of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20500 Turku, Finland
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131
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Qian L, Chen K, Wang C, Chen Z, Meng Z, Wang P. Targeting NRAS-Mutant Cancers with the Selective STK19 Kinase Inhibitor Chelidonine. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:3408-3419. [PMID: 32156748 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-2604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Oncogenic mutations in NRAS promote tumorigenesis. Although novel anti-NRAS inhibitors are urgently needed for the treatment of cancer, the protein is generally considered "undruggable" and no effective therapies have yet reached the clinic. STK19 kinase was recently reported to be a novel activator of NRAS and a potential therapeutic target for NRAS-mutant melanomas. Here, we describe a new pharmacologic inhibitor of STK19 kinase for the treatment of NRAS-mutant cancers. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The STK19 kinase inhibitor was identified from a natural compound library using a luminescent phosphorylation assay as the primary screen followed by verification with an in vitro kinase assay and immunoblotting of treated cell extracts. The antitumor potency of chelidonine was investigated in vitro and in vivo using a panel of NRAS-mutant and NRAS wild-type cancer cells. RESULTS Chelidonine was identified as a potent and selective inhibitor of STK19 kinase activity. In vitro, chelidonine treatment inhibited NRAS signaling, leading to reduced cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in a panel of NRAS-mutant cancer cell lines, including melanoma, liver, lung, and gastric cancer. In vivo, chelidonine suppressed the growth of NRAS-driven tumor cells in nude mice while exhibiting minimal toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Chelidonine suppresses NRAS-mutant cancer cell growth and could have utility as a new treatment for such malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Qian
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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132
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Myers DR, Wheeler B, Roose JP. mTOR and other effector kinase signals that impact T cell function and activity. Immunol Rev 2020; 291:134-153. [PMID: 31402496 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
T cells play important roles in autoimmune diseases and cancer. Following the cloning of the T cell receptor (TCR), the race was on to map signaling proteins that contributed to T cell activation downstream of the TCR as well as co-stimulatory molecules such as CD28. We term this "canonical TCR signaling" here. More recently, it has been appreciated that T cells need to accommodate increased metabolic needs that stem from T cell activation in order to function properly. A central role herein has emerged for mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). In this review we briefly cover canonical TCR signaling to set the stage for discussion on mTOR signaling, mRNA translation, and metabolic adaptation in T cells. We also discuss the role of mTOR in follicular helper T cells, regulatory T cells, and other T cell subsets. Our lab recently uncovered that "tonic signals", which pass through proximal TCR signaling components, are robustly and selectively transduced to mTOR to promote baseline translation of various mRNA targets. We discuss insights on (tonic) mTOR signaling in the context of T cell function in autoimmune diseases such as lupus as well as in cancer immunotherapy through CAR-T cell or checkpoint blockade approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darienne R Myers
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Wheeler
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeroen P Roose
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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133
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Exon-4 Mutations in KRAS Affect MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT Signaling in Human Multiple Myeloma Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020455. [PMID: 32079091 PMCID: PMC7072554 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 20% of multiple myeloma (MM) cases harbor a point mutation in KRAS. However, there is still no final consent on whether KRAS-mutations are associated with disease outcome. Specifically, no data exist on whether KRAS-mutations have an impact on survival of MM patients at diagnosis in the era of novel agents. Direct blockade of KRAS for therapeutic purposes is mostly impossible, but recently a mutation-specific covalent inhibitor targeting KRASp.G12C entered into clinical trials. However, other KRAS hotspot-mutations exist in MM patients, including the less common exon-4 mutations. For the current study, the coding regions of KRAS were deep-sequenced in 80 newly diagnosed MM patients, uniformely treated with three cycles of bortezomib plus dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide (VCD)-induction, followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. Moreover, the functional impact of KRASp.G12A and the exon-4 mutations p.A146T and p.A146V on different survival pathways was investigated. Specifically, KRASWT, KRASp.G12A, KRASp.A146T, and KRASp.A146V were overexpressed in HEK293 cells and the KRASWT MM cell lines JJN3 and OPM2 using lentiviral transduction and the Sleeping Beauty vector system. Even though KRAS-mutations were not correlated with survival, all KRAS-mutants were found capable of potentially activating MEK/ERK- and sustaining PI3K/AKT-signaling in MM cells.
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134
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Khan I, Rhett JM, O'Bryan JP. Therapeutic targeting of RAS: New hope for drugging the "undruggable". BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118570. [PMID: 31678118 PMCID: PMC6937383 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.118570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in cancer and a critical driver of oncogenesis. Therapeutic targeting of RAS has been a goal of cancer research for more than 30 years due to its essential role in tumor formation and maintenance. Yet the quest to inhibit this challenging foe has been elusive. Although once considered "undruggable", the struggle to directly inhibit RAS has seen recent success with the development of pharmacological agents that specifically target the KRAS(G12C) mutant protein, which include the first direct RAS inhibitor to gain entry to clinical trials. However, the limited applicability of these inhibitors to G12C-mutant tumors demands further efforts to identify more broadly efficacious RAS inhibitors. Understanding allosteric influences on RAS may open new avenues to inhibit RAS. Here, we provide a brief overview of RAS biology and biochemistry, discuss the allosteric regulation of RAS, and summarize the various approaches to develop RAS inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Khan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States of America; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29401, United States of America
| | - J Matthew Rhett
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States of America; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29401, United States of America
| | - John P O'Bryan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States of America; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29401, United States of America.
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135
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PtdIns4P-mediated electrostatic forces influence S-acylation of peripheral proteins at the Golgi complex. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:221643. [PMID: 31854448 PMCID: PMC6944663 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20192911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein S-acylation is a reversible post-translational modification involving the addition of fatty acids to cysteines and is catalyzed by transmembrane protein acyltransferases (PATs) mainly expressed at the Golgi complex. In case of soluble proteins, S-acylation confers stable membrane attachment. Myristoylation or farnesylation of many soluble proteins constitutes the initial transient membrane adsorption step prior to S-acylation. However, some S-acylated soluble proteins, such as the neuronal growth-associated protein Growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43), lack the hydrophobic modifications required for this initial membrane interaction. The signals for GAP-43 S-acylation are confined to the first 13 amino acids, including the S-acylatable cysteines 3 and 4 embedded in a hydrophobic region, followed by a cluster of basic amino acids. We found that mutation of critical basic amino acids drastically reduced membrane interaction and hence S-acylation of GAP-43. Interestingly, acute depletion of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns4P) at the Golgi complex reduced GAP-43 membrane binding, highlighting a new, pivotal role for this anionic lipid and supporting the idea that basic amino acid residues are involved in the electrostatic interactions between GAP-43 and membranes of the Golgi complex where they are S-acylated.
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136
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Goswami D, Chen D, Yang Y, Gudla PR, Columbus J, Worthy K, Rigby M, Wheeler M, Mukhopadhyay S, Powell K, Burgan W, Wall V, Esposito D, Simanshu DK, Lightstone FC, Nissley DV, McCormick F, Turbyville T. Membrane interactions of the globular domain and the hypervariable region of KRAS4b define its unique diffusion behavior. eLife 2020; 9:47654. [PMID: 31958057 PMCID: PMC7060043 DOI: 10.7554/elife.47654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The RAS proteins are GTP-dependent switches that regulate signaling pathways and are frequently mutated in cancer. RAS proteins concentrate in the plasma membrane via lipid-tethers and hypervariable region side-chain interactions in distinct nano-domains. However, little is known about RAS membrane dynamics and the details of RAS activation of downstream signaling. Here, we characterize RAS in live human and mouse cells using single-molecule-tracking methods and estimate RAS mobility parameters. KRAS4b exhibits confined mobility with three diffusive states distinct from the other RAS isoforms (KRAS4a, NRAS, and HRAS); and although most of the amino acid differences between RAS isoforms lie within the hypervariable region, the additional confinement of KRAS4b is largely determined by the protein’s globular domain. To understand the altered mobility of an oncogenic KRAS4b, we used complementary experimental and molecular dynamics simulation approaches to reveal a detailed mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Goswami
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, United States
| | - De Chen
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, United States
| | - Yue Yang
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, United States
| | - Prabhakar R Gudla
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, United States
| | - John Columbus
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, United States
| | - Karen Worthy
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, United States
| | - Megan Rigby
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, United States
| | - Madeline Wheeler
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, United States
| | - Suman Mukhopadhyay
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, United States
| | - Katie Powell
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, United States
| | - William Burgan
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, United States
| | - Vanessa Wall
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, United States
| | - Dominic Esposito
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, United States
| | - Dhirendra K Simanshu
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, United States
| | - Felice C Lightstone
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, United States
| | - Dwight V Nissley
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, United States
| | - Frank McCormick
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Thomas Turbyville
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, United States
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137
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Degirmenci U, Wang M, Hu J. Targeting Aberrant RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK Signaling for Cancer Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:E198. [PMID: 31941155 PMCID: PMC7017232 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 296] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) signaling cascade is essential for cell inter- and intra-cellular communication, which regulates fundamental cell functions such as growth, survival, and differentiation. The MAPK pathway also integrates signals from complex intracellular networks in performing cellular functions. Despite the initial discovery of the core elements of the MAPK pathways nearly four decades ago, additional findings continue to make a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of this pathway challenging. Considerable effort has been focused on the regulation of RAF, especially after the discovery of drug resistance and paradoxical activation upon inhibitor binding to the kinase. RAF activity is regulated by phosphorylation and conformation-dependent regulation, including auto-inhibition and dimerization. In this review, we summarize the recent major findings in the study of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling cascade, particularly with respect to the impact on clinical cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ufuk Degirmenci
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Mei Wang
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Jiancheng Hu
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore 169610, Singapore
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
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138
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Macropinocytosis drives T cell growth by sustaining the activation of mTORC1. Nat Commun 2020; 11:180. [PMID: 31924779 PMCID: PMC6954116 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13997-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Macropinocytosis is an evolutionarily-conserved, large-scale, fluid-phase form of endocytosis that has been ascribed different functions including antigen presentation in macrophages and dendritic cells, regulation of receptor density in neurons, and regulation of tumor growth under nutrient-limiting conditions. However, whether macropinocytosis regulates the expansion of non-transformed mammalian cells is unknown. Here we show that primary mouse and human T cells engage in macropinocytosis that increases in magnitude upon T cell activation to support T cell growth even under amino acid (AA) replete conditions. Mechanistically, macropinocytosis in T cells provides access of extracellular AA to an endolysosomal compartment to sustain activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) that promotes T cell growth. Our results thus implicate a function of macropinocytosis in mammalian cell growth beyond Ras-transformed tumor cells via sustained mTORC1 activation. Macropinocytosis has been implicated in the expansion of transformed cells when nutrient-depleted. Here the authors show that macropinocytosis also contributes to the expansion of primary T cells even under nutrient-replete conditions, potentially by providing access of extracellular amino acids to an endolysosomal compartment to sustain mTORC1 activation.
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139
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Qi Y, Qi W, Liu S, Sun L, Ding A, Yu G, Li H, Wang Y, Qiu W, Lv J. TSPAN9 suppresses the chemosensitivity of gastric cancer to 5-fluorouracil by promoting autophagy. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:4. [PMID: 31911756 PMCID: PMC6942356 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-019-1089-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The issue of drug resistance in gastric cancer has attracted global attention. TSPAN9, a 4-transmembrane protein that plays an important role in tumor progression and signal transduction, has been found to be closely related to tumor invasion, metastasis, and autophagy. Methods Immunoblotting was used to evaluate TSPAN9 expression in parental and drug-resistant gastric cancer cells. Functional assays, such as the CCK-8 assay, were used to detect the proliferation of gastric cancer cells and the response of TSPAN9 to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Western blotting was used to analyze the expression of constituents of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy pathway induced by TSPAN9. Coimmunoprecipitation was performed to assess the specific mechanism by which TSPAN9 affects the PI3K pathway. Results We demonstrated that TSPAN9 is overexpressed in 5-FU-resistant cells compared to parental cells. 5-FU-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation can be significantly restored by increasing TSPAN9 expression, and inhibiting this expression in drug-resistant cells can restore the sensitivity of the cells to 5-FU. In addition, TSPAN9 also significantly promoted autophagy in gastric cancer cells in vitro. Further studies indicated that TSPAN9 downregulates the expression of PI3K and proteins associated with PI3K-mediated autophagy. In addition, TSPAN9 interacts with PI3K and inhibits its catalytic activity. Conclusion The current study reveals the important role of TSPAN9 in drug resistance to 5-FU in gastric cancer. It also provides a new target to clinically address drug-resistant gastric cancer and will contribute to the treatment strategy of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyue Qi
- 1Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong China
| | - Weiwei Qi
- 2Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong China.,3Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular and Translational Research, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong China
| | - Shihai Liu
- 4Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong China
| | - Libin Sun
- 2Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong China.,3Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular and Translational Research, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong China
| | - Aiping Ding
- 2Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong China.,3Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular and Translational Research, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong China
| | - Guohong Yu
- 2Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong China.,3Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular and Translational Research, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong China
| | - Hui Li
- 1Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- 1Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong China
| | - Wensheng Qiu
- 2Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong China.,3Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular and Translational Research, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong China
| | - Jing Lv
- 2Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong China.,3Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular and Translational Research, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong China
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140
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Gao J, Shao K, Chen X, Li Z, Liu Z, Yu Z, Aung LHH, Wang Y, Li P. The involvement of post-translational modifications in cardiovascular pathologies: Focus on SUMOylation, neddylation, succinylation, and prenylation. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2020; 138:49-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2019.11.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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141
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Wilson KA, Wang L, MacDermott-Opeskin H, O'Mara ML. The Fats of Life: Using Computational Chemistry to Characterise the Eukaryotic Cell Membrane. Aust J Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/ch19353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Our current knowledge of the structural dynamics and complexity of lipid bilayers is still developing. Computational techniques, especially molecular dynamics simulations, have increased our understanding significantly as they allow us to model functions that cannot currently be experimentally resolved. Here we review available computational tools and techniques, the role of the major lipid species, insights gained into lipid bilayer structure and function from molecular dynamics simulations, and recent progress towards the computational modelling of the physiological complexity of eukaryotic lipid bilayers.
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142
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Pan S, Brentnall TA, Chen R. Proteome alterations in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Lett 2020; 469:429-436. [PMID: 31734355 PMCID: PMC9017243 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Proteins are the essential functional biomolecules profoundly implicated in all aspects of pancreatic tumorigenesis and its progression. While common genomic factors, such as KRAS, TP53, SMAD4, and CDKN2A have been well recognized in association of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), our understanding of functional changes at the proteome level merits further investigation. Malignance associated proteome alterations can be attributed to the convoluted outcomes from genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors in initiating and progressing PDAC, and may reflect on changes in protein expressional level, structure, localization, as well as post-translational modifications (PTMs) status. The study of localized or systemic proteome alterations in PDAC, as well as its precursor lesions, such as pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and mucinous pancreatic cystic neoplasm, would provide unique perspectives in elucidating functional molecular events underlying PDAC. While efforts have been made, challenges still exist to comprehensively integrate much of the proteomic discovery to the perspectives gained from genomic studies in the context of biomarker discovery. Novel approaches and data from well-defined longitudinal clinical studies and experimental models are needed to facilitate the study of PDAC and precursor lesions for early detection and intervention.
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143
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Pantsar T. The current understanding of KRAS protein structure and dynamics. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2019; 18:189-198. [PMID: 31988705 PMCID: PMC6965201 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most common drivers in human cancer is the mutant KRAS protein. Not so long ago KRAS was considered as an undruggable oncoprotein. After a long struggle, however, we finally see some light at the end of the tunnel as promising KRAS targeted therapies are in or approaching clinical trials. In recent years, together with the promising progress in RAS drug discovery, our understanding of KRAS has increased tremendously. This progress has been accompanied with a resurgence of publicly available KRAS structures, which were limited to nine structures less than ten years ago. Furthermore, the ever-increasing computational capacity has made biologically relevant timescales accessible, enabling molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the dynamics of KRAS protein in more detail at the atomistic level. In this minireview, my aim is to provide the reader an overview of the publicly available KRAS structural data, insights to conformational dynamics revealed by experiments and what we have learned from MD simulations. Also, I will discuss limitations of the current data and provide suggestions for future research related to KRAS, which would fill out the existing gaps in our knowledge and provide guidance in deciphering this enigmatic oncoprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatu Pantsar
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
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144
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Therapeutic targeting of protein S-acylation for the treatment of disease. Biochem Soc Trans 2019; 48:281-290. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20190707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The post-translational modification protein S-acylation (commonly known as palmitoylation) plays a critical role in regulating a wide range of biological processes including cell growth, cardiac contractility, synaptic plasticity, endocytosis, vesicle trafficking, membrane transport and biased-receptor signalling. As a consequence, zDHHC-protein acyl transferases (zDHHC-PATs), enzymes that catalyse the addition of fatty acid groups to specific cysteine residues on target proteins, and acyl proteins thioesterases, proteins that hydrolyse thioester linkages, are important pharmaceutical targets. At present, no therapeutic drugs have been developed that act by changing the palmitoylation status of specific target proteins. Here, we consider the role that palmitoylation plays in the development of diseases such as cancer and detail possible strategies for selectively manipulating the palmitoylation status of specific target proteins, a necessary first step towards developing clinically useful molecules for the treatment of disease.
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145
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Ghufran M, Rehman AU, Shah M, Ayaz M, Ng HL, Wadood A. In-silico design of peptide inhibitors of K-Ras target in cancer disease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2019; 38:5488-5499. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1704880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mehreen Ghufran
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Ashfaq Ur Rehman
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Experimental Teaching Center for Life Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Masaud Shah
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, South Korea
| | - Muhammad Ayaz
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Pakistan
| | - Ho Leung Ng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Abdul Wadood
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
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146
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Rodríguez-Fdez S, Citterio C, Lorenzo-Martín LF, Baltanás-Copado J, Llorente-González C, Corbalán-García S, Vicente-Manzanares M, Bustelo XR. Phosphatidylinositol Monophosphates Regulate Optimal Vav1 Signaling Output. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121649. [PMID: 31888228 PMCID: PMC6952945 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol–5 phosphate (PI5P) and other mono-phosphoinositides (mono-PIs) play second messenger roles in both physiological and pathological conditions. Despite this, their intracellular targets and mechanisms of action remain poorly characterized. Here, we show that Vav1, a protein that exhibits both Rac1 GDP/GTP exchange and adaptor activities, is positively modulated by PI5P and, possibly, other mono-PIs. Unlike other phospholipid–protein complexes, the affinity and specificity of the Vav1–lipid interaction entail a new structural solution that involves the synergistic action of the Vav1 C1 domain and an adjacent polybasic tail. This new regulatory layer, which is not conserved in the Vav family paralogs, favors the engagement of optimal Vav1 signaling outputs in lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Rodríguez-Fdez
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC–University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (S.R.-F.); (C.C.); (L.F.L.-M.); (C.L.-G.); (M.V.-M.)
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC–University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC–University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Carmen Citterio
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC–University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (S.R.-F.); (C.C.); (L.F.L.-M.); (C.L.-G.); (M.V.-M.)
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC–University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - L. Francisco Lorenzo-Martín
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC–University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (S.R.-F.); (C.C.); (L.F.L.-M.); (C.L.-G.); (M.V.-M.)
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC–University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC–University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jesús Baltanás-Copado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (J.B.-C.); (S.C.-G.)
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Clara Llorente-González
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC–University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (S.R.-F.); (C.C.); (L.F.L.-M.); (C.L.-G.); (M.V.-M.)
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC–University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Senena Corbalán-García
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (J.B.-C.); (S.C.-G.)
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Miguel Vicente-Manzanares
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC–University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (S.R.-F.); (C.C.); (L.F.L.-M.); (C.L.-G.); (M.V.-M.)
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC–University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Xosé R. Bustelo
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC–University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (S.R.-F.); (C.C.); (L.F.L.-M.); (C.L.-G.); (M.V.-M.)
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC–University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC–University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence:
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147
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Zhu Z, Li T, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Zhu D, Lin P, Tu S, Ren W. Molecular and clinical progress in follicular lymphoma lacking the t(14;18) translocation (Review). Int J Oncol 2019; 56:7-17. [PMID: 31789408 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the majority of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) harbor the t(14;18)(q32;q21) IGH/BCL2 gene rearrangement that leads to the overexpression of BCL2 protein, approximately 20% of FL cases lack t(14;18)(q32;q21). It is considered that BCL2 overexpression underscores the development of the majority of cases of FL and their transformation to more aggressive lymphoma [known as transformed FL (tFL)]. However, FL cases lacking the t(14;18)(q32;q21) translocation exhibit symptoms analogous to their t(14;18)‑positive counterparts. An important goal of recent research on FL has been to clarify the distinctions between the two different forms of FL. Numerous studies have shed light onto the genetic and molecular features of t(14;18)‑negative FL and the related clinical manifestations. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of t(14;18)‑negative FL occurring in the lymph nodes with an emphasis on the underlying molecular and clinical features. In addition, novel treatment directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zunmin Zhu
- Institute of Hematology, Henan Renmin Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 475000, P.R. China
| | - Tao Li
- Laboratory of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhenzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 475000, P.R. China
| | - Xuran Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| | - Zhengqiang Zhang
- Immunology Laboratory of Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Zhu
- Zhengzhou Shenyou Biotechnology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| | - Pei Lin
- Department of Hematopathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shichun Tu
- Scintillon Institute for Biomedical and Bioenergy Research, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Weihong Ren
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
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148
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Li FY, Zhang ZF, Voss S, Wu YW, Zhao YF, Li YM, Chen YX. Inhibition of K-Ras4B-plasma membrane association with a membrane microdomain-targeting peptide. Chem Sci 2019; 11:826-832. [PMID: 34123058 PMCID: PMC8145430 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc04726c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The association of K-Ras4B protein with plasma membrane (PM) is required for its signaling activity. Thus, direct inhibition of K-Ras4B–PM interaction could be a potential anti-Ras therapeutic strategy. However, it remains challenging to modulate such protein–PM interaction. Based on Ras isoform-specific PM microdomain localization patterns, we have developed a potent and isoform-selective peptide inhibitor, Memrasin, for detachment of K-Ras4B from the PM. Memrasin is one of the first direct inhibitors of K-Ras4B–PM interaction, and consists of a membrane ld region-binding sequence derived from the C-terminal region of K-Ras4B and an endosome-escape enhancing motif that can aggregate on membrane. It forms peptide-enriched domains in the ld region, abrogates the tethering of K-Ras4B to the PM and accordingly impairs Ras signaling activity, thereby efficiently decreasing the viability of several human lung cancer cells in a dose-responsive and K-Ras dependent manner. Memrasin provides a useful tool for exploring the biological function of K-Ras4B on or off the PM and a potential starting point for further development into anti-Ras therapeutics. A membrane ld microdomain-targeting hybrid peptide displays potent inhibition effect toward K-Ras4B-plasma membrane interaction and impairs Ras signaling output.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Zhen-Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences No. 1 West Beichen Road, Chaoyang District Beijing 100101 China
| | - Stephanie Voss
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society Otto-Hahn-Str. 15 44227 Dortmund Germany.,Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Str. 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Yao-Wen Wu
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society Otto-Hahn-Str. 15 44227 Dortmund Germany.,Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Str. 11 44227 Dortmund Germany.,Department of Chemistry, Umeå University 90187 Umeå Sweden
| | - Yu-Fen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Yan-Mei Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Yong-Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
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149
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Sato T, Arakawa M, Tashima Y, Tsuboi E, Burdon G, Trojan J, Koyano T, Youn YN, Penov K, Pedroza AJ, Shabazzi M, Palmon I, Nguyen MN, Connolly AJ, Yamaguchi A, Fischbein MP. Statins Reduce Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Growth in Marfan Syndrome Mice via Inhibition of the Ras-Induced ERK (Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase) Signaling Pathway. J Am Heart Assoc 2019; 7:e008543. [PMID: 30571378 PMCID: PMC6404178 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.008543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Statins reduce aneurysm growth in mouse models of Marfan syndrome, although the mechanism is unknown. In addition to reducing cholesterol, statins block farnesylation and geranylgeranylation, which participate in membrane‐bound G‐protein signaling, including Ras. We dissected the prenylation pathway to define the effect of statins on aneurysm reduction. Methods and Results Fbn1C1039G/+ mice were treated with (1) pravastatin (HMG‐CoA [3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A] reductase inhibitor), (2) manumycin A (MA; FPT inhibitor), (3) perillyl alcohol (GGPT1 and ‐2 inhibitor), or (4) vehicle control from age 4 to 8 weeks and euthanized at 12 weeks. Histological characterization was performed. Protein analysis was completed on aortic specimens to measure ERK (extracellular signal‐regulated kinase) signaling. In vitro Fbn1C1039G/+ aortic smooth muscle cells were utilized to measure Ras‐dependent ERK signaling and MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) activity. Pravastatin and MA significantly reduced aneurysm growth compared with vehicle control (n=8 per group). In contrast, PA did not significantly decrease aneurysm size. Histology illustrated reduced elastin breakdown in MA‐treated mice compared with vehicle control (n=5 per group). Although elevated in control Marfan mice, both phosphorylated c‐Raf and phosphorylated ERK1/2 were significantly reduced in MA‐treated mice (4–5 per group). In vitro smooth muscle cell studies confirmed phosphorylated cRaf and phosphorylated ERK1/2 signaling was elevated in Fbn1C1039G/+ smooth muscle cells (n=5 per group). Fbn1C1039G/+ smooth muscle cell Ras‐dependent ERK signaling and MMP activity were reduced following MA treatment (n=5 per group). Corroborating in vitro findings, MMP activity was also decreased in pravastatin‐treated mice. Conclusions Aneurysm reduction in Fbn1C1039G/+ mice following pravastatin and MA treatment was associated with a decrease in Ras‐dependent ERK signaling. MMP activity can be reduced by diminishing Ras signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Sato
- 1 Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Stanford University Stanford CA.,2 Department of Cardiovascular Surgery Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center Saitama Japan
| | - Mamoru Arakawa
- 1 Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Stanford University Stanford CA.,2 Department of Cardiovascular Surgery Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center Saitama Japan
| | - Yasushi Tashima
- 1 Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Stanford University Stanford CA.,2 Department of Cardiovascular Surgery Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center Saitama Japan
| | - Eitoshi Tsuboi
- 1 Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Stanford University Stanford CA.,4 Department of Cardiovascular Surgery Iwaki Kyoritsu General Hospital Fukushima Japan
| | - Grayson Burdon
- 1 Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Stanford University Stanford CA
| | - Jeffrey Trojan
- 1 Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Stanford University Stanford CA
| | - Tiffany Koyano
- 1 Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Stanford University Stanford CA
| | - Young-Nam Youn
- 1 Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Stanford University Stanford CA.,3 Division of Cardiovascular Surgery Severance Cardiovascular Hospital Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Kiril Penov
- 1 Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Stanford University Stanford CA.,5 Department of Cardiac Surgery Heart Center Leipzig University of Leipzig Germany
| | - Albert J Pedroza
- 1 Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Stanford University Stanford CA
| | - Mohammad Shabazzi
- 1 Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Stanford University Stanford CA
| | - Itai Palmon
- 1 Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Stanford University Stanford CA
| | - Marie Noel Nguyen
- 1 Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Stanford University Stanford CA
| | | | - Atsushi Yamaguchi
- 2 Department of Cardiovascular Surgery Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center Saitama Japan
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150
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Abdelkarim H, Banerjee A, Grudzien P, Leschinsky N, Abushaer M, Gaponenko V. The Hypervariable Region of K-Ras4B Governs Molecular Recognition and Function. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225718. [PMID: 31739603 PMCID: PMC6888304 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The flexible C-terminal hypervariable region distinguishes K-Ras4B, an important proto-oncogenic GTPase, from other Ras GTPases. This unique lysine-rich portion of the protein harbors sites for post-translational modification, including cysteine prenylation, carboxymethylation, phosphorylation, and likely many others. The functions of the hypervariable region are diverse, ranging from anchoring K-Ras4B at the plasma membrane to sampling potentially auto-inhibitory binding sites in its GTPase domain and participating in isoform-specific protein-protein interactions and signaling. Despite much research, there are still many questions about the hypervariable region of K-Ras4B. For example, mechanistic details of its interaction with plasma membrane lipids and with the GTPase domain require further clarification. The roles of the hypervariable region in K-Ras4B-specific protein-protein interactions and signaling are incompletely defined. It is also unclear why post-translational modifications frequently found in protein polylysine domains, such as acetylation, glycation, and carbamoylation, have not been observed in K-Ras4B. Expanding knowledge of the hypervariable region will likely drive the development of novel highly-efficient and selective inhibitors of K-Ras4B that are urgently needed by cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem Abdelkarim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (H.A.); (P.G.); (N.L.); (M.A.)
| | - Avik Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Patrick Grudzien
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (H.A.); (P.G.); (N.L.); (M.A.)
| | - Nicholas Leschinsky
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (H.A.); (P.G.); (N.L.); (M.A.)
| | - Mahmoud Abushaer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (H.A.); (P.G.); (N.L.); (M.A.)
| | - Vadim Gaponenko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (H.A.); (P.G.); (N.L.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +312-355-4839
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