151
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Ilinskaya ON, Singh I, Dudkina E, Ulyanova V, Kayumov A, Barreto G. Direct inhibition of oncogenic KRAS by Bacillus pumilus ribonuclease (binase). BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2016; 1863:1559-67. [PMID: 27066977 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
RAS proteins function as molecular switches that transmit signals from cell surface receptors into specific cellular responses via activation of defined signaling pathways (Fang, 2015). Aberrant constitutive RAS activation occurs with high incidence in different types of cancer (Bos, 1989). Thus, inhibition of RAS-mediated signaling is extremely important for therapeutic approaches against cancer. Here we showed that the ribonuclease (RNase) binase, directly interacts with endogenous KRAS. Further, molecular structure models suggested an inhibitory nature of binase-RAS interaction involving regions of RAS that are important for different aspects of its function. Consistent with these models, phosphorylation analysis of effectors of RAS-mediated signaling revealed that binase inhibits the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Interestingly, RAS activation assays using a non-hydrolysable GTP analog (GTPγS) demonstrated that binase interferes with the exchange of GDP by GTP. Furthermore, we showed that binase reduced the interaction of RAS with the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), SOS1. Our data support a model in which binase-KRAS interaction interferes with the function of GEFs and stabilizes the inactive GDP-bound conformation of RAS thereby inhibiting MAPK/ERK signaling. This model plausibly explains the previously reported, antitumor-effect of binase specific towards RAS-transformed cells and suggests the development of anticancer therapies based on this ribonuclease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga N Ilinskaya
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal (Volga-Region) University, Kremlevskaya str. 18, 420008, Kazan, Russia
| | - Indrabahadur Singh
- LOEWE Research Group Lung Cancer Epigenetic, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Parkstr. 1, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Elena Dudkina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal (Volga-Region) University, Kremlevskaya str. 18, 420008, Kazan, Russia.
| | - Vera Ulyanova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal (Volga-Region) University, Kremlevskaya str. 18, 420008, Kazan, Russia
| | - Airat Kayumov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal (Volga-Region) University, Kremlevskaya str. 18, 420008, Kazan, Russia
| | - Guillermo Barreto
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal (Volga-Region) University, Kremlevskaya str. 18, 420008, Kazan, Russia; LOEWE Research Group Lung Cancer Epigenetic, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Parkstr. 1, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany; Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Germany; German Center of Lung Research (Deutsches Zentrum für Lungenforschung, DZL), Germany.
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152
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Cho M, So I, Chun JN, Jeon JH. The antitumor effects of geraniol: Modulation of cancer hallmark pathways (Review). Int J Oncol 2016; 48:1772-82. [PMID: 26983575 PMCID: PMC4809657 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Geraniol is a dietary monoterpene alcohol that is found in the essential oils of aromatic plants. To date, experimental evidence supports the therapeutic or preventive effects of geraniol on different types of cancer, such as breast, lung, colon, prostate, pancreatic, and hepatic cancer, and has revealed the mechanistic basis for its pharmacological actions. In addition, geraniol sensitizes tumor cells to commonly used chemotherapy agents. Geraniol controls a variety of signaling molecules and pathways that represent tumor hallmarks; these actions of geraniol constrain the ability of tumor cells to acquire adaptive resistance against anticancer drugs. In the present review, we emphasize that geraniol is a promising compound or chemical moiety for the development of a safe and effective multi-targeted anticancer agent. We summarize the current knowledge of the effects of geraniol on target molecules and pathways in cancer cells. Our review provides novel insight into the challenges and perspectives with regard to geraniol research and to its application in future clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minsoo Cho
- Undergraduate Research Program, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Insuk So
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Nyeo Chun
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hong Jeon
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
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153
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Jenkins RW, Sullivan RJ. NRAS mutant melanoma: an overview for the clinician for melanoma management. Melanoma Manag 2016; 3:47-59. [PMID: 30190872 PMCID: PMC6097550 DOI: 10.2217/mmt.15.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and the incidence continues to rise in the United States and worldwide. Activating mutations in RAS oncogenes are found in roughly a third of all human cancers. Mutations in NRAS occur in approximately a fifth of cutaneous melanomas and are associated with aggressive clinical behavior. Cells harboring oncogenic NRAS mutations exhibit activation of multiple signaling cascades, including PI3K/Akt, MEK-ERK and RAL, which collectively stimulate cancer growth. While strategies to target N-Ras itself have proven ineffective, targeting one or more N-Ras effector pathways has shown promise in preclinical models. Despite promising preclinical data, current therapies for NRAS mutant melanoma remain limited. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies for BRAF mutant melanoma are transforming the treatment of metastatic melanoma, but the ideal treatment for NRAS mutant melanoma remains unknown. Improved understanding of NRAS mutant melanoma and relevant N-Ras effector signaling modules will be essential to develop new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan J Sullivan
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
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154
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Chung JK, Lee YK, Lam HYM, Groves JT. Covalent Ras Dimerization on Membrane Surfaces through Photosensitized Oxidation. J Am Chem Soc 2016; 138:1800-3. [PMID: 26812279 PMCID: PMC5515073 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5b12648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ras, a small GTPase found primarily on the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, is an important signaling node and an attractive target for anticancer therapies. Lateral organization of Ras on cellular membranes has long been a subject of intense research; in particular, whether it forms dimers on membranes as part of its regulatory function has been a point of great interest. Here we report Ras dimer formation on membranes by Type II photosensitization reactions, in which molecular oxygen mediates the radicalization of proteins under typical fluorescence experimental conditions. The presence of Ras dimers on membranes was detected by diffusion-based fluorescence techniques including fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and single particle tracking, and molecular weights of the stable covalently coupled species were confirmed by gel electrophoresis. Fluorescence spectroscopy implicates interprotein dityrosine as one of the dimerization motifs. The specific surface tyrosine distribution on Ras renders the protein especially sensitive to this reaction, and point mutations affecting surface tyrosines are observed to alter dimerization potential. The photosensitization reactions are reflective of physiological oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species, suggesting such processes may occur naturally and influence signaling pathways in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jay T. Groves
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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155
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Wajnberg G, Passetti F. Using high-throughput sequencing transcriptome data for INDEL detection: challenges for cancer drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2016; 11:257-68. [PMID: 26787005 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2016.1143813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A cancer cell is a mosaic of genomic and epigenomic alterations. Distinct cancer molecular signatures can be observed depending on tumor type or patient genetic background. One type of genomic alteration is the insertion and/or deletion (INDEL) of nucleotides in the DNA sequence, which may vary in length, and may change the encoded protein or modify protein domains. INDELs are associated to a large number of diseases and their detection is done based on low-throughput techniques. However, high-throughput sequencing has also started to be used for detection of novel disease-causing INDELs. This search may identify novel drug targets. AREAS COVERED This review presents examples of using high-throughput sequencing (DNA-Seq and RNA-Seq) to investigate the incidence of INDELs in coding regions of human genes. Some of these examples successfully utilized RNA-Seq to identify INDELs associated to diseases. In addition, other studies have described small INDELs related to chemo-resistance or poor outcome of patients, while structural variants were associated with a better clinical outcome. EXPERT OPINION On average, there is twice as much RNA-Seq data available at the most used repositories for such data compared to DNA-Seq. Therefore, using RNA-Seq data is a promising strategy for studying cancer samples with unknown mechanisms of drug resistance, aiming at the discovery of proteins with potential as novel drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Wajnberg
- a Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Oswaldo Cruz Institute , Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ) , Rio de Janeiro , RJ , Brazil
| | - Fabio Passetti
- a Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Oswaldo Cruz Institute , Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ) , Rio de Janeiro , RJ , Brazil
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156
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Lito P, Solomon M, Li LS, Hansen R, Rosen N. Allele-specific inhibitors inactivate mutant KRAS G12C by a trapping mechanism. Science 2016; 351:604-8. [PMID: 26841430 PMCID: PMC4955282 DOI: 10.1126/science.aad6204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 469] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
It is thought that KRAS oncoproteins are constitutively active because their guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activity is disabled. Consequently, drugs targeting the inactive or guanosine 5'-diphosphate-bound conformation are not expected to be effective. We describe a mechanism that enables such drugs to inhibit KRAS(G12C) signaling and cancer cell growth. Inhibition requires intact GTPase activity and occurs because drug-bound KRAS(G12C) is insusceptible to nucleotide exchange factors and thus trapped in its inactive state. Indeed, mutants completely lacking GTPase activity and those promoting exchange reduced the potency of the drug. Suppressing nucleotide exchange activity downstream of various tyrosine kinases enhanced KRAS(G12C) inhibition, whereas its potentiation had the opposite effect. These findings reveal that KRAS(G12C) undergoes nucleotide cycling in cancer cells and provide a basis for developing effective therapies to treat KRAS(G12C)-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piro Lito
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Martha Solomon
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Neal Rosen
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA. Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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157
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Chakrabarti M, Jang H, Nussinov R. Comparison of the Conformations of KRAS Isoforms, K-Ras4A and K-Ras4B, Points to Similarities and Significant Differences. J Phys Chem B 2016; 120:667-79. [PMID: 26761128 PMCID: PMC7815164 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.5b11110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Human HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS genes encode four isoforms of Ras, a p21 GTPase. Mutations in KRAS account for the majority of RAS-driven cancers. The KRAS has two splice variants, K-Ras4A and K-Ras4B. Due to their reversible palmitoylation, K-Ras4A and N-Ras have bimodal signaling states. K-Ras4A and K-Ras4B differ in four catalytic domain residues (G151R/D153E/K165Q/H166Y) and in their disordered C-terminal hypervariable region (HVR). In K-Ras4A, the HVR is not as strongly positively charged as in K-Ras4B (+6e vs +9e). Here, we performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate isoform-specific differences between the two splice variants. We observe that the catalytic domain of GDP-bound K-Ras4A has a more exposed nucleotide binding pocket than K-Ras4B, and the dynamic fluctuations in switch I and II regions also differ; both factors may influence guanine-nucleotide exchange. We further observe that like K-Kas4B, full-length K-Ras4A exhibits nucleotide-dependent HVR fluctuations; however, these fluctuations differ between the GDP-bound forms of K-Ras4A and K-Ras4B. Unlike K-Ras4B where the HVR tends to cover the effector binding region, in K-Ras4A, autoinhibited states are unstable. With lesser charge, the K-Ras4A HVR collapses on itself, making it less available for binding the catalytic domain. Since the HVRs of N- and H-Ras are weakly charged (+1e and +2e, respectively), autoinhibition may be a unique feature of K-Ras4B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayukh Chakrabarti
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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158
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KRAS Engages AGO2 to Enhance Cellular Transformation. Cell Rep 2016; 14:1448-1461. [PMID: 26854235 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations in RAS provide a compelling yet intractable therapeutic target. Using co-immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry, we uncovered an interaction between RAS and Argonaute 2 (AGO2). Endogenously, RAS and AGO2 co-sediment and co-localize in the endoplasmic reticulum. The AGO2 N-terminal domain directly binds the Switch II region of KRAS, agnostic of nucleotide (GDP/GTP) binding. Functionally, AGO2 knockdown attenuates cell proliferation in mutant KRAS-dependent cells and AGO2 overexpression enhances KRAS(G12V)-mediated transformation. Using AGO2-/- cells, we demonstrate that the RAS-AGO2 interaction is required for maximal mutant KRAS expression and cellular transformation. Mechanistically, oncogenic KRAS attenuates AGO2-mediated gene silencing. Overall, the functional interaction with AGO2 extends KRAS function beyond its canonical role in signaling.
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159
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Lu S, Jang H, Muratcioglu S, Gursoy A, Keskin O, Nussinov R, Zhang J. Ras Conformational Ensembles, Allostery, and Signaling. Chem Rev 2016; 116:6607-65. [PMID: 26815308 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ras proteins are classical members of small GTPases that function as molecular switches by alternating between inactive GDP-bound and active GTP-bound states. Ras activation is regulated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors that catalyze the exchange of GDP by GTP, and inactivation is terminated by GTPase-activating proteins that accelerate the intrinsic GTP hydrolysis rate by orders of magnitude. In this review, we focus on data that have accumulated over the past few years pertaining to the conformational ensembles and the allosteric regulation of Ras proteins and their interpretation from our conformational landscape standpoint. The Ras ensemble embodies all states, including the ligand-bound conformations, the activated (or inactivated) allosteric modulated states, post-translationally modified states, mutational states, transition states, and nonfunctional states serving as a reservoir for emerging functions. The ensemble is shifted by distinct mutational events, cofactors, post-translational modifications, and different membrane compositions. A better understanding of Ras biology can contribute to therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyong Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Universities E-Institute for Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai, 200025, China.,Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute , Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute , Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | | | | | | | - Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute , Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States.,Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Sackler Institute of Molecular Medicine, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Universities E-Institute for Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine , Shanghai, 200025, China
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160
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Yang JL, Pan XY, Zhao WX, Hu QC, Ding F, Feng Q, Li GY, Luo Y. The antitumor efficacy of a novel adenovirus-mediated anti-p21Ras single chain fragment variable antibody on human cancers in vitro and in vivo. Int J Oncol 2016; 48:1218-28. [PMID: 26780944 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Activated ras genes are found in a large number of human tumors, and therefore are one of important targets for cancer therapy. This study investigated the antitumor effects of a novel single chain fragment variable antibody (scFv) against ras protein, p21Ras. The anti-p21Ras scFv gene was constructed by phage display library from hybridoma KGHR1, and then subcloned into replication-defective adenovirus vector to obtain recombinant adenovirus KGHV100. Human tumor cell lines with high expression of p21Ras SW480, MDA-MB‑231, OVCAR-3, BEL-7402, as well as tumor cell line with low expression of p21Ras, SKOV3, were employed to investigate antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that KGHV100 was able to express intracellularly anti-p21Ras scFv antibody in cultured tumor cells and in transplantation tumor cells. MTT, Transwell, colony formation, and flow cytometry analysis showed that KGHV100 led to significant growth arrest in tumor cells with high p21Ras expression, and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in the studied tumor cell lines. In vivo, KGHV100 significantly inhibited tumor growth following intratumoral injection, and the survival rates of the mice were higher than the control group. These results indicate that the adenovirus-mediated intracellular expression of the novel anti-p21Ras scFv exerted strong antitumoral effects, and may be a potential method for therapy of cancers with p21Ras overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Lun Yang
- Department of Pathology, Kunming General Hospital of PLA, Kunming 650032, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Yan Pan
- Department of Pathology, Kunming General Hospital of PLA, Kunming 650032, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Xing Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Kunming General Hospital of PLA, Kunming 650032, P.R. China
| | - Qi-Chan Hu
- Graduate School, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, P.R. China
| | - Feng Ding
- Graduate School, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Feng
- Department of Pathology, Kunming General Hospital of PLA, Kunming 650032, P.R. China
| | - Gui-Yun Li
- Department of Pathology, Kunming General Hospital of PLA, Kunming 650032, P.R. China
| | - Ying Luo
- Department of Genetics, Medical College, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P.R. China
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161
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Huang L, Li M, Wang D, He J, Wu W, Zeng Q, Li J, Xiao M, Hu J, He Y, Li Y, Mai L, Liu W. Overexpressed Rce1 is positively correlated with tumor progression and predicts poor prognosis in prostate cancer. Hum Pathol 2016; 47:109-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2015.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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162
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Zhao H, Liu P, Zhang R, Wu M, Li D, Zhao X, Zhang C, Jiao B, Chen B, Chen Z, Ren R. Roles of palmitoylation and the KIKK membrane-targeting motif in leukemogenesis by oncogenic KRAS4A. J Hematol Oncol 2015; 8:132. [PMID: 26715448 PMCID: PMC4696201 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-015-0226-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We have previously shown that palmitoylation is essential for NRAS leukemogenesis, suggesting that targeting RAS palmitoylation may be an effective therapy for NRAS-related cancers. For KRAS-driven cancer, although much research has been focused on the KRAS4B splice variant, which does not undergo palmitoylation, KRAS4A has recently been shown to play an essential role in the development of carcinogen-induced lung cancer in mice and to be widely expressed in human cancers. However, the role of palmitoylation in KRAS4A tumorigenesis is not clear. Methods The expression of KRAS4A in KRAS-mutated leukemia cell lines and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells were checked using western blotting and reverse transcriptions-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis, respectively. The leukemogenic potentials of oncogenic KRAS4A and its palmitoylation-defective mutants were examined by a mouse bone marrow transduction and transplantation model and the in vitro transformation assays. The activation of the RAS downstream signaling pathways and the membrane localizations of the KRAS4A and its mutants were analyzed via western blot analysis and confocal microscopy, respectively. Results We show here that KRAS4A is expressed in human leukemia cell lines and in AML cells harboring KRAS mutations and that mutation at the palmitoylation site of oncogenic KRAS4A significantly abrogates its leukemogenic potential. However, unlike NRAS, palmitoylation-defective KRAS4A still induces leukemia in mice, albeit with a much longer latency. Using NRAS/KRAS4A chimeric constructs, we found that the KIKK motif of KRAS4A contributes to the transforming activity of KRAS4A. Mutations at both palmitoylation site and the KIKK motif abolish the ability of oncogenic KRAS4A to induce leukemia in mice. Conclusions Our studies suggest that therapies targeting RAS palmitoylation may also be effective in treating KRAS4A associated malignancies and that interfering the KIKK membrane-targeting motif would enhance the therapeutic effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanbin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences and Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ruihong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Min Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Donghe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xuemei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Bo Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Bing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences and Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ruibao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA.
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163
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Chavan TS, Jang H, Khavrutskii L, Abraham SJ, Banerjee A, Freed BC, Johannessen L, Tarasov SG, Gaponenko V, Nussinov R, Tarasova NI. High-Affinity Interaction of the K-Ras4B Hypervariable Region with the Ras Active Site. Biophys J 2015; 109:2602-2613. [PMID: 26682817 PMCID: PMC4699860 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2015.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras proteins are small GTPases that act as signal transducers between cell surface receptors and several intracellular signaling cascades. They contain highly homologous catalytic domains and flexible C-terminal hypervariable regions (HVRs) that differ across Ras isoforms. KRAS is among the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human tumors. Surprisingly, we found that the C-terminal HVR of K-Ras4B, thought to minimally impact the catalytic domain, directly interacts with the active site of the protein. The interaction is almost 100-fold tighter with the GDP-bound than the GTP-bound protein. HVR binding interferes with Ras-Raf interaction, modulates binding to phospholipids, and slightly slows down nucleotide exchange. The data indicate that contrary to previously suggested models of K-Ras4B signaling, HVR plays essential roles in regulation of signaling. High affinity binding of short peptide analogs of HVR to K-Ras active site suggests that targeting this surface with inhibitory synthetic molecules for the therapy of KRAS-dependent tumors is feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmay S Chavan
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland; Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Lyuba Khavrutskii
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland; Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Sherwin J Abraham
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Avik Banerjee
- Chemistry Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Structural Biophysics Laboratory, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Benjamin C Freed
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Liv Johannessen
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Sergey G Tarasov
- Chemistry Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Structural Biophysics Laboratory, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Vadim Gaponenko
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland; Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Nadya I Tarasova
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland.
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164
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8-Hydroxyquinoline-based inhibitors of the Rce1 protease disrupt Ras membrane localization in human cells. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 24:160-78. [PMID: 26706114 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Ras converting enzyme 1 (Rce1) is an endoprotease that catalyzes processing of the C-terminus of Ras protein by removing -aaX from the CaaX motif. The activity of Rce1 is crucial for proper localization of Ras to the plasma membrane where it functions. Ras is responsible for transmitting signals related to cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. The disregulation of these pathways due to constitutively active oncogenic Ras can ultimately lead to cancer. Ras, its effectors and regulators, and the enzymes that are involved in its maturation process are all targets for anti-cancer therapeutics. Key enzymes required for Ras maturation and localization are the farnesyltransferase (FTase), Rce1, and isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase (ICMT). Among these proteins, the physiological role of Rce1 in regulating Ras and other CaaX proteins has not been fully explored. Small-molecule inhibitors of Rce1 could be useful as chemical biology tools to understand further the downstream impact of Rce1 on Ras function and serve as potential leads for cancer therapeutics. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of a previously reported Rce1 inhibitor, NSC1011, has been performed to generate a new library of Rce1 inhibitors. The new inhibitors caused a reduction in Rce1 in vitro activity, exhibited low cell toxicity, and induced mislocalization of EGFP-Ras from the plasma membrane in human colon carcinoma cells giving rise to a phenotype similar to that observed with siRNA knockdowns of Rce1 expression. Several of the new inhibitors were more effective at mislocalizing K-Ras compared to a potent farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI), which is significant because of the preponderance of K-Ras mutations in cancer.
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165
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Regulation of oncogenic KRAS signaling via a novel KRAS-integrin-linked kinase-hnRNPA1 regulatory loop in human pancreatic cancer cells. Oncogene 2015; 35:3897-908. [PMID: 26616862 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a mediator of aggressive phenotype in pancreatic cancer. On the basis of our finding that knockdown of either KRAS or ILK has a reciprocal effect on the other's expression, we hypothesized the presence of an ILK-KRAS regulatory loop that enables pancreatic cancer cells to regulate KRAS expression. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which this regulatory circuitry is regulated and to investigate the translational potential of targeting ILK to suppress oncogenic KRAS signaling in pancreatic cancer. Interplay between KRAS and ILK and the roles of E2F1, c-Myc and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein as intermediary effectors in this feedback loop was interrogated by genetic manipulations through small interfering RNA/short hairpin RNA knockdown and ectopic expression, western blotting, PCR, promoter-luciferase reporter assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation and pull-down analyses. In vivo efficacy of ILK inhibition was evaluated in two murine xenograft models. Our data show that KRAS regulated the expression of ILK through E2F1-mediated transcriptional activation, which, in turn, controlled KRAS gene expression via hnRNPA1-mediated destabilization of the G-quadruplex on the KRAS promoter. Moreover, ILK inhibition blocked KRAS-driven epithelial-mesenchymal transition and growth factor-stimulated KRAS expression. The knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of ILK suppressed pancreatic tumor growth, in part, by suppressing KRAS signaling. These studies suggest that this KRAS-E2F1-ILK-hnRNPA1 regulatory loop enables pancreatic cancer cells to promote oncogenic KRAS signaling and to interact with the tumor microenvironment to promote aggressive phenotypes. This regulatory loop provides a mechanistic rationale for targeting ILK to suppress oncogenic KRAS signaling, which might foster new therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.
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166
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Ricciuti B, Leonardi GC, Metro G, Grignani F, Paglialunga L, Bellezza G, Baglivo S, Mencaroni C, Baldi A, Zicari D, Crinò L. Targeting the KRAS variant for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer: potential therapeutic applications. Expert Rev Respir Med 2015; 10:53-68. [PMID: 26714748 DOI: 10.1586/17476348.2016.1115349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for 80% of all lung cancers. Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is one of the deadliest cancer-related proteins and plays a pivotal role in the most aggressive and lethal human cancers, including lung adenocarcinoma where it represents one of the most frequently mutated oncogene. Although therapeutic progresses have made an impact over the last decade, median survival for patients with advanced lung cancer remains disappointing, with a 5-year worldwide survival rate of <15%. For more than 20 years it has been recognized that constitutively active signaling downstream of KRAS is a fundamental driver of lung tumorigenesis. However, years of pursuit have failed to yield a drug that can safely curb KRAS activity; up to now no approved therapies exist for KRAS-mutant NSCLC. The aim of this review is to discuss the current knowledge of KRAS-mutated NSCLC, touching upon KRAS clinical relevance as a prognostic and predictive biomarker, with an emphasis on novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of KRAS-variant NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biagio Ricciuti
- a Medical Oncology , Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia , Perugia , Italy
| | - Giulia Costanza Leonardi
- a Medical Oncology , Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia , Perugia , Italy
| | - Giulio Metro
- a Medical Oncology , Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia , Perugia , Italy
| | - Francesco Grignani
- b Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Pathology , University of Perugia , Perugia , Italy
| | - Luca Paglialunga
- a Medical Oncology , Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia , Perugia , Italy
| | - Guido Bellezza
- c Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pathology and Histology , University of Perugia , Perugia , Italy
| | - Sara Baglivo
- a Medical Oncology , Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia , Perugia , Italy
| | - Clelia Mencaroni
- a Medical Oncology , Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia , Perugia , Italy
| | - Alice Baldi
- a Medical Oncology , Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia , Perugia , Italy
| | - Daniela Zicari
- a Medical Oncology , Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia , Perugia , Italy
| | - Lucio Crinò
- a Medical Oncology , Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia , Perugia , Italy
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167
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Zhuang Z, Ju HQ, Aguilar M, Gocho T, Li H, Iida T, Lee H, Fan X, Zhou H, Ling J, Li Z, Fu J, Wu M, Li M, Melisi D, Iwakura Y, Xu K, Fleming JB, Chiao PJ. IL1 Receptor Antagonist Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Growth by Abrogating NF-κB Activation. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 22:1432-44. [PMID: 26500238 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-3382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Constitutive NF-κB activation is identified in about 70% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cases and is required for oncogenic KRAS-induced PDAC development in mouse models. We sought to determine whether targeting IL-1α pathway would inhibit NF-κB activity and thus suppress PDAC cell growth. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We determined whether anakinra, a human IL-1 receptor (rhIL-1R) antagonist, inhibited NF-κB activation. Assays for cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were performed with rhIL-1R antagonist using the human PDAC cell lines AsPc1, Colo357, MiaPaCa-2, and HPNE/K-ras(G12V)/p16sh. In vivo NF-κB activation-dependent tumorigenesis was assayed using an orthotopic nude mouse model (n = 20, 5 per group) treated with a combination of gemcitabine and rhIL-1RA. RESULTS rhIL-1R antagonist treatment led to a significant decrease in NF-κB activity. PDAC cells treated with rhIL-1R antagonist plus gemcitabine reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion as compared with single gemcitabine treatment. In nude mice, rhIL-1R antagonist plus gemcitabine significantly reduced the tumor burden (gemcitabine plus rhIL-1RA vs. control, P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS We found that anakinra, an FDA-approved drug that inhibits IL-1 receptor (IL-1R), when given with or without gemcitabine, can reduce tumor growth by inhibiting IL1α-induced NF-κB activity; this result suggests that it is a useful therapeutic approach for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuonan Zhuang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital Medical Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Huai-Qiang Ju
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mitzi Aguilar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Takashi Gocho
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Department of Surgery, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tomonori Iida
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Department of Surgery, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Harold Lee
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Xiaoqiang Fan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Haijun Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jianhua Ling
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Zhongkui Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jie Fu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Min Li
- Department of Surgery, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Stanton L. Young Biomedical Research Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Davide Melisi
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Università degli studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Yoichiro Iwakura
- Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kesen Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jason B Fleming
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Paul J Chiao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Cancer Biology Program, the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, Texas.
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168
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Panwar N, Yang C, Yin F, Yoon HS, Chuan TS, Yong KT. RNAi-based therapeutic nanostrategy: IL-8 gene silencing in pancreatic cancer cells using gold nanorods delivery vehicles. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2015; 26:365101. [PMID: 26291710 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/26/36/365101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-based gene silencing possesses great ability for therapeutic intervention in pancreatic cancer. Among various oncogene mutations, Interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene mutations are found to be overexpressed in many pancreatic cell lines. In this work, we demonstrate IL-8 gene silencing by employing an RNAi-based gene therapy approach and this is achieved by using gold nanorods (AuNRs) for efficient delivery of IL-8 small interfering RNA (siRNA) to the pancreatic cell lines of MiaPaCa-2 and Panc-1. Upon comparing to Panc-1 cells, we found that the dominant expression of the IL-8 gene in MiaPaCa-2 cells resulted in an aggressive behavior towards the processes of cell invasion and metastasis. We have hence investigated the suitability of using AuNRs as novel non-viral nanocarriers for the efficient uptake and delivery of IL-8 siRNA in realizing gene knockdown of both MiaPaCa-2 and Panc-1 cells. Flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging techniques have been applied to confirm transfection and release of IL-8 siRNA. The ratio of AuNRs and siRNA has been optimized and transfection efficiencies as high as 88.40 ± 2.14% have been achieved. Upon successful delivery of IL-8 siRNA into cancer cells, the effects of IL-8 gene knockdown are quantified in terms of gene expression, cell invasion, cell migration and cell apoptosis assays. Statistical comparative studies for both MiaPaCa-2 and Panc-1 cells are presented in this work. IL-8 gene silencing has been demonstrated with knockdown efficiencies of 81.02 ± 10.14% and 75.73 ± 6.41% in MiaPaCa-2 and Panc-1 cells, respectively. Our results are then compared with a commercial transfection reagent, Oligofectamine, serving as positive control. The gene knockdown results illustrate the potential role of AuNRs as non-viral gene delivery vehicles for RNAi-based targeted cancer therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishtha Panwar
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
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169
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Ganesan L, Levental I. Pharmacological Inhibition of Protein Lipidation. J Membr Biol 2015; 248:929-41. [PMID: 26280397 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-015-9835-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Lipid modifications of mammalian proteins are widespread, modifying thousands of targets involved in all aspects of cellular physiology cellular physiology. Broadly, lipidations serve to increase protein hydrophobicity and association with cellular membranes. Often, these modifications are absolutely essential for protein stability and localization, and serve critical roles in dynamic regulation of protein function. A number of lipidated proteins are associated with diseases, including parasite infections, neurological diseases, diabetes, and cancer, suggesting that lipid modifications represent potentially attractive targets for pharmacological intervention. This review briefly describes the various types of posttranslational protein lipid modifications, proteins modified by them, and the enzymatic machinery associated with these. We then discuss several case studies demonstrating successful development of lipidation inhibitors of potential (and more rarely, realized) clinical value. Although this field remains in its infancy, we believe these examples demonstrate the potential utility of targeting protein lipidation as a viable strategy for inhibiting the function of pathogenic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilya Levental
- University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX, USA.
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170
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Sharma SB, Ruppert JM. MicroRNA-Based Therapeutic Strategies for Targeting Mutant and Wild Type RAS in Cancer. Drug Dev Res 2015; 76:328-42. [PMID: 26284568 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) have been causally implicated in the progression and development of a wide variety of cancers. miRs modulate the activity of key cell signaling networks by regulating the translation of pathway component proteins. Thus, the pharmacological targeting of miRs that regulate cancer cell signaling networks, either by promoting (using miR-supplementation) or by suppressing (using antisense oligonucleotide-based strategies) miR activity is an area of intense research. The RAS-extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway represents a major miR-regulated signaling network that endows cells with some of the classical hallmarks of cancer, and is often inappropriately activated in malignancies by somatic genetic alteration through point mutation or alteration of gene copy number. In addition, recent progress indicates that many tumors may be deficient in GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) due to the collaborative action of oncogenic miRs. Recent studies also suggest that in tumors harboring a mutant RAS allele there is a critical role for wild type RAS proteins in determining overall RAS-ERK pathway activity. Together, these two advances comprise a new opportunity for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we evaluate miR-based therapeutic strategies for modulating RAS-ERK signaling in cancers; in particular for more direct modulation of RAS-GTP levels, with the potential to complement current strategies to yield more durable treatment responses. To this end, we discuss the potential for miR-based therapies focused on three prominent miRs including the pan-RAS regulator let-7 and the GAP regulator comprised of miR-206 and miR-21 (miR-206/21).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriganesh B Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.,Program in Cancer Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - John Michael Ruppert
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.,The Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
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171
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Upadhyaya P, Qian Z, Selner NG, Clippinger SR, Wu Z, Briesewitz R, Pei D. Inhibition of Ras signaling by blocking Ras-effector interactions with cyclic peptides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015; 54:7602-6. [PMID: 25950772 PMCID: PMC4591930 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201502763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Ras genes are frequently activated in human cancers, but the mutant Ras proteins remain largely "undruggable" through the conventional small-molecule approach owing to the absence of any obvious binding pockets on their surfaces. By screening a combinatorial peptide library, followed by structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis, we discovered a family of cyclic peptides possessing both Ras-binding and cell-penetrating properties. These cell-permeable cyclic peptides inhibit Ras signaling by binding to Ras-GTP and blocking its interaction with downstream proteins and they induce apoptosis of cancer cells. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of developing cyclic peptides for the inhibition of intracellular protein-protein interactions and of direct Ras inhibitors as a novel class of anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Punit Upadhyaya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 (USA)
| | - Ziqing Qian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 (USA)
| | - Nicholas G Selner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 (USA)
| | - Sarah R Clippinger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 (USA)
| | - Zhengrong Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 (USA)
| | - Roger Briesewitz
- Department of Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, 5065 Graves Hall, 333 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 (USA).
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 (USA).
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172
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Sobotič B, Vizovišek M, Vidmar R, Van Damme P, Gocheva V, Joyce JA, Gevaert K, Turk V, Turk B, Fonović M. Proteomic Identification of Cysteine Cathepsin Substrates Shed from the Surface of Cancer Cells. Mol Cell Proteomics 2015; 14:2213-28. [PMID: 26081835 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m114.044628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular cysteine cathepsins are known to drive cancer progression, but besides degradation of extracellular matrix proteins little is known about their physiological substrates and thus the molecular mechanisms they deploy. One of the major mechanisms used by other extracellular proteases to facilitate cancer progression is proteolytic release of the extracellular domains of transmembrane proteins or ectodomain shedding. Here we show using a mass spectrometry-based approach that cathepsins L and S act as sheddases and cleave extracellular domains of CAM adhesion proteins and transmembrane receptors from the surface of cancer cells. In cathepsin S-deficient mouse pancreatic cancers, processing of these cathepsin substrates is highly reduced, pointing to an essential role of cathepsins in extracellular shedding. In addition to influencing cell migration and invasion, shedding of surface proteins by extracellular cathepsins impacts intracellular signaling as demonstrated for regulation of Ras GTPase activity, thereby providing a putative mechanistic link between extracellular cathepsin activity and cancer progression. The MS data is available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD002192.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Sobotič
- From the ‡Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; §International Postgraduate School Jozef Stefan, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matej Vizovišek
- From the ‡Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; §International Postgraduate School Jozef Stefan, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Vidmar
- From the ‡Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; §International Postgraduate School Jozef Stefan, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Petra Van Damme
- ¶Department of Biochemistry, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; ‖Department of Medical Protein Research, VIB, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vasilena Gocheva
- **Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065
| | - Johanna A Joyce
- **Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065
| | - Kris Gevaert
- ¶Department of Biochemistry, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; ‖Department of Medical Protein Research, VIB, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vito Turk
- From the ‡Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; §International Postgraduate School Jozef Stefan, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; ‡‡Centre of Excellence for Integrated Approaches in Chemistry and Biology of Proteins, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boris Turk
- From the ‡Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; ‡‡Centre of Excellence for Integrated Approaches in Chemistry and Biology of Proteins, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; §§Center of Excellence NIN, Ljubljana, Slovenia; ¶¶Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Fonović
- From the ‡Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; ‡‡Centre of Excellence for Integrated Approaches in Chemistry and Biology of Proteins, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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173
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Hunter JC, Manandhar A, Carrasco MA, Gurbani D, Gondi S, Westover KD. Biochemical and Structural Analysis of Common Cancer-Associated KRAS Mutations. Mol Cancer Res 2015; 13:1325-35. [PMID: 26037647 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-15-0203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 460] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED KRAS mutations are the most common genetic abnormalities in cancer, but the distribution of specific mutations across cancers and the differential responses of patients with specific KRAS mutations in therapeutic clinical trials suggest that different KRAS mutations have unique biochemical behaviors. To further explain these high-level clinical differences and to explore potential therapeutic strategies for specific KRAS isoforms, we characterized the most common KRAS mutants biochemically for substrate binding kinetics, intrinsic and GTPase-activating protein (GAP)-stimulated GTPase activities, and interactions with the RAS effector, RAF kinase. Of note, KRAS G13D shows rapid nucleotide exchange kinetics compared with other mutants analyzed. This property can be explained by changes in the electrostatic charge distribution of the active site induced by the G13D mutation as shown by X-ray crystallography. High-resolution X-ray structures are also provided for the GDP-bound forms of KRAS G12V, G12R, and Q61L and reveal additional insight. Overall, the structural data and measurements, obtained herein, indicate that measurable biochemical properties provide clues for identifying KRAS-driven tumors that preferentially signal through RAF. IMPLICATIONS Biochemical profiling and subclassification of KRAS-driven cancers will enable the rational selection of therapies targeting specific KRAS isoforms or specific RAS effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Hunter
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
| | - Anuj Manandhar
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
| | - Martin A Carrasco
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
| | - Deepak Gurbani
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
| | - Sudershan Gondi
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
| | - Kenneth D Westover
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas.
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174
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Zandvakili I, Davis AK, Hu G, Zheng Y. Loss of RhoA Exacerbates, Rather Than Dampens, Oncogenic K-Ras Induced Lung Adenoma Formation in Mice. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127923. [PMID: 26030593 PMCID: PMC4452309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous cellular studies have indicated that RhoA signaling is required for oncogenic Ras-induced transformation, suggesting that RhoA is a useful target in Ras induced neoplasia. However, to date very limited data exist to genetically attribute RhoA function to Ras-mediated tumorigenesis in mammalian models. In order to assess whether RhoA is required for K-Ras-induced lung cancer initiation, we utilized the K-RasG12D Lox-Stop-Lox murine lung cancer model in combination with a conditional RhoAflox/flox and RhoC-/- knockout mouse models. Deletion of the floxed Rhoa gene and expression of K-RasG12D was achieved by either CCSP-Cre or adenoviral Cre, resulting in simultaneous expression of K-RasG12D and deletion of RhoA from the murine lung. We found that deletion of RhoA, RhoC or both did not adversely affect normal lung development. Moreover, we found that deletion of either RhoA or RhoC alone did not suppress K-RasG12D induced lung adenoma initiation. Rather, deletion of RhoA alone exacerbated lung adenoma formation, whereas dual deletion of RhoA and RhoC together significantly reduced K-RasG12D induced adenoma formation. Deletion of RhoA appears to induce a compensatory mechanism that exacerbates adenoma formation. The compensatory mechanism is at least partly mediated by RhoC. This study suggests that targeting of RhoA alone may allow for compensation and a paradoxical exacerbation of neoplasia, while simultaneous targeting of both RhoA and RhoC is likely to lead to more favorable outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inuk Zandvakili
- Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Medical-Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine, The University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ashley Kuenzi Davis
- Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Guodong Hu
- Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Yi Zheng
- Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Medical-Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine, The University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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175
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Upadhyaya P, Qian Z, Selner NG, Clippinger SR, Wu Z, Briesewitz R, Pei D. Inhibition of Ras Signaling by Blocking Ras-Effector Interactions with Cyclic Peptides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201502763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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176
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Ko AH. Progress in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer and the search for next opportunities. J Clin Oncol 2015; 33:1779-86. [PMID: 25918299 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2014.59.7625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing number of therapeutic options are now available for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, informed by positive results from recently completed phase III clinical trials. These have led to modest, if not necessarily transformative, improvements in clinical outcomes. Although the standard of care for metastatic disease remains cytotoxic therapy, a variety of novel therapeutic approaches are currently under active investigation, several of which have already demonstrated encouraging results in phase I/II studies. The following three broad categories (with significant overlap among them) are highlighted here: stromal-depleting agents, immunotherapies, and signal transduction inhibitors. The mechanistic rationale, limitations, and promise of each of these strategies specific to pancreatic cancer are discussed, as are the aspects of this disease and this patient population that pose ongoing challenges in terms of both therapeutic management and biomarker-driven trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Ko
- From the University of California San Francisco Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA.
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177
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Qi X, Xie C, Hou S, Li G, Yin N, Dong L, Lepp A, Chesnik MA, Mirza SP, Szabo A, Tsai S, Basir Z, Wu S, Chen G. Identification of a ternary protein-complex as a therapeutic target for K-Ras-dependent colon cancer. Oncotarget 2015; 5:4269-82. [PMID: 24962213 PMCID: PMC4147322 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A cancer phenotype is driven by several proteins and targeting a cluster of functionally interdependent molecules should be more effective for therapeutic intervention. This is specifically important for Ras-dependent cancer, as mutated (MT) Ras is non-druggable and targeting its interaction with effectors may be essential for therapeutic intervention. Here, we report that a protein-complex activated by the Ras effector p38γ MAPK is a novel therapeutic target for K-Ras-dependent colon cancer. Unbiased proteomic screening and immune-precipitation analyses identified p38γ interaction with heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and K-Ras in K-Ras MT, but not wild-type (WT), colon cancer cells, indicating a role of this complex in Ras-dependent growth. Further experiments showed that this complex requires p38γ and Hsp90 activity to maintain MT, but not WT, K-Ras protein expression. Additional studies demonstrated that this complex is activated by p38γ-induced Hsp90 phosphorylation at S595, which is important for MT K-Ras stability and for K-Ras dependent growth. Of most important, pharmacologically inhibition of Hsp90 or p38γ activity disrupts the complex, decreases K-Ras expression, and selectively inhibits the growth of K-Ras MT colon cancer in vitro and in vivo. These results demonstrated that the p38γ-activated ternary complex is a novel therapeutic target for K-Ras-dependent colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Qi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shixiu Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin; Research Services, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
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178
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Ling Y, Wang X, Wang C, Xu C, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Zhang Y. Hybrids from Farnesylthiosalicylic Acid and Hydroxamic Acid as Dual Ras-Related Signaling and Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation. ChemMedChem 2015; 10:971-6. [PMID: 25882299 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A novel series of hybrids was designed and synthesized by combining key elements from farnesylthiosalicylic acid (FTS) and hydroxamic acid. Several 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trien-1-yl) thio)benzamide derivatives, particularly those with branched and linear aliphatic linkers between the hydroxamic zinc binding group (ZBG) and the benzamide core, not only displayed significant antitumor activities against six human cancer cells but also exhibited histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitory effects in vitro. Among them, N-(4-(hydroxyamino)-4-oxobutyl)-2-(((2E,6E)-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6, 10-trien-1-yl)thio)benzamide (8 d) was the most potent, with IC50 values of 4.9-7.6 μM; these activities are eight- to sixteen-fold more potent than FTS and comparable to that of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA). Derivative 8 d induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, inhibited the acetylation of histone H3 and α-tubulin, and blocked Ras-related signaling pathways in a dose-dependent manner. The improved tumor growth inhibition and cell-cycle arrest in vitro might result from the dual inhibition. These findings suggest dual inhibitors of Ras-related signaling pathway and HDAC hold promise as therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ling
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001 (P. R. China). .,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009 (P. R. China).
| | - Xuemin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001 (P. R. China)
| | - Chenniu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001 (P. R. China)
| | - Chenjun Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001 (P. R. China)
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001 (P. R. China)
| | - Yihua Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001 (P. R. China).,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009 (P. R. China)
| | - Yanan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001 (P. R. China).
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179
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Abstract
Mutations in the KRAS oncogene represent one of the most prevalent genetic alterations in colorectal cancer (CRC), the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the US. In addition to their well-characterized function in driving tumor progression, KRAS mutations have been recognized as a critical determinant of the therapeutic response of CRC. Recent studies demonstrate that KRAS-mutant tumors are intrinsically insensitive to clinically-used epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting antibodies, including cetuximab and panitumumab. Acquired resistance to the anti-EGFR therapy was found to be associated with enrichment of KRAS-mutant tumor cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of mutant-KRAS-mediated therapeutic resistance has remained unclear. Despite intensive efforts, directly targeting mutant KRAS has been largely unsuccessful. This review summarizes the recent advances in understanding the biological function of KRAS mutations in determining the therapeutic response of CRC, highlighting several recently developed agents and strategies for targeting mutant KRAS, such as synthetic lethal interactions.
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180
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Al Abdallah Q, Fortwendel JR. Exploration of Aspergillus fumigatus Ras pathways for novel antifungal drug targets. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:128. [PMID: 25767465 PMCID: PMC4341556 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras pathway signaling is a critical virulence determinant for pathogenic fungi. Localization of Ras to the plasma membrane (PM) is required for Ras network interactions supporting fungal growth and virulence. For example, loss of Aspergillus fumigatus RasA signaling at the PM via inhibition of palmitoylation leads to decreased growth, altered hyphal morphogenesis, decreased cell wall integrity and loss of virulence. In order to be properly localized and activated, Ras proteins must transit a series of post-translational modification (PTM) steps. These steps include farnesylation, proteolytic cleavage of terminal amino acids, carboxymethylation, and palmitoylation. Because Ras activation drives tumor development, Ras pathways have been extensively studied in mammalian cells as a potential target for anti-cancer therapy. Inhibitors of mammalian Ras interactions and PTM components have been, or are actively being, developed. This review will focus on the potential for building upon existing scaffolds to exploit fungal Ras proteins for therapy, synthesizing data from studies employing both mammalian and fungal systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qusai Al Abdallah
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Alabama , Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Jarrod R Fortwendel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Alabama , Mobile, AL, USA
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181
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Ling Y, Zhao X, Li X, Wang X, Yang Y, Wang Z, Wang X, Zhang J, Zhang Y. Novel FTS-diamine/cinnamic acid hybrids inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and promote apoptosis via blocking Ras-related signaling in vitro. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2014; 75:381-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-014-2650-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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182
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Døssing KBV, Binderup T, Kaczkowski B, Jacobsen A, Rossing M, Winther O, Federspiel B, Knigge U, Kjær A, Friis-Hansen L. Down-Regulation of miR-129-5p and the let-7 Family in Neuroendocrine Tumors and Metastases Leads to Up-Regulation of Their Targets Egr1, G3bp1, Hmga2 and Bach1. Genes (Basel) 2014; 6:1-21. [PMID: 25546138 PMCID: PMC4377830 DOI: 10.3390/genes6010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Expression of miRNAs in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NEN) is poorly characterized. We therefore wanted to examine the miRNA expression in Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs), and identify their targets and importance in NET carcinogenesis. miRNA expression in six NEN primary tumors, six NEN metastases and four normal intestinal tissues was characterized using miRNA arrays, and validated by in-situ hybridization and qPCR. Among the down-regulated miRNAs miR-129-5p and the let-7f/let-7 family, were selected for further characterization. Transfection of miR-129-5p inhibited growth of a pulmonary and an intestinal carcinoid cell line. Analysis of mRNA expression changes identified EGR1 and G3BP1 as miR-129-5p targets. They were validated by luciferase assay and western blotting, and found robustly expressed in NETs by immunohistochemistry. Knockdown of EGR1 and G3BP1 mimicked the growth inhibition induced by miR-129-5p. let-7 overexpression inhibited growth of carcinoid cell lines, and let-7 inhibition increased protein content of the transcription factor BACH1 and its targets MMP1 and HMGA2, all known to promote bone metastases. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that let-7 targets are highly expressed in NETs and metastases. We found down-regulation of miR-129-5p and the let-7 family, and identified new neuroendocrine specific targets for these miRNAs, which contributes to the growth and metastatic potential of these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina B V Døssing
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Tina Binderup
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Bogumil Kaczkowski
- The Bioinformatics Center, Department of Biology and Biotech and Research Innovation Centre, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Anders Jacobsen
- The Bioinformatics Center, Department of Biology and Biotech and Research Innovation Centre, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Maria Rossing
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ole Winther
- DTU Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Anker Engelunds Vej 1, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Birgitte Federspiel
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ulrich Knigge
- Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Health Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Andreas Kjær
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Lennart Friis-Hansen
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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183
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Hubbard PA, Moody CL, Murali R. Allosteric modulation of Ras and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway: emerging therapeutic opportunities. Front Physiol 2014; 5:478. [PMID: 25566081 PMCID: PMC4267178 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
GTPases and kinases are two predominant signaling modules that regulate cell fate. Dysregulation of Ras, a GTPase, and the three eponymous kinases that form key nodes of the associated phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mTOR pathway have been implicated in many cancers, including pancreatic cancer, a disease noted for its current lack of effective therapeutics. The K-Ras isoform of Ras is mutated in over 90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) and there is growing evidence linking aberrant PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activity to PDAC. Although these observations suggest that targeting one of these nodes might lead to more effective treatment options for patients with pancreatic and other cancers, the complex regulatory mechanisms and the number of sequence-conserved isoforms of these proteins have been viewed as significant barriers in drug development. Emerging insights into the allosteric regulatory mechanisms of these proteins suggest novel opportunities for development of selective allosteric inhibitors with fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) helping make significant inroads. The fact that allosteric inhibitors of Ras and AKT are currently in pre-clinical development lends support to this approach. In this article, we will focus on the recent advances and merits of developing allosteric drugs targeting these two inter-related signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Hubbard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Colleen L Moody
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ramachandran Murali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, CA, USA ; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA
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184
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Huang L, Carney J, Cardona DM, Counter CM. Decreased tumorigenesis in mice with a Kras point mutation at C118. Nat Commun 2014; 5:5410. [PMID: 25394415 PMCID: PMC4234187 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS, NRAS, or HRAS genes are mutated to encode an active oncogenic protein in a quarter of human cancers. Redox-dependent reactions can also lead to Ras activation in a manner dependent upon the thiol residue of cysteine 118 (C118). Here, to investigate the effect of mutating this residue on tumorigenesis, we introduce a C118S mutation into the endogenous murine Kras allele and expose the resultant mice to the carcinogen urethane, which induces Kras mutation-positive lung tumors. We report that Kras+/C118S and KrasC118S/C118S mice develop fewer lung tumors. Although the KrasC118S allele does not appear to affect tumorigenesis when the remaining Kras allele is conditionally oncogenic, there is a moderate imbalance of oncogenic mutations favoring the native Kras allele in tumors from Kras+/C118S mice treated with urethane. We conclude that the KrasC118S allele impedes urethane-induced lung tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - John Carney
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Diana M Cardona
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Christopher M Counter
- 1] Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA [2] Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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185
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Chan MT, Lim GE, Skovsø S, Yang YHC, Albrecht T, Alejandro EU, Hoesli CA, Piret JM, Warnock GL, Johnson JD. Effects of insulin on human pancreatic cancer progression modeled in vitro. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:814. [PMID: 25373319 PMCID: PMC4233074 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the most lethal cancers, yet it remains understudied and poorly understood. Hyperinsulinemia has been reported to be a risk factor of pancreatic cancer, and the rapid rise of hyperinsulinemia associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes foreshadows a rise in cancer incidence. However, the actions of insulin at the various stages of pancreatic cancer progression remain poorly defined. Methods Here, we examined the effects of a range of insulin doses on signalling, proliferation and survival in three human cell models meant to represent three stages in pancreatic cancer progression: primary pancreatic duct cells, the HPDE immortalized pancreatic ductal cell line, and the PANC1 metastatic pancreatic cancer cell line. Cells were treated with a range of insulin doses, and their proliferation/viability were tracked via live cell imaging and XTT assays. Signal transduction was assessed through the AKT and ERK signalling pathways via immunoblotting. Inhibitors of AKT and ERK signalling were used to determine the relative contribution of these pathways to the survival of each cell model. Results While all three cell types responded to insulin, as indicated by phosphorylation of AKT and ERK, we found that there were stark differences in insulin-dependent proliferation, cell viability and cell survival among the cell types. High concentrations of insulin increased PANC1 and HPDE cell number, but did not alter primary duct cell proliferation in vitro. Cell survival was enhanced by insulin in both primary duct cells and HPDE cells. Moreover, we found that primary cells were more dependent on AKT signalling, while HPDE cells and PANC1 cells were more dependent on RAF/ERK signalling. Conclusions Our data suggest that excessive insulin signalling may contribute to proliferation and survival in human immortalized pancreatic ductal cells and metastatic pancreatic cancer cells, but not in normal adult human pancreatic ductal cells. These data suggest that signalling pathways involved in cell survival may be rewired during pancreatic cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - James D Johnson
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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186
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Upadhyaya P, Qian Z, Habir NAA, Pei D. Direct Ras Inhibitors Identified from a Structurally Rigidified Bicyclic Peptide Library. Tetrahedron 2014; 70:7714-7720. [PMID: 25284901 PMCID: PMC4180945 DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2014.05.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A one-bead-two-compound (OBTC) library of structurally rigidified bicyclic peptides was chemically synthesized on TentaGel microbeads (90 μm), with each bead displaying a unique bicyclic peptide on its surface and a linear encoding peptide of the same sequence in its interior. Screening of the library against oncogenic K-Ras G12V mutant identified two classes of Ras ligands. The class I ligands apparently bind to the effector-binding site and inhibit the Ras-Raf interaction, whereas the class II ligand appears to bind to a yet unidentified site different from the effector-binding site. These Ras ligands provide useful research tools and may be further developed into therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Punit Upadhyaya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18 Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Ziqing Qian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18 Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Nurlaila A. A. Habir
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18 Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18 Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
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187
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Lentiviral-based approach for the validation of cancer therapeutic targets in vivo. Biotechniques 2014; 57:179, 181-7. [PMID: 25312087 DOI: 10.2144/000114214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the pressing need for novel cancer treatments, our improved understanding of tumor biology is not being successfully translated into better therapies. Here we present a lentiviral vector that enables in vivo validation of cancer therapeutic targets when combined with existing cancer animal models that faithfully reproduce the natural history of human disease. Unlike the conventional genetic approaches with targeted alleles, the outlined experimental strategy could be used to assess the preclinical efficacy of a growing number of putative therapeutic hits in a rapid and cost-effective manner.
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188
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Rosnizeck IC, Filchtinski D, Lopes RP, Kieninger B, Herrmann C, Kalbitzer HR, Spoerner M. Elucidating the mode of action of a typical Ras state 1(T) inhibitor. Biochemistry 2014; 53:3867-78. [PMID: 24866928 DOI: 10.1021/bi401689w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The small GTPase Ras is an essential component of signal transduction pathways within the cell, controlling proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Only in the GTP-bound form does Ras interact strongly with effector molecules such as Raf-kinase, thus acting as a molecular switch. In the GTP-bound form, Ras exists in a dynamic equilibrium between at least two distinct conformational states, 1(T) and 2(T), offering different functional properties of the protein. Zn2+-cyclen is a typical state 1(T) inhibitor; i.e., it interacts selectively with Ras in conformational state 1(T), a weak effector binding state. Here we report that active K-Ras4B, which is prominently found to be mutated in human tumors, exhibits a dynamic equilibrium like H-Ras, which can be modulated by Zn2+-cyclen. The titration experiments of Ras with Zn2+-cyclen indicate a cooperatively coupled binding of the ligands to the two interaction sites on Ras that could be identified for H-Ras previously. Our data further indicate that as in state 2(T) where induced fit produces the substate 2(T)* after effector binding, a corresponding substate 1(T)* can be detected at the state 1(T) mutant Ras(T35A). The interaction of Zn2+-cyclen with Ras not only shifts the equilibrium toward the weak effector binding state 1(T) but also perturbs the formation of substate 1(T)*, thus enhancing the inhibitory effect. Although Zn2+-cyclen shows an affinity for Ras in only the millimolar range, its potency of inhibition corresponds to a competitive state 2 inhibitor with micromolar binding affinity. Thus, the results demonstrate the mode of action and potency of this class of allosteric Ras inhibitors.
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189
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Structure-based inhibition of protein-protein interactions. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 94:480-8. [PMID: 25253637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are emerging as attractive targets for drug design because of their central role in directing normal and aberrant cellular functions. These interactions were once considered "undruggable" because their large and dynamic interfaces make small molecule inhibitor design challenging. However, landmark advances in computational analysis, fragment screening and molecular design have enabled development of a host of promising strategies to address the fundamental molecular recognition challenge. An attractive approach for targeting PPIs involves mimicry of protein domains that are critical for complex formation. This approach recognizes that protein subdomains or protein secondary structures are often present at interfaces and serve as organized scaffolds for the presentation of side chain groups that engage the partner protein(s). Design of protein domain mimetics is in principle rather straightforward but is enabled by a host of computational strategies that provide predictions of important residues that should be mimicked. Herein we describe a workflow proceeding from interaction network analysis, to modeling a complex structure, to identifying a high-affinity sub-structure, to developing interaction inhibitors. We apply the design procedure to peptidomimetic inhibitors of Ras-mediated signaling.
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190
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Sun C, Bernards R. Feedback and redundancy in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling: relevance to cancer therapies. Trends Biochem Sci 2014; 39:465-74. [PMID: 25239057 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2014.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian cells have multiple regulatory mechanisms to deal with perturbations in cellular homeostasis, including feedback loops and crosstalk between the major signaling pathways. While these mechanisms are critically required to help cells survive under dynamic physiological circumstances, they also pose an impediment to the effective treatment of cancer. In this review, we describe what has been learned about interactions between receptor tyrosine kinase-dependent signaling pathways, and how this knowledge can be used to design rational and more effective combination therapies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Sun
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - René Bernards
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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191
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MicroRNAs 206 and 21 cooperate to promote RAS-extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling by suppressing the translation of RASA1 and SPRED1. Mol Cell Biol 2014; 34:4143-64. [PMID: 25202123 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00480-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the low prevalence of activating point mutation of RAS or RAF genes, the RAS-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is implicated in breast cancer pathogenesis. Indeed, in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), there is recurrent genetic alteration of pathway components. Using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) methods, we observed that the zinc finger transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) can promote RAS-ERK signaling in TNBC cells. Endogenous KLF4 bound to the promoter regions and promoted the expression of two microRNAs (miRs), miR-206 and miR-21 (i.e., miR-206/21). Antisense-mediated knockdown (anti-miR) revealed that miR-206/21 coordinately promote RAS-ERK signaling and the corresponding cell phenotypes by inhibiting translation of the pathway suppressors RASA1 and SPRED1. In TNBC cells, including cells with mutation of RAS, the suppression of either RASA1 or SPRED1 increased the levels of GTP-bound, wild-type RAS and activated ERK 1/2. Unlike the control cells, treatment of RASA1- or SPRED1-suppressed cells with anti-miR-206/21 had little or no impact on the level of activated ERK 1/2 or on cell proliferation and failed to suppress tumor initiation. These results identify RASA1 and SPRED1 mRNAs as latent RAS-ERK pathway suppressors that can be upregulated in tumor cells by anti-miR treatment. Consequently, KLF4-regulated miRs are important for the maintenance of RAS-ERK pathway activity in TNBC cells.
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192
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Usha T, Middha SK, Goyal AK, Karthik M, Manoj DA, Faizan S, Goyal P, Prashanth HP, Pande V. Molecular docking studies of anti-cancerous candidates in Hippophae rhamnoides and Hippophae salicifolia. J Biomed Res 2014; 28:406-15. [PMID: 25332713 PMCID: PMC4197392 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.28.20130110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Revised: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Actinorhizal plants contain numerous antioxidants that may play a crucial role in preventing the formation of tumors. H-Ras p21, a member of the Ras-GTPase family, is a promising target to treat various kinds of cancers. An in silico docking study was carried out to identify the inhibitory potential of compounds of these plants against H-Ras by using Discovery Studio 3.5 and by using Autodock 4.2. Docking studies revealed that four compounds, isorhamnetin-7-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-glucoside-7-rhamnoside (present in H. rhamnoides), zeaxanthin, and translutein (present in H. salicifolia) significantly bind with binding energies -17.1534, -14.7936, -10.2105 and -17.2217 Kcal/mol, respectively, even though they slightly deviate from Lipinski's rule. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADME/tox) analyses of these compounds and their stereoisomers showed that they were less toxic and non-mutagenic. Amongst them, isorhamntein-7-rhamnoside showed hepatotoxicity. Hence, these compounds can be further investigated in vivo to optimize their formulation and concentration and to develop potential chemical entities for the prevention and treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talambedu Usha
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College For Women, Bangalore, India.
| | - Sushil Kumar Middha
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhimtal Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, India.
| | | | - Mahesh Karthik
- Department of Biotechnology, M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Karanataka, India.
| | - DA Manoj
- Department of Biotechnology, M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Karanataka, India.
| | - Syed Faizan
- Department of Biotechnology, M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Karanataka, India.
| | - Peyush Goyal
- Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, New Delhi, India.
| | - HP Prashanth
- Department of Biotechnology, Sapthagiri College of Engineering, Bangalore, India.
| | - Veena Pande
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhimtal Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, India.
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193
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Lamba S, Russo M, Sun C, Lazzari L, Cancelliere C, Grernrum W, Lieftink C, Bernards R, Di Nicolantonio F, Bardelli A. RAF Suppression Synergizes with MEK Inhibition in KRAS Mutant Cancer Cells. Cell Rep 2014; 8:1475-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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194
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Düppe PM, Tran Thi Phuong T, Autzen J, Schöpel M, Yip KT, Stoll R, Scherkenbeck J. Sequence-selective molecular recognition of the C-terminal CaaX-boxes of Rheb and related Ras-proteins by synthetic receptors. ACS Chem Biol 2014; 9:1755-63. [PMID: 24856002 DOI: 10.1021/cb5002075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Constitutive activation of Ras-proteins plays an important role in the development of aggressive colorectal carcinomas and several other types of cancer. Despite some progress in recent years in the case of K-Ras4B, until now not a single small molecule inhibitor has been identified that binds efficiently to Rheb and interrupts the protein-protein interactions with mTOR. We describe here a complementary approach that aims at inhibiting membrane insertion of Rheb and related Ras proteins by masking the crucial C-terminal CaaX-box with peptidomimetic receptors identified in combinatorial solid-phase libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M. Düppe
- University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße
20, D-42119 Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | - Jasmin Autzen
- University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße
20, D-42119 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Miriam Schöpel
- Ruhr-University of Bochum, Universitätsstraße
150, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - King Tuo Yip
- Ruhr-University of Bochum, Universitätsstraße
150, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Raphael Stoll
- Ruhr-University of Bochum, Universitätsstraße
150, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
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195
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Yuan TL, Fellmann C, Lee CS, Ritchie CD, Thapar V, Lee LC, Hsu DJ, Grace D, Carver JO, Zuber J, Luo J, McCormick F, Lowe SW. Development of siRNA payloads to target KRAS-mutant cancer. Cancer Discov 2014; 4:1182-1197. [PMID: 25100204 PMCID: PMC4184972 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-13-0900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED RNAi is a powerful tool for target identification and can lead to novel therapies for pharmacologically intractable targets such as KRAS. RNAi therapy must combine potent siRNA payloads with reliable in vivo delivery for efficient target inhibition. We used a functional "Sensor" assay to establish a library of potent siRNAs against RAS pathway genes and to show that they efficiently suppress their targets at low dose. This reduces off-target effects and enables combination gene knockdown. We administered Sensor siRNAs in vitro and in vivo and validated the delivery of KRAS siRNA alone and siRNA targeting the complete RAF effector node (A/B/CRAF) as promising strategies to treat KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer. We further demonstrate that improved therapeutic efficacy is achieved by formulating siRNA payloads that combine both single-gene siRNA and node-targeted siRNAs (KRAS + PIK3CA/B). The customizable nature of Sensor siRNA payloads offers a universal platform for the combination target identification and development of RNAi therapeutics. SIGNIFICANCE To advance RNAi therapy for KRAS-mutant cancer, we developed a validated siRNA library against RAS pathway genes that enables combination gene silencing. Using an in vivo model for real-time siRNA delivery tracking, we show that siRNA-mediated inhibition of KRAS as well as RAF or PI3K combinations can impair KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer in xenograft models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina L Yuan
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Christof Fellmann
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Chih-Shia Lee
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Cayde D Ritchie
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Vishal Thapar
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.,Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Liam C Lee
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dennis J Hsu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Danielle Grace
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.,Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Joseph O Carver
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Johannes Zuber
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.,Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 7, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ji Luo
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Scott W Lowe
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.,Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
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196
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Ling Y, Wang Z, Wang X, Li X, Wang X, Zhang W, Dai H, Chen L, Zhang Y. Hybrid molecule from Farnesylthiosalicylic acid-diamine and phenylpropenoic acid as Ras-related signaling inhibitor with potent antitumor activities. Chem Biol Drug Des 2014; 85:145-52. [PMID: 25043275 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Novel series of Farnesylthiosalicylic acid-diamine/phenylpropenoic acid hybrids were designed and synthesized. Their in vitro growth inhibitory assays showed that most compounds displayed strong antiproliferation activity against seven cancer cells. Especially, the new hybrid 12 f, by the conjugation of 10a with ferulic acid, could selectively suppress the proliferation of tumor cells and display significantly lower toxicities to normal cells than its intermediate 10a. Furthermore, 12 f dose-dependently induced SMMC-7721 cell apoptosis. Additionally, our observations demonstrated that 12 f inhibited both Ras-related signaling and phosphorylated NF-κB synergistically, which may be advantageous to the strong antitumor activities of 12 f. Our findings suggest that these novel hybrids may hold a great promise as therapeutic agents for the intervention of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ling
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
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197
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Abbruzzese JL, Hess KR. New option for the initial management of metastatic pancreatic cancer? J Clin Oncol 2014; 32:2405-7. [PMID: 24982449 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2013.54.4155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth R Hess
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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198
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Norton TS, Fortwendel JR. Control of Ras-mediated signaling in Aspergillus fumigatus. Mycopathologia 2014; 178:325-30. [PMID: 24952717 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-014-9765-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi employ numerous mechanisms to flourish in the stressful environment encountered within their mammalian hosts. Central to this arsenal for filamentous fungi is invasive growth within the host microenvironment, mediated by establishment and maintenance of polarized hyphal morphogenesis. In Aspergillus fumigatus, the RasA signal transduction pathway has emerged as a significant regulator of hyphal morphogenesis and virulence, among other processes. The factors contributing to the regulation of RasA itself are not as thoroughly understood, although proper temporal activation of RasA and spatial localization of RasA to the plasma membrane are known to play major roles. Interference with RasA palmitoylation or prenylation results in mislocalization of RasA and is associated with severe growth deficits. In addition, dysregulation of RasA activation results in severe morphologic aberrancies and growth deficits. This review highlights the relationship between RasA signaling, hyphal morphogenesis, and virulence in A. fumigatus and focuses on potential determinants of spatial and temporal RasA regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany S Norton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, 5851 USA Drive North, MSB 2102, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA
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199
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Vasan N, Boyer JL, Herbst RS. A RAS renaissance: emerging targeted therapies for KRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:3921-30. [PMID: 24893629 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-1762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Of the numerous oncogenes implicated in human cancer, the most common and perhaps the most elusive to target pharmacologically is RAS. Since the discovery of RAS in the 1960s, numerous studies have elucidated the mechanism of activity, regulation, and intracellular trafficking of the RAS gene products, and of its regulatory pathways. These pathways yielded druggable targets, such as farnesyltransferase, during the 1980s to 1990s. Unfortunately, early clinical trials investigating farnesyltransferase inhibitors yielded disappointing results, and subsequent interest by pharmaceutical companies in targeting RAS waned. However, recent advances including the identification of novel regulatory enzymes (e.g., Rce1, Icmt, Pdeδ), siRNA-based synthetic lethality screens, and fragment-based small-molecule screens, have resulted in a "Ras renaissance," signified by new Ras and Ras pathway-targeted therapies that have led to new clinical trials of patients with Ras-driven cancers. This review gives an overview of KRas signaling pathways with an emphasis on novel targets and targeted therapies, using non-small cell lung cancer as a case example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Vasan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julie L Boyer
- The Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; and
| | - Roy S Herbst
- Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven, New Haven, Connecticut
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200
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In situ selectivity profiling and crystal structure of SML-8-73-1, an active site inhibitor of oncogenic K-Ras G12C. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:8895-900. [PMID: 24889603 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1404639111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Directly targeting oncogenic V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (K-Ras) with small-molecule inhibitors has historically been considered prohibitively challenging. Recent reports of compounds that bind directly to the K-Ras G12C mutant suggest avenues to overcome key obstacles that stand in the way of developing such compounds. We aim to target the guanine nucleotide (GN)-binding pocket because the natural contents of this pocket dictate the signaling state of K-Ras. Here, we characterize the irreversible inhibitor SML-8-73-1 (SML), which targets the GN-binding pocket of K-Ras G12C. We report a high-resolution X-ray crystal structure of G12C K-Ras bound to SML, revealing that the compound binds in a manner similar to GDP, forming a covalent linkage with Cys-12. The resulting conformation renders K-Ras in the open, inactive conformation, which is not predicted to associate productively with or activate downstream effectors. Conservation analysis of the Ras family GN-binding pocket reveals variability in the side chains surrounding the active site and adjacent regions, especially in the switch I region. This variability may enable building specificity into new iterations of Ras and other GTPase inhibitors. High-resolution in situ chemical proteomic profiling of SML confirms that SML effectively discriminates between K-Ras G12C and other cellular GTP-binding proteins. A biochemical assay provides additional evidence that SML is able to compete with millimolar concentrations of GTP and GDP for the GN-binding site.
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