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Hossain MA. Targeting the RAS upstream and downstream signaling pathway for Cancer treatment. Eur J Pharmacol 2024:176727. [PMID: 38866361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176727] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Cancer often involves the overactivation of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) and PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathways due to mutations in genes like RAS, RAF, PTEN, and PIK3CA. Various strategies are employed to address the overactivation of these pathways, among which targeted therapy emerges as a promising approach. Directly targeting specific proteins, leads to encouraging results in cancer treatment. For instance, RTK inhibitors such as imatinib and afatinib selectively target these receptors, hindering ligand binding and reducing signaling initiation. These inhibitors have shown potent efficacy against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Other inhibitors, like lonafarnib targeting Farnesyltransferase and GGTI 2418 targeting geranylgeranyl Transferase, disrupt post-translational modifications of proteins. Additionally, inhibition of proteins like SOS, SH2 domain, and Ras demonstrate promising anti-tumor activity both in vivo and in vitro. Targeting downstream components with RAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and sorafenib, along with MEK inhibitors like trametinib and binimetinib, has shown promising outcomes in treating cancers with BRAF-V600E mutations, including myeloma, colorectal, and thyroid cancers. Furthermore, inhibitors of PI3K (e.g., apitolisib, copanlisib), AKT (e.g., ipatasertib, perifosine), and mTOR (e.g., sirolimus, temsirolimus) exhibit promising efficacy against various cancers such as Invasive Breast Cancer, Lymphoma, Neoplasms, and hematological malignancies. This review offers an overview of small molecule inhibitors targeting specific proteins within the RAS upstream and downstream signaling pathways in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Arafat Hossain
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh;.
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2
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Majrashi TA, Sabt A, Almahli H, El Hassab MA, Noamaan MA, Elkaeed EB, Hamissa MF, Maslamani AN, Shaldam MA, Eldehna WM. DFT and molecular simulation validation of the binding activity of PDEδ inhibitors for repression of oncogenic k-Ras. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300035. [PMID: 38457483 PMCID: PMC10923412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of effective drugs targeting the K-Ras oncogene product is a significant focus in anticancer drug development. Despite the lack of successful Ras signaling inhibitors, recent research has identified PDEδ, a KRAS transporter, as a potential target for inhibiting the oncogenic KRAS signaling pathway. This study aims to investigate the interactions between eight K-Ras inhibitors (deltarazine, deltaflexin 1 and 2, and its analogues) and PDEδ to understand their binding modes. The research will utilize computational techniques such as density functional theory (DFT) and molecular electrostatic surface potential (MESP), molecular docking, binding site analyses, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, electronic structure computations, and predictions of the binding free energy. Molecular dynamic simulations (MD) will be used to predict the binding conformations and pharmacophoric features in the active site of PDEδ for the examined structures. The binding free energies determined using the MMPB(GB)SA method will be compared with the observed potency values of the tested compounds. This computational approach aims to enhance understanding of the PDEδ selective mechanism, which could contribute to the development of novel selective inhibitors for K-Ras signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taghreed A. Majrashi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Asir, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Sabt
- Chemistry of Natural Compounds Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hadia Almahli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mahmoud A. El Hassab
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, King Salman International University (KSIU), South Sinai, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A. Noamaan
- Faculty of Science, Mathematics Department, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Eslam B. Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Ad Diriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Farouk Hamissa
- Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Moataz A. Shaldam
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Wagdy M. Eldehna
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
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3
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Li Y, Yan B, He S. Advances and challenges in the treatment of lung cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115891. [PMID: 37979378 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer accounts for a relatively high proportion of malignant tumors. As the most prevalent type of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Presently, the arsenal of treatment strategies encompasses surgical resection, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and radiotherapy. However, despite these options, the prognosis remains distressingly poor with a low 5-year survival rate. Therefore, it is urgent to pursue a paradigm shift in treatment methodologies. In recent years, the advent of sophisticated biotechnologies and interdisciplinary integration has provided innovative approaches for the treatment of lung cancer. This article reviews the cutting-edge developments in the nano drug delivery system, molecular targeted treatment system, photothermal treatment strategy, and immunotherapy for lung cancer. Overall, by systematically summarizing and critically analyzing the latest progress and current challenges in these treatment strategies of lung cancer, we aim to provide a theoretical basis for the development of novel drugs for lung cancer treatment, and thus improve the therapeutic outcomes for lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Li
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingshuo Yan
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiming He
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Xie X, Yu T, Li X, Zhang N, Foster LJ, Peng C, Huang W, He G. Recent advances in targeting the "undruggable" proteins: from drug discovery to clinical trials. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:335. [PMID: 37669923 PMCID: PMC10480221 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01589-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Undruggable proteins are a class of proteins that are often characterized by large, complex structures or functions that are difficult to interfere with using conventional drug design strategies. Targeting such undruggable targets has been considered also a great opportunity for treatment of human diseases and has attracted substantial efforts in the field of medicine. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the recent development of drug discovery targeting "undruggable" proteins and their application in clinic. To make this review well organized, we discuss the design strategies targeting the undruggable proteins, including covalent regulation, allosteric inhibition, protein-protein/DNA interaction inhibition, targeted proteins regulation, nucleic acid-based approach, immunotherapy and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tingting Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
| | - Gu He
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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5
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Bteich F, Mohammadi M, Li T, Bhat MA, Sofianidi A, Wei N, Kuang C. Targeting KRAS in Colorectal Cancer: A Bench to Bedside Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12030. [PMID: 37569406 PMCID: PMC10418782 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease with a myriad of alterations at the cellular and molecular levels. Kristen rat sarcoma (KRAS) mutations occur in up to 40% of CRCs and serve as both a prognostic and predictive biomarker. Oncogenic mutations in the KRAS protein affect cellular proliferation and survival, leading to tumorigenesis through RAS/MAPK pathways. Until recently, only indirect targeting of the pathway had been investigated. There are now several KRAS allele-specific inhibitors in late-phase clinical trials, and many newer agents and targeting strategies undergoing preclinical and early-phase clinical testing. The adequate treatment of KRAS-mutated CRC will inevitably involve combination therapies due to the existence of robust adaptive resistance mechanisms in these tumors. In this article, we review the most recent understanding and findings related to targeting KRAS mutations in CRC, mechanisms of resistance to KRAS inhibitors, as well as evolving treatment strategies for KRAS-mutated CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernand Bteich
- Department of Medical Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, USA;
- Department of Medical Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (M.M.); (T.L.); (M.A.B.); (N.W.)
| | - Mahshid Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (M.M.); (T.L.); (M.A.B.); (N.W.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Terence Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (M.M.); (T.L.); (M.A.B.); (N.W.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Muzaffer Ahmed Bhat
- Department of Medical Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (M.M.); (T.L.); (M.A.B.); (N.W.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Amalia Sofianidi
- Oncology Unit, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Sotiria General Hospital for Chest Diseases, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Ning Wei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (M.M.); (T.L.); (M.A.B.); (N.W.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Chaoyuan Kuang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, USA;
- Department of Medical Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (M.M.); (T.L.); (M.A.B.); (N.W.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Yin G, Huang J, Petela J, Jiang H, Zhang Y, Gong S, Wu J, Liu B, Shi J, Gao Y. Targeting small GTPases: emerging grasps on previously untamable targets, pioneered by KRAS. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:212. [PMID: 37221195 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01441-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Small GTPases including Ras, Rho, Rab, Arf, and Ran are omnipresent molecular switches in regulating key cellular functions. Their dysregulation is a therapeutic target for tumors, neurodegeneration, cardiomyopathies, and infection. However, small GTPases have been historically recognized as "undruggable". Targeting KRAS, one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes, has only come into reality in the last decade due to the development of breakthrough strategies such as fragment-based screening, covalent ligands, macromolecule inhibitors, and PROTACs. Two KRASG12C covalent inhibitors have obtained accelerated approval for treating KRASG12C mutant lung cancer, and allele-specific hotspot mutations on G12D/S/R have been demonstrated as viable targets. New methods of targeting KRAS are quickly evolving, including transcription, immunogenic neoepitopes, and combinatory targeting with immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the vast majority of small GTPases and hotspot mutations remain elusive, and clinical resistance to G12C inhibitors poses new challenges. In this article, we summarize diversified biological functions, shared structural properties, and complex regulatory mechanisms of small GTPases and their relationships with human diseases. Furthermore, we review the status of drug discovery for targeting small GTPases and the most recent strategic progress focused on targeting KRAS. The discovery of new regulatory mechanisms and development of targeting approaches will together promote drug discovery for small GTPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowei Yin
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Jing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Johnny Petela
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Hongmei Jiang
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yuetong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Siqi Gong
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jiaxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Bei Liu
- National Biomedical Imaging Center, School of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Yijun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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Tawfeeq N, Lazarte JMS, Jin Y, Gregory MD, Lamango NS. Polyisoprenylated cysteinyl amide inhibitors deplete singly polyisoprenylated monomeric G-proteins in lung and breast cancer cell lines. Oncotarget 2023; 14:243-257. [PMID: 36961909 PMCID: PMC10038354 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Finding effective therapies against cancers driven by mutant and/or overexpressed hyperactive G-proteins remains an area of active research. Polyisoprenylated cysteinyl amide inhibitors (PCAIs) are agents that mimic the essential posttranslational modifications of G-proteins. It is hypothesized that PCAIs work as anticancer agents by disrupting polyisoprenylation-dependent functional interactions of the G-Proteins. This study tested this hypothesis by determining the effect of the PCAIs on the levels of RAS and related monomeric G-proteins. Following 48 h exposure, we found significant decreases in the levels of KRAS, RHOA, RAC1, and CDC42 ranging within 20-66% after NSL-YHJ-2-27 (5 μM) treatment in all four cell lines tested, A549, NCI-H1299, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468. However, no significant difference was observed on the G-protein, RAB5A. Interestingly, 38 and 44% decreases in the levels of the farnesylated and acylated NRAS were observed in the two breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468, respectively, while HRAS levels showed a 36% decrease only in MDA-MB-468 cells. Moreover, after PCAIs treatment, migration, and invasion of A549 cells were inhibited by 72 and 70%, respectively while the levels of vinculin and fascin dropped by 33 and 43%, respectively. These findings implicate the potential role of PCAIs as anticancer agents through their direct interaction with monomeric G-proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Tawfeeq
- Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Dammam, Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Jassy Mary S Lazarte
- Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Yonghao Jin
- Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Matthew D Gregory
- Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Nazarius S Lamango
- Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
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Zhang J, Liu P, Chen J, Yao D, Liu Q, Zhang J, Zhang HW, Leung ELH, Yao XJ, Liu L. Upgrade of chrysomycin A as a novel topoisomerase II inhibitor to curb KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma progression. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106565. [PMID: 36414124 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A primary strategy employed in cancer therapy is the inhibition of topoisomerase II (Topo II), implicated in cell survival. However, side effects and adverse reactions restrict the utilization of Topo II inhibitors. Thus, investigations focus on the discovery of novel compounds that are capable of inhibiting the Topo II enzyme and feature safer toxicological profiles. Herein, we upgrade an old antibiotic chrysomycin A from Streptomyces sp. 891 as a compelling Topo II enzyme inhibitor. Our results show that chrysomycin A is a new chemical entity. Notably, chrysomycin A targets the DNA-unwinding enzyme Topo II with an efficient binding potency and a significant inhibition of intracellular enzyme levels. Intriguingly, chrysomycin A kills KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma cells and is negligible cytotoxic to normal cells at the cellular level, thus indicating a capability of potential treatment. Furthermore, mechanism studies demonstrate that chrysomycin A inhibits the Topo II enzyme and stimulates the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, thereby inducing DNA damage-mediated cancer cell apoptosis. Importantly, chrysomycin A exhibits excellent control of cancer progression and excellent safety in tumor-bearing models. Our results provide a chemical scaffold for the synthesis of new types of Topo II inhibitors and reveal a novel target for chrysomycin A to meet its further application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junmin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau; School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Pei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau
| | - Jianwei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Dahong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau
| | - Qing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau
| | - Juanhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau; School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Hua-Wei Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Science, and MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau.
| | - Xiao-Jun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau.
| | - Liang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau.
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Lee J, Lee HJ, Lee Y, Lim B, Gam J, Oh DC, Lee J. Development of PD3 and PD3-B for PDEδ inhibition to modulate KRAS activity. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:1656-1666. [PMID: 35695156 PMCID: PMC9225715 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2086865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive efforts over 40 years, few effective KRAS inhibitors have been developed to date, mainly due to the undruggable features of KRAS proteins. In addition to the direct approach to KRAS via covalent inhibition, modulation of the prenyl-binding protein PDEδ that binds with farnesylated KRAS has emerged as an alternative strategy to abrogate KRAS activity. For the verification of new therapeutic strategies, chemical probes with the dual functions of visualisation and pharmacological inhibition against oncogenic proteins are enormously valuable to understand cellular events related to cancer. Here, we report indolizino[3,2-c]quinoline (IQ)-based fluorescent probes (PD3 and PD3-B) for PDEδ inhibition. By using the unique fluorescent characteristics of the IQ scaffold, a fluorescence polarisation (FP)-based binding assay identified PD3 as the most effective PDEδ probe among the tested PD analogues, with a low Kd value of 0.491 µM and long retention time in the binding site of PDEδ. In particular, a FP-based competition assay using deltarasin verified that PD3 occupies the farnesylation binding site of PDEδ, excluding the possibility that the FP signals resulted from non-specific hydrophobic interactions between the ligand and protein in the assay. We also designed and synthesised PD3-B (5), an affinity-based probe (ABP) from the PD3 structure, which enabled us to pull down PDEδ from bacterial lysates containing a large number of intrinsic bacterial proteins. Finally, KRAS relocalization was verified in PANC-1 cells by treatment with PD3, suggesting its potential as an effective probe to target PDEδ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungeun Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Jin Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeongcheol Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bumhee Lim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongsik Gam
- Department of Medicinal Bioscience, College of Interdisciplinary & Creative Studies, Konyang University, Nonsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Chan Oh
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeeyeon Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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10
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Wang G, Bai Y, Cui J, Zong Z, Gao Y, Zheng Z. Computer-Aided Drug Design Boosts RAS Inhibitor Discovery. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175710. [PMID: 36080477 PMCID: PMC9457765 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rat Sarcoma (RAS) family (NRAS, HRAS, and KRAS) is endowed with GTPase activity to regulate various signaling pathways in ubiquitous animal cells. As proto-oncogenes, RAS mutations can maintain activation, leading to the growth and proliferation of abnormal cells and the development of a variety of human cancers. For the fight against tumors, the discovery of RAS-targeted drugs is of high significance. On the one hand, the structural properties of the RAS protein make it difficult to find inhibitors specifically targeted to it. On the other hand, targeting other molecules in the RAS signaling pathway often leads to severe tissue toxicities due to the lack of disease specificity. However, computer-aided drug design (CADD) can help solve the above problems. As an interdisciplinary approach that combines computational biology with medicinal chemistry, CADD has brought a variety of advances and numerous benefits to drug design, such as the rapid identification of new targets and discovery of new drugs. Based on an overview of RAS features and the history of inhibitor discovery, this review provides insight into the application of mainstream CADD methods to RAS drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Wang
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yuhao Bai
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Jiarui Cui
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Zirui Zong
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Zhen Zheng
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Correspondence:
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11
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Xu Z, Chu M. Advances in Immunosuppressive Agents Based on Signal Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:917162. [PMID: 35694243 PMCID: PMC9178660 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.917162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune abnormality involves in various diseases, such as infection, allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases, as well as transplantation. Several signal pathways have been demonstrated to play a central role in the immune response, including JAK/STAT, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT-mTOR, MAPK, and Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, in which multiple targets have been used to develop immunosuppressive agents. In recent years, varieties of immunosuppressive agents have been approved for clinical use, such as the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib and the mTOR inhibitor everolimus, which have shown good therapeutic effects. Additionally, many immunosuppressive agents are still in clinical trials or preclinical studies. In this review, we classified the immunosuppressive agents according to the immunopharmacological mechanisms, and summarized the phase of immunosuppressive agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Xu
- Department of Immunology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Chu
- Department of Immunology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Wang XR, Jiang ZB, Xu C, Meng WY, Liu P, Zhang YZ, Xie C, Xu JY, Xie YJ, Liang TL, Yan HX, Fan XX, Yao XJ, Wu QB, Leung ELH. Andrographolide suppresses non-small-cell lung cancer progression through induction of autophagy and antitumor immune response. Pharmacol Res 2022; 179:106198. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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13
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Negri F, Bottarelli L, de’Angelis GL, Gnetti L. KRAS: A Druggable Target in Colon Cancer Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084120. [PMID: 35456940 PMCID: PMC9027058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in KRAS are among the most frequent aberrations in cancer, including colon cancer. KRAS direct targeting is daunting due to KRAS protein resistance to small molecule inhibition. Moreover, its elevated affinity to cellular guanosine triphosphate (GTP) has made the design of specific drugs challenging. Indeed, KRAS was considered ‘undruggable’. KRASG12C is the most commonly mutated variant of KRAS in non-small cell lung cancer. Currently, the achievements obtained with covalent inhibitors of this variant have given the possibility to assess the best therapeutic approach to KRAS-driven tumors. Mutation-related biochemical assets and the tissue of origin are expected to influence responses to treatment. Further attempts to obtain mutant-specific KRAS (KRASG12C) switch-II covalent inhibitors are ongoing and the results are promising. Drugs targeted to block KRAS effector pathways could be combined with direct KRAS inhibitors, immunotherapy or T cell-targeting approaches in KRAS-mutant tumors. The development of valuable combination regimens will be essential against potential mechanisms of resistance that may arise during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Negri
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Lorena Bottarelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Gian Luigi de’Angelis
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Letizia Gnetti
- Pathology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
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Small-Molecule RAS Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents: Discovery, Development, and Mechanistic Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073706. [PMID: 35409064 PMCID: PMC8999084 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations of RAS oncogenes are responsible for about 30% of all human cancer types, including pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers. While KRAS1 is a pseudogene, mutation of KRAS2 (commonly known as KRAS oncogene) is directly or indirectly associated with human cancers. Among the RAS family, KRAS is the most abundant oncogene related to uncontrolled cellular proliferation to generate solid tumors in many types of cancer such as pancreatic carcinoma (over 80%), colon carcinoma (40-50%), lung carcinoma (30-50%), and other types of cancer. Once described as 'undruggable', RAS proteins have become 'druggable', at least to a certain extent, due to the continuous efforts made during the past four decades. In this account, we discuss the chemistry and biology (wherever available) of the small-molecule inhibitors (synthetic, semi-synthetic, and natural) of KRAS proteins that were published in the past decades. Commercial drugs, as well as investigational molecules from preliminary stages to clinical trials, are categorized and discussed in this study. In summary, this study presents an in-depth discussion of RAS proteins, classifies the RAS superfamily, and describes the molecular mechanism of small-molecule RAS inhibitors.
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Liang TL, Li RZ, Mai CT, Guan XX, Li JX, Wang XR, Ma LR, Zhang FY, Wang J, He F, Pan HD, Zhou H, Yan PY, Fan XX, Wu QB, Neher E, Liu L, Xie Y, Leung ELH, Yao XJ. A method establishment and comparison of in vivo lung cancer model development platforms for evaluation of tumour metabolism and pharmaceutical efficacy. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 96:153831. [PMID: 34794861 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, the identification of accurate biomarkers for the diagnosis of patients with early-stage lung cancer remains difficult. Fortunately, metabolomics technology can be used to improve the detection of plasma metabolic biomarkers for lung cancer. In a previous study, we successfully utilised machine learning methods to identify significant metabolic markers for early-stage lung cancer diagnosis. However, a related research platform for the investigation of tumour metabolism and drug efficacy is still lacking. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE A novel methodology for the comprehensive evaluation of the internal tumour-metabolic profile and drug evaluation needs to be established. METHODS The optimal location for tumour cell inoculation was identified in mouse chest for the non-traumatic orthotopic lung cancer mouse model. Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) was applied to monitor lung tumour growth. Proscillaridin A (P.A) and cisplatin (CDDP) were utilised to verify the anti-lung cancer efficacy of the platform. The top five clinically valid biomarkers, including proline, L-kynurenine, spermidine, taurine and palmitoyl-L-carnitine, were selected as the evaluation indices to obtain a suitable lung cancer mouse model for clinical metabolomics research by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). RESULTS The platform was successfully established, achieving 100% tumour development rate and 0% surgery mortality. P.A and CDDP had significant anti-lung cancer efficacy in the platform. Compared with the control group, four biomarkers in the orthotopic model and two biomarkers in the metastatic model had significantly higher abundance. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed a significant separation between the orthotopic/metastatic model and the control/subcutaneous/KRAS transgenic model. The platform was mainly involved in arginine and proline metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism. CONCLUSION This study is the first to simulate clinical metabolomics by comparing the metabolic phenotype of plasma in different lung cancer mouse models. We found that the orthotopic model was the most suitable for tumour metabolism. Furthermore, the anti-tumour drug efficacy was verified in the platform. The platform can very well match the clinical reality, providing better lung cancer diagnosis and securing more precise evidence for drug evaluation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tu-Liang Liang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Run-Ze Li
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Chu-Tian Mai
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Xiao-Xiang Guan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Jia-Xin Li
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Xuan-Run Wang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Lin-Rui Ma
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Fang-Yuan Zhang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Jian Wang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Fan He
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Hu-Dan Pan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Pei-Yu Yan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Xing-Xing Fan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Qi-Biao Wu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Erwin Neher
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Liang Liu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Ying Xie
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China.
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China; Zhuhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhuhai City, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Xiao-Jun Yao
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China; State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
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16
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Ferrara MG, Stefani A, Pilotto S, Carbone C, Vita E, Di Salvatore M, D'Argento E, Sparagna I, Monaca F, Valente G, Vitale A, Piro G, Belluomini L, Milella M, Tortora G, Bria E. The Renaissance of KRAS Targeting in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: New Opportunities Following Old Failures. Front Oncol 2022; 11:792385. [PMID: 35004317 PMCID: PMC8733471 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.792385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents the perfect paradigm of ‘precision medicine’ due to its complex intratumoral heterogeneity. It is truly characterized by a range of molecular alterations that can deeply influence the natural history of this disease. Several molecular alterations have been found over time, paving the road to biomarker-driven therapy and radically changing the prognosis of ‘oncogene addicted’ NSCLC patients. Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) mutations are present in up to 30% of NSCLC (especially in adenocarcinoma histotype) and have been identified decades ago. Since its discovery, its molecular characteristics and its marked affinity to a specific substrate have led to define KRAS as an undruggable alteration. Despite that, many attempts have been made to develop drugs capable of targeting KRAS signaling but, until a few years ago, these efforts have been unsuccessful. Comprehensive genomic profiling and wide-spectrum analysis of genetic alterations have only recently allowed to identify different types of KRAS mutations. This tricky step has finally opened new frontiers in the treatment approach of KRAS-mutant patients and might hopefully increase their prognosis and quality of life. In this review, we aim to highlight the most interesting aspects of (epi)genetic KRAS features, hoping to light the way to the state of art of targeting KRAS in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Grazia Ferrara
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessio Stefani
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Sara Pilotto
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Emanuele Vita
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Ettore D'Argento
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Ileana Sparagna
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Federico Monaca
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Giustina Valente
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Vitale
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Geny Piro
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Belluomini
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Milella
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Emilio Bria
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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17
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Chen L, Zhang J, Wang X, Li Y, Zhou L, Lu X, Dong G, Sheng C. Discovery of novel KRAS‒PDE δ inhibitors with potent activity in patient-derived human pancreatic tumor xenograft models. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:274-290. [PMID: 35127385 PMCID: PMC8799878 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS‒PDEδ interaction is revealed as a promising target for suppressing the function of mutant KRAS. The bottleneck in clinical development of PDEδ inhibitors is the poor antitumor activity of known chemotypes. Here, we identified novel spiro-cyclic PDEδ inhibitors with potent antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. In particular, compound 36l (K D = 127 ± 16 nmol/L) effectively bound to PDEδ and interfered with KRAS-PDEδ interaction. It influenced the distribution of KRAS in Mia PaCa-2 cells, downregulated the phosphorylation of t-ERK and t-AKT and promoted apoptosis of the cells. The novel inhibitor 36l exhibited significant in vivo antitumor potency in pancreatic cancer patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. It represents a promising lead compound for investigating the druggability of KRAS‒PDEδ interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Xinjing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiongxiong Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 21 64370045 671003 (Xiongxiong Lu), +86 21 81871242 (Guoqiang Dong), +86 21 81871239 (Chunquan Sheng).
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 21 64370045 671003 (Xiongxiong Lu), +86 21 81871242 (Guoqiang Dong), +86 21 81871239 (Chunquan Sheng).
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 21 64370045 671003 (Xiongxiong Lu), +86 21 81871242 (Guoqiang Dong), +86 21 81871239 (Chunquan Sheng).
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18
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Zhang J, Zhang J, Liu Q, Fan XX, Leung ELH, Yao XJ, Liu L. Resistance looms for KRAS G12C inhibitors and rational tackling strategies. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 229:108050. [PMID: 34864132 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
KRAS mutations are one of the most frequent activating alterations in carcinoma. Recent efforts have witnessed a revolutionary strategy for KRAS G12C inhibitors with exhibiting conspicuous clinical responses across multiple tumor types, providing new impetus for renewed drug development and culminating in sotorasib with approximately 6-month median progression-free survival in KRAS G12C-driven lung cancer. However, diverse genomic and histological mechanisms conferring resistance to KRAS G12C inhibitors may limit their clinical efficacy. Herein, we first briefly discuss the recent resistance looms for KRAS G12C inhibitors, focusing on their clinical trials. We then comprehensively interrogate and underscore our current understanding of resistance mechanisms and the necessity of incorporating genomic analyses into the clinical investigation to further decipher resistance mechanisms. Finally, we highlight the future role of novel treatment strategies especially rational identification of targeted combinatorial approaches in tackling drug resistance, and propose our views on including the application of robust biomarkers to precisely guide combination medication regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junmin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China; School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Juanhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China; School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Xing-Xing Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China.
| | - Xiao-Jun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China.
| | - Liang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China.
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Rio-Vilariño A, del Puerto-Nevado L, García-Foncillas J, Cebrián A. Ras Family of Small GTPases in CRC: New Perspectives for Overcoming Drug Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3757. [PMID: 34359657 PMCID: PMC8345156 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer remains among the cancers with the highest incidence, prevalence, and mortality worldwide. Although the development of targeted therapies against the EGFR and VEGFR membrane receptors has considerably improved survival in these patients, the appearance of resistance means that their success is still limited. Overactivation of several members of the Ras-GTPase family is one of the main actors in both tumour progression and the lack of response to cytotoxic and targeted therapies. This fact has led many resources to be devoted over the last decades to the development of targeted therapies against these proteins. However, they have not been as successful as expected in their move to the clinic so far. In this review, we will analyse the role of these Ras-GTPases in the emergence and development of colorectal cancer and their relationship with resistance to targeted therapies, as well as the status and new advances in the design of targeted therapies against these proteins and their possible clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jesús García-Foncillas
- Translational Oncology Division, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jimenez Diaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.-V.); (L.d.P.-N.)
| | - Arancha Cebrián
- Translational Oncology Division, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jimenez Diaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.-V.); (L.d.P.-N.)
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20
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Chen K, Zhang Y, Qian L, Wang P. Emerging strategies to target RAS signaling in human cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:116. [PMID: 34301278 PMCID: PMC8299671 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01127-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS mutations (HRAS, NRAS, and KRAS) are among the most common oncogenes, and around 19% of patients with cancer harbor RAS mutations. Cells harboring RAS mutations tend to undergo malignant transformation and exhibit malignant phenotypes. The mutational status of RAS correlates with the clinicopathological features of patients, such as mucinous type and poor differentiation, as well as response to anti-EGFR therapies in certain types of human cancers. Although RAS protein had been considered as a potential target for tumors with RAS mutations, it was once referred to as a undruggable target due to the consecutive failure in the discovery of RAS protein inhibitors. However, recent studies on the structure, signaling, and function of RAS have shed light on the development of RAS-targeting drugs, especially with the approval of Lumakras (sotorasib, AMG510) in treatment of KRASG12C-mutant NSCLC patients. Therefore, here we fully review RAS mutations in human cancer and especially focus on emerging strategies that have been recently developed for RAS-targeting therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yalei Zhang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ling Qian
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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21
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Jiang ZB, Xu C, Wang W, Zhang YZ, Huang JM, Xie YJ, Wang QQ, Fan XX, Yao XJ, Xie C, Wang XR, Yan PY, Ma YP, Wu QB, Leung ELH. Plumbagin suppresses non-small cell lung cancer progression through downregulating ARF1 and by elevating CD8 + T cells. Pharmacol Res 2021; 169:105656. [PMID: 33964470 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers and the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Therefore, new therapeutic agents are urgently needed to improve patient outcomes. Plumbagin (PLB), a natural sesquiterpene present in many Chinese herbal medicines, has been reported for its anti-cancer activity in various cancer cells. In this study, the effects and underlying mechanisms of PLB on the tumorigenesis of NSCLC were investigated. PLB dose-dependently inhibited the growth of NSCLC cell lines. PLB promoted ROS production, activated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway, and induced cell apoptosis, accompanied by the decreased expression level of ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) in NSCLC cancer cells, and those effects of PLB could be reversed by the pretreatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). More importantly, the calcium chelator (BM) significantly reversed PLB-induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, PLB significantly inhibited the growth of both H1975 xenograft and LLC1 tumors and exhibited antitumor activity by enhancing the number and the effector function of CD8+ T cells in KRASLA2 mice model and the LLC1 xenograft. Our findings suggest that PLB exerts potent antitumor activity against NSCLC in vitro and in vivo through ARF1 downregulation and induction of antitumor immune response, indicating that PLB is a new novel therapeutic candidate for the treatment of patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Bo Jiang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Cong Xu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Yi-Zhong Zhang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Ju-Min Huang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Ya-Jia Xie
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Qian-Qian Wang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Xing-Xing Fan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Xiao-Jun Yao
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Chun Xie
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Xuan-Run Wang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Pei-Yu Yan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Yu-Po Ma
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Department of Pathology, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Qi-Biao Wu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China.
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China.
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22
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Jiang ZB, Wang WJ, Xu C, Xie YJ, Wang XR, Zhang YZ, Huang JM, Huang M, Xie C, Liu P, Fan XX, Ma YP, Yan PY, Liu L, Yao XJ, Wu QB, Lai-Han Leung E. Luteolin and its derivative apigenin suppress the inducible PD-L1 expression to improve anti-tumor immunity in KRAS-mutant lung cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 515:36-48. [PMID: 34052328 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Upregulated expression of immune checkpoint molecules correlates with exhausted phenotype and impaired function of cytotoxic T cells to evade host immunity. By disrupting the interaction of PD-L1 and PD1, immune checkpoint inhibitors can restore immune system function against cancer cells. Growing evidence have demonstrated apigenin and luteolin, which are flavonoids abundant in common fruits and vegetables, can suppress growth and induce apoptosis of multiple types of cancer cells with their potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties. In this study, the effects and underlying mechanisms of luteolin, apigenin, and anti-PD-1 antibody combined with luteolin or apigenin on the PD-L1 expression and anti-tumorigenesis in KRAS-mutant lung cancer were investigated. Luteolin and apigenin significantly inhibited lung cancer cell growth, induced cell apoptosis, and down-regulated the IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression by suppressing the phosphorylation of STAT3. Both luteolin and apigenin showed potent anti-cancer activities in the H358 xenograft and Lewis lung carcinoma model in vivo, and the treatment with monoclonal PD1 antibody enhanced the infiltration of T cells into tumor tissues. Apigenin exhibited anti-tumor activity in Genetically engineered KRASLA2 mice. In conclusion, both apigenin and luteolin significantly suppressed lung cancer with KRAS mutant proliferation, and down-regulated the IFN-γ induced PD-L1 expression. Treatment with the combination of PD-1 blockade and apigenin/luteolin has a synergistic effect and might be a prospective therapeutic strategy for NSCLC with KRAS-mutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Bo Jiang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Wen-Jun Wang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Cong Xu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Ya-Jia Xie
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Xuan-Run Wang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Yi-Zhong Zhang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Ju-Min Huang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Min Huang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Chun Xie
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Pei Liu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Xing-Xing Fan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Yu-Po Ma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA; Research & Development Division, iCell Gene Therapeutics LLC, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Pei-Yu Yan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Liang Liu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Yao
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China.
| | - Qi-Biao Wu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China.
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macao, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, China; Zhuhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhuhai City, Guangdong, China.
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23
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Yang A, Li M, Fang M. The Research Progress of Direct KRAS G12C Mutation Inhibitors. Pathol Oncol Res 2021; 27:631095. [PMID: 34257597 PMCID: PMC8262225 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.631095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Abstract: KRAS mutations have long been considered undruggable. However, a series of direct KRAS mutation inhibitors have been developed since the switch II pocket was discovered recently. This review will summarize progress in the development of direct KRAS G12C mutation inhibitors, current relevant drugs under study and challenges that need to be considered in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Yang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingzhi Fang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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24
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Abstract
RAS (KRAS, NRAS and HRAS) is the most frequently mutated gene family in cancers, and, consequently, investigators have sought an effective RAS inhibitor for more than three decades. Even 10 years ago, RAS inhibitors were so elusive that RAS was termed 'undruggable'. Now, with the success of allele-specific covalent inhibitors against the most frequently mutated version of RAS in non-small-cell lung cancer, KRASG12C, we have the opportunity to evaluate the best therapeutic strategies to treat RAS-driven cancers. Mutation-specific biochemical properties, as well as the tissue of origin, are likely to affect the effectiveness of such treatments. Currently, direct inhibition of mutant RAS through allele-specific inhibitors provides the best therapeutic approach. Therapies that target RAS-activating pathways or RAS effector pathways could be combined with these direct RAS inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors or T cell-targeting approaches to treat RAS-mutant tumours. Here we review recent advances in therapies that target mutant RAS proteins and discuss the future challenges of these therapies, including combination strategies.
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25
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Wu HZ, Xiao JQ, Xiao SS, Cheng Y. KRAS: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Cancer Treatment. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:2081-2097. [PMID: 31486755 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190905164144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancer. The developments of many cancers depend on sustained expression and signaling of KRAS, which makes KRAS a high-priority therapeutic target. Scientists have not successfully developed drugs that target KRAS, although efforts have been made last three decades. In this review, we highlight the emerging experimental strategies of impairing KRAS membrane localization and the direct targeting of KRAS. We also conclude the combinatorial therapies and RNA interference technology for the treatment of KRAS mutant cancers. Moreover, the virtual screening approach to discover novel KRAS inhibitors and synthetic lethality interactors of KRAS are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Zhou Wu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jia-Qi Xiao
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Song-Shu Xiao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
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26
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Ye N, Xu Q, Li W, Wang P, Zhou J. Recent Advances in Developing K-Ras Plasma Membrane Localization Inhibitors. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:2114-2127. [PMID: 31475899 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190902145116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Ras proteins play an important role in cell growth, differentiation, proliferation and survival by regulating diverse signaling pathways. Oncogenic mutant K-Ras is the most frequently mutated class of Ras superfamily that is highly prevalent in many human cancers. Despite intensive efforts to combat various K-Ras-mutant-driven cancers, no effective K-Ras-specific inhibitors have yet been approved for clinical use to date. Since K-Ras proteins must be associated to the plasma membrane for their function, targeting K-Ras plasma membrane localization represents a logical and potentially tractable therapeutic approach. Here, we summarize the recent advances in the development of K-Ras plasma membrane localization inhibitors including natural product-based inhibitors achieved from high throughput screening, fragment-based drug design, virtual screening, and drug repurposing as well as hit-to-lead optimizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Ye
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.,Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, United States
| | - Qingfeng Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Wanwan Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Pingyuan Wang
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, United States
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