1
|
Ali Y, Khan AA, Alanazi AM, Fatima S, Kozmon S. A novel Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivative modulates active KRAS G12D through off-like conformational shifts in switch-I and switch-II regions, mimicking inactive KRAS G12D. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132477. [PMID: 38772459 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132477] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
KRASG12D are the most prevalent oncogenic mutations and a promising target for solid tumor therapies. However, its inhibition exhibits tremendous challenge due to the necessity of high binding affinity to obviate the need for covalent binders. Here we report the evidence of a novel class of Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivative as potentially significant novel inhibitors of KRASG12D, discovered through extensive ligand-based screening against 2-[(2R)-piperidin-2-yl]-1H-indole, an important scaffold for KRASG12D inhibition via switch-I/II (S-I/II) pocket. The proposed compounds exhibited similar binding affinities and overlapped pose configurations to 2-[(2R)-piperidin-2-yl]-1H-indole, serving as a reliable starting point for drug discovery. Comparative free energy profiles demonstrated that C4 [2-methyl-3-((5-phenyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine] effectively shifted the protein to a stable low-energy conformation via a prominent transition state. The conformational changes across the transition revealed the conformational shift of switch-I and II to a previously known off-like conformation of inactive KRASG12D with rmsd of 0.91 Å. These conformations were even more prominent than the privileged scaffold 2-[(2R)-piperidin-2-yl]-1H-indole. The representative structure overlay of C4 and another X-ray crystallography solved BI-2852 bound inactive KRASG12D revealed that Switch-I and II exhibited off-like conformations. The cumulative variance across the first eigenvalue that accounted for 57 % of the collective variance validated this on-to-off transition. In addition, the relative interaction of C4 binding showed consistent patterns with BI-2852. Taken together, our results support the inhibitory activity of [2-methyl-3-((5-phenyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine] by shifting active KRASG12D to an inactive conformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasir Ali
- Institute of Chemistry Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 38 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Azmat Ali Khan
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Amer M Alanazi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Shabeen Fatima
- Institute of Chemistry Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 38 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Stanislav Kozmon
- Institute of Chemistry Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 38 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen J, Wang J, Yang W, Zhao L, Zhao J, Hu G. Molecular Mechanism of Phosphorylation-Mediated Impacts on the Conformation Dynamics of GTP-Bound KRAS Probed by GaMD Trajectory-Based Deep Learning. Molecules 2024; 29:2317. [PMID: 38792177 PMCID: PMC11123822 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102317] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The phosphorylation of different sites produces a significant effect on the conformational dynamics of KRAS. Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulations were combined with deep learning (DL) to explore the molecular mechanism of the phosphorylation-mediated effect on conformational dynamics of the GTP-bound KRAS. The DL finds that the switch domains are involved in obvious differences in conformation contacts and suggests that the switch domains play a key role in the function of KRAS. The analyses of free energy landscapes (FELs) reveal that the phosphorylation of pY32, pY64, and pY137 leads to more disordered states of the switch domains than the wild-type (WT) KRAS and induces conformational transformations between the closed and open states. The results from principal component analysis (PCA) indicate that principal motions PC1 and PC2 are responsible for the closed and open states of the phosphorylated KRAS. Interaction networks were analyzed and the results verify that the phosphorylation alters interactions of GTP and magnesium ion Mg2+ with the switch domains. It is concluded that the phosphorylation pY32, pY64, and pY137 tune the activity of KRAS through changing conformational dynamics and interactions of the switch domains. We anticipated that this work could provide theoretical aids for deeply understanding the function of KRAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Chen
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, China; (J.W.); (W.Y.); (L.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, China
| | - Jian Wang
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, China; (J.W.); (W.Y.); (L.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Wanchun Yang
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, China; (J.W.); (W.Y.); (L.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Lu Zhao
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, China; (J.W.); (W.Y.); (L.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Juan Zhao
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, China; (J.W.); (W.Y.); (L.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Guodong Hu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang J, Botvinov J, Bhatt AJ, Beyer K, Kreis ME, Adam M, Alseidi A, Margonis GA. Somatic Mutations in Surgically Treated Colorectal Liver Metastases: An Overview. Cells 2024; 13:679. [PMID: 38667294 PMCID: PMC11049420 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States, and up to half of patients develop colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). Notably, somatic genetic mutations, such as mutations in RAS, BRAF, mismatch repair (MMR) genes, TP53, and SMAD4, have been shown to play a prognostic role in patients with CRLM. This review summarizes and appraises the current literature regarding the most relevant somatic mutations in surgically treated CRLM by not only reviewing representative studies, but also providing recommendations for areas of future research. In addition, advancements in genetic testing and an increasing emphasis on precision medicine have led to a more nuanced understanding of these mutations; thus, more granular data for each mutation are reviewed when available. Importantly, such knowledge can pave the way for precision medicine with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (M.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Julia Botvinov
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
| | - Aarshvi Jahnvi Bhatt
- University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA;
| | - Katharina Beyer
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Charité Campus Benjamin Franklin, 12203 Berlin, Germany; (K.B.); (M.E.K.)
| | - Martin E. Kreis
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Charité Campus Benjamin Franklin, 12203 Berlin, Germany; (K.B.); (M.E.K.)
| | - Mohamed Adam
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (M.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Adnan Alseidi
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (M.A.); (A.A.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bao H, Wang W, Sun H, Chen J. The switch states of the GDP-bound HRAS affected by point mutations: a study from Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics simulations and free energy landscapes. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:3363-3381. [PMID: 37216340 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2213355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Point mutations play a vital role in the conformational transformation of HRAS. In this work, Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulations followed by constructions of free energy landscapes (FELs) were adopted to explore the effect of mutations D33K, A59T and L120A on conformation states of the GDP-bound HRAS. The results from the post-processing analyses on GaMD trajectories suggest that mutations alter the flexibility and motion modes of the switch domains from HRAS. The analyses from FELs show that mutations induce more disordered states of the switch domains and affect interactions of GDP with HRAS, implying that mutations yield a vital effect on the binding of HRAS to effectors. The GDP-residue interaction network revealed by our current work indicates that salt bridges and hydrogen bonding interactions (HBIs) play key roles in the binding of GDP to HRAS. Furthermore, instability in the interactions of magnesium ions and GDP with the switch SI leads to the extreme disorder of the switch domains. This study is expected to provide the energetic basis and molecular mechanism for further understanding the function of HRAS.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huayin Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan, China
| | - Haibo Sun
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianzhong Chen
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sakamoto K, Hirokawa T. Lipid bilayer membrane permeability mechanism of the K-Ras(G12D)-inhibitory bicyclic peptide KS-58 elucidated by molecular dynamics simulations. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 100:129649. [PMID: 38341162 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129649] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Peptides are mid-size molecules (700-2000 g/mol) and have attracted particular interest as therapeutic modalities as they are superior in controlling protein-protein interactions, a process that is a typical drug target category, compared with small molecules (<500 g/mol). In 2020, we identified KS-58 (1333 g/mol) as a K-Ras(G12D)-inhibitory bicyclic peptide and suggested its cell membrane permeability. However, the membrane permeability mechanism had not been elucidated. In this study, we aim to clarify the mechanism by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Initially, we simulated the molecular conformations of KS-58 in water (a polar solvent) and in chloroform (a non-polar solvent). The identified stable conformations were significantly different in each solvent. KS-58 behaves as a chameleon-like molecule as it alters its polar surface area (PSA) depending on the solvent environment. It was also discovered that orientation of Asp's side chain is a critical energy barrier for KS-58 altering its conformation from hydrophilic to lipophilic. Taking these properties into consideration, we simulated its lipid bilayer membrane permeability. KS-58 shifted toward the inside of the lipid bilayer membrane with altering its conformations to lipophilic. When the simulation condition was set in deionized form of that carboxy group of Asp, KS-58 traveled deeper inside the cell membrane. PSA and the depth of the membrane penetration correlated. In vitro data suggested that cell membrane permeability of KS-58 is improved in weakly acidic conditions leading to partial deionization of the carboxy group. Our data provide an example of the molecular properties of mid-size peptides with membrane accessibility and propose an effective metadynamics approach to elucidate such molecular mechanisms by MD simulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Sakamoto
- Research & Development Depertment, Ichimaru Pharcos Company Limited, 318-1 Asagi, Motosu, 501-0475 Gifu, Japan.
| | - Takatsugu Hirokawa
- Research & Development Depertment, Ichimaru Pharcos Company Limited, 318-1 Asagi, Motosu, 501-0475 Gifu, Japan; Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, 305-8575 Tsukuba, Japan; Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, 305-8575 Tsukuba, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nhàn NTT, Yamada T, Yamada KH. Peptide-Based Agents for Cancer Treatment: Current Applications and Future Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12931. [PMID: 37629112 PMCID: PMC10454368 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based strategies have received an enormous amount of attention because of their specificity and applicability. Their specificity and tumor-targeting ability are applied to diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients. In this review, we will summarize recent advancements and future perspectives on peptide-based strategies for cancer treatment. The literature search was conducted to identify relevant articles for peptide-based strategies for cancer treatment. It was performed using PubMed for articles in English until June 2023. Information on clinical trials was also obtained from ClinicalTrial.gov. Given that peptide-based strategies have several advantages such as targeted delivery to the diseased area, personalized designs, relatively small sizes, and simple production process, bioactive peptides having anti-cancer activities (anti-cancer peptides or ACPs) have been tested in pre-clinical settings and clinical trials. The capability of peptides for tumor targeting is essentially useful for peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs), diagnosis, and image-guided surgery. Immunomodulation with peptide vaccines has been extensively tested in clinical trials. Despite such advantages, FDA-approved peptide agents for solid cancer are still limited. This review will provide a detailed overview of current approaches, design strategies, routes of administration, and new technological advancements. We will highlight the success and limitations of peptide-based therapies for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhàn
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Tohru Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Richard & Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois College of Engineering, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Kaori H. Yamada
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li Y, Yang KD, Duan HY, Du YN, Ye JF. Phage-based peptides for pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment: alternative approach. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1231503. [PMID: 37601380 PMCID: PMC10433397 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1231503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with a high mortality rate and a lack of effective therapies. The challenges associated with early detection and the highly aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer have limited treatment options, underscoring the urgent need for better disease-modifying therapies. Peptide-based biotherapeutics have become an attractive area of research due to their favorable properties such as high selectivity and affinity, chemical modifiability, good tissue permeability, and easy metabolism and excretion. Phage display, a powerful technique for identifying peptides with high affinity and specificity for their target molecules, has emerged as a key tool in the discovery of peptide-based drugs. Phage display technology involves the use of bacteriophages to express peptide libraries, which are then screened against a target of interest to identify peptides with desired properties. This approach has shown great promise in cancer diagnosis and treatment, with potential applications in targeting cancer cells and developing new therapies. In this comprehensive review, we provide an overview of the basic biology of phage vectors, the principles of phage library construction, and various methods for binding affinity assessment. We then describe the applications of phage display in pancreatic cancer therapy, targeted drug delivery, and early detection. Despite its promising potential, there are still challenges to be addressed, such as optimizing the selection process and improving the pharmacokinetic properties of phage-based drugs. Nevertheless, phage display represents a promising approach for the development of novel targeted therapies in pancreatic cancer and other tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kai-di Yang
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hao-yu Duan
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ya-nan Du
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jun-feng Ye
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tosti E, Srivastava N, Edelmann W. Vaccination and Microbiota Manipulation Approaches for Colon Cancer Prevention in Rodent Models. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2023; 16:429-438. [PMID: 37012205 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-23-0015] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer represents the third most common cancer type worldwide and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States and Western countries. Rodent models have been invaluable to study the etiology of colorectal cancer and to test novel chemoprevention avenues. In the past, the laboratory mouse has become one of the best preclinical models for these studies due to the availability of genetic information for commonly used mouse strains with well-established and precise gene targeting and transgenic techniques. Well-established chemical mutagenesis technologies are also being used to develop mouse and rat models of colorectal cancer for prevention and treatment studies. In addition, xenotransplantation of cancer cell lines and patient-derived xenografts has been useful for preclinical prevention studies and drug development. This review focuses on the recent use of rodent models to evaluate the utility of novel strategies in the prevention of colon cancers including immune prevention approaches and the manipulation of the intestinal microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Tosti
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Nityanand Srivastava
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Winfried Edelmann
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang H, Chi L, Yu F, Dai H, Gao C, Si X, Wang Z, Liu L, Zheng J, Shan L, Liu H, Zhang Q. Annual review of KRAS inhibitors in 2022. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115124. [PMID: 36680986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma viral (KRAS) oncogene is the most commonly mutated isoform of RAS, accounting for 85% of RAS-driven human cancers. KRAS functioning as a signaling hub participates in multiple cellular signaling pathways and regulates a variety of critical processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, growth, metabolism and migration. Over the past decades, KRAS oncoprotein has been considered as an "undruggable" target due to its smooth surface and high GTP/GDP affinity. The breakthrough in directly targeting G12C mutated-KRAS and recently approved covalent KRASG12C inhibitors sotorasib and adagrasib broke the myth of KRAS undruggable and confirmed the directly targeting KRAS as one of the most promising strategies for the treatment of cancers. Targeting KRASG12C successfully enriched the understanding of KRAS and brought opportunities for the development of inhibitors to directly target other KRAS mutations. With the stage now set for a new era in the treatment of KRAS-driven cancers, the development of KRAS inhibitors also enters a booming epoch. In this review, we overviewed the research progress of KRAS inhibitors with the potential to treat cancers covering articles published in 2022. The design strategies, discovery processes, structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, cocrystal structure analysis as well as in vitro and in vivo activity were highlighted with the aim of providing updated sight to accelerate the further development of more potent inhibitors targeting various mutated-KRAS with favorable drug-like properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Lingling Chi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Fuqiang Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Honglin Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chao Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xiaojie Si
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Zhengjie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Limin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jiaxin Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Lihong Shan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Hongmin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou, 450052, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Qiurong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Eliminating oncogenic RAS: back to the future at the drawing board. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:447-456. [PMID: 36688434 PMCID: PMC9987992 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221343] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
RAS drug development has made enormous strides in the past ten years, with the first direct KRAS inhibitor being approved in 2021. However, despite the clinical success of covalent KRAS-G12C inhibitors, we are immediately confronted with resistances as commonly found with targeted drugs. Previously believed to be undruggable due to its lack of obvious druggable pockets, a couple of new approaches to hit this much feared oncogene have now been carved out. We here concisely review these approaches to directly target four druggable sites of RAS from various angles. Our analysis focuses on the lessons learnt during the development of allele-specific covalent and non-covalent RAS inhibitors, the potential of macromolecular binders to facilitate the discovery and validation of targetable sites on RAS and finally an outlook on a future that may engage more small molecule binders to become drugs. We foresee that the latter could happen mainly in two ways: First, non-covalent small molecule inhibitors may be derived from the development of covalent binders. Second, reversible small molecule binders could be utilized for novel targeting modalities, such as degraders of RAS. Provided that degraders eliminate RAS by recruiting differentially expressed E3-ligases, this approach could enable unprecedented tissue- or developmental stage-specific destruction of RAS with potential advantages for on-target toxicity. We conclude that novel creative ideas continue to be important to exterminate RAS in cancer and other RAS pathway-driven diseases, such as RASopathies.
Collapse
|
12
|
Lam KK, Wong SH, Cheah PY. Targeting the 'Undruggable' Driver Protein, KRAS, in Epithelial Cancers: Current Perspective. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040631. [PMID: 36831298 PMCID: PMC9954350 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes recent development in synthetic drugs and biologics targeting intracellular driver genes in epithelial cancers, focusing on KRAS, and provides a current perspective and potential leads for the field. Compared to biologics, small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) readily penetrate cells, thus being able to target intracellular proteins. However, SMIs frequently suffer from pleiotropic effects, off-target cytotoxicity and invariably elicit resistance. In contrast, biologics are much larger molecules limited by cellular entry, but if this is surmounted, they may have more specific effects and less therapy-induced resistance. Exciting breakthroughs in the past two years include engineering of non-covalent KRAS G12D-specific inhibitor, probody bispecific antibodies, drug-peptide conjugate as MHC-restricted neoantigen to prompt immune response by T-cells, and success in the adoptive cell therapy front in both breast and pancreatic cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuen Kuen Lam
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | | | - Peh Yean Cheah
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Integrated Decision-Making in the Treatment of Colon-Rectal Cancer: The Case of KRAS-Mutated Tumors. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020395. [PMID: 36836752 PMCID: PMC9967356 DOI: 10.3390/life13020395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, precision medicine has taken an increasing place in various branches of medical oncology, including colorectal cancer. Among the potentially relevant mutations for this cancer is the KRAS mutation, initially defined as "untargetable"; today, we see the birth of new molecules that target one of the variants of the KRAS mutation, KRAS G12C, having a significant impact on the therapeutic options for other malignancies, such as metastatic lung cancer. This fundamental step forward has stimulated scientific research on other potential targets of KRAS, both indirect and direct, and combination treatments aiming to overcome the mechanisms of resistance to these drugs that decrease in efficacy in colorectal cancer. What was once a negative predictive marker of response to anti-EGFR drugs today has become a potential target for targeted treatments. In turn, the prognostic role of the mutation has become extremely interesting, making it a potentially useful element in therapeutic decision-making, not only regarding oncological treatments but also in a more complex and complete manner within a global vision of the patient, involving other figures on the multidisciplinary team, such as surgeons, radiotherapists, and interventional radiologists.
Collapse
|
14
|
Nanoformulation of the K-Ras(G12D)-inhibitory peptide KS-58 suppresses colorectal and pancreatic cancer-derived tumors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:518. [PMID: 36627374 PMCID: PMC9832047 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27825-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Single amino acid mutations of Ras occur in 30% of human cancers. In particular, K-Ras(G12D) has been detected in the majority of intractable colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Although efforts to target K-Ras(G12D) are currently underway, no effective drugs are available. We previously found that the K-Ras(G12D)-inhibitory bicyclic peptide KS-58 exhibits antitumor activity against syngeneic colon and orthotopic grafted pancreatic tumors; however, pristine KS-58 is difficult to handle because of low water solubility and it requires frequent administration to obtain sufficient antitumor activity. In this study, we used a nanoformulation of KS-58 prepared with the highly biocompatible surfactant Cremophor® EL (CrEL) to improve water solubility and reduce the dosing frequency. Nanoformulations of KS-58 with CrEL dramatically improved its water solubility and increased its stability. Weekly intravenous administration of KS-58 nanoparticles (NPs) suppressed the growth of CT26 and PANC-1 cell-derived tumors in vivo, and fluorescent bioimaging indicated that the NP-encapsulated near-infrared fluorescent probe indocyanine green selectively accumulated in the tumor and was safely excreted through the kidneys following intravenous injection. Histopathological analysis of CT26 tumors and Western blotting of PANC-1 tumors revealed that KS-58 NPs reduced ERK phosphorylation, a downstream signal of K-Ras(G12D). Our results suggest that KS-58 NPs represent a novel therapeutic agent for treating colorectal and pancreatic cancers.
Collapse
|
15
|
Li W, Chen W, Wang J, Zhao G, Chen L, Wan Y, Luo Q, Li W, Huang H, Li W, Li W, Yang Y, Chen D, Su Q. A PDX model combined with CD-DST assay to evaluate the antitumor properties of KRpep-2d and oxaliplatin in KRAS (G12D) mutant colorectal cancer. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12518. [PMID: 36590511 PMCID: PMC9800201 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12518] [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] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models are more faithful in maintaining the characteristics of human tumors than cell lines and are widely used in drug development, although they have some disadvantages, including their relative low success rate, long turn-around time, and high costs. The collagen gel droplet embedded culture drug sensitivity test (CD-DST) has been used as an in-vitro drug sensitivity test for patients with cancer because of its high success rate of primary cell culture, high sensitivity, and good clinical relevance, but it is based on an in-vitro cell culture and may not simulate the tumor microenvironment accurately. This study aims to combine a PDX model with CD-DST to evaluate the efficiency of antitumor agents. KRpep-2d, a small peptide targeting KRAS (G12D), and oxaliplatin were used to verify the feasibility of this approach. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were first applied to test and validate the KRAS mutation status of a panel of colorectal cancer PDX tissues. One PDX model was verified to carry KRAS (G12D) mutation and was used for in-vivo and the CD-DST drug tests. We then established the PDX mouse model from the patient with the KRAS (G12D) mutation and obtained viable cancer cells derived from the same PDX model. Next, the antitumor abilities of KRpep-2d and oxaliplatin were estimated in the PDX model and the CD-DST. We found that KRpep-2d showed no significant antitumor effect on the xenograft model or on cancer cells derived from the same PDX model. In contrast, oxaliplatin showed significant inhibitory effects in both tests. In conclusion, the PDX model in combination with the CD-DST assay is a comprehensive and feasible method of evaluating the antitumor properties of compounds and could be applied for new drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wuguo Li
- Animal Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Pathology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jialin Wang
- General Surgical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Guangyin Zhao
- Animal Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lianzhou Chen
- General Surgical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yong Wan
- Guangzhou Darui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Qianxin Luo
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Animal Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Haoji Huang
- Animal Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Wenying Li
- Animal Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Wu Li
- Animal Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yutong Yang
- Animal Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Daici Chen
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China,Corresponding author.
| | - Qiao Su
- Animal Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China,Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
The dynamicity of mutant KRAS β2 strand modulates its downstream activation and predicts anticancer KRAS inhibition. Life Sci 2022; 310:121053. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
17
|
Yang J, Zhu Q, Wu Y, Qu X, Liu H, Jiang B, Ge D, Song X. Utilization of macrocyclic peptides to target protein-protein interactions in cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:992171. [PMID: 36465350 PMCID: PMC9714258 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.992171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play vital roles in normal cellular processes. Dysregulated PPIs are involved in the process of various diseases, including cancer. Thus, these PPIs may serve as potential therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. However, despite rapid advances in small-molecule drugs and biologics, it is still hard to target PPIs, especially for those intracellular PPIs. Macrocyclic peptides have gained growing attention for their therapeutic properties in targeting dysregulated PPIs. Macrocyclic peptides have some unique features, such as moderate sizes, high selectivity, and high binding affinities, which make them good drug candidates. In addition, some oncology macrocyclic peptide drugs have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use. Here, we reviewed the recent development of macrocyclic peptides in cancer treatment. The opportunities and challenges were also discussed to inspire new perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoliang Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Qu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haixia Liu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Biao Jiang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Ge
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoling Song
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bacteriophage-Mediated Cancer Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214245. [PMID: 36430720 PMCID: PMC9697857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages have long been considered only as infectious agents that affect bacterial hosts. However, recent studies provide compelling evidence that these viruses are able to successfully interact with eukaryotic cells at the levels of the binding, entry and expression of their own genes. Currently, bacteriophages are widely used in various areas of biotechnology and medicine, but the most intriguing of them is cancer therapy. There are increasing studies confirming the efficacy and safety of using phage-based vectors as a systemic delivery vehicle of therapeutic genes and drugs in cancer therapy. Engineered bacteriophages, as well as eukaryotic viruses, demonstrate a much greater efficiency of transgene delivery and expression in cancer cells compared to non-viral gene transfer methods. At the same time, phage-based vectors, in contrast to eukaryotic viruses-based vectors, have no natural tropism to mammalian cells and, as a result, provide more selective delivery of therapeutic cargos to target cells. Moreover, numerous data indicate the presence of more complex molecular mechanisms of interaction between bacteriophages and eukaryotic cells, the further study of which is necessary both for the development of gene therapy methods and for understanding the cancer nature. In this review, we summarize the key results of research into aspects of phage-eukaryotic cell interaction and, in particular, the use of phage-based vectors for highly selective and effective systemic cancer gene therapy.
Collapse
|
19
|
Li X, Craven TW, Levine PM. Cyclic Peptide Screening Methods for Preclinical Drug Discovery. J Med Chem 2022; 65:11913-11926. [PMID: 36074956 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic peptides are among the most diverse architectures for current drug discovery efforts. Their size, stability, and ease of synthesis provide attractive scaffolds to engage and modulate some of the most challenging targets, including protein-protein interactions and those considered to be "undruggable". With a variety of sophisticated screening technologies to produce libraries of cyclic peptides, including phage display, mRNA display, split intein circular ligation of peptides, and in silico screening, a new era of cyclic peptide drug discovery is at the forefront of modern medicine. In this perspective, we begin by discussing cyclic peptides approved for clinical use in the past two decades. Particular focus is placed around synthetic chemistries to generate de novo libraries of cyclic peptides and novel methods to screen them. The perspective culminates with future prospects for generating cyclic peptides as viable therapeutic options and discusses the advantages and disadvantages currently being faced with bringing them to market.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinting Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Timothy W Craven
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Paul M Levine
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yu T, Sun Z, Cao X, Pang Q, Deng H. Recent trends in T7 phage application in diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:109071. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
21
|
Lin L, Miao L, Lin H, Cheng J, Li M, Zhuo Z, He J. Targeting RAS in neuroblastoma: Is it possible? Pharmacol Ther 2022; 236:108054. [PMID: 34915055 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a common solid tumor in children and a leading cause of cancer death in children. Neuroblastoma exhibits genetic, morphological, and clinical heterogeneity that limits the efficacy of current monotherapies. With further research on neuroblastoma, the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma is found to be complex, and more and more treatment therapies are needed. The importance of personalized therapy is growing. Currently, various molecular features, including RAS mutations, are being used as targets for the development of new therapies for patients with neuroblastoma. A recent study found that RAS mutations are frequently present in recurrent neuroblastoma. RAS mutations have been shown to activate the MAPK pathway and play an important role in neuroblastoma. Treating RAS mutated neuroblastoma is a difficult challenge, but many preclinical studies have yielded effective results. At the same time, many of the therapies used to treat RAS mutated tumors also have good reference values for treating RAS mutated neuroblastoma. The success of KRAS-G12C inhibitors has greatly stimulated confidence in the direct suppression of RAS. This review describes the biological role of RAS and the frequency of RAS mutations in neuroblastoma. This paper focuses on the strategies, preclinical, and clinical progress of targeting carcinogenic RAS in neuroblastoma, and proposes possible prospects and challenges in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Lin
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Miao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Huiran Lin
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Jiwen Cheng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenjian Zhuo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China; Laboratory Animal Center, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Jing He
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Bognar Z, Mothukuri GK, Nielsen AL, Merz ML, Pânzar PMF, Heinis C. Solid-phase peptide synthesis on disulfide-linker resin followed by reductive release affords pure thiol-functionalized peptides. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:5699-5703. [PMID: 35838013 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob00910b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Thiol groups are suitable handles for site-selectively modifying, immobilizing or cyclizing individual peptides or entire peptide libraries. A limiting step in producing the thiol-functionalized peptides is the chromatographic purification, which is particularly laborious and costly if many peptides or even large libraries are to be produced. Herein, we present a strategy in which thiol-functionalized peptides are obtained in >90% purity and free of reducing agent, without a single chromatographic purification step. In brief, peptides are synthesized on a solid support linked via a disulfide bridge, the side-chain protecting groups are eliminated and washed away while the peptides remain on resin, and rather pure peptides are released from the solid support by reductive cleavage of the disulfide linker. Application of a volatile reducing agent, 1,4-butanedithiol (BDT), enabled removal of the agent by evaporation. We demonstrate that the approach is suited for the parallel synthesis of many peptides and that peptides containing a second thiol group can directly be cyclized by bis-electrophilic alkylating reagents for producing libraries of cyclic peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Bognar
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, School of Basic Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Ganesh K Mothukuri
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, School of Basic Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Alexander L Nielsen
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, School of Basic Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Manuel L Merz
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, School of Basic Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Peter M F Pânzar
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, School of Basic Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Christian Heinis
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, School of Basic Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chemical acylation of an acquired serine suppresses oncogenic signaling of K-Ras(G12S). Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:1177-1183. [PMID: 35864332 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01065-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Drugs that directly impede the function of driver oncogenes offer exceptional efficacy and a therapeutic window. The recently approved mutant selective small-molecule cysteine-reactive covalent inhibitor of the G12C mutant of K-Ras, sotorasib, provides a case in point. KRAS is the most frequently mutated proto-oncogene in human cancer, yet despite success targeting the G12C allele, targeted therapy for other hotspot mutants of KRAS has not been described. Here we report the discovery of small molecules that covalently target a G12S somatic mutation in K-Ras and suppress its oncogenic signaling. We show that these molecules are active in cells expressing K-Ras(G12S) but spare the wild-type protein. Our results provide a path to targeting a second somatic mutation in the oncogene KRAS by overcoming the weak nucleophilicity of an acquired serine residue. The chemistry we describe may serve as a basis for the selective targeting of other unactivated serines.
Collapse
|
24
|
Garrigou M, Sauvagnat B, Duggal R, Boo N, Gopal P, Johnston JM, Partridge A, Sawyer T, Biswas K, Boyer N. Accelerated Identification of Cell Active KRAS Inhibitory Macrocyclic Peptides using Mixture Libraries and Automated Ligand Identification System (ALIS) Technology. J Med Chem 2022; 65:8961-8974. [PMID: 35707970 PMCID: PMC9289880 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Macrocyclic
peptides can disrupt previously intractable protein–protein
interactions (PPIs) relevant to oncology targets such as KRAS. Early
hits often lack cellular activity and require meticulous improvement
of affinity, permeability, and metabolic stability to become viable
leads. We have validated the use of the Automated Ligand Identification
System (ALIS) to screen oncogenic KRASG12D (GDP) against
mass-encoded mini-libraries of macrocyclic peptides and accelerate
our structure–activity relationship (SAR) exploration. These
mixture libraries were generated by premixing various unnatural amino
acids without the need for the laborious purification of individual
peptides. The affinity ranking of the peptide sequences provided SAR-rich
data sets that led to the selection of novel potency-enhancing substitutions
in our subsequent designs. Additional stability and permeability optimization
resulted in the identification of peptide 7 that inhibited
pERK activity in a pancreatic cancer cell line. More broadly, this
methodology offers an efficient alternative to accelerate the fastidious
hit-to-lead optimization of PPI peptide inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ruchia Duggal
- Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Nicole Boo
- MSD International, Singapore 138665, Singapore
| | - Pooja Gopal
- MSD International, Singapore 138665, Singapore
| | | | | | - Tomi Sawyer
- Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Kaustav Biswas
- Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Nicolas Boyer
- Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sakamoto K, Lin B, Nunomura K, Izawa T, Nakagawa S. The K-Ras(G12D)-inhibitory peptide KS-58 suppresses growth of murine CT26 colorectal cancer cell-derived tumors. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8121. [PMID: 35581303 PMCID: PMC9114382 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12401-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the cell proliferation regulator K-Ras are found with a variety of cancer types, so drugs targeting these mutant proteins could hold great clinical potential. Very recently, a drug targeting the K-Ras(G12C) mutant observed in lung cancer gained regulatory approval and several clinical trials are currently underway to examine the efficacy of this agent when combined with other drugs such as a monoclonal antibody inhibitor of programmed cell death 1 receptor (anti-PD-1). Alternatively, there are currently no approved drugs targeting K-Ras(G12D), the most common cancer-associated K-Ras mutant. In 2020, we described the development of the K-Ras(G12D) inhibitory bicyclic peptide KS-58 and presented evidence for anticancer activity against mouse xenografts derived from the human pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1 stably expressing K-Ras(G12D). Here, we show that KS-58 also possess anticancer activity against mouse tumors derived from the colorectal cancer cell line CT26 stably expressing K-Ras(G12D). Further, KS-58 treatment reduced phosphorylation of ERK, a major downstream signaling factor in the Ras pathway, confirming that KS-58 inhibits K-Ras(G12D) function. Unexpectedly; however, KS-58 did not show additive or synergistic anticancer activity with mouse anti-PD-1. Morphological analysis and immunostaining demonstrated no obvious differences in CD8+ cells infiltration or PD-L1 expression levels in CT26-derived tumors exposed to monotherapy or combination treatment. Nonetheless, KS-58 demonstrated reasonable stability in blood (t1/2 ≈ 30 min) and no obvious systemic adverse effects, suggesting clinical potential as a lead molecule against colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Sakamoto
- grid.459582.7Research & Development Department, Ichimaru Pharcos Company Limited, 318-1 Asagi, Motosu, Gifu 501-0475 Japan
| | - Bangzhong Lin
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Center for Supporting Drug Discovery and Life Science Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Kazuto Nunomura
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Center for Supporting Drug Discovery and Life Science Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Takeshi Izawa
- grid.261455.10000 0001 0676 0594Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58 Rinku-Orai-Kita, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531 Japan
| | - Shinsaku Nakagawa
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Center for Supporting Drug Discovery and Life Science Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Daily Practice Assessment of KRAS Status in NSCLC Patients: A New Challenge for the Thoracic Pathologist Is Right around the Corner. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071628. [PMID: 35406400 PMCID: PMC8996900 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary RAS mutation is the most frequent oncogenic alteration in human cancers and KRAS is the most frequently mutated, notably in non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). Various attempts to inhibit KRAS in the past were unsuccessful in these latter tumors. However, recently, several small molecules (AMG510, MRTX849, JNJ-74699157, and LY3499446) have been developed to specifically target KRAS G12C-mutated tumors, which seems promising for patient treatment and should soon be administered in daily practice for non-squamous (NS)-NSCLC. In this context, it will be mandatory to systematically assess the KRAS status in routine clinical practice, at least in advanced NS-NSCLC, leading to new challenges for thoracic oncologists. Abstract KRAS mutations are among the most frequent genomic alterations identified in non-squamous non-small cell lung carcinomas (NS-NSCLC), notably in lung adenocarcinomas. In most cases, these mutations are mutually exclusive, with different genomic alterations currently known to be sensitive to therapies targeting EGFR, ALK, BRAF, ROS1, and NTRK. Recently, several promising clinical trials targeting KRAS mutations, particularly for KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC, have established new hope for better treatment of patients. In parallel, other studies have shown that NSCLC harboring co-mutations in KRAS and STK11 or KEAP1 have demonstrated primary resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Thus, the assessment of the KRAS status in advanced-stage NS-NSCLC has become essential to setting up an optimal therapeutic strategy in these patients. This stimulated the development of new algorithms for the management of NSCLC samples in pathology laboratories and conditioned reorganization of optimal health care of lung cancer patients by the thoracic pathologists. This review addresses the recent data concerning the detection of KRAS mutations in NSCLC and focuses on the new challenges facing pathologists in daily practice for KRAS status assessment.
Collapse
|
27
|
KRAS is vulnerable to reversible switch-II pocket engagement in cells. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:596-604. [PMID: 35314814 PMCID: PMC9135634 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-00985-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Current small-molecule inhibitors of KRAS(G12C) bind irreversibly in the switch-II pocket (SII-P), exploiting the strong nucleophilicity of the acquired cysteine as well as the preponderance of the GDP-bound form of this mutant. Nevertheless, many oncogenic KRAS mutants lack these two features, and it remains unknown whether targeting the SII-P is a practical therapeutic approach for KRAS mutants beyond G12C. Here we use NMR spectroscopy and a cellular KRAS engagement assay to address this question by examining a collection of SII-P ligands from the literature and from our own laboratory. We show that the SII-Ps of many KRAS hotspot (G12, G13, Q61) mutants are accessible using noncovalent ligands, and that this accessibility is not necessarily coupled to the GDP state of KRAS. The results we describe here emphasize the SII-P as a privileged drug-binding site on KRAS and unveil new therapeutic opportunities in RAS-driven cancer. ![]()
The use of NMR spectroscopy and development of a cellular BRET KRAS engagement assay revealed that noncovalent ligands can access the switch-II pocket of KRAS hotspot mutants.
Collapse
|
28
|
Yue H, Li Y, Yang M, Mao C. T7 Phage as an Emerging Nanobiomaterial with Genetically Tunable Target Specificity. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2103645. [PMID: 34914854 PMCID: PMC8811829 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202103645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are specific antagonists against bacteria. T7 phage has drawn massive attention in precision medicine owing to its distinctive advantages, such as short replication cycle, ease in displaying peptides and proteins, high stability and cloning efficiency, facile manipulation, and convenient storage. By introducing foreign gene into phage DNA, T7 phage can present foreign peptides or proteins site-specifically on its capsid, enabling it to become a nanoparticle that can be genetically engineered to screen and display a peptide or protein capable of recognizing a specific target with high affinity. This review critically introduces the biomedical use of T7 phage, ranging from the detection of serological biomarkers and bacterial pathogens, recognition of cells or tissues with high affinity, design of gene vectors or vaccines, to targeted therapy of different challenging diseases (e.g., bacterial infection, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, inflammatory disease, and foot-mouth disease). It also discusses perspectives and challenges in exploring T7 phage, including the understanding of its interactions with human body, assembly into scaffolds for tissue regeneration, integration with genome editing, and theranostic use in clinics. As a genetically modifiable biological nanoparticle, T7 phage holds promise as biomedical imaging probes, therapeutic agents, drug and gene carriers, and detection tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yue
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310027P. R. China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Applied Bioresource ResearchCollege of Animal ScienceZhejiang UniversityYuhangtang Road 866HangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Mingying Yang
- Institute of Applied Bioresource ResearchCollege of Animal ScienceZhejiang UniversityYuhangtang Road 866HangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Chuanbin Mao
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310027P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryStephenson Life Science Research CenterInstitute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and TechnologyUniversity of Oklahoma101 Stephenson ParkwayNormanOklahoma73019‐5251USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Li KS, Quinn JG, Saabye MJ, Guerrero JFS, Nonomiya J, Lian Q, Phung W, Izrayelit Y, Walters BT, Gustafson A, Endres NF, Beresini MH, Mulvihill MM. High-Throughput Kinetic Characterization of Irreversible Covalent Inhibitors of KRASG12C by Intact Protein MS and Targeted MRM. Anal Chem 2022; 94:1230-1239. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c04463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Sherry Li
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - John G. Quinn
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Matthew J. Saabye
- Confluence, 4340 Duncan Avenue, Suite 400, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Jesus F. Salcido Guerrero
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jim Nonomiya
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Qihui Lian
- WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd., 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Wilson Phung
- Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Yevgeniy Izrayelit
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Benjamin T. Walters
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Amy Gustafson
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Nicholas F. Endres
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Maureen H. Beresini
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Melinda M. Mulvihill
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Li Y, Hu L, Xu C. Kirsten rat sarcoma inhibitors in clinical development against nonsmall cell lung cancer. Curr Opin Oncol 2022; 34:66-76. [PMID: 34690284 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The unique structure made Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) 'undruggable' for quite an extended period. The functional mechanism of this small protein is well illustrated. However, there is no precision medicine for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients burden with KRAS mutation. The attempts made by scientists to make challenge history against KRAS mutation and their druggable targets are worth elucidating. RECENT FINDINGS The appearance of orphan drug AMG510 in the market specifically targeting KRASG12C is a tremendous breakthrough. Several KRAS inhibitors are under development now. More studies focus on combo treatment of KRAS inhibition and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Recent preclinical and clinical investigations have been reported that NSCLC patients with KRAS mutation can benefit from ICIs. SUMMARY The current review elucidates the development of KRAS inhibitors from basic research to clinical precision medicines. We retrospectively analyze the development of KRAS mutation targeting drugs and discuss the investigations for future development of KRAS inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunchang Li
- Integrative Cancer Center and Cancer Clinical Research Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Rajpurohit T, Bhattacharya S. Moving Towards Dawn: KRas Signaling and Treatment in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2022; 15:904-928. [PMID: 35088684 DOI: 10.2174/1874467215666220128161647] [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: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
"Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)" is robust, nearly clueless, and all-around deadly among all tumors. Below 10 %, the general 5-year endurance period has remained adamantly unaltered in the last 30 years, regardless of enormous clinical and therapeutic endeavors. The yearly number of deaths is more than the number of recently analyzed cases. Not a classic one, but "Carbohydrate Antigen CA19- 9" remains the prevailing tool for diagnosis. MicroRNAs and non-invasive techniques are now incorporated for the effective prognosis of PDAC than just CA19-9. Mutated "Rat sarcoma virus Ras" conformation "V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog KRas" is 95 % accountable for PDAC, and its active (GTP-bound) formation activates signaling cascade comprising "Rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma Raf"/"Mitogen-activated protein kinase MEK"/ "Extracellular signal-regulated kinase ERK" with "Phosphoinositide 3-kinase PI3K"/ "protein kinase B Akt"/ "mammalian target of rapamycin mTOR" pathways. KRas has acquired the label of 'undruggable' since the crosstalk in the nexus of pathways compensates for Raf and PI3K signaling cascade blocking. It is arduous to totally regulate KRascoordinated PDAC with traditional medicaments like "gemcitabine GEM" plus nabpaclitaxel/ FOLFIRINOX. For long-haul accomplishments aiming at KRas, future endeavors should be directed to combinatorial methodologies to adequately block KRas pathways at different standpoints. Currently they are contributing to healing PDAC. In this review article, we outline the function of KRas in carcinogenesis in PDAC, its signaling cascade, former techniques utilized in hindering Kras, current and future possibilities for targeting Kras.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tarun Rajpurohit
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Shirpur, Maharashtra 425405, India
| | - Sankha Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Shirpur, Maharashtra 425405, India
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lim S, Boyer N, Boo N, Huang C, Venkatachalam G, Angela Juang YC, Garrigou M, Kaan HYK, Duggal R, Peh KM, Sadruddin A, Gopal P, Yuen TY, Ng S, Kannan S, Brown CJ, Verma CS, Orth P, Peier A, Ge L, Yu X, Bhatt B, Chen F, Wang E, Li NJ, Gonzales RJ, Stoeck A, Henry B, Sawyer TK, Lane DP, Johannes CW, Biswas K, Partridge AW. Discovery of cell active macrocyclic peptides with on-target inhibition of KRAS signaling. Chem Sci 2021; 12:15975-15987. [PMID: 35024121 PMCID: PMC8672774 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc05187c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrocyclic peptides have the potential to address intracellular protein–protein interactions (PPIs) of high value therapeutic targets that have proven largely intractable to small molecules. Here, we report broadly applicable lessons for applying this modality to intracellular targets and specifically for advancing chemical matter to address KRAS, a protein that represents the most common oncogene in human lung, colorectal and pancreatic cancers yet is one of the most challenging targets in human disease. Specifically, we focused on KRpep-2d, an arginine-rich KRAS-binding peptide with a disulfide-mediated macrocyclic linkage and a protease-sensitive backbone. These latter redox and proteolytic labilities obviated cellular activity. Extensive structure–activity relationship studies involving macrocyclic linker replacement, stereochemical inversion, and backbone α-methylation, gave a peptide with on-target cellular activity. However, we uncovered an important generic insight – the arginine-dependent cell entry mechanism limited its therapeutic potential. In particular, we observed a strong correlation between net positive charge and histamine release in an ex vivo assay, thus making this series unsuitable for advancement due to the potentially fatal consequences of mast cell degranulation. This observation should signal to researchers that cationic-mediated cell entry – an approach that has yet to succeed in the clinic despite a long history of attempts – carries significant therapy-limiting safety liabilities. Nonetheless, the cell-active molecules identified here validate a unique inhibitory epitope on KRAS and thus provide valuable molecular templates for the development of therapeutics that are desperately needed to address KRAS-driven cancers – some of the most treatment-resistant human malignancies. Targeting undruggable intracellular proteins with peptides: novel on-target macrocyclic peptide inhibitors of KRAS with broad inhibition of proliferation of multiple KRAS-dependent cancer cell lines.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Lim
- MSD International Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | | | - Nicole Boo
- MSD International Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pooja Gopal
- MSD International Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | - Tsz Ying Yuen
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | - Simon Ng
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | | | - Christopher J Brown
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | - Chandra S Verma
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | - Peter Orth
- Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth New Jersey 07033 USA
| | - Andrea Peier
- Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth New Jersey 07033 USA
| | - Lan Ge
- Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth New Jersey 07033 USA
| | - Xiang Yu
- Merck & Co., Inc. West Point Pennsylvania 19486 USA
| | | | - Feifei Chen
- Merck & Co., Inc. West Point Pennsylvania 19486 USA
| | - Erjia Wang
- Merck & Co., Inc. West Point Pennsylvania 19486 USA
| | | | | | | | - Brian Henry
- MSD International Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | | | - David P Lane
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | - Charles W Johannes
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wang X, Allen S, Blake JF, Bowcut V, Briere DM, Calinisan A, Dahlke JR, Fell JB, Fischer JP, Gunn RJ, Hallin J, Laguer J, Lawson JD, Medwid J, Newhouse B, Nguyen P, O'Leary JM, Olson P, Pajk S, Rahbaek L, Rodriguez M, Smith CR, Tang TP, Thomas NC, Vanderpool D, Vigers GP, Christensen JG, Marx MA. Identification of MRTX1133, a Noncovalent, Potent, and Selective KRAS G12D Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2021; 65:3123-3133. [PMID: 34889605 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
KRASG12D, the most common oncogenic KRAS mutation, is a promising target for the treatment of solid tumors. However, when compared to KRASG12C, selective inhibition of KRASG12D presents a significant challenge due to the requirement of inhibitors to bind KRASG12D with high enough affinity to obviate the need for covalent interactions with the mutant KRAS protein. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of the first noncovalent, potent, and selective KRASG12D inhibitor, MRTX1133, which was discovered through an extensive structure-based activity improvement and shown to be efficacious in a KRASG12D mutant xenograft mouse tumor model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolun Wang
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Shelley Allen
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - James F Blake
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - Vickie Bowcut
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - David M Briere
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | | | - Joshua R Dahlke
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - Jay B Fell
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - John P Fischer
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - Robin J Gunn
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jill Hallin
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jade Laguer
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - J David Lawson
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - James Medwid
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Brad Newhouse
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - Phong Nguyen
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - Jacob M O'Leary
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - Peter Olson
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Spencer Pajk
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - Lisa Rahbaek
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Mareli Rodriguez
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | | | - Tony P Tang
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - Nicole C Thomas
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | | | - Guy P Vigers
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | | | - Matthew A Marx
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Fumagalli G, Carbajo RJ, Nissink JWM, Tart J, Dou R, Thomas AP, Spring DR. Targeting a Novel KRAS Binding Site: Application of One-Component Stapling of Small (5-6-mer) Peptides. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17287-17303. [PMID: 34787423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RAS proteins are central in the proliferation of many types of cancer, but a general approach toward the identification of pan-mutant RAS inhibitors has remained unresolved. In this work, we describe the application of a binding pharmacophore identified from analysis of known RAS binding peptides to the design of novel peptides. Using a chemically divergent approach, we generated a library of small stapled peptides from which we identified compounds with weak binding activity. Exploration of structure-activity relationships (SARs) and optimization of these early compounds led to low-micromolar binders of KRAS that block nucleotide exchange.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Fumagalli
- Department of Chemistry, Cambridge University, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.,Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | | | - Jonathan Tart
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Rongxuan Dou
- Department of Chemistry, Cambridge University, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Andrew P Thomas
- Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - David R Spring
- Department of Chemistry, Cambridge University, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Huang L, Guo Z, Wang F, Fu L. KRAS mutation: from undruggable to druggable in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:386. [PMID: 34776511 PMCID: PMC8591115 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00780-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, and its treatment and outcomes have been dramatically revolutionised by targeted therapies. As the most frequently mutated oncogene, Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS) has attracted substantial attention. The understanding of KRAS is constantly being updated by numerous studies on KRAS in the initiation and progression of cancer diseases. However, KRAS has been deemed a challenging therapeutic target, even "undruggable", after drug-targeting efforts over the past four decades. Recently, there have been surprising advances in directly targeted drugs for KRAS, especially in KRAS (G12C) inhibitors, such as AMG510 (sotorasib) and MRTX849 (adagrasib), which have obtained encouraging results in clinical trials. Excitingly, AMG510 was the first drug-targeting KRAS (G12C) to be approved for clinical use this year. This review summarises the most recent understanding of fundamental aspects of KRAS, the relationship between the KRAS mutations and tumour immune evasion, and new progress in targeting KRAS, particularly KRAS (G12C). Moreover, the possible mechanisms of resistance to KRAS (G12C) inhibitors and possible combination therapies are summarised, with a view to providing the best regimen for individualised treatment with KRAS (G12C) inhibitors and achieving truly precise treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lamei Huang
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 P. R. China
| | - Zhixing Guo
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 P. R. China
| | - Fang Wang
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 P. R. China
| | - Liwu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Mycoplasma genitalium Protein of Adhesion Promotes the Early Proliferation of Human Urothelial Cells by Interacting with RPL35. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111449. [PMID: 34832605 PMCID: PMC8621731 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium is a newly recognized pathogen associated with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). MgPa, the adhesion protein of Mycoplasma genitalium, is the main adhesin and the key factor for M. genitalium interacting with host cells. Currently, the long-term survival mechanism of M. genitalium in the host is not clear. In this study, a T7 phage-displayed human urothelial cell (SV-HUC-1) cDNA library was constructed, and the interaction of MgPa was screened from this library using the recombinant MgPa (rMgPa) as a target molecule. We verified that 60S ribosomal protein L35 (RPL35) can interact with MgPa using far-Western blot and co-localization analysis. According to the results of tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling and proteome quantitative analysis, there were altogether 407 differentially expressed proteins between the pcDNA3.1(+)/MgPa-transfected cells and non-transfected cells, of which there were 6 downregulated proteins and 401 upregulated proteins. The results of qRT-PCR demonstrated that interaction between rMgPa and RPL35 could promote the expressions of EIF2, SRP68, SERBP1, RPL35A, EGF, and TGF-β. 3-(4,5)-Dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide bromide (MTT) assays corroborated that the interaction between rMgPa and RPL35 could promote SV-HUC-1 cell proliferation. Therefore, our findings indicated that the interaction between rMgPa and RPL35 can enhance the expressions of transcription-initiation and translation-related proteins and thus promote cell proliferation. This study elucidates a new biological function of MgPa and can explain this new mechanism of M. genitalium in the host.
Collapse
|
37
|
Nussinov R, Zhang M, Maloney R, Tsai CJ, Yavuz BR, Tuncbag N, Jang H. Mechanism of activation and the rewired network: New drug design concepts. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:770-799. [PMID: 34693559 PMCID: PMC8837674 DOI: 10.1002/med.21863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Precision oncology benefits from effective early phase drug discovery decisions. Recently, drugging inactive protein conformations has shown impressive successes, raising the cardinal questions of which targets can profit and what are the principles of the active/inactive protein pharmacology. Cancer driver mutations have been established to mimic the protein activation mechanism. We suggest that the decision whether to target an inactive (or active) conformation should largely rest on the protein mechanism of activation. We next discuss the recent identification of double (multiple) same-allele driver mutations and their impact on cell proliferation and suggest that like single driver mutations, double drivers also mimic the mechanism of activation. We further suggest that the structural perturbations of double (multiple) in cis mutations may reveal new surfaces/pockets for drug design. Finally, we underscore the preeminent role of the cellular network which is deregulated in cancer. Our structure-based review and outlook updates the traditional Mechanism of Action, informs decisions, and calls attention to the intrinsic activation mechanism of the target protein and the rewired tumor-specific network, ushering innovative considerations in precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA.,Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mingzhen Zhang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Ryan Maloney
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Chung-Jung Tsai
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Bengi Ruken Yavuz
- Department of Health Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nurcan Tuncbag
- Department of Health Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Koc University Research Center for Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Dillon M, Lopez A, Lin E, Sales D, Perets R, Jain P. Progress on Ras/MAPK Signaling Research and Targeting in Blood and Solid Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205059. [PMID: 34680208 PMCID: PMC8534156 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway is responsible for regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Overexpression and overactivation of members within the signaling cascade have been observed in many solid and blood cancers. Research often focuses on targeting the pathway to disrupt cancer initiation and progression. We aimed to provide an overview of the pathway’s physiologic role and regulation, interactions with other pathways involved in cancer development, and mutations that lead to malignancy. Several blood and solid cancers are analyzed to illustrate the impact of the pathway’s dysregulation, stemming from mutation or viral induction. Finally, we summarized different approaches to targeting the pathway and the associated novel treatments being researched or having recently achieved approval. Abstract The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, consisting of the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling cascade, regulates genes that control cellular development, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Within the cascade, multiple isoforms of Ras and Raf each display differences in functionality, efficiency, and, critically, oncogenic potential. According to the NCI, over 30% of all human cancers are driven by Ras genes. This dysfunctional signaling is implicated in a wide variety of leukemias and solid tumors, both with and without viral etiology. Due to the strong evidence of Ras-Raf involvement in tumorigenesis, many have attempted to target the cascade to treat these malignancies. Decades of unsuccessful experimentation had deemed Ras undruggable, but recently, the approval of Sotorasib as the first ever KRas inhibitor represents a monumental breakthrough. This advancement is not without novel challenges. As a G12C mutant-specific drug, it also represents the issue of drug target specificity within Ras pathway; not only do many drugs only affect single mutational profiles, with few pan-inhibitor exceptions, tumor genetic heterogeneity may give rise to drug-resistant profiles. Furthermore, significant challenges in targeting downstream Raf, especially the BRaf isoform, lie in the paradoxical activation of wild-type BRaf by BRaf mutant inhibitors. This literature review will delineate the mechanisms of Ras signaling in the MAPK pathway and its possible oncogenic mutations, illustrate how specific mutations affect the pathogenesis of specific cancers, and compare available and in-development treatments targeting the Ras pathway.
Collapse
|
39
|
Buyanova M, Cai S, Cooper J, Rhodes C, Salim H, Sahni A, Upadhyaya P, Yang R, Sarkar A, Li N, Wang QE, Pei D. Discovery of a Bicyclic Peptidyl Pan-Ras Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13038-13053. [PMID: 34415745 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The Ras subfamily of small GTPases is mutated in ∼30% of human cancers and represents compelling yet challenging anticancer drug targets owing to their flat protein surface. We previously reported a bicyclic peptidyl inhibitor, cyclorasin B3, which binds selectively to Ras-GTP with modest affinity and blocks its interaction with downstream effector proteins in vitro but lacks cell permeability or biological activity. In this study, optimization of B3 yielded a potent pan-Ras inhibitor, cyclorasin B4-27, which binds selectively to the GTP-bound forms of wild-type and mutant Ras isoforms (KD = 21 nM for KRasG12V-GppNHp) and is highly cell-permeable and metabolically stable (serum t1/2 > 24 h). B4-27 inhibits Ras signaling in vitro and in vivo by blocking Ras from interacting with downstream effector proteins and induces apoptosis of Ras-mutant cancer cells. When administered systemically (i.v.), B4-27 suppressed tumor growth in two different mouse xenograft models at 1-5 mg/kg of daily doses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Buyanova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Shurui Cai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Jahan Cooper
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Curran Rhodes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Heba Salim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Ashweta Sahni
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Punit Upadhyaya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Amar Sarkar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Na Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Qi-En Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Teo MYM, Fong JY, Lim WM, In LLA. Current Advances and Trends in KRAS Targeted Therapies for Colorectal Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 20:30-44. [PMID: 34462329 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Kirsten Rat Sarcoma (KRAS) gene somatic point mutations is one of the most prominently mutated proto-oncogenes known to date, and accounts for approximately 60% of all colorectal cancer cases. One of the most exciting drug development areas against colorectal cancer is the targeting of undruggable kinases and kinase-substrate molecules, although whether and how they can be integrated with other therapies remains a question. Current clinical trial data have provided supporting evidence on the use of combination treatment involving MEK inhibitors and either one of the PI3K inhibitors for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to avoid the development of resistance and provide effective therapeutic outcome rather than using a single agent alone. Many clinical trials are also ongoing to evaluate different combinations of these pathway inhibitors in combination with immunotherapy for patients with colorectal cancer whose current palliative treatment options are limited. Nevertheless, continued assessment of these targeted cancer therapies will eventually allow patients with colorectal cancer to be treated using a personalized medicine approach. In this review, the most recent scientific approaches and clinical trials targeting KRAS mutations directly or indirectly for the management of colorectal cancer are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Yee Mun Teo
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jung Yin Fong
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wan Ming Lim
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lionel Lian Aun In
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
RAS proteins represent critical drivers of tumor development and thus are the focus of intense efforts to pharmacologically inhibit these proteins in human cancer. Although recent success has been attained in developing clinically efficacious inhibitors to KRASG12C, there remains a critical need for developing approaches to inhibit additional mutant RAS proteins. A number of anti-RAS biologics have been developed which reveal novel and potentially therapeutically targetable vulnerabilities in oncogenic RAS. This review will discuss the growing field of anti-RAS biologics and potential development of these reagents into new anti-RAS therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Whaby
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Imran Khan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - John P O'Bryan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Chen J, Wang L, Wang W, Sun H, Pang L, Bao H. Conformational transformation of switch domains in GDP/K-Ras induced by G13 mutants: An investigation through Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics simulations and principal component analysis. Comput Biol Med 2021; 135:104639. [PMID: 34247129 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in K-Ras are involved in a large number of all human cancers, thus, K-Ras is regarded as a promising target for anticancer drug design. Understanding the target roles of K-Ras is important for providing insights on the molecular mechanism underlying the conformational transformation of the switch domains in K-Ras due to mutations. In this study, multiple replica Gaussian accelerated molecular (MR-GaMD) simulations and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to probe the effect of G13A, G13D and G13I mutations on conformational transformations of the switch domains in GDP-associated K-Ras. The results suggest that G13A, G13D and G13I enhance the structural flexibility of the switch domains, change the correlated motion modes of the switch domains and strengthen the total motion strength of K-Ras compared with the wild-type (WT) K-Ras. Free energy landscape analyses not only show that the switch domains of the GDP-bound inactive K-Ras mainly exist as a closed state but also indicate that mutations evidently alter the free energy profile of K-Ras and affect the conformational transformation of the switch domains between the closed and open states. Analyses of hydrophobic interaction contacts and hydrogen bonding interactions show that the mutations scarcely change the interaction network of GDP with K-Ras and only disturb the interaction of GDP with the switch (SW1). In summary, two newly introduced mutations, G13A and G13I, play similar adjustment roles in the conformational transformations of two switch domains to G13D and are possibly utilized to tune the activity of K-Ras and the binding of guanine nucleotide exchange factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Chen
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan, 250357, China.
| | - Lifei Wang
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan, 250357, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan, 250357, China
| | - Haibo Sun
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan, 250357, China
| | - Laixue Pang
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan, 250357, China
| | - Huayin Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ras Isoforms from Lab Benches to Lives-What Are We Missing and How Far Are We? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126508. [PMID: 34204435 PMCID: PMC8233758 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The central protein in the oncogenic circuitry is the Ras GTPase that has been under intense scrutiny for the last four decades. From its discovery as a viral oncogene and its non-oncogenic contribution to crucial cellular functioning, an elaborate genetic, structural, and functional map of Ras is being created for its therapeutic targeting. Despite decades of research, there still exist lacunae in our understanding of Ras. The complexity of the Ras functioning is further exemplified by the fact that the three canonical Ras genes encode for four protein isoforms (H-Ras, K-Ras4A, K-Ras4B, and N-Ras). Contrary to the initial assessment that the H-, K-, and N-Ras isoforms are functionally similar, emerging data are uncovering crucial differences between them. These Ras isoforms exhibit not only cell-type and context-dependent functions but also activator and effector specificities on activation by the same receptor. Preferential localization of H-, K-, and N-Ras in different microdomains of the plasma membrane and cellular organelles like Golgi, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and endosome adds a new dimension to isoform-specific signaling and diverse functions. Herein, we review isoform-specific properties of Ras GTPase and highlight the importance of considering these towards generating effective isoform-specific therapies in the future.
Collapse
|
44
|
Teng KW, Tsai ST, Hattori T, Fedele C, Koide A, Yang C, Hou X, Zhang Y, Neel BG, O'Bryan JP, Koide S. Selective and noncovalent targeting of RAS mutants for inhibition and degradation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2656. [PMID: 33976200 PMCID: PMC8113534 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22969-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating mutants of RAS are commonly found in human cancers, but to date selective targeting of RAS in the clinic has been limited to KRAS(G12C) through covalent inhibitors. Here, we report a monobody, termed 12VC1, that recognizes the active state of both KRAS(G12V) and KRAS(G12C) up to 400-times more tightly than wild-type KRAS. The crystal structures reveal that 12VC1 recognizes the mutations through a shallow pocket, and 12VC1 competes against RAS-effector interaction. When expressed intracellularly, 12VC1 potently inhibits ERK activation and the proliferation of RAS-driven cancer cell lines in vitro and in mouse xenograft models. 12VC1 fused to VHL selectively degrades the KRAS mutants and provides more extended suppression of mutant RAS activity than inhibition by 12VC1 alone. These results demonstrate the feasibility of selective targeting and degradation of KRAS mutants in the active state with noncovalent reagents and provide a starting point for designing noncovalent therapeutics against oncogenic RAS mutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wen Teng
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven T Tsai
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Takamitsu Hattori
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carmine Fedele
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Akiko Koide
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xuben Hou
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yingkai Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin G Neel
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - John P O'Bryan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Shohei Koide
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Chen J, Zhang S, Wang W, Pang L, Zhang Q, Liu X. Mutation-Induced Impacts on the Switch Transformations of the GDP- and GTP-Bound K-Ras: Insights from Multiple Replica Gaussian Accelerated Molecular Dynamics and Free Energy Analysis. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:1954-1969. [PMID: 33739090 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c01470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mutations yield significant effect on the structural flexibility of two switch domains, SW1 and SW2, in K-Ras, which is considered as an important target of anticancer drug design. To unveil a molecular mechanism with regard to mutation-mediated tuning on the activity of K-Ras, multiple replica Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (MR-GaMD) simulations followed by analysis of free energy landscapes (FELs) are performed on the GDP- and GTP-bound wild-type (WT), G12V, and D33E K-Ras. The results suggest that G12V and D33E not only evidently change the flexibility of SW1 and SW2 but also greatly affect correlated motions of SW1 and SW2 separately relative to the P-loop and SW1, which exerts a certain tuning on the activity of K-Ras. The information stemming from the analyses of FELs reveals that the conformations of SW1 and SW2 are in high disorders in the GDP- and GTP-associated WT and mutated K-Ras, possibly producing significant effect on binding of guanine nucleotide exchange factors or effectors to K-Ras. The interaction networks of GDP and GTP with K-Ras are identified and the results uncover that the instability in hydrogen-bonding interactions of SW1 with GDP and GTP is mostly responsible for conformational disorder of SW1 and SW2 as well as tunes the activity of oncogenic K-Ras.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Chen
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, China
| | - Shaolong Zhang
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, China
| | - Laixue Pang
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, China
| | - Qinggang Zhang
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China
| | - Xinguo Liu
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Liu X, Li Z, Wang Y. Advances in Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e1900236. [PMID: 33729700 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy with an overall 5-year survival rate of <6% due to therapeutic resistance and late-stage diagnosis. These statistics have not changed despite 50 years of research and therapeutic development. Pancreatic cancer is predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer mortality by the year 2030. Currently, the treatment options for pancreatic cancer are limited. This disease is usually diagnosed at a late stage, which prevents curative surgical resection. Chemotherapy is the most frequently used approach for pancreatic cancer treatment and has limited effects. In many other cancer types, targeted therapy and immunotherapy have made great progress and have been shown to be very promising prospects; these treatments also provide hope for pancreatic cancer. The need for research on targeted therapy and immunotherapy is pressing due to the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer, and in recent years, there have been some breakthroughs for targeted therapy and immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. This review summarizes the current preclinical and clinical studies of targeted therapy and immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer and ends by describing the challenges and outlook.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, SINH - Changzheng Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Institutes for Translational Medicine (CAS-SMMU), Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Zhang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, SINH - Changzheng Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Institutes for Translational Medicine (CAS-SMMU), Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yuexiang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, SINH - Changzheng Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Institutes for Translational Medicine (CAS-SMMU), Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Nussinov R, Jang H, Gursoy A, Keskin O, Gaponenko V. Inhibition of Nonfunctional Ras. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:121-133. [PMID: 33440168 PMCID: PMC7897307 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intuitively, functional states should be targeted; not nonfunctional ones. So why could drugging the inactive K-Ras4BG12Cwork-but drugging the inactive kinase will likely not? The reason is the distinct oncogenic mechanisms. Kinase driver mutations work by stabilizing the active state and/or destabilizing the inactive state. Either way, oncogenic kinases are mostly in the active state. Ras driver mutations work by quelling its deactivation mechanisms, GTP hydrolysis, and nucleotide exchange. Covalent inhibitors that bind to the inactive GDP-bound K-Ras4BG12C conformation can thus work. By contrast, in kinases, allosteric inhibitors work by altering the active-site conformation to favor orthosteric drugs. From the translational standpoint this distinction is vital: it expedites effective pharmaceutical development and extends the drug classification based on the mechanism of action. Collectively, here we postulate that drug action relates to blocking the mechanism of activation, not to whether the protein is in the active or inactive state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Attila Gursoy
- Department of Computer Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Keskin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Vadim Gaponenko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Iskandar SE, Haberman VA, Bowers AA. Expanding the Chemical Diversity of Genetically Encoded Libraries. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2020; 22:712-733. [PMID: 33167616 PMCID: PMC8284915 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.0c00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The power of ribosomes has increasingly been harnessed for the synthesis and selection of molecular libraries. Technologies, such as phage display, yeast display, and mRNA display, effectively couple genotype to phenotype for the molecular evolution of high affinity epitopes for many therapeutic targets. Genetic code expansion is central to the success of these technologies, allowing researchers to surpass the intrinsic capabilities of the ribosome and access new, genetically encoded materials for these selections. Here, we review techniques for the chemical expansion of genetically encoded libraries, their abilities and limits, and opportunities for further development. Importantly, we also discuss methods and metrics used to assess the efficiency of modification and library diversity with these new techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina E Iskandar
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Victoria A Haberman
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Albert A Bowers
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Generation of KS-58 as the first K-Ras(G12D)-inhibitory peptide presenting anti-cancer activity in vivo. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21671. [PMID: 33303890 PMCID: PMC7730438 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78712-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras mutations (e.g., occur in K-Ras, N-Ras, and H-Ras) are one of the most desirable and promising drug targets in chemotherapy treatments for cancer. However, there are still no approved drugs directly targeting mutated Ras. In 2017, an artificial cyclic peptide, KRpep-2d, was discovered as the first selective inhibitor of K-Ras(G12D), the most frequent K-Ras mutation. Here, we report the generation of KS-58, a KRpep-2d derivative that is identified as a bicyclic peptide and possess unnatural amino acid structures. Our in vitro data and molecular dynamics simulations suggest that KS-58 enters cells and blocks intracellular Ras–effector protein interactions. KS-58 selectively binds to K-Ras(G12D) and suppresses the in vitro proliferation of the human lung cancer cell line A427 and the human pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1, both of which express K-Ras(G12D). Moreover, KS-58 exhibits anti-cancer activity when given as an intravenous injection to mice with subcutaneous or orthotropic PANC-1 cell xenografts. The anti-cancer activity is further improved by combination with gemcitabine. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of K-Ras(G12D)-selective inhibitory peptide presenting in vivo anti-cancer activity. KS-58 is an attractive lead molecule for the development of novel cancer drugs that target K-Ras(G12D).
Collapse
|
50
|
Burns TF, Borghaei H, Ramalingam SS, Mok TS, Peters S. Targeting KRAS-Mutant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: One Mutation at a Time, With a Focus on KRAS G12C Mutations. J Clin Oncol 2020; 38:4208-4218. [PMID: 33104438 PMCID: PMC7723684 DOI: 10.1200/jco.20.00744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy F Burns
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Division of Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA
| | - Tony S Mok
- State Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Clinical Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Solange Peters
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne University, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|