1
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Aloiau AN, Bobek BM, Pearson KE, Cherry KE, Smith CR, Ketcham JM, Marx MA, Harwood SJ. Zirconium Hydride Catalysis Initiated by Tetrabutylammonium Fluoride. J Org Chem 2024. [PMID: 39073902 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.4c01227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
In our drug discovery campaigns to target the oncogenic drivers of cancers, the demand for a chemoselective, stereoselective and economical synthesis of chiral benzylamines drove the development of a catalytic zirconium hydride reduction. This methodology uses the inexpensive, bench stable zirconocene dichloride, and a novel tetrabutylammonium fluoride activation tactic to catalytically generate a metal hydride under ambient conditions. The diastereo- and chemoselectivity of this reaction was tested with the preparation of key intermediates from our discovery programs and in the scope of sulfinyl ketimines and carbonyls relevant to medicinal chemistry and natural product synthesis. A preliminary mechanistic investigation conducted into the role of tetrabutylammonium fluoride indicates that formation of a zirconocene fluoride occurs to initiate catalysis. The implications of this convenient activation approach may provide expanded roles for zirconium hydrides in catalytic transformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athenea N Aloiau
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Briana M Bobek
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Kelly E Pearson
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Kendall E Cherry
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Christopher R Smith
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - John M Ketcham
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Matthew A Marx
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Stephen J Harwood
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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2
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Lee AA, Kim NH, Alvarez S, Ren H, DeGrandchamp JB, Lew LJN, Groves JT. Bimodality in Ras signaling originates from processivity of the Ras activator SOS without deterministic bistability. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadi0707. [PMID: 38905351 PMCID: PMC11192083 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi0707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Ras is a small GTPase that is central to important functional decisions in diverse cell types. An important aspect of Ras signaling is its ability to exhibit bimodal or switch-like activity. We describe the total reconstitution of a receptor-mediated Ras activation-deactivation reaction catalyzed by SOS and p120-RasGAP on supported lipid membrane microarrays. The results reveal a bimodal Ras activation response, which is not a result of deterministic bistability but is rather driven by the distinct processivity of the Ras activator, SOS. Furthermore, the bimodal response is controlled by the condensation state of the scaffold protein, LAT, to which SOS is recruited. Processivity-driven bimodality leads to stochastic bursts of Ras activation even under strongly deactivating conditions. This behavior contrasts deterministic bistability and may be more resistant to pharmacological inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert A. Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Neil H. Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Steven Alvarez
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - He Ren
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | | | - L. J. Nugent Lew
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jay T. Groves
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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3
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Ikram S, Sayyah E, Durdağı S. Identifying Potential SOS1 Inhibitors via Virtual Screening of Multiple Small Molecule Libraries against KRAS-SOS1 Interaction. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400008. [PMID: 38622060 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400008] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The RAS-MAPK signaling pathway, crucial for cell proliferation and differentiation, involves key proteins KRAS and SOS1. Mutations in the KRAS and SOS1 genes are implicated in various cancer types, including pancreatic, lung, and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia. There is considerable interest in identifying inhibitors targeting KRAS and SOS1 to explore potential therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. In this study, advanced in silico techniques were employed to screen small molecule libraries at this interface, leading to the identification of promising lead compounds as potential SOS1 inhibitors. Comparative analysis of the average binding free energies of these predicted potent compounds with known SOS1 small molecule inhibitors revealed that the identified compounds display similar or even superior predicted binding affinities compared to the known inhibitors. These findings offer valuable insights into the potential of these compounds as candidates for further development as effective anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima Ikram
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahçeşehir University, 34734, Istanbul, Turkey
- Lab for Innovative Drugs (Lab4IND), Computational Drug Design Center (HİTMER), Bahçeşehir University, 34734, İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ehsan Sayyah
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahçeşehir University, 34734, Istanbul, Turkey
- Lab for Innovative Drugs (Lab4IND), Computational Drug Design Center (HİTMER), Bahçeşehir University, 34734, İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Serdar Durdağı
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahçeşehir University, 34734, Istanbul, Turkey
- Lab for Innovative Drugs (Lab4IND), Computational Drug Design Center (HİTMER), Bahçeşehir University, 34734, İstanbul, Türkiye
- Molecular Therapy Lab (MTL), Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Bahçeşehir University, 34353, Istanbul, Türkiye
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4
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Harris E, Thawani R. Current perspectives of KRAS in non-small cell lung cancer. Curr Probl Cancer 2024; 51:101106. [PMID: 38879917 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2024.101106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
NSCLC has a diverse genomic background with mutations in key proto-oncogenic drivers including Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Roughly 40% of adenocarcinoma harbor Kras activating mutations regardless of smoking history. Most KRAS mutations are located at G12, which include G12C (roughly 40%), G12V (roughly 20%), and G12D (roughly 15%). KRAS mutated NSCLC have higher tumor mutational burden and some have increased PD-1 expression, which has resulted in better responses to immunotherapy than other oncogenes. While initial treatment for metastatic NSCLC still relies on chemo-immunotherapy, directly targeting KRAS has proven to be efficacious in treating patients with KRAS mutated metastatic NSCLC. To date, two G12C inhibitors have been FDA-approved, namely sotorasib and adagrasib. In this review, we summarize the different drug combinations used to target KRAS G12c, upcoming G12D inhibitors and novel therapies targeting KRAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Harris
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637. USA
| | - Rajat Thawani
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637. USA.
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5
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Schulz B, Leitner E, Schreiber T, Lindner T, Schwarz R, Aboutara N, Ma Y, Escobar HM, Palme R, Hinz B, Vollmar B, Zechner D. Sex Matters-Insights from Testing Drug Efficacy in an Animal Model of Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1901. [PMID: 38791980 PMCID: PMC11120498 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Preclinical studies rarely test the efficacy of therapies in both sexes. The field of oncology is no exception in this regard. In a model of syngeneic, orthotopic, metastasized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma we evaluated the impact of sex on pathological features of this disease as well as on the efficacy and possible adverse side effects of a novel, small molecule-based therapy inhibiting KRAS:SOS1, MEK1/2 and PI3K signaling in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Male mice had less tumor infiltration of CD8-positive cells, developed bigger tumors, had more lung metastasis and a lower probability of survival compared to female mice. These more severe pathological features in male animals were accompanied by higher distress at the end of the experiment. The evaluated inhibitors BI-3406, trametinib and BKM120 showed synergistic effects in vitro. This combinatorial therapy reduced tumor weight more efficiently in male animals, although the drug concentrations were similar in the tumors of both sexes. These results underline the importance of sex-specific preclinical research and at the same time provide a solid basis for future studies with the tested compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Schulz
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (B.S.)
| | - Emily Leitner
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (B.S.)
| | - Tim Schreiber
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (B.S.)
| | - Tobias Lindner
- Core Facility Multimodal Small Animal Imaging, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Rico Schwarz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Nadine Aboutara
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Yixuan Ma
- Department of Medicine Clinic III, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Hugo Murua Escobar
- Department of Medicine Clinic III, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Brigitte Vollmar
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (B.S.)
| | - Dietmar Zechner
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (B.S.)
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6
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Zheng L, Zhang Y, Mei S, Xie T, Zou Y, Wang Y, Jing H, Xu S, Dramou P, Xu Z, Li J, Zhou Y, Niu MM. Discovery of a Potent Dual Son of Sevenless 1 (SOS1) and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Inhibitor for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer. J Med Chem 2024; 67:7130-7145. [PMID: 38630077 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Multitarget medications represent an appealing therapy against the disease with multifactorial abnormalities─cancer. Therefore, simultaneously targeting son of sevenless 1 (SOS1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), two aberrantly expressed proteins crucial for the oncogenesis and progression of prostate cancer, may achieve active antitumor effects. Here, we discovered dual SOS1/EGFR-targeting compounds via pharmacophore-based docking screening. The most prominent compound SE-9 exhibited nanomolar inhibition activity against both SOS1 and EGFR and efficiently suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT in prostate cancer cells PC-3. Cellular assays also revealed that SE-9 displayed strong antiproliferative activities through diverse mechanisms, such as induction of cell apoptosis and G1 phase cell cycle arrest, as well as reduction of angiogenesis and migration. Further in vivo findings showed that SE-9 potently inhibited tumor growth in PC-3 xenografts without obvious toxicity. Overall, SE-9 is a novel dual-targeting SOS1/EGFR inhibitor that represents a promising treatment strategy for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lufeng Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Shuang Mei
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Tianyuan Xie
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yunting Zou
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Han Jing
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Shengtao Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Pierre Dramou
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhen Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Jindong Li
- Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Miao-Miao Niu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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7
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Puliga E, De Bellis C, Vietti Michelina S, Capeloa T, Migliore C, Orrù C, Baiocchi GL, De Manzoni G, Pietrantonio F, Reddavid R, Fumagalli Romario U, Ambrogio C, Corso S, Giordano S. Biological and targeting differences between the rare KRAS A146T and canonical KRAS mutants in gastric cancer models. Gastric Cancer 2024; 27:473-483. [PMID: 38261067 PMCID: PMC11016506 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-024-01468-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with a poor prognosis for patients with advanced disease. Since the oncogenic role of KRAS mutants has been poorly investigated in GC, this study aims to biochemically and biologically characterize different KRAS-mutated models and unravel differences among KRAS mutants in response to therapy. METHODS Taking advantage of a proprietary, molecularly annotated platform of more than 200 GC PDXs (patient-derived xenografts), we identified KRAS-mutated PDXs, from which primary cell lines were established. The different mutants were challenged with KRAS downstream inhibitors in in vitro and in vivo experiments. RESULTS Cells expressing the rare KRAS A146T mutant showed lower RAS-GTP levels compared to those bearing the canonical G12/13D mutations. Nevertheless, all the KRAS-mutated cells displayed KRAS addiction. Surprisingly, even if the GEF SOS1 is considered critical for the activation of KRAS A146T mutants, its abrogation did not significantly affect cell viability. From the pharmacologic point of view, Trametinib monotherapy was more effective in A146T than in G12D-mutated models, suggesting a vulnerability to MEK inhibition. However, in the presence of mutations in the PI3K pathway, more frequently co-occurrent in A146T models, the association of Trametinib and the AKT inhibitor MK-2206 was required to optimize the response. CONCLUSION A deeper genomic and biological characterization of KRAS mutants might sustain the development of more efficient and long-lasting therapeutic options for patients harbouring KRAS-driven GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Puliga
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.
| | - Chiara De Bellis
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Sandra Vietti Michelina
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Tania Capeloa
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Cristina Migliore
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Claudia Orrù
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Baiocchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Surgery "Santo Spirito Hospital", ASL-AL, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni De Manzoni
- Section of Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Filippo Pietrantonio
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Chiara Ambrogio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Simona Corso
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
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8
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Duo L, Chen Y, Liu Q, Ma Z, Farjudian A, Ho WY, Low SS, Ren J, Hirst JD, Xie H, Tang B. Discovery of novel SOS1 inhibitors using machine learning. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1392-1403. [PMID: 38665844 PMCID: PMC11042245 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00063c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Overactivation of the rat sarcoma virus (RAS) signaling is responsible for 30% of all human malignancies. Son of sevenless 1 (SOS1), a crucial node in the RAS signaling pathway, could modulate RAS activation, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for RAS-driven cancers. Applying machine learning (ML)-based virtual screening (VS) on small-molecule databases, we selected a random forest (RF) regressor for its robustness and performance. Screening was performed with the L-series and EGFR-related datasets, and was extended to the Chinese National Compound Library (CNCL) with more than 1.4 million compounds. In addition to a series of documented SOS1-related molecules, we uncovered nine compounds that have an unexplored chemical framework and displayed inhibitory activity, with the most potent achieving more than 50% inhibition rate in the KRAS G12C/SOS1 PPI assay and an IC50 value in the proximity of 20 μg mL-1. Compared with the manner that known inhibitory agents bind to the target, hit compounds represented by CL01545365 occupy a unique pocket in molecular docking. An in silico drug-likeness assessment suggested that the compound has moderately favorable drug-like properties and pharmacokinetic characteristics. Altogether, our findings strongly support that, characterized by the distinctive binding modes, the recognition of novel skeletons from the carboxylic acid series could be candidates for developing promising SOS1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Duo
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, Key Laboratory for Carbonaceous Waste Processing and Process Intensification Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China 199 Taikang East Road Ningbo 315100 P. R. China
| | - Yi Chen
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences 555 Zuchongzhi Road 201203 Shanghai China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences No.19A Yuquan Road Beijing 100049 China
| | - Qiupei Liu
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, Key Laboratory for Carbonaceous Waste Processing and Process Intensification Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China 199 Taikang East Road Ningbo 315100 P. R. China
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences 555 Zuchongzhi Road 201203 Shanghai China
| | - Zhangyi Ma
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, Key Laboratory for Carbonaceous Waste Processing and Process Intensification Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China 199 Taikang East Road Ningbo 315100 P. R. China
| | - Amin Farjudian
- School of Mathematics, Watson Building, University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT UK
| | - Wan Yong Ho
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham (Malaysia Campus) Semenyih 43500 Malaysia
| | - Sze Shin Low
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, Key Laboratory for Carbonaceous Waste Processing and Process Intensification Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China 199 Taikang East Road Ningbo 315100 P. R. China
| | - Jianfeng Ren
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, Key Laboratory for Carbonaceous Waste Processing and Process Intensification Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China 199 Taikang East Road Ningbo 315100 P. R. China
| | - Jonathan D Hirst
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Hua Xie
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences 555 Zuchongzhi Road 201203 Shanghai China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences No.19A Yuquan Road Beijing 100049 China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Zhongshan Tsuihang New District Zhongshan 528400 China
| | - Bencan Tang
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, Key Laboratory for Carbonaceous Waste Processing and Process Intensification Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China 199 Taikang East Road Ningbo 315100 P. R. China
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9
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Wu J, Li X, Wu C, Wang Y, Zhang J. Current advances and development strategies of targeting son of sevenless 1 (SOS1) in drug discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116282. [PMID: 38430853 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116282] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The Son of Sevenless 1 (SOS1) guanine nucleotide exchange factor, prevalent across eukaryotic species, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the attachment of RAS protein to GTP, thereby regulating the activation of intracellular RAS proteins. This regulation is part of a feedback mechanism involving SOS1, which allows both activators and inhibitors of SOS1 to exert control over downstream signaling pathways, demonstrating potential anti-tumor effects. Predominantly, small molecule modulators that target SOS1 focus on a hydrophobic pocket within the CDC25 protein domain. The effectiveness of these modulators largely depends on their ability to interact with specific amino acids, notably Phe890 and Tyr884. This interaction is crucial for influencing the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between RAS and the catalytic domain of SOS1. Currently, most small molecule modulators targeting SOS1 are in the preclinical research phase, with a few advancing to clinical trials. This progression raises safety concerns, making the assurance of drug safety a primary consideration alongside the enhancement of efficacy in the development of SOS1 modulators. This review encapsulates recent advancements in the chemical categorization of SOS1 inhibitors and activators. It delves into the evolution of small molecule modulation targeting SOS1 and offers perspectives on the design of future generations of selective SOS1 small molecule modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Wu
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoxue Li
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chengyong Wu
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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10
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Aloiau A, Bobek BM, Caddell Haatveit K, Pearson KE, Watkins AH, Jones B, Smith CR, Ketcham JM, Marx MA, Harwood SJ. Stereoselective Amine Synthesis Mediated by a Zirconocene Hydride to Accelerate a Drug Discovery Program. J Org Chem 2024; 89:3875-3882. [PMID: 38422508 PMCID: PMC10949245 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c02723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Chiral amine synthesis remains a significant challenge in accelerating the design cycle of drug discovery programs. A zirconium hydride, due to its high oxophilicity and lower reactivity, gave highly chemo- and stereoselective reductions of sulfinyl ketimines. The development of this zirconocene-mediated reduction helped to accelerate our drug discovery efforts and is applicable to several motifs commonly used in medicinal chemistry. Computational investigation supported a cyclic half-chair transition state to rationalize the high selectivity in benzyl systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athenea
N. Aloiau
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Briana M. Bobek
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | | | - Kelly E. Pearson
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Ashlee H. Watkins
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Benjamin Jones
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Christopher R. Smith
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - John M. Ketcham
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Matthew A. Marx
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Stephen J. Harwood
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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11
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Lu X, Jin J, Wu Y, Liu X, Liang X, Lin J, Sun Q, Qin J, Zhang W, Luan X. Progress in RAS-targeted therapeutic strategies: From small molecule inhibitors to proteolysis targeting chimeras. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:812-832. [PMID: 38009264 DOI: 10.1002/med.21993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
As a widely considerable target in chemical biology and pharmacological research, rat sarcoma (RAS) gene mutations play a critical driving factor in several fatal cancers. Despite the great progress of RAS subtype-specific inhibitors, rapid acquired drug resistance could limit their further clinical applications. Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) has emerged as a powerful tool to handle "undruggable" targets and exhibited significant therapeutic benefit for the combat of drug resistance. Owing to unique molecular mechanism and binding kinetics, PROTAC is expected to become a feasible strategy to break the bottleneck of classical RAS inhibitors. This review aims to discuss the current advances of RAS inhibitors and especially focus on PROTAC strategy targeting RAS mutations and their downstream effectors for relevant cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinchen Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinmei Jin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Wu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohui Liang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayi Lin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingyan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangjiang Qin
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Drug and Pharmaceutical Process, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Luan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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12
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Lv Y, Yang Z, Chen Y, Ma X, Guo M, Zhang C, Jiang X, Wang C, Li Z, Tai Z, Wang X, Zhang S, Ma S, Qin C. A Potent SOS1 PROTAC Degrader with Synergistic Efficacy in Combination with KRAS G12C Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2024; 67:2487-2511. [PMID: 38316747 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
AMG510, as the first approved inhibitor for KRASG12C mutation, has shown promising efficacy in nonsmall-cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer harboring KRASG12C mutation. However, the moderate response rate and the rapid emergence of acquired resistance limit the therapeutic potential of AMG510, highlighting the need for the development of combination strategies. Here, we observed the suppression of RAS-MAPK signaling induced by AMG510 was prolonged and enhanced by SOS1 knockdown. Thus, we design, synthesize, and characterize a potent and specific SOS1 degrader 23. Compound 23 showed efficient SOS1 degradation in KRAS-driven cancer cells and achieved significant antiproliferative potency. Importantly, the combination of 23 with AMG510 suppressed RAS signaling feedback activation, showing synergistic effects against KRASG12C mutant cells in vitro and in vivo. Our findings demonstrated that KRASG12C inhibition plus SOS1 degradation as a potential therapeutic strategy to improve antitumor response and overcome acquired resistance to KRASG12C inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lv
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Zixuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Yiming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Xuepei Ma
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Mengqi Guo
- Center for Targeted Protein Degradation and Drug Discovery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Chengwei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Xiaolin Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
- Center for Targeted Protein Degradation and Drug Discovery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Chengli Wang
- Center for Targeted Protein Degradation and Drug Discovery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Zhuoyue Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
- Center for Targeted Protein Degradation and Drug Discovery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Zhengfu Tai
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
- Center for Targeted Protein Degradation and Drug Discovery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
- Center for Targeted Protein Degradation and Drug Discovery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
- Center for Targeted Protein Degradation and Drug Discovery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Shumin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
- Center for Targeted Protein Degradation and Drug Discovery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Chong Qin
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
- Center for Targeted Protein Degradation and Drug Discovery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
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13
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Xu M, Zhao X, Wen T, Qu X. Unveiling the role of KRAS in tumor immune microenvironment. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116058. [PMID: 38171240 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116058] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Kirsten rats sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS), the first discovered human oncogene, has long been recognized as "undruggable". KRAS mutations frequently occur in multiple human cancers including non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC), colorectal cancer(CRC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC), functioning as a "molecule switch" determining the activation of various oncogenic signaling pathways. Except for its intrinsic pro-tumorigenic role, KRAS alteration also exhibits an unique immune signature characterized by elevated PD-L1 level and high tumor mutational burden(TMB). KRAS mutation shape an immune suppressive microenvironment by impeding effective T cells infiltration and recruiting suppressive immune cells including myeloid-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs), regulatory T cells(Tregs), cancer associated fibroblasts(CAFs). In immune checkpoint inhibitor(ICI) era, NSCLC patients with mutated KRAS tend to be more responsive to ICI than patients with intact KRAS. The hallmark for KRAS mutation is the existence of multiple kinds of co-mutations. Different types of co-alterations have distinct tumor microenvironment(TME) signatures and responses to ICI. TP53 co-mutation possess a "hot" TME and achieve higher response to immunotherapy while other loss of function mutation correlated with a "colder" TME and a poor outcome to ICI-based therapy. The groundbreaking discovery of KRAS G12C inhibitors significantly improved outcomes for this KRAS subtype even though efficacy was limited to NSCLC patients. KRAS G12C inhibitors also restore the suppressive TME, creating an opportunity for combinations with ICI. However, an inevitable challenge to KRAS inhibitors is drug resistance. Promising combination strategies such as combination with SHP2 is an approach deserve further exploration because of their immune modulatory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Provinces, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xing Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ti Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Provinces, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiujuan Qu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Provinces, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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14
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Pang X, Cui D, Lv B, Wang CY. Discovery of Potent SOS1 PROTACs with Effective Antitumor Activities against NCI-H358 Tumor Cells In Vitro/In Vivo. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1563-1579. [PMID: 38206836 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Directly targeted KRAS inhibitors are now facing resistance problems, which might be partially solved by the combination of SOS1 inhibitors with KRAS inhibitors. However, this combination may still have some resistance mitigation potential. Comparatively, SOS1 PROTAC may have promising applications in addressing the drug resistance problem by degrading the SOS1 protein. Herein, we report the discovery of novel SOS1 PROTACs and their antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies demonstrated that degrader 4 had strong inhibitory effects on the proliferation of NCI-H358 cells with IC50 of 5 nM, together with significant degradation of SOS1 protein with DC50 of 13 nM. In the NCI-H358 xenograft model, degrader 4 exhibited significant antitumor activities with TGITV values of 58.8% at 30 mg/kg bid. The PK and safety profiles also supported degrader 4 for further studies as an effective tool compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Pang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Zelgen Pharma-Tech Co., Ltd., Building 3, No. 999, Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dawei Cui
- Shanghai Zelgen Pharma-Tech Co., Ltd., Building 3, No. 999, Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Binhua Lv
- Shanghai Zelgen Pharma-Tech Co., Ltd., Building 3, No. 999, Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Cheng-Yun Wang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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15
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Abdel-Magid AF. Inhibitors of Son of Sevenless Isoform 1 (SOS1) as a Potential Treatment for RAS Mutant Cancers. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:9-11. [PMID: 38229747 PMCID: PMC10788932 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The invention in this patent application relates to 1-aminophthalazine derivatives represented generally by formula 1. These compounds are inhibitors of the interaction of the catalytic site of SOS1 with RAS-family proteins which are involved in controlling cell proliferation. They may potentially be used as a treatment for RAS mutant cancers such as pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers, cholangiocarcinoma, multiple myeloma, melanoma, and thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed F. Abdel-Magid
- Therachem Research Medilab, LLC, 100 Jade Park, Chelsea, Alabama 35043, United States
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16
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Tripathi P, Kumari R, Pathak R. Drugging the undruggable: Advances in targeting KRAS signaling in solid tumors. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 385:1-39. [PMID: 38663957 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Cancer remains the leading cause of global mortality, prompting a paradigm shift in its treatment and outcomes with the advent of targeted therapies. Among the most prevalent mutations in RAS-driven cancers, Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations account for approximately 86% of cases worldwide, particularly in lung, pancreatic, and colon cancers, contributing to poor prognosis and reduced overall survival. Despite numerous efforts to understand the biology of KRAS mutants and their pivotal role in cancer development, the lack of well-defined drug-binding pockets has deemed KRAS an "undruggable" therapeutic target, presenting significant challenges for researchers and clinicians alike. Through significant biochemical and technological advances, the last decade has witnessed promising breakthroughs in targeted therapies for KRAS-mutated lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers, marking a critical turning point in the field. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the characteristics of KRAS mutations across various solid tumors, highlighting ongoing cutting-edge research on the immune microenvironment, the development of KRAS-driven mice models, and the recent progress in the exploration of specific KRAS mutant-targeted therapeutic approaches. By comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of KRAS signaling in solid tumors and the latest therapeutic developments, this chapter will shed light on the potential for novel therapeutic strategies to combat KRAS-driven tumors and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajna Tripathi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rajni Kumari
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Rajiv Pathak
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
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17
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Bhadhadhara K, Jani V, Koulgi S, Sonavane U, Joshi R. Studying early structural changes in SOS1 mediated KRAS activation mechanism. Curr Res Struct Biol 2023; 7:100115. [PMID: 38188543 PMCID: PMC10765296 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2023.100115] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
KRAS activation is known to be modulated by a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), namely, Son of Sevenless1 (SOS1). SOS1 facilitates the exchange of GDP to GTP thereby leading to activation of KRAS. The binding of GDP/GTP to KRAS at the REM/allosteric site of SOS1 regulates the activation of KRAS at CDC25/catalytic site by facilitating its exchange. Different aspects of the allosteric activation of KRAS through SOS1 are still being explored. To understand the SOS1 mediated activation of KRAS, molecular dynamics simulations for a total of nine SOS1 complexes (KRAS-SOS1-KRAS) were performed. These nine systems comprised different combinations of KRAS-bound nucleotides (GTP/GDP) at REM and CDC25 sites of SOS1. Various conformational and thermodynamic parameters were analyzed for these simulation systems. MMPBSA free energy analysis revealed that binding at CDC25 site of SOS1 was significantly low for GDP-bound KRAS as compared to that of GTP-bound KRAS. It was observed that presence of either GDP/GTP bound KRAS at the REM site of SOS1 affected the activation related changes in the KRAS present at CDC25 site. The conformational changes at the catalytic site of SOS1 resulting from GDP/GTP-bound KRAS at the allosteric changes may hint at KRAS activation through different pathways (slow/fast/rare). The allosteric effect on activation of KRAS at CDC25 site may be due to conformations adopted by switch-I, switch-II, beta2 regions of KRAS at REM site. The effect of structural rearrangements occurring at allosteric KRAS may have led to increased interactions between SOS1 and KRAS at both the sites. The SOS1 residues involved in these important interactions with KRAS at the REM site were R694, S732 and K735. Whereas the ones interacting with KRAS at CDC25 site were S807, W809 and K814. This may suggest the crucial role of these residues in guiding the allosteric activation of KRAS at CDC25 site. The conformational shifts observed in the switch-I, switch-II and alpha3 regions of KRAS at CDC25 site may be attributed to be a part of allosteric activation. The binding affinities, interacting residues and conformational dynamics may provide an insight into development of inhibitors targeting the SOS1 mediated KRAS activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirti Bhadhadhara
- High Performance Computing-Medical & Bioinformatics Applications Group, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Innovation Park, Panchawati, Pashan, Pune, 411008, India
| | - Vinod Jani
- High Performance Computing-Medical & Bioinformatics Applications Group, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Innovation Park, Panchawati, Pashan, Pune, 411008, India
| | - Shruti Koulgi
- High Performance Computing-Medical & Bioinformatics Applications Group, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Innovation Park, Panchawati, Pashan, Pune, 411008, India
| | - Uddhavesh Sonavane
- High Performance Computing-Medical & Bioinformatics Applications Group, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Innovation Park, Panchawati, Pashan, Pune, 411008, India
| | - Rajendra Joshi
- High Performance Computing-Medical & Bioinformatics Applications Group, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Innovation Park, Panchawati, Pashan, Pune, 411008, India
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18
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Chen T, Tang X, Wang Z, Feng F, Xu C, Zhao Q, Wu Y, Sun H, Chen Y. Inhibition of Son of Sevenless Homologue 1 (SOS1): Promising therapeutic treatment for KRAS-mutant cancers. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115828. [PMID: 37778239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115828] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Kristen rat sarcoma (KRAS) is one of the most common oncogenes in human cancers. As a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Son of Sevenless Homologue 1 (SOS1) represents a potential therapeutic concept for the treatment of KRAS-mutant cancers because of its activation on KRAS and downstream signaling pathways. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the structure, biological function, and regulation of SOS1. We also focus on the recent advances in SOS1 inhibitors and emphasize their binding modes, structure-activity relationships and pharmacological activities. We hope that this publication can provide a comprehensive compendium on the rational design of SOS1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingkai Chen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Tang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenqi Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunlei Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulan Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Daley BR, Vieira HM, Rao C, Hughes JM, Beckley ZM, Huisman DH, Chatterjee D, Sealover NE, Cox K, Askew JW, Svoboda RA, Fisher KW, Lewis RE, Kortum RL. SOS1 and KSR1 modulate MEK inhibitor responsiveness to target resistant cell populations based on PI3K and KRAS mutation status. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2313137120. [PMID: 37972068 PMCID: PMC10666034 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313137120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS is the most commonly mutated oncogene. Targeted therapies have been developed against mediators of key downstream signaling pathways, predominantly components of the RAF/MEK/ERK kinase cascade. Unfortunately, single-agent efficacy of these agents is limited both by intrinsic and acquired resistance. Survival of drug-tolerant persister cells within the heterogeneous tumor population and/or acquired mutations that reactivate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/RAS signaling can lead to outgrowth of tumor-initiating cells (TICs) and drive therapeutic resistance. Here, we show that targeting the key RTK/RAS pathway signaling intermediates SOS1 (Son of Sevenless 1) or KSR1 (Kinase Suppressor of RAS 1) both enhances the efficacy of, and prevents resistance to, the MEK inhibitor trametinib in KRAS-mutated lung (LUAD) and colorectal (COAD) adenocarcinoma cell lines depending on the specific mutational landscape. The SOS1 inhibitor BI-3406 enhanced the efficacy of trametinib and prevented trametinib resistance by targeting spheroid-initiating cells in KRASG12/G13-mutated LUAD and COAD cell lines that lacked PIK3CA comutations. Cell lines with KRASQ61 and/or PIK3CA mutations were insensitive to trametinib and BI-3406 combination therapy. In contrast, deletion of the RAF/MEK/ERK scaffold protein KSR1 prevented drug-induced SIC upregulation and restored trametinib sensitivity across all tested KRAS mutant cell lines in both PIK3CA-mutated and PIK3CA wild-type cancers. Our findings demonstrate that vertical inhibition of RTK/RAS signaling is an effective strategy to prevent therapeutic resistance in KRAS-mutated cancers, but therapeutic efficacy is dependent on both the specific KRAS mutant and underlying comutations. Thus, selection of optimal therapeutic combinations in KRAS-mutated cancers will require a detailed understanding of functional dependencies imposed by allele-specific KRAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna R. Daley
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - Heidi M. Vieira
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Chaitra Rao
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Jacob M. Hughes
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - Zaria M. Beckley
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - Dianna H. Huisman
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Deepan Chatterjee
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Nancy E. Sealover
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - Katherine Cox
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - James W. Askew
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Robert A. Svoboda
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Kurt W. Fisher
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Robert E. Lewis
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Robert L. Kortum
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
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Sabnis RW. 8-Aza Quinazolines as Brain Penetrant SOS1 Inhibitors for Treating Cancer. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1487-1488. [PMID: 37974940 PMCID: PMC10641917 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Provided herein are 8-aza quinazolines as brain-penetrant SOS1 inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions, use of such compounds in treating cancer, and processes for preparing such compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram W. Sabnis
- Smith, Gambrell & Russell LLP, 1105 W. Peachtree Street NE, Suite
1000, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, United States
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21
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Wu X, Wu J, Yuan Y, Yang L, Yu L. Noonan syndrome: rhGH treatment and PTPN11 mutation. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2023; 11:e2266. [PMID: 37525886 PMCID: PMC10655517 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2266] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinical data and genetic characteristics of Noonan syndrome, both the effect and side effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment. METHODS We collected clinical data from 8 children with Noonan syndrome diagnosed from November 2017 to June 2021. The diagnosis was clarified by exome second-generation sequencing and parental PCR-NGS validation and interpretation of the preceding evidence, and growth hormone therapy was administered. Of the cases, four males and four females were seen for slow height growth and the median age at diagnosis was 8 years 7 months (1 year 7 months to 12 years 6 months). RESULTS Here, 7 children were treated with rhGH. Compared to the pre-treatment period, the growth rate increased after rhGH treatment [3.7 ± 0.5 cm/year before treatment and 8.0 ± 1.0 cm/year after treatment, p < 0.01], with the maximum growth rate between 3 and 6 months of treatment and decreasing with the duration of treatment thereafter. The growth hormone treatment was discontinued and the orthopedic consultation was ordered with regular follow-up, which was considered to be related to the PTPN11 mutation. CONCLUSION Noonan syndrome is characterized by slow growth, short stature, mental retardation, peculiar facial features, structural heart abnormalities and abnormal bone metabolism. and osteochondroma was found after case 2 rhGH treatment. Genetic examination is mostly caused by PTPN11 mutation. It is recommended to pay attention to bone metabolism abnormalities before growth hormone treatment, especially in children with PTPN11 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and MetabolismJiangxi Provincial Children's HospitalNanchangChina
| | - Jiali Wu
- Department of EmergencyJiangxi Provincial Children's HospitalNanchangChina
| | - Yi Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and MetabolismJiangxi Provincial Children's HospitalNanchangChina
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and MetabolismJiangxi Provincial Children's HospitalNanchangChina
| | - Lirong Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and MetabolismJiangxi Provincial Children's HospitalNanchangChina
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22
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Brambs CE, Horn LC, Hiller R, Krücken I, Braun C, Christmann C, Monecke A, Höhn AK. Mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma of the female genital tract: possible role of KRAS-targeted treatment-detailed molecular analysis of a case series and review of the literature for targetable somatic KRAS-mutations. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:15727-15736. [PMID: 37668797 PMCID: PMC10620254 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05306-9] [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: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mesonephric-like adenocarcinomas (MLA) of the female genital tract represent a rare and relatively recently described neoplasm exhibiting characteristic morphologic and immunohistochemical findings commonly associated with a KRAS-mutation. Most cases display an aggressive clinical behavior, but knowledge about treatment approaches is limited, especially for targeting KRAS. METHODS We report a series of eight cases with a detailed molecular analysis for KRAS. These cases as well as the data of previously published cases with detailed information regarding KRAS-mutational events were reviewed for a potential targeted approach and its prognostic impact. RESULTS Both the uterine and ovarian MLA harbor a somatic KRAS-mutation in about 85% of the reported cases, affecting the hotspot codons 12 and 13. 15.7% of the endometrial and 15.6% of ovarian MLA are wild type for KRAS. A p.G12A-alteration was seen in 5.6% (5/89) of the endometrial and in 6.2% (2/32) of the ovarian tumors, for p.G12C in 7.9% and 6.2%, for p.G12D in 32.6% and 34.5% and for p.G12V in 36% and 37.5%, respectively. Very limited data are available regarding the prognostic impact of different mutational sites within the KRAS-gene without significant prognostic impact. CONCLUSION Because of a specific p.G12C-KRAS somatic mutation, only the minority of MLA (7.9% with uterine and 6.2% with ovarian primary) are potentially targetable by sotarasib in that rare but aggressive subtype of adenocarcinoma of the female genital tract. Until now, the different location of a somatic KRAS-mutation is of no prognostic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E Brambs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Spitalstrasse, 6000, Lucerne, Switzerland.
| | - Lars-Christian Horn
- Division of Gynecologic, Breast and Perinatal Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ruth Hiller
- Division of Gynecologic, Breast and Perinatal Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Irene Krücken
- Division of Gynecologic, Breast and Perinatal Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Division Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Braun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Spitalstrasse, 6000, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Corina Christmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Spitalstrasse, 6000, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Astrid Monecke
- Division of Gynecologic, Breast and Perinatal Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Division Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anne Kathrin Höhn
- Division of Gynecologic, Breast and Perinatal Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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23
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Cherri S, Oneda E, Zanotti L, Zaniboni A. Optimizing the first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1246716. [PMID: 37909027 PMCID: PMC10614157 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1246716] [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: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer represents an important oncological challenge both for its incidence, which makes it an important health problem, and for its biological complexity, which has made clinical results very difficult in terms of outcome for this category of patients. To date these diseases should not be treated as a single entity but it is necessary to distinguish colorectal cancers based on characteristics that nowadays are essential to have greater therapeutic benefits. These include the sideness of the disease, the state of microsatellites, the presence of prognostic and predictive mutations of response to treatments currently available in clinical practice, which are associated with new therapeutic targets. The greatest challenge in the future will be to circumvent the resistance mechanisms that make this disease very difficult to treat with good long-term results by studying effective combination treatments with a good toxicity profile. Once such combinations or targeted treatments are consolidated, it will be desirable to shift the best therapies to the first line treatment to make them immediately accessible to the patient. It will also be essential to refine the selection of patients who can benefit from these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cherri
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
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24
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Baltanás FC, García-Navas R, Rodríguez-Ramos P, Calzada N, Cuesta C, Borrajo J, Fuentes-Mateos R, Olarte-San Juan A, Vidaña N, Castellano E, Santos E. Critical requirement of SOS1 for tumor development and microenvironment modulation in KRAS G12D-driven lung adenocarcinoma. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5856. [PMID: 37730692 PMCID: PMC10511506 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41583-1] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of genetic ablation of SOS1 or SOS2 is evaluated in a murine model of KRASG12D-driven lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). SOS2 ablation shows some protection during early stages but only SOS1 ablation causes significant, specific long term increase of survival/lifespan of the KRASG12D mice associated to markedly reduced tumor burden and reduced populations of cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages and T-lymphocytes in the lung tumor microenvironment (TME). SOS1 ablation also causes specific shrinkage and regression of LUAD tumoral masses and components of the TME in pre-established KRASG12D LUAD tumors. The critical requirement of SOS1 for KRASG12D-driven LUAD is further confirmed by means of intravenous tail injection of KRASG12D tumor cells into SOS1KO/KRASWT mice, or of SOS1-less, KRASG12D tumor cells into wildtype mice. In silico analyses of human lung cancer databases support also the dominant role of SOS1 regarding tumor development and survival in LUAD patients. Our data indicate that SOS1 is critically required for development of KRASG12D-driven LUAD and confirm the validity of this RAS-GEF activator as an actionable therapeutic target in KRAS mutant LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando C Baltanás
- Lab 1. Cancer Research Center, Institute of Cancer Molecular and Cellular Biology, CSIC-University of Salamanca and CIBERONC, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/"Virgen del Rocío" University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville and Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
| | - Rósula García-Navas
- Lab 1. Cancer Research Center, Institute of Cancer Molecular and Cellular Biology, CSIC-University of Salamanca and CIBERONC, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Pablo Rodríguez-Ramos
- Lab 1. Cancer Research Center, Institute of Cancer Molecular and Cellular Biology, CSIC-University of Salamanca and CIBERONC, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Nuria Calzada
- Lab 1. Cancer Research Center, Institute of Cancer Molecular and Cellular Biology, CSIC-University of Salamanca and CIBERONC, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Cristina Cuesta
- Lab 5. Cancer Research Center, Institute of Cancer Molecular and Cellular Biology, CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Javier Borrajo
- Departament of Biomedical Sciences and Diagnostic, University of Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rocío Fuentes-Mateos
- Lab 1. Cancer Research Center, Institute of Cancer Molecular and Cellular Biology, CSIC-University of Salamanca and CIBERONC, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Andrea Olarte-San Juan
- Lab 1. Cancer Research Center, Institute of Cancer Molecular and Cellular Biology, CSIC-University of Salamanca and CIBERONC, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Nerea Vidaña
- Lab 1. Cancer Research Center, Institute of Cancer Molecular and Cellular Biology, CSIC-University of Salamanca and CIBERONC, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Esther Castellano
- Lab 5. Cancer Research Center, Institute of Cancer Molecular and Cellular Biology, CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Eugenio Santos
- Lab 1. Cancer Research Center, Institute of Cancer Molecular and Cellular Biology, CSIC-University of Salamanca and CIBERONC, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
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25
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Powis G, Meuillet EJ, Indarte M, Booher G, Kirkpatrick L. Pleckstrin Homology [PH] domain, structure, mechanism, and contribution to human disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115024. [PMID: 37399719 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115024] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The pleckstrin homology [PH] domain is a structural fold found in more than 250 proteins making it the 11th most common domain in the human proteome. 25% of family members have more than one PH domain and some PH domains are split by one, or several other, protein domains although still folding to give functioning PH domains. We review mechanisms of PH domain activity, the role PH domain mutation plays in human disease including cancer, hyperproliferation, neurodegeneration, inflammation, and infection, and discuss pharmacotherapeutic approaches to regulate PH domain activity for the treatment of human disease. Almost half PH domain family members bind phosphatidylinositols [PIs] that attach the host protein to cell membranes where they interact with other membrane proteins to give signaling complexes or cytoskeleton scaffold platforms. A PH domain in its native state may fold over other protein domains thereby preventing substrate access to a catalytic site or binding with other proteins. The resulting autoinhibition can be released by PI binding to the PH domain, or by protein phosphorylation thus providing fine tuning of the cellular control of PH domain protein activity. For many years the PH domain was thought to be undruggable until high-resolution structures of human PH domains allowed structure-based design of novel inhibitors that selectively bind the PH domain. Allosteric inhibitors of the Akt1 PH domain have already been tested in cancer patients and for proteus syndrome, with several other PH domain inhibitors in preclinical development for treatment of other human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garth Powis
- PHusis Therapeutics Inc., 6019 Folsom Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | | | - Martin Indarte
- PHusis Therapeutics Inc., 6019 Folsom Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Garrett Booher
- PHusis Therapeutics Inc., 6019 Folsom Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Lynn Kirkpatrick
- PHusis Therapeutics Inc., 6019 Folsom Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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26
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Pagba CV, Gupta AK, Gorfe AA. Small-Molecule Inhibition of KRAS through Conformational Selection. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:31419-31426. [PMID: 37663463 PMCID: PMC10468774 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in KRAS account for about 20% of human cancers. Despite the major progress in recent years toward the development of KRAS inhibitors, including the discovery of covalent inhibitors of the G12C KRAS variant for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer, much work remains to be done to discover broad-acting inhibitors to treat many other KRAS-driven cancers. In a previous report, we showed that a 308.4 Da small-molecule ligand [(2R)-2-(N'-(1H-indole-3-carbonyl)hydrazino)-2-phenyl-acetamide] binds to KRAS with low micro-molar affinity [Chem. Biol. Drug Des.2019; 94(2):1441-1456]. Binding of this ligand, which we call ACA22, to the p1 pocket of KRAS and its interactions with residues at beta-strand 1 and the switch loops have been supported by data from nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and microscale thermophoresis experiments. However, the inhibitory potential of the compound was not demonstrated. Here, we show that ACA22 inhibits KRAS-mediated signal transduction in cells expressing wild type (WT) and G12D mutant KRAS and reduces levels of guanosine triphosphate-loaded WT KRAS more effectively than G12D KRAS. We ruled out the direct effect on nucleotide exchange or effector binding as possible mechanisms of inhibition using a variety of biophysical assays. Combining these observations with binding data that show comparable affinities of the compound for the active and inactive forms of the mutant but not the WT, we propose conformational selection as a possible mechanism of action of ACA22.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia V Pagba
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Amit K Gupta
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Alemayehu A Gorfe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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27
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Elhariri A, Alhaj A, Ahn D, Sonbol MB, Bekaii-Saab T, Wu C, Rutenberg MS, Stauffer J, Starr J, Majeed U, Jones J, Borad M, Babiker H. Targeting KRAS in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Progress in demystifying the holy grail. World J Clin Oncol 2023; 14:285-296. [PMID: 37700806 PMCID: PMC10494558 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v14.i8.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the most challenging diseases, with a very poor 5-year overall survival of around 11.5%. Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) mutation is seen in 90%-95% of PC patients and plays an important role in cancer cell proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and survival, making it an essential mutation for targeted therapy. Despite extensive efforts in studying this oncogene, there has been little success in finding a drug to target this pathway, labelling it for decades as "undruggable". In this article we summarize some of the efforts made to target the KRAS pathway in PC, discuss the challenges, and shed light on promising clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Elhariri
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States
| | - Ahmed Alhaj
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States
| | - Daniel Ahn
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Phoenix, AZ 85054, United States
| | - Mohamad Bassam Sonbol
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Phoenix, AZ 85054, United States
| | - Tanios Bekaii-Saab
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Phoenix, AZ 85054, United States
| | - Christina Wu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Phoenix, AZ 85054, United States
| | - Michael Scott Rutenberg
- Department of Radiation-Oncology, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States
| | - John Stauffer
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States
| | - Jason Starr
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States
| | - Umair Majeed
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States
| | - Jeremy Jones
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States
| | - Mitesh Borad
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Phoenix, AZ 85054, United States
| | - Hani Babiker
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States
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28
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Wu X, Song W, Cheng C, Liu Z, Li X, Cui Y, Gao Y, Li D. Small molecular inhibitors for KRAS-mutant cancers. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1223433. [PMID: 37662925 PMCID: PMC10470052 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1223433] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Three rat sarcoma (RAS) gene isoforms, KRAS, NRAS, and HRAS, constitute the most mutated family of small GTPases in cancer. While the development of targeted immunotherapies has led to a substantial improvement in the overall survival of patients with non-KRAS-mutant cancer, patients with RAS-mutant cancers have an overall poorer prognosis owing to the high aggressiveness of RAS-mutant tumors. KRAS mutations are strongly implicated in lung, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. However, RAS mutations exhibit diverse patterns of isoforms, substitutions, and positions in different types of cancers. Despite being considered "undruggable", recent advances in the use of allele-specific covalent inhibitors against the most common mutant form of RAS in non-small-cell lung cancer have led to the development of effective pharmacological interventions against RAS-mutant cancer. Sotorasib (AMG510) has been approved by the FDA as a second-line treatment for patients with KRAS-G12C mutant NSCLC who have received at least one prior systemic therapy. Other KRAS inhibitors are on the way to block KRAS-mutant cancers. In this review, we summarize the progress and promise of small-molecule inhibitors in clinical trials, including direct inhibitors of KRAS, pan-RAS inhibitors, inhibitors of RAS effector signaling, and immune checkpoint inhibitors or combinations with RAS inhibitors, to improve the prognosis of tumors with RAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenping Song
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Research Center for Tumor Precision Medicine and Comprehensive Evaluation, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drug Research, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ziyang Liu
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yao Gao
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ding Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Research Center for Tumor Precision Medicine and Comprehensive Evaluation, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drug Research, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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29
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Aguilar-Valdés A, González-Vela F, Sánchez-Vidal H, Martínez-Aguilar J. A proteomic signature and potential pharmacological opportunities in the adaptive resistance to MEK and PI3K kinase inhibition in pancreatic cancer cells. Proteomics 2023; 23:e2300041. [PMID: 37140101 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300041] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancer types and is becoming a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The limited benefit offered by chemotherapy agents has propelled the search for alternative approaches that target specific molecular drivers of cancer growth and progression. Mutant KRas and effector pathways Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt are key players in pancreatic cancer; however, preclinical studies have shown adaptive tumour response to combined MEK and PI3K kinase inhibition leading to treatment resistance. There is a critical unmet need to decipher the molecular basis underlying adaptation to this targeted approach. Here, we aimed to identify common protein expression alterations associated with adaptive resistance in KRas-mutant pancreatic cancer cells, and test if it can be overcome by selected already available small molecule drugs. We found a group of 14 proteins with common expression change in resistant cells, including KRas, caveolin-1, filamin-a, eplin, IGF2R and cytokeratins CK-8, -18 and -19. Notably, several proteins have previously been observed in pancreatic cancer cells with intrinsic resistance to the combined kinase inhibition treatment, suggesting a proteomic signature. We also found that resistant cells are sensitive to small molecule drugs ERK inhibitor GDC-0994, S6K1 inhibitor DG2 and statins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Aguilar-Valdés
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Coordinación de la Investigación Científica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Francisco González-Vela
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Coordinación de la Investigación Científica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Hilda Sánchez-Vidal
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan Martínez-Aguilar
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Coordinación de la Investigación Científica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Lee AA, Kim NH, Alvarez S, Ren H, DeGrandchamp JB, Lew LJN, Groves JT. Bimodality in Ras signaling originates from processivity of the Ras activator SOS without classic kinetic bistability. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.17.549263. [PMID: 37503094 PMCID: PMC10370109 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.17.549263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Ras is a small GTPase that is central to important functional decisions in diverse cell types. An important aspect of Ras signaling is its ability to exhibit bimodal, or switch-like activity. We describe the total reconstitution of a receptor-mediated Ras activation-deactivation reaction catalyzed by SOS and p120-RasGAP on supported lipid membrane microarrays. The results reveal a bimodal Ras activation response, which is not a result of classic kinetic bistability, but is rather driven by the distinct processivity of the Ras activator, SOS. Furthermore, the bimodal response is controlled by the condensation state of the scaffold protein, LAT, to which SOS is recruited. Processivity-driven bimodality leads to stochastic bursts of Ras activation even under strongly deactivating conditions. This behavior contrasts classic kinetic bistability and is distinctly more resistant to pharmacological inhibition.
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31
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Kim S, Carvajal R, Kim M, Yang HW. Kinetics of RTK activation determine ERK reactivation and resistance to dual BRAF/MEK inhibition in melanoma. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112570. [PMID: 37252843 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors (BRAFi/MEKi) has shown promising response rates in treating BRAF-mutant melanoma by inhibiting ERK activation. However, treatment efficacy is limited by the emergence of drug-tolerant persister cells (persisters). Here, we show that the magnitude and duration of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activation determine ERK reactivation and persister development. Our single-cell analysis reveals that only a small subset of melanoma cells exhibits effective RTK and ERK activation and develops persisters, despite uniform external stimuli. The kinetics of RTK activation directly influence ERK signaling dynamics and persister development. These initially rare persisters form major resistant clones through effective RTK-mediated ERK activation. Consequently, limiting RTK signaling suppresses ERK activation and cell proliferation in drug-resistant cells. Our findings provide non-genetic mechanistic insights into the role of heterogeneity in RTK activation kinetics in ERK reactivation and BRAFi/MEKi resistance, suggesting potential strategies for overcoming drug resistance in BRAF-mutant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungsoo Kim
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Richard Carvajal
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Minah Kim
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Hee Won Yang
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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32
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Guo MZ, Marrone KA, Spira A, Rosner S. Adagrasib: a novel inhibitor for KRASG12C-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer. Future Oncol 2023. [PMID: 37133216 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2022-1106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Adagrasib is a recently US FDA-approved novel KRASG12C targeted therapy with clinical efficacy in patients with advanced, pretreated KRASG12C-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer. KRYSTAL-I reported an objective response rate of 42.9% with median duration of response of 8.5 months. Treatment-related adverse events were primarily gastrointestinal and occurred in 97.4% of patients, with grade 3+ treatment-related adverse events occurring in 44.8% of patients. This review details the preclinical and clinical data for adagrasib in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer. We also outline practical clinical administration guidelines for this novel therapy, including management of toxicities. Finally, we discuss the implications of resistance mechanisms, summarize other KRASG12C inhibitors currently in development and outline future directions for adagrasib-based combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Z Guo
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kristen A Marrone
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexander Spira
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Virginia Cancer Specialists Research Institute, Fairfax, VA, USA
- US Oncology Research, The Woodlands, TX, USA
- NEXT Oncology, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Samuel Rosner
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
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33
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Jackson M, Ahmari N, Wu J, Rizvi TA, Fugate E, Kim MO, Dombi E, Arnhof H, Boehmelt G, Düchs MJ, Long CJ, Maier U, Trapani F, Hofmann MH, Ratner N. Combining SOS1 and MEK Inhibitors in a Murine Model of Plexiform Neurofibroma Results in Tumor Shrinkage. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 385:106-116. [PMID: 36849412 PMCID: PMC10108440 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001431] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 develop rat sarcoma virus (RAS)-mitogen-activated protein kinase-mitogen-activated and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (RAS-MAPK-MEK)-driven nerve tumors called neurofibromas. Although MEK inhibitors transiently reduce volumes of most plexiform neurofibromas in mouse models and in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients, therapies that increase the efficacy of MEK inhibitors are needed. BI-3406 is a small molecule that prevents Son of Sevenless (SOS)1 interaction with Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncoprotein (KRAS)-GDP, interfering with the RAS-MAPK cascade upstream of MEK. Single agent SOS1 inhibition had no significant effect in the DhhCre;Nf1 fl/fl mouse model of plexiform neurofibroma, but pharmacokinetics (PK)-driven combination of selumetinib with BI-3406 significantly improved tumor parameters. Tumor volumes and neurofibroma cell proliferation, reduced by MEK inhibition, were further reduced by the combination. Neurofibromas are rich in ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1)+ macrophages; combination treatment resulted in small and round macrophages, with altered cytokine expression indicative of altered activation. The significant effects of MEK inhibitor plus SOS1 inhibition in this preclinical study suggest potential clinical benefit of dual targeting of the RAS-MAPK pathway in neurofibromas. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Interfering with the RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase (RAS-MAPK) cascade upstream of mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), together with MEK inhibition, augment effects of MEK inhibition on neurofibroma volume and tumor macrophages in a preclinical model system. This study emphasizes the critical role of the RAS-MAPK pathway in controlling tumor cell proliferation and the tumor microenvironment in benign neurofibromas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Jackson
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (M.J., N.A., J.W., T.A.R., N.R.) and Department of Radiology (E.F.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California (M.-O.K.); Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland (E.D.); Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria (H.A., G.B., F.T., M.H.H.); Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany (M.J.D., C.J.L., U.M.); and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.W., N.R.)
| | - Niousha Ahmari
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (M.J., N.A., J.W., T.A.R., N.R.) and Department of Radiology (E.F.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California (M.-O.K.); Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland (E.D.); Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria (H.A., G.B., F.T., M.H.H.); Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany (M.J.D., C.J.L., U.M.); and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.W., N.R.)
| | - Jianqiang Wu
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (M.J., N.A., J.W., T.A.R., N.R.) and Department of Radiology (E.F.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California (M.-O.K.); Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland (E.D.); Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria (H.A., G.B., F.T., M.H.H.); Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany (M.J.D., C.J.L., U.M.); and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.W., N.R.)
| | - Tilat A Rizvi
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (M.J., N.A., J.W., T.A.R., N.R.) and Department of Radiology (E.F.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California (M.-O.K.); Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland (E.D.); Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria (H.A., G.B., F.T., M.H.H.); Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany (M.J.D., C.J.L., U.M.); and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.W., N.R.)
| | - Elizabeth Fugate
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (M.J., N.A., J.W., T.A.R., N.R.) and Department of Radiology (E.F.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California (M.-O.K.); Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland (E.D.); Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria (H.A., G.B., F.T., M.H.H.); Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany (M.J.D., C.J.L., U.M.); and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.W., N.R.)
| | - Mi-Ok Kim
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (M.J., N.A., J.W., T.A.R., N.R.) and Department of Radiology (E.F.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California (M.-O.K.); Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland (E.D.); Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria (H.A., G.B., F.T., M.H.H.); Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany (M.J.D., C.J.L., U.M.); and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.W., N.R.)
| | - Eva Dombi
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (M.J., N.A., J.W., T.A.R., N.R.) and Department of Radiology (E.F.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California (M.-O.K.); Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland (E.D.); Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria (H.A., G.B., F.T., M.H.H.); Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany (M.J.D., C.J.L., U.M.); and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.W., N.R.)
| | - Heribert Arnhof
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (M.J., N.A., J.W., T.A.R., N.R.) and Department of Radiology (E.F.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California (M.-O.K.); Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland (E.D.); Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria (H.A., G.B., F.T., M.H.H.); Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany (M.J.D., C.J.L., U.M.); and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.W., N.R.)
| | - Guido Boehmelt
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (M.J., N.A., J.W., T.A.R., N.R.) and Department of Radiology (E.F.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California (M.-O.K.); Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland (E.D.); Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria (H.A., G.B., F.T., M.H.H.); Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany (M.J.D., C.J.L., U.M.); and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.W., N.R.)
| | - Matthias J Düchs
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (M.J., N.A., J.W., T.A.R., N.R.) and Department of Radiology (E.F.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California (M.-O.K.); Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland (E.D.); Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria (H.A., G.B., F.T., M.H.H.); Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany (M.J.D., C.J.L., U.M.); and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.W., N.R.)
| | - Clive J Long
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (M.J., N.A., J.W., T.A.R., N.R.) and Department of Radiology (E.F.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California (M.-O.K.); Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland (E.D.); Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria (H.A., G.B., F.T., M.H.H.); Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany (M.J.D., C.J.L., U.M.); and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.W., N.R.)
| | - Udo Maier
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (M.J., N.A., J.W., T.A.R., N.R.) and Department of Radiology (E.F.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California (M.-O.K.); Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland (E.D.); Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria (H.A., G.B., F.T., M.H.H.); Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany (M.J.D., C.J.L., U.M.); and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.W., N.R.)
| | - Francesca Trapani
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (M.J., N.A., J.W., T.A.R., N.R.) and Department of Radiology (E.F.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California (M.-O.K.); Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland (E.D.); Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria (H.A., G.B., F.T., M.H.H.); Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany (M.J.D., C.J.L., U.M.); and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.W., N.R.)
| | - Marco H Hofmann
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (M.J., N.A., J.W., T.A.R., N.R.) and Department of Radiology (E.F.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California (M.-O.K.); Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland (E.D.); Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria (H.A., G.B., F.T., M.H.H.); Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany (M.J.D., C.J.L., U.M.); and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.W., N.R.)
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (M.J., N.A., J.W., T.A.R., N.R.) and Department of Radiology (E.F.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California (M.-O.K.); Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland (E.D.); Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria (H.A., G.B., F.T., M.H.H.); Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany (M.J.D., C.J.L., U.M.); and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio (J.W., N.R.)
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34
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Harwood SJ, Smith CR, Lawson JD, Ketcham JM. Selected Approaches to Disrupting Protein-Protein Interactions within the MAPK/RAS Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087373. [PMID: 37108538 PMCID: PMC10139024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the MAPK/RAS pathway, there exists a plethora of protein-protein interactions (PPIs). For many years, scientists have focused efforts on drugging KRAS and its effectors in hopes to provide much needed therapies for patients with KRAS-mutant driven cancers. In this review, we focus on recent strategies to inhibit RAS-signaling via disrupting PPIs associated with SOS1, RAF, PDEδ, Grb2, and RAS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J David Lawson
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - John M Ketcham
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
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35
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He H, Chen R, Wang Z, Qing L, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Pan W, Fang H, Zhang S. Design of Orally-bioavailable Tetra-cyclic phthalazine SOS1 inhibitors with high selectivity against EGFR. Bioorg Chem 2023; 136:106536. [PMID: 37054529 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106536] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
KRAS mutations (G12C, G12D, etc.) are implicated in the oncogenesis and progression of many deadliest cancers. Son of sevenless homolog 1 (SOS1) is a crucial regulator of KRAS to modulate KRAS from inactive to active states. We previously discovered tetra-cyclic quinazolines as an improved scaffold for inhibiting SOS1-KRAS interaction. In this work, we report the design of tetra-cyclic phthalazine derivatives for selectively inhibiting SOS1 against EGFR. The lead compound 6c displayed remarkable activity to inhibit the proliferation of KRAS(G12C)-mutant pancreas cells. 6c showed a favorable pharmacokinetic profile in vivo, with a bioavailability of 65.8% and exhibited potent tumor suppression in pancreas tumor xenograft models. These intriguing results suggested that 6c has the potential to be developed as a drug candidate for KRAS-driven tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, PR China; Wuhan Yuxiang Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430200, PR China
| | - Ruiqi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, PR China
| | - Ziwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, PR China
| | - Luolong Qing
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, PR China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, PR China
| | - Yi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, PR China; School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Radiation Chemistry and Functional Materials, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, PR China
| | - Weidong Pan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China.
| | - Huaxiang Fang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, PR China.
| | - Silong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, PR China; Wuhan Yuxiang Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430200, PR China.
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36
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Luo G, Wang B, Hou Q, Wu X. Development of Son of Sevenless Homologue 1 (SOS1) Modulators To Treat Cancers by Regulating RAS Signaling. J Med Chem 2023; 66:4324-4341. [PMID: 36987571 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Son of sevenless homologue 1 (SOS1) protein is universally expressed in cells and plays an important role in the RAS signaling pathway. Specifically, this protein interacts with RAS in response to upstream stimuli to promote guanine nucleotide exchange in RAS and activates the downstream signaling pathways. Thus, targeting SOS1 is a new approach for treating RAS-driven cancers. In this Perspective, we briefly summarize the structural and functional aspects of SOS1 and focus on recent advances in the discovery of activators, inhibitors, and PROTACs that target SOS1. This review aims to provide a timely and updated overview on the strategies for targeting SOS1 in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangmei Luo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Bingrui Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Qiangqiang Hou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiaoxing Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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37
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Liu M, Zhou G, Su W, Gu Y, Gao M, Wang K, Huo R, Li Y, Zhou Z, Chen K, Zheng M, Zhang S, Xu T. Design, Synthesis, and Bioevaluation of Pyrido[2,3- d]pyrimidin-7-ones as Potent SOS1 Inhibitors. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:183-190. [PMID: 36793426 PMCID: PMC9923844 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of small molecular modulators to target the guanine nucleotide exchange factor SOS1 has been demonstrated to be a promising strategy for the treatment of various KRAS-driven cancers. In the present study, we designed and synthesized a series of new SOS1 inhibitors with the pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one scaffold. One representative compound 8u showed comparable activities to the reported SOS1 inhibitor BI-3406 in both the biochemical assay and the 3-D cell growth inhibition assay. Compound 8u obtained good cellular activities against a panel of KRAS G12-mutated cancer cell lines and inhibited downstream ERK and AKT activation in MIA PaCa-2 and AsPC-1 cells. In addition, it displayed synergistic antiproliferative effects when used in combination with KRAS G12C or G12D inhibitors. Further modifications of the new compounds may give us a promising SOS1 inhibitor with favorable druglike properties for use in the treatment of KRAS-mutated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiying Liu
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Guizhen Zhou
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Drug
Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi
Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wenhong Su
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Nano
Science and Technology Institute, University
of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yuejiao Gu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mingshan Gao
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Kun Wang
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ruifeng Huo
- Drug
Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi
Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yupeng Li
- Masonic
Cancer
Center & Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Zehui Zhou
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kaixian Chen
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Drug
Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi
Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mingyue Zheng
- Drug
Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi
Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School
of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Sulin Zhang
- Drug
Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi
Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tianfeng Xu
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School
of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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38
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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.
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39
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Zhang S, Zhang Y, Chen X, Xu J, Fang H, Li Y, Liu Y, He H. Design and Structural Optimization of Orally Bioavailable SOS1 Inhibitors for the Treatment of KRAS-Driven Carcinoma. J Med Chem 2022; 65:15856-15877. [PMID: 36384290 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
KRAS mutations (G12C, G12D, etc.) are implicated in the oncogenesis and progression of many refractory cancers. Son of sevenless homolog 1 (SOS1) is a key regulator of KRAS to modulate KRAS from inactive to active states. Herein, we disclosed efficacy-improving tetra-cyclic quinazoline derivatives as an enhanced scaffold for inhibiting the SOS1-KRAS interaction. Compound 37, which conjugated 1-carbonitrile-cyclopropane to tetra-cyclic quinazoline, showed a twofold higher oral drug exposure and 2.5-fold longer half-life than BI-3406 in CD-1 mouse plasma. In a Mia-paca-2 xenograft model, 37 administrated alone inhibited tumor growth by 71%. Preclinical investigations demonstrated that 37 had a limited inhibition of CYP and hERG. Overall, our studies showed that 37 was a promising drug candidate for treatment of KRAS-driven cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430081, P. R. China.,Wuhan Yuxiang Pharmaceutial Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan430200, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430081, P. R. China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology & School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan430023, P. R. China
| | - Juan Xu
- Wuhan Yuxiang Pharmaceutial Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan430200, P. R. China.,College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi435003, P. R. China
| | - Huaxiang Fang
- Wuhan Yuxiang Pharmaceutial Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan430200, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- School of Life Science and Technology & School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan430023, P. R. China.,Wuhan Yuxiang Pharmaceutial Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan430200, P. R. China
| | - Yi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430081, P. R. China.,School of Life Science and Technology & School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan430023, P. R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Membrane Separation and Membrane Process & Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Equipment (MOE), School of Chemistry, Tiangong University, Tianjin300387, P. R. China
| | - Huan He
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430081, P. R. China.,Wuhan Yuxiang Pharmaceutial Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan430200, P. R. China
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40
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Targeting KRAS in Pancreatic Cancer. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12111870. [PMID: 36579598 PMCID: PMC9692903 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12111870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is mainly driven by mutations in the KRAS oncogene. While this cancer has shown remarkable therapy resistance, new approaches to inhibit mutated KRAS, KRAS activators and effectors show promise in breaking this therapeutic deadlock. Here, we review these innovations in therapies that target RAS signaling in pancreatic cancer from a clinical point of view. A number of promising approaches are currently in clinical trials or in clinical development. We focus on small-molecule drugs but also discuss immunotherapies and tumor vaccines.
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41
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Plangger A, Rath B, Stickler S, Hochmair M, Lang C, Weigl L, Funovics M, Hamilton G. Cytotoxicity of combinations of the pan-KRAS SOS1 inhibitor BAY-293 against pancreatic cancer cell lines. Discov Oncol 2022; 13:84. [PMID: 36048281 PMCID: PMC9437170 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00550-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS is mutated in approximately 25% of cancer patients and first KRAS G12C-specific inhibitors showed promising responses. Pancreatic cancer has the highest frequency of KRAS mutations but the prevailing KRAS G12D mutation is difficult to target. Inhibition of the GTP exchange factor (GEF) SOS1-KRAS interaction impairs oncogenic signaling independently of the specific KRAS mutations. In general, cell lines exhibiting KRAS mutations show specific alterations in respect to glucose utilization, signal transduction and stress survival. The aim of this investigation was to check the putative synergy of the SOS1 inhibitor BAY-293 with modulators targeting specific vulnerabilities of KRAS-mutated cell lines in vitro. The cytotoxicity of BAY-293 combinations was tested against MIA PaCa-2 (G12C), AsPC1 (G12D) and BxPC3 (KRAS wildtype) cell lines using MTT tests and calculation of the combination indices (CI) according to the Chou-Talalay method. The results show that BAY-293 synergizes with modulators of glucose utilization, inhibitors of the downstream MAPK pathway and several chemotherapeutics in dependence of the specific KRAS status of the cell lines. In particular, divergent responses for BAY-293 combinations between pancreatic and NSCLC cell lines were observed for linsitinib, superior inhibitory effects of trametinib and PD98059 in NSCLC, and lack of activity with doxorubicin in case of the pancreatic cell lines. Phosphoproteome analysis revealed inhibition of distinct signaling pathways by BAY-293 for MIA PaCa-2 on the one hand and for Aspc1 and BH1362 on the other hand. In conclusion, BAY-293 exhibits synergy with drugs in dependence of the tumor type and specific KRAS mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelina Plangger
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Rath
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Stickler
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian Hochmair
- Karl Landsteiner Institute of Lung Research and Pulmonary Oncology, Klinik Floridsdorf, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Lang
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Sozialmedizinisches Zentrum Ost, Donauspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Weigl
- Division of Special Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Funovics
- Department of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Hamilton
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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42
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Avery TY, Köhler N, Zeiser R, Brummer T, Ruess DA. Onco-immunomodulatory properties of pharmacological interference with RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway hyperactivation. Front Oncol 2022; 12:931774. [PMID: 35965494 PMCID: PMC9363660 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.931774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperactivation of the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK cascade - a mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway – has a well-known association with oncogenesis of leading tumor entities, including non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal carcinoma, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Increasing evidence shows that genetic alterations leading to RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway hyperactivation mediate contact- and soluble-dependent crosstalk between tumor, tumor microenvironment (TME) and the immune system resulting in immune escape mechanisms and establishment of a tumor-sustaining environment. Consequently, pharmacological interruption of this pathway not only leads to tumor-cell intrinsic disruptive effects but also modification of the TME and anti-tumor immunomodulation. At the same time, the importance of ERK signaling in immune cell physiology and potentiation of anti-tumor immune responses through ERK signaling inhibition within immune cell subsets has received growing appreciation. Specifically, a strong case was made for targeted MEK inhibition due to promising associated immune cell intrinsic modulatory effects. However, the successful transition of therapeutic agents interrupting RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK hyperactivation is still being hampered by significant limitations regarding durable efficacy, therapy resistance and toxicity. We here collate and summarize the multifaceted role of RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling in physiology and oncoimmunology and outline the rationale and concepts for exploitation of immunomodulatory properties of RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK inhibition while accentuating the role of MEK inhibition in combinatorial and intermittent anticancer therapy. Furthermore, we point out the extensive scientific efforts dedicated to overcoming the challenges encountered during the clinical transition of various therapeutic agents in the search for the most effective and safe patient- and tumor-tailored treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Yul Avery
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Thomas Yul Avery, ; Dietrich Alexander Ruess,
| | - Natalie Köhler
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium Deutsches Konsortium Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tilman Brummer
- German Cancer Consortium Deutsches Konsortium Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research (IMMZ), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF), Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dietrich Alexander Ruess
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium Deutsches Konsortium Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Thomas Yul Avery, ; Dietrich Alexander Ruess,
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43
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Ketcham JM, Haling J, Khare S, Bowcut V, Briere DM, Burns AC, Gunn RJ, Ivetac A, Kuehler J, Kulyk S, Laguer J, Lawson JD, Moya K, Nguyen N, Rahbaek L, Saechao B, Smith CR, Sudhakar N, Thomas NC, Vegar L, Vanderpool D, Wang X, Yan L, Olson P, Christensen JG, Marx MA. Design and Discovery of MRTX0902, a Potent, Selective, Brain-Penetrant, and Orally Bioavailable Inhibitor of the SOS1:KRAS Protein-Protein Interaction. J Med Chem 2022; 65:9678-9690. [PMID: 35833726 PMCID: PMC9340770 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
![]()
SOS1 is one of the major guanine nucleotide exchange
factors that
regulates the ability of KRAS to cycle through its “on”
and “off” states. Disrupting the SOS1:KRASG12C protein–protein interaction (PPI) can increase the proportion
of GDP-loaded KRASG12C, providing a strong mechanistic
rationale for combining inhibitors of the SOS1:KRAS complex with inhibitors
like MRTX849 that target GDP-loaded KRASG12C. In this report,
we detail the design and discovery of MRTX0902—a potent, selective,
brain-penetrant, and orally bioavailable SOS1 binder that disrupts
the SOS1:KRASG12C PPI. Oral administration of MRTX0902
in combination with MRTX849 results in a significant increase in antitumor
activity relative to that of either single agent, including tumor
regressions in a subset of animals in the MIA PaCa-2 tumor mouse xenograft
model.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Ketcham
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jacob Haling
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Shilpi Khare
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Vickie Bowcut
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - David M Briere
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Aaron C Burns
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Robin J Gunn
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Anthony Ivetac
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jon Kuehler
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Svitlana Kulyk
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jade Laguer
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - J David Lawson
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Krystal Moya
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Natalie Nguyen
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Lisa Rahbaek
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Barbara Saechao
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Christopher R Smith
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Niranjan Sudhakar
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Nicole C Thomas
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Laura Vegar
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Darin Vanderpool
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Xiaolun Wang
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Larry Yan
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Peter Olson
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - James G Christensen
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Matthew A Marx
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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44
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A pharmacological exploration of targeted drug therapy in non-small cell lung cancer. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 39:147. [PMID: 35834033 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01744-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the prime cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with a contribution of 85% from non-small cell lung cancer. Before a few decades back, conventional chemotherapy was the most chosen treatment option for NSCLC but with side effects. Now, the treatment approaches have shifted to a new trend, targeted therapy, and a better treatment strategy with minimal side effects compared to chemotherapy. Advances in technologies and understanding the pathways lead to the discovery of new targets and through which it is possible to improve treatment outcomes and patient compliance. Unlike chemotherapy, targeted therapy focuses on the tumor cells and does not produce toxicity to healthy cells. The last two decades were very crucial in the development of many small molecules with the capability to target-specific proteins or genes in the disease progression pathway. Although the targeted therapy approach was a gemstone with many successful drugs for the treatment of NSCLC, various resistance mechanisms and activation of bypass signaling pathways put many of these drugs in the trash. In this review, we will discuss the major targeted proteins involved in NSCLC as well as the inhibitor drugs developed to target them for now and along with the future directions.
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45
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Mutant RAS and the tumor microenvironment as dual therapeutic targets for advanced colorectal cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2022; 109:102433. [PMID: 35905558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2022.102433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
RAS genes are the most frequently mutated oncogenes in cancer. These mutations occur in roughly half of the patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). RAS mutant tumors are resistant to therapy with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies. Therefore, patients with RAS mutant CRC currently have few effective therapy options. RAS mutations lead to constitutively active RAS GTPases, involved in multiple downstream signaling pathways. These alterations are associated with a tumor microenvironment (TME) that drives immune evasion and disease progression by mechanisms that remain incompletely understood. In this review, we focus on the available evidence in the literature explaining the potential effects of RAS mutations on the CRC microenvironment. Ongoing efforts to influence the TME by targeting mutant RAS and thereby sensitizing these tumors to immunotherapy will be discussed as well.
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46
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Abstract
Immunity could be viewed as the common factor in neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer. The immune and nervous systems coevolve as the embryo develops. Immunity can release cytokines that activate MAPK signaling in neural cells. In specific embryonic brain cell types, dysregulated signaling that results from germline or embryonic mutations can promote changes in chromatin organization and gene accessibility, and thus expression levels of essential genes in neurodevelopment. In cancer, dysregulated signaling can emerge from sporadic somatic mutations during human life. Neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer share similarities. In neurodevelopmental disorders, immunity, and cancer, there appears an almost invariable involvement of small GTPases (e.g., Ras, RhoA, and Rac) and their pathways. TLRs, IL-1, GIT1, and FGFR signaling pathways, all can be dysregulated in neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer. Although there are signaling similarities, decisive differentiating factors are timing windows, and cell type specific perturbation levels, pointing to chromatin reorganization. Finally, we discuss drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, 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
- Corresponding author
| | - Chung-Jung Tsai
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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47
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Abstract
RAS proteins play major roles in many human cancers, but programs to develop direct RAS inhibitors so far have only been successful for the oncogenic KRAS mutant G12C. As an alternative approach, inhibitors for the RAS guanine nucleotide exchange factor SOS1 have been investigated by several academic groups and companies, and major progress has been achieved in recent years in the optimization of small molecule activators and inhibitors of SOS1. Here, we review the discovery and development of small molecule modulators of SOS1 and their molecular binding modes and modes of action. As targeting the RAS pathway is expected to result in the development of resistance mechanisms, SOS1 inhibitors will most likely be best applied in vertical combination approaches where two nodes of the RAS signaling pathway are hit simultaneously. We summarize the current understanding of which combination partners may be most beneficial for patients with RAS driven tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin Bader
- Screening, Lead Discovery, Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Berlin, Germany
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48
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Liu Y, Khan S, Li L, ten Hagen TL, Falahati M. Molecular mechanisms of thyroid cancer: A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) point of view. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 146:112251. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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49
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Nussinov R, Tsai CJ, Jang H. How can same-gene mutations promote both cancer and developmental disorders? SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm2059. [PMID: 35030014 PMCID: PMC8759737 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm2059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The question of how same-gene mutations can drive both cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders has been puzzling. It has also been puzzling why those with neurodevelopmental disorders have a high risk of cancer. Ras, MEK, PI3K, PTEN, and SHP2 are among the oncogenic proteins that can harbor mutations that encode diseases other than cancer. Understanding why some of their mutations can promote cancer, whereas others promote neurodevelopmental diseases, and why even the same mutations may promote both phenotypes, has important clinical ramifications. Here, we review the literature and address these tantalizing questions. We propose that cell type–specific expression of the mutant protein, and of other proteins in the respective pathway, timing of activation (during embryonic development or sporadic emergence), and the absolute number of molecules that the mutations activate, alone or in combination, are pivotal in determining the pathological phenotypes—cancer and (or) developmental disorders.
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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
| | - Chung-Jung Tsai
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - 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
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50
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Ferrara MG, Stefani A, Pilotto S, Carbone C, Vita E, Di Salvatore M, D'Argento E, Sparagna I, Monaca F, Valente G, Vitale A, Piro G, Belluomini L, Milella M, Tortora G, Bria E. The Renaissance of KRAS Targeting in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: New Opportunities Following Old Failures. Front Oncol 2022; 11:792385. [PMID: 35004317 PMCID: PMC8733471 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.792385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents the perfect paradigm of ‘precision medicine’ due to its complex intratumoral heterogeneity. It is truly characterized by a range of molecular alterations that can deeply influence the natural history of this disease. Several molecular alterations have been found over time, paving the road to biomarker-driven therapy and radically changing the prognosis of ‘oncogene addicted’ NSCLC patients. Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) mutations are present in up to 30% of NSCLC (especially in adenocarcinoma histotype) and have been identified decades ago. Since its discovery, its molecular characteristics and its marked affinity to a specific substrate have led to define KRAS as an undruggable alteration. Despite that, many attempts have been made to develop drugs capable of targeting KRAS signaling but, until a few years ago, these efforts have been unsuccessful. Comprehensive genomic profiling and wide-spectrum analysis of genetic alterations have only recently allowed to identify different types of KRAS mutations. This tricky step has finally opened new frontiers in the treatment approach of KRAS-mutant patients and might hopefully increase their prognosis and quality of life. In this review, we aim to highlight the most interesting aspects of (epi)genetic KRAS features, hoping to light the way to the state of art of targeting KRAS in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Grazia Ferrara
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessio Stefani
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Sara Pilotto
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Emanuele Vita
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Ettore D'Argento
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Ileana Sparagna
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Federico Monaca
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Giustina Valente
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Vitale
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Geny Piro
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Belluomini
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Milella
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Emilio Bria
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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