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Hosseini FS, Ahmadi A, Kesharwani P, Hosseini H, Sahebkar A. Regulatory effects of statins on Akt signaling for prevention of cancers. Cell Signal 2024; 120:111213. [PMID: 38729324 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111213] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Statins, which are primarily used as lipid-lowering drugs, have been found to exhibit anti-tumor effects through modulating and interfering with various signaling pathways. In observational studies, statin use has been associated with a significant reduction in the progression of various cancers, including colon, lung, prostate, pancreas, and esophagus cancer, as well as melanoma and B and T cell lymphoma. The mevalonate pathway, which is affected by statins, plays a crucial role in activating Rho, Ras, and Rab proteins, thereby impacting the proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cells. Statins block this pathway, leading to the inhibition of isoprenoid units, which are critical for the activation of these key proteins, thereby affecting cancer cell behavior. Additionally, statins affect MAPK and Cdk2, which in turn reduce the expression of p21 and p27 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Akt signaling plays a crucial role in key cancer cell features like proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis by activating multiple effectors in downstream pathways such as FOXO, PTEN, NF-κB, GSK3β, and mTOR. The PI3K/Akt signaling is necessary for many events in the metastatic pathway and has been implicated in the resistance to cytostatic drugs. The Akt/PTEN axis is currently attracting great interest for its role in carcinogenesis. Statins have been shown to activate the purinergic receptor P2X7 and affect Akt signaling, which may have important anti-cancer effects. Hence, targeting Akt shows promise as an effective approach to cancer prevention and therapy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive discussion on the specific impact of statins through Akt signaling in different types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sadat Hosseini
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Abdolreza Ahmadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India.
| | - Hossein Hosseini
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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2
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Ryan MB, Quade B, Schenk N, Fang Z, Zingg M, Cohen SE, Swalm BM, Li C, Özen A, Ye C, Ritorto MS, Huang X, Dar AC, Han Y, Hoeflich KP, Hale M, Hagel M. The Pan-RAF-MEK Nondegrading Molecular Glue NST-628 Is a Potent and Brain-Penetrant Inhibitor of the RAS-MAPK Pathway with Activity across Diverse RAS- and RAF-Driven Cancers. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:1190-1205. [PMID: 38588399 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-24-0139] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Alterations in the RAS-MAPK signaling cascade are common across multiple solid tumor types and are a driver for many cancers. NST-628 is a potent pan-RAF-MEK molecular glue that prevents the phosphorylation and activation of MEK by RAF, overcoming the limitations of traditional RAS-MAPK inhibitors and leading to deep durable inhibition of the pathway. Cellular, biochemical, and structural analyses of RAF-MEK complexes show that NST-628 engages all isoforms of RAF and prevents the formation of BRAF-CRAF heterodimers, a differentiated mechanism from all current RAF inhibitors. With a potent and durable inhibition of the RAF-MEK signaling complex as well as high intrinsic permeability into the brain, NST-628 demonstrates broad efficacy in cellular and patient-derived tumor models harboring diverse MAPK pathway alterations, including orthotopic intracranial models. Given its functional and pharmacokinetic mechanisms that are differentiated from previous therapies, NST-628 is positioned to make an impact clinically in areas of unmet patient need. Significance: This study introduces NST-628, a molecular glue having differentiated mechanism and drug-like properties. NST-628 treatment leads to broad efficacy with high tolerability and central nervous system activity across multiple RAS- and RAF-driven tumor models. NST-628 has the potential to provide transformative clinical benefits as both monotherapy and vertical combination anchor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhong Fang
- Nested Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | - Chun Li
- Nested Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Chaoyang Ye
- Nested Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Xin Huang
- Nested Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Arvin C Dar
- Program in Chemical Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Yongxin Han
- Nested Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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3
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Nussbaum DP, Martz CA, Waters AM, Barrera A, Liu A, Rutter JC, Cerda-Smith CG, Stewart AE, Wu C, Cakir M, Levandowski CB, Kantrowitz DE, McCall SJ, Pierobon M, Petricoin EF, Joshua Smith J, Reddy TE, Der CJ, Taatjes DJ, Wood KC. Mediator kinase inhibition impedes transcriptional plasticity and prevents resistance to ERK/MAPK-targeted therapy in KRAS-mutant cancers. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:124. [PMID: 38822082 PMCID: PMC11143207 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00615-9] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Acquired resistance remains a major challenge for therapies targeting oncogene activated pathways. KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancers, yet strategies targeting its downstream signaling kinases have failed to produce durable treatment responses. Here, we developed multiple models of acquired resistance to dual-mechanism ERK/MAPK inhibitors across KRAS-mutant pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers, and then probed the long-term events enabling survival against this class of drugs. These studies revealed that resistance emerges secondary to large-scale transcriptional adaptations that are diverse and cell line-specific. Transcriptional reprogramming extends beyond the well-established early response, and instead represents a dynamic, evolved process that is refined to attain a stably resistant phenotype. Mechanistic and translational studies reveal that resistance to dual-mechanism ERK/MAPK inhibition is broadly susceptible to manipulation of the epigenetic machinery, and that Mediator kinase, in particular, can be co-targeted at a bottleneck point to prevent diverse, cell line-specific resistance programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Nussbaum
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Colin A Martz
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Andrew M Waters
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alejandro Barrera
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Annie Liu
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Justine C Rutter
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Christian G Cerda-Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amy E Stewart
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Colorectal Service, New York, NY, USA
| | - Merve Cakir
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - David E Kantrowitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Shannon J McCall
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mariaelena Pierobon
- George Mason University, Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Emanuel F Petricoin
- George Mason University, Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - J Joshua Smith
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Colorectal Service, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy E Reddy
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Channing J Der
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dylan J Taatjes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Kris C Wood
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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Yoshimura A, Horinaka M, Yaoi T, Ono H, Itoh K, Yamada T, Takayama K, Sakai T. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition status is a remarkable biomarker for the combination treatment with avutometinib and defactinib in KRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. Br J Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41416-024-02727-2. [PMID: 38822146 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02727-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent therapeutic strategies for KRAS-mutated cancers that inhibit the MAPK pathway have attracted considerable attention. The RAF/MEK clamp avutometinib (VS-6766/CH5126766/RO5126766/CKI27) is promising for patients with KRAS-mutated cancers. Although avutometinib monotherapy has shown clinical activity in patients with KRAS-mutated cancers, effective combination strategies will be important to develop. METHODS Using a phosphorylation kinase array kit, we explored the feedback mechanism of avutometinib in KRAS-mutated NSCLC cells, and investigated the efficacy of combining avutometinib with inhibitors of the feedback signal using in vitro and in vivo experiments. Moreover, we searched for a biomarker for the efficacy of combination therapy through an in vitro study and analysis using the The Cancer Genome Atlas Programme dataset. RESULTS Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation/activation was increased after avutometinib treatment and synergy between avutometinib and FAK inhibitor, defactinib, was observed in KRAS-mutated NSCLC cells with an epithelial rather than mesenchymal phenotype. Combination therapy with avutometinib and defactinib induced apoptosis with upregulation of Bim in cancer cells with an epithelial phenotype in an in vitro and in vivo study. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition status may be a promising biomarker for the efficacy of combination therapy with avutometinib and defactinib in KRAS-mutated NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Yoshimura
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daini Hospital, 355-5, Haruobi-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8026, Japan
| | - Mano Horinaka
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Yaoi
- Department of Pathology and Applied Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Hisako Ono
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daini Hospital, 355-5, Haruobi-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8026, Japan
| | - Kyoko Itoh
- Department of Pathology and Applied Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Tadaaki Yamada
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Koichi Takayama
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Sakai
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
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Demirkiran C, Greenman M, Bellone S, McNamara B, Hartwich TMP, Manavella D, Mutlu L, Zipponi M, Yang-Hartwich Y, Yang K, Ratner E, Schwartz PE, Coma S, Pachter J, Santin AD. Preclinical in vitro and in vivo activity of the RAF/MEK clamp avutometinib in combination with FAK inhibition in uterine carcinosarcomas. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 187:12-20. [PMID: 38703673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.04.010] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Uterine carcinosarcomas (UCS) are rare, biologically aggressive tumors. Since UCS may harbor mutations in RAS/MAPK pathway genes we evaluated the preclinical in vitro and in vivo efficacy of the RAF/MEK clamp avutometinib in combination with the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitors defactinib or VS-4718 against multiple primary UCS cell lines and xenografts. METHODS Whole-exome-sequencing (WES) was used to evaluate the genetic landscape of 5 primary UCS cell lines. The in vitro activity of avutometinib ± FAK inhibitor was evaluated using cell viability and cell cycle assays against primary UCS cell lines. Mechanistic studies were performed using western blot assays while in vivo experiments were completed in UCS tumor bearing mice treated with avutometinib ± FAK inhibitor by oral gavage. RESULTS WES results demonstrated multiple UCS cell lines harbor genetic alterations including KRAS, PTK2, BRAF, MAP2K, and MAP2K1, potentially sensitizing to FAK and RAF/MEK inhibition. Four out of five of the UCS cell lines demonstrated in vitro sensitivity to FAK and/or RAF/MEK inhibition when used alone or in combination. By western blot assays, exposure of UCS cell lines to the combination of defactinib/avutometinib demonstrated decreased phosphorylated (p)-FAK as well as decreased p-ERK. In vivo, the combination of avutometinib/VS-4718 demonstrated superior tumor growth inhibition and longer survival compared to single agent treatment and controls starting at day 10 (p < 0.002) in UCS xenografts. CONCLUSION The combination of avutometinib and defactinib demonstrates promising in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity against primary UCS cell lines and xenografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cem Demirkiran
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Michelle Greenman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Stefania Bellone
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Blair McNamara
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Tobias Max Philipp Hartwich
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Diego Manavella
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Levent Mutlu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Margherita Zipponi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Yang Yang-Hartwich
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Kevin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Elena Ratner
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Peter E Schwartz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Silvia Coma
- Verastem Oncology, 117 Kendrick Street, Suite 500, Needham, MA 02494, USA
| | - Jonathan Pachter
- Verastem Oncology, 117 Kendrick Street, Suite 500, Needham, MA 02494, USA
| | - Alessandro D Santin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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Yin H, Tang Q, Xia H, Bi F. Targeting RAF dimers in RAS mutant tumors: From biology to clinic. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1895-1923. [PMID: 38799634 PMCID: PMC11120325 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.02.018] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
RAS mutations occur in approximately 30% of tumors worldwide and have a poor prognosis due to limited therapies. Covalent targeting of KRAS G12C has achieved significant success in recent years, but there is still a lack of efficient therapeutic approaches for tumors with non-G12C KRAS mutations. A highly promising approach is to target the MAPK pathway downstream of RAS, with a particular focus on RAF kinases. First-generation RAF inhibitors have been authorized to treat BRAF mutant tumors for over a decade. However, their use in RAS-mutated tumors is not recommended due to the paradoxical ERK activation mainly caused by RAF dimerization. To address the issue of RAF dimerization, type II RAF inhibitors have emerged as leading candidates. Recent clinical studies have shown the initial effectiveness of these agents against RAS mutant tumors. Promisingly, type II RAF inhibitors in combination with MEK or ERK inhibitors have demonstrated impressive efficacy in RAS mutant tumors. This review aims to clarify the importance of RAF dimerization in cellular signaling and resistance to treatment in tumors with RAS mutations, as well as recent progress in therapeutic approaches to address the problem of RAF dimerization in RAS mutant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Yin
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiulin Tang
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hongwei Xia
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Feng Bi
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Corcoran RB, Do KT, Kim JE, Cleary JM, Parikh AR, Yeku OO, Xiong N, Weekes CD, Veneris J, Ahronian LG, Mauri G, Tian J, Norden BL, Michel AG, Van Seventer EE, Siravegna G, Camphausen K, Chi G, Fetter IJ, Brugge JS, Chen H, Takebe N, Penson RT, Juric D, Flaherty KT, Sullivan RJ, Clark JW, Heist RS, Matulonis UA, Liu JF, Shapiro GI. Phase I/II Study of Combined BCL-xL and MEK Inhibition with Navitoclax and Trametinib in KRAS or NRAS Mutant Advanced Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:1739-1749. [PMID: 38456660 PMCID: PMC11061595 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-3135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE MEK inhibitors (MEKi) lack monotherapy efficacy in most RAS-mutant cancers. BCL-xL is an anti-apoptotic protein identified by a synthetic lethal shRNA screen as a key suppressor of apoptotic response to MEKi. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a dose escalation study (NCT02079740) of the BCL-xL inhibitor navitoclax and MEKi trametinib in patients with RAS-mutant tumors with expansion cohorts for: pancreatic, gynecologic (GYN), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and other cancers harboring KRAS/NRAS mutations. Paired pretreatment and day 15 tumor biopsies and serial cell-free (cf)DNA were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 91 patients initiated treatment, with 38 in dose escalation. Fifty-eight percent had ≥3 prior therapies. A total of 15 patients (17%) had colorectal cancer, 19 (11%) pancreatic, 15 (17%) NSCLC, and 32 (35%) GYN cancers. The recommended phase II dose (RP2D) was established as trametinib 2 mg daily days 1 to 14 and navitoclax 250 mg daily days 1 to 28 of each cycle. Most common adverse events included diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, increased AST/ALT, and acneiform rash. At RP2D, 8 of 49 (16%) evaluable patients achieved partial response (PR). Disease-specific differences in efficacy were noted. In patients with GYN at the RP2D, 7 of 21 (33%) achieved a PR and median duration of response 8.2 months. No PRs occurred in patients with colorectal cancer, NSCLC, or pancreatic cancer. MAPK pathway inhibition was observed in on-treatment tumor biopsies. Reductions in KRAS/NRAS mutation levels in cfDNA correlated with clinical benefit. CONCLUSIONS Navitoclax in combination with trametinib was tolerable. Durable clinical responses were observed in patients with RAS-mutant GYN cancers, warranting further evaluation in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan B. Corcoran
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Khanh T. Do
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeong E. Kim
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - James M. Cleary
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aparna R. Parikh
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Oladapo O. Yeku
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Niya Xiong
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Colin D. Weekes
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer Veneris
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leanne G. Ahronian
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gianluca Mauri
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, and Department of Hematology Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Jun Tian
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bryanna L. Norden
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alexa G. Michel
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Emily E. Van Seventer
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Giulia Siravegna
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kyle Camphausen
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gary Chi
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Isobel J. Fetter
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joan S. Brugge
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Helen Chen
- National Institute of Health, National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Naoko Takebe
- National Institute of Health, National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Richard T. Penson
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dejan Juric
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Keith T. Flaherty
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ryan J. Sullivan
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey W. Clark
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rebecca S. Heist
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ursula A. Matulonis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joyce F. Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Geoffrey I. Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
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8
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Adamopoulos C, Papavassiliou KA, Poulikakos PI, Papavassiliou AG. RAF and MEK Inhibitors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4633. [PMID: 38731852 PMCID: PMC11083651 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094633] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer, despite recent advancements in survival rates, represents a significant global health burden. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most prevalent type, is driven largely by activating mutations in Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS) and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and less in v-RAF murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) and mitogen-activated protein-kinase kinase (MEK), all key components of the RTK-RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Learning from melanoma, the identification of BRAFV600E substitution in NSCLC provided the rationale for the investigation of RAF and MEK inhibition as a therapeutic strategy. The regulatory approval of two RAF-MEK inhibitor combinations, dabrafenib-trametinib, in 2017, and encorafenib-binimetinib, in 2023, signifies a breakthrough for the management of BRAFV600E-mutant NSCLC patients. However, the almost universal emergence of acquired resistance limits their clinical benefit. New RAF and MEK inhibitors, with distinct biochemical characteristics, are in preclinical and clinical development. In this review, we aim to provide valuable insights into the current state of RAF and MEK inhibition in the management of NSCLC, fostering a deeper understanding of the potential impact on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Adamopoulos
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Precision Immunology Institute, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Kostas A. Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Poulikos I. Poulikakos
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Precision Immunology Institute, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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9
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Singhal A, Li BT, O'Reilly EM. Targeting KRAS in cancer. Nat Med 2024; 30:969-983. [PMID: 38637634 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02903-0] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
RAS family variants-most of which involve KRAS-are the most commonly occurring hotspot mutations in human cancers and are associated with a poor prognosis. For almost four decades, KRAS has been considered undruggable, in part due to its structure, which lacks small-molecule binding sites. But recent developments in bioengineering, organic chemistry and related fields have provided the infrastructure to make direct KRAS targeting possible. The first successes occurred with allele-specific targeting of KRAS p.Gly12Cys (G12C) in non-small cell lung cancer, resulting in regulatory approval of two agents-sotorasib and adagrasib. Inhibitors targeting other variants beyond G12C have shown preliminary antitumor activity in highly refractory malignancies such as pancreatic cancer. Herein, we outline RAS pathobiology with a focus on KRAS, illustrate therapeutic approaches across a variety of malignancies, including emphasis on the 'on' and 'off' switch allele-specific and 'pan' RAS inhibitors, and review immunotherapeutic and other key combination RAS targeting strategies. We summarize mechanistic understanding of de novo and acquired resistance, review combination approaches, emerging technologies and drug development paradigms and outline a blueprint for the future of KRAS therapeutics with anticipated profound clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupriya Singhal
- Gastrointestinal Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bob T Li
- Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Early Drug Development Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eileen M O'Reilly
- Gastrointestinal Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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10
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McNamara B, Demirkiran C, Hartwich TMP, Bellone S, Manavella D, Mutlu L, Greenman M, Zipponi M, Yang-Hartwich Y, Yang K, Ratner E, Schwartz PE, Coma S, Pachter JA, Santin AD. Preclinical efficacy of RAF/MEK clamp avutometinib in combination with FAK inhibition in low grade serous ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 183:133-140. [PMID: 38493021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.01.028] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Low-grade-serous-ovarian-carcinoma (LGSOC) is characterized by a high recurrence rate and limited therapeutic options. About one-third of LGSOC contains mutations in MAPK pathway genes such as KRAS/NRAS/BRAF. Avutometinib is a dual RAF/MEK inhibitor while defactinib and VS-4718 are focal-adhesion-kinase-inhibitors (FAKi). We determined the preclinical efficacy of avutometinib±VS-4718 in LGSOC patient-derived-tumor-xenografts (PDX). METHODS Whole-exome-sequencing (WES) was used to evaluate the genetic fingerprint of 3 patient-derived LGSOC (OVA(K)250, PERIT(M)17 and A(PE)148). OVA(K)250 tissue was successfully xenografted as PDX into female CB17/lcrHsd-Prkdc/SCID-mice. Animals were treated with either control, avutometinib, VS-4718, or avutometinib/ VS-4718 once daily five days on and two days off through oral gavage. Mechanistic studies were performed ex vivo using avutometinib±defactinib treated LGSOC tumor samples by western blot. RESULTS WES results demonstrated wild-type KRAS in all 3 LGSOC. OVA(K)250 PDX showed gain-of-function mutations (GOF) in PTK2 and PTK2B genes, and loss-of-heterozygosity in ADRB2, potentially sensitizing to FAK and RAF/MEK inhibition. The combination of avutometinib/ VS-4718 demonstrated strong tumor-growth inhibition compared to controls starting at day 9 (p < 0.002) in OVA(K)250PDX. By 60 days, mice treated with avutometinib alone and avutometinib/VS-4718 were still alive; compared to median survival of 20 days in control-treated mice and of 35 days in VS-4718-treated mice (p < 0.0001). By western-blot assays exposure of OVA(K)250 to avutometinib, FAKi defactinib and their combination demonstrated decreased phosphorylated FAK (p-FAK) as well as decreased p-ERK. CONCLUSION Avutometinib, and to a larger extent its combination with FAK inhibitor VS-4718, demonstrated promising in vivo activity against a KRAS wild-type LGSOC-PDX. These data support the ongoing registration-directed study (RAMP201/NCT04625270).
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Affiliation(s)
- Blair McNamara
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Cem Demirkiran
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tobias Max Philipp Hartwich
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stefania Bellone
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Diego Manavella
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Levent Mutlu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michelle Greenman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Margherita Zipponi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yang Yang-Hartwich
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kevin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Elena Ratner
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Peter E Schwartz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Silvia Coma
- Verastem Oncology Inc, 117 Kendrick Street, Suite 500, Needham, MA 02494, USA
| | - Jonathan A Pachter
- Verastem Oncology Inc, 117 Kendrick Street, Suite 500, Needham, MA 02494, USA
| | - Alessandro D Santin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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11
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Hanrahan AJ, Chen Z, Rosen N, Solit DB. BRAF - a tumour-agnostic drug target with lineage-specific dependencies. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:224-247. [PMID: 38278874 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00852-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
In June 2022, the FDA granted Accelerated Approval to the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib in combination with the MEK inhibitor trametinib for the treatment of adult and paediatric patients (≥6 years of age) with unresectable or metastatic BRAFV600E-mutant solid tumours, except for BRAFV600E-mutant colorectal cancers. The histology-agnostic approval of dabrafenib plus trametinib marks the culmination of two decades of research into the landscape of BRAF mutations in human cancers, the biochemical mechanisms underlying BRAF-mediated tumorigenesis, and the clinical development of selective RAF and MEK inhibitors. Although the majority of patients with BRAFV600E-mutant tumours derive clinical benefit from BRAF inhibitor-based combinations, resistance to treatment develops in most. In this Review, we describe the biochemical basis for oncogenic BRAF-induced activation of MAPK signalling and pan-cancer and lineage-specific mechanisms of intrinsic, adaptive and acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors. We also discuss novel RAF inhibitors and drug combinations designed to delay the emergence of treatment resistance and/or expand the population of patients with BRAF-mutant cancers who benefit from molecularly targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aphrothiti J Hanrahan
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ziyu Chen
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Neal Rosen
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - David B Solit
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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12
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Marsiglia WM, Chow A, Khan ZM, He L, Dar AC. Live-cell target engagement of allosteric MEKi on MEK-RAF/KSR-14-3-3 complexes. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:373-381. [PMID: 37919548 PMCID: PMC10948974 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01454-8] [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: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway includes KSR, RAF, MEK and the phospho-regulatory sensor 14-3-3. Specific assemblies among these components drive various diseases and likely dictate efficacy for numerous targeted therapies, including allosteric MEK inhibitors (MEKi). However, directly measuring drug interactions on physiological RAS-MAPK complexes in live cells has been inherently challenging to query and therefore remains poorly understood. Here we present a series of NanoBRET-based assays to quantify direct target engagement of MEKi on MEK1 and higher-order MEK1-bound complexes with ARAF, BRAF, CRAF, KSR1 and KSR2 in the presence and absence of 14-3-3 in living cells. We find distinct MEKi preferences among these complexes that can be compiled to generate inhibitor binding profiles. Further, these assays can report on the influence of the pathogenic BRAF-V600E mutant on MEKi binding. Taken together, these approaches can be used as a platform to screen for compounds intended to target specific complexes in the RAS-MAPK cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M Marsiglia
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Arthur Chow
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Program in Chemical Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zaigham M Khan
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Liu He
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Program in Chemical Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arvin C Dar
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Program in Chemical Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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13
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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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14
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Jiang Y, Liu J, Chen L, Qian Z, Zhang Y. A promising target for breast cancer: B7-H3. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:182. [PMID: 38326735 PMCID: PMC10848367 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11933-3] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the second-leading factor of mortality for women globally and is brought on by a variety of genetic and environmental causes. The conventional treatments for this disease have limitations, making it difficult to improve the lifespan of breast cancer patients. As a result, extensive research has been conducted over the past decade to find innovative solutions to these challenges. Targeting of the antitumor immune response through the immunomodulatory checkpoint protein B7 family has revolutionized cancer treatment and led to intermittent patient responses. B7-H3 has recently received attention because of its significant demodulation and its immunomodulatory effects in many cancers. Uncontrolled B7-H3 expression and a bad outlook are strongly associated, according to a substantial body of cancer research. Numerous studies have shown that BC has significant B7-H3 expression, and B7-H3 induces an immune evasion phenotype, consequently enhancing the survival, proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance of BC cells. Thus, an innovative target for immunotherapy against BC may be the B7-H3 checkpoint.In this review, we discuss the structure and regulation of B7-H3 and its double costimulatory/coinhibitory function within the framework of cancer and normal physiology. Then we expound the malignant behavior of B7-H3 in BC and its role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and finally focus on targeted drugs against B7-H3 that have opened new therapeutic opportunities in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Jiayu Liu
- Department of Oncology, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Lingyan Chen
- Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214000, China
| | - Zhiwen Qian
- Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214000, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, China.
- Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214000, China.
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15
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Fang R, Xu S, Gong J, Liao Z. Clinical Response of Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma with Class III BRAF G466V Missense Mutation to Dabrafenib and Trametinib: A Case Report. Onco Targets Ther 2024; 17:27-31. [PMID: 38283732 PMCID: PMC10821729 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s448132] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim BRAF is a pivotal driver gene in cancer development. Based on this, the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib was approved for treating NSCLC patients with BRAFV600E mutations. However, the majority of BRAF mutations in lung cancer are non-V600E variants, particularly class III mutants, which currently lack targeted therapeutic options and result in unfavorable clinical outcomes. Case Presentation We present a case of advanced lung adenocarcinoma with a class III BRAFG466V mutation. The patient experienced significant pleural and pericardial effusion, leading to chest tightness and an inability to lie flat. Severe pain and limited mobility from lumbar destruction seriously affected the patient's quality of life. Due to the patient's intolerance to chemotherapy, dabrafenib and trametinib combination therapy was chosen. After three months of targeted therapy, the patient's overall condition significantly improved, enabling self-care, and achieving partial response (PR) as an indicator of treatment efficacy. Conclusion The combination therapy of dabrafenib and trametinib demonstrates remarkable clinical benefits for lung adenocarcinoma patients with the BRAFG466V mutation. Targeted therapy should be considered for patients with BRAF class III mutations, especially those in poor general condition and may not tolerate chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxin Fang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sha Xu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Gong
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengkai Liao
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, People’s Republic of China
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16
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Eksteen C, Riedemann J, Rass AM, du Plessis M, Botha MH, van der Merwe FH, Engelbrecht AM. A Review: Genetic Mutations as a Key to Unlocking Drug Resistance in Cervical Cancer. Cancer Control 2024; 31:10732748241261539. [PMID: 38881031 PMCID: PMC11181891 DOI: 10.1177/10732748241261539] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. Advanced stage and metastatic disease are often associated with poor clinical outcomes. This substantiates the absolute necessity for high-throughput diagnostic and treatment platforms that are patient and tumour specific. Cervical cancer treatment constitutes multimodal intervention. Systemic treatments such as chemotherapy and/or focal radiotherapy are typically applied as neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant strategies. Cisplatin constitutes an integral part of standard cervical cancer treatment approaches. However, despite initial patient response, de novo or delayed/acquired treatment resistance is often reported, and toxicity is of concern. Chemotherapy resistance is associated with major alterations in genomic, metabolomic, epigenetic and proteomic landscapes. This results in imbalanced homeostasis associated with pro-oncogenic and proliferative survival, anti-apoptotic benefits, and enhanced DNA damage repair processes. Although significant developments in cancer diagnoses and treatment have been made over the last two decades, drug resistance remains a major obstacle to overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Eksteen
- CancerCare, Cape Gate Oncology Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Atarah M Rass
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Manisha du Plessis
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Matthys H Botha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - Anna-Mart Engelbrecht
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- African Cancer Institute (ACI), Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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17
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Wang P, Laster K, Jia X, Dong Z, Liu K. Targeting CRAF kinase in anti-cancer therapy: progress and opportunities. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:208. [PMID: 38111008 PMCID: PMC10726672 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01903-x] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade is commonly dysregulated in human malignancies by processes driven by RAS or RAF oncogenes. Among the members of the RAF kinase family, CRAF plays an important role in the RAS-MAPK signaling pathway, as well as in the progression of cancer. Recent research has provided evidence implicating the role of CRAF in the physiological regulation and the resistance to BRAF inhibitors through MAPK-dependent and MAPK-independent mechanisms. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of solely targeting CRAF kinase activity remains controversial. Moreover, the kinase-independent function of CRAF may be essential for lung cancers with KRAS mutations. It is imperative to develop strategies to enhance efficacy and minimize toxicity in tumors driven by RAS or RAF oncogenes. The review investigates CRAF alterations observed in cancers and unravels the distinct roles of CRAF in cancers propelled by diverse oncogenes. This review also seeks to summarize CRAF-interacting proteins and delineate CRAF's regulation across various cancer hallmarks. Additionally, we discuss recent advances in pan-RAF inhibitors and their combination with other therapeutic approaches to improve treatment outcomes and minimize adverse effects in patients with RAF/RAS-mutant tumors. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted role of CRAF in cancers and highlighting the latest developments in RAF inhibitor therapies, we endeavor to identify synergistic targets and elucidate resistance pathways, setting the stage for more robust and safer combination strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penglei Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Kyle Laster
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Xuechao Jia
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, AMS, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, AMS, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
- Basic Medicine Sciences Research Center, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
- Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
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18
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Ram A, Murphy D, DeCuzzi N, Patankar M, Hu J, Pargett M, Albeck JG. A guide to ERK dynamics, part 2: downstream decoding. Biochem J 2023; 480:1909-1928. [PMID: 38038975 PMCID: PMC10754290 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230277] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Signaling by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway controls many cellular processes, including cell division, death, and differentiation. In this second installment of a two-part review, we address the question of how the ERK pathway exerts distinct and context-specific effects on multiple processes. We discuss how the dynamics of ERK activity induce selective changes in gene expression programs, with insights from both experiments and computational models. With a focus on single-cell biosensor-based studies, we summarize four major functional modes for ERK signaling in tissues: adjusting the size of cell populations, gradient-based patterning, wave propagation of morphological changes, and diversification of cellular gene expression states. These modes of operation are disrupted in cancer and other related diseases and represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention. By understanding the dynamic mechanisms involved in ERK signaling, there is potential for pharmacological strategies that not only simply inhibit ERK, but also restore functional activity patterns and improve disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhineet Ram
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A
| | - Devan Murphy
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A
| | - Nicholaus DeCuzzi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A
| | - Madhura Patankar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A
| | - Jason Hu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A
| | - Michael Pargett
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A
| | - John G. Albeck
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A
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19
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Sultana Z, Dorel M, Klinger B, Sieber A, Dunkel I, Blüthgen N, Schulz EG. Modeling unveils sex differences of signaling networks in mouse embryonic stem cells. Mol Syst Biol 2023; 19:e11510. [PMID: 37735975 PMCID: PMC10632733 DOI: 10.15252/msb.202211510] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
For a short period during early development of mammalian embryos, both X chromosomes in females are active, before dosage compensation is ensured through X-chromosome inactivation. In female mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), which carry two active X chromosomes, increased X-dosage affects cell signaling and impairs differentiation. The underlying mechanisms, however, remain poorly understood. To dissect X-dosage effects on the signaling network in mESCs, we combine systematic perturbation experiments with mathematical modeling. We quantify the response to a variety of inhibitors and growth factors for cells with one (XO) or two X chromosomes (XX). We then build models of the signaling networks in XX and XO cells through a semi-quantitative modeling approach based on modular response analysis. We identify a novel negative feedback in the PI3K/AKT pathway through GSK3. Moreover, the presence of a single active X makes mESCs more sensitive to the differentiation-promoting Activin A signal and leads to a stronger RAF1-mediated negative feedback in the FGF-triggered MAPK pathway. The differential response to these differentiation-promoting pathways can explain the impaired differentiation propensity of female mESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeba Sultana
- Systems Epigenetics, Otto‐Warburg‐LaboratoriesMax Planck Institute for Molecular GeneticsBerlinGermany
| | - Mathurin Dorel
- Computational Modelling in Medicine, Institute of PathologyCharité‐Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Bertram Klinger
- Computational Modelling in Medicine, Institute of PathologyCharité‐Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Anja Sieber
- Computational Modelling in Medicine, Institute of PathologyCharité‐Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Ilona Dunkel
- Systems Epigenetics, Otto‐Warburg‐LaboratoriesMax Planck Institute for Molecular GeneticsBerlinGermany
| | - Nils Blüthgen
- Computational Modelling in Medicine, Institute of PathologyCharité‐Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Edda G Schulz
- Systems Epigenetics, Otto‐Warburg‐LaboratoriesMax Planck Institute for Molecular GeneticsBerlinGermany
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20
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Wood K, Nussbaum D, Martz C, Waters A, Barrera A, Rutter J, Cerda-Smith C, Stewart A, Wu C, Cakir M, Levandowski C, Kantrowitz D, McCall S, Pierobon M, Petricoin E, Smith J, Der C, Taatjes D. Mediator Kinase Inhibition Impedes Transcriptional Plasticity and Prevents Resistance to ERK/MAPK-Targeted Therapy in KRAS-Mutant Cancers. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3511242. [PMID: 37961649 PMCID: PMC10635398 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3511242/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Acquired resistance remains a major challenge for therapies targeting oncogene activated pathways. KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancers, yet strategies targeting its downstream signaling kinases have failed to produce durable treatment responses. Here, we developed multiple models of acquired resistance to dual-mechanism ERK/MAPK inhibitors across KRAS-mutant pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers, and then probed the long-term events enabling survival against this class of drugs. These studies revealed that resistance emerges secondary to large-scale transcriptional adaptations that are diverse and cell line-specific. Transcriptional reprogramming extends beyond the well-established early response, and instead represents a dynamic, evolved process that is refined to attain a stably resistant phenotype. Mechanistic and translational studies reveal that resistance to dual-mechanism ERK/MAPK inhibition is broadly susceptible to manipulation of the epigenetic machinery, and that Mediator kinase, in particular, can be co-targeted at a bottleneck point to prevent diverse, cell line-specific resistance programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chao Wu
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
| | | | | | | | | | - Mariaelena Pierobon
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University
| | | | - J Smith
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
| | - Channing Der
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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21
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Reissig TM, Ladigan‐Badura S, Steinberg A, Maghnouj A, Li T, Verdoodt B, Liffers ST, Pohl M, Wolters H, Teschendorf C, Viebahn R, Admard J, Casadei N, Tannapfel A, Schmiegel W, Hahn SA, Vangala DB. Lasting response by vertical inhibition with cetuximab and trametinib in KRAS-mutated colorectal cancer patient-derived xenografts. Mol Oncol 2023; 17:2396-2414. [PMID: 37604687 PMCID: PMC10620118 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13510] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Although approximately half of all metastatic colorectal cancers (mCRCs) harbour mutations in KRAS or NRAS, hardly any progress has been made regarding targeted treatment for this group over the last few years. Here, we investigated the efficacy of vertical inhibition of the RAS-pathway by targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumours with primary KRAS mutation. In total, 19 different PDX models comprising 127 tumours were tested. Responses were evaluated according to baseline tumour volume changes and graded as partial response (PR; ≤ - 30%), stable disease (SD; between -30% and +20%) or progressive disease (PD; ≥ + 20%). Vertical inhibition with trametinib and cetuximab induced SD or PR in 74% of analysed models, compared to 24% by monotherapy with trametinib. In cases of PR by vertical inhibition (47%), responses were lasting (as long as day 137), with a low incidence of secondary resistance (SR). Molecular analyses revealed that primary and SR was driven by transcriptional reprogramming activating the RAS pathway in a substantial fraction of tumours. Together, these preclinical data strongly support the translation of this combination therapy into clinical trials for CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timm M. Reissig
- Department of Molecular GI Oncology, Faculty of MedicineRuhr‐University BochumGermany
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer CenterUniversity Hospital EssenGermany
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer CenterUniversity Hospital Essen, University Duisburg‐EssenGermany
| | - Swetlana Ladigan‐Badura
- Department of Molecular GI Oncology, Faculty of MedicineRuhr‐University BochumGermany
- Center for Hemato‐Oncological DiseasesUniversity Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr‐University BochumGermany
| | - Anja Steinberg
- Department of Molecular GI Oncology, Faculty of MedicineRuhr‐University BochumGermany
| | - Abdelouahid Maghnouj
- Department of Molecular GI Oncology, Faculty of MedicineRuhr‐University BochumGermany
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Molecular GI Oncology, Faculty of MedicineRuhr‐University BochumGermany
| | | | - Sven T. Liffers
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer CenterUniversity Hospital Essen, University Duisburg‐EssenGermany
- Institute of PathologyRuhr University BochumGermany
| | - Michael Pohl
- Center for Hemato‐Oncological DiseasesUniversity Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr‐University BochumGermany
| | - Heiner Wolters
- Department of Visceral and General SurgerySt. Josef HospitalDortmundGermany
| | | | - Richard Viebahn
- Department of Visceral and General SurgeryUniversity Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr‐University BochumGermany
| | - Jakob Admard
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied GenomicsUniversity of TübingenGermany
| | - Nicolas Casadei
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied GenomicsUniversity of TübingenGermany
| | | | - Wolff Schmiegel
- Center for Hemato‐Oncological DiseasesUniversity Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr‐University BochumGermany
| | - Stephan A. Hahn
- Department of Molecular GI Oncology, Faculty of MedicineRuhr‐University BochumGermany
| | - Deepak B. Vangala
- Department of Molecular GI Oncology, Faculty of MedicineRuhr‐University BochumGermany
- Center for Hemato‐Oncological DiseasesUniversity Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr‐University BochumGermany
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22
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Martin-Vega A, Cobb MH. Navigating the ERK1/2 MAPK Cascade. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1555. [PMID: 37892237 PMCID: PMC10605237 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101555] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The RAS-ERK pathway is a fundamental signaling cascade crucial for many biological processes including proliferation, cell cycle control, growth, and survival; common across all cell types. Notably, ERK1/2 are implicated in specific processes in a context-dependent manner as in stem cells and pancreatic β-cells. Alterations in the different components of this cascade result in dysregulation of the effector kinases ERK1/2 which communicate with hundreds of substrates. Aberrant activation of the pathway contributes to a range of disorders, including cancer. This review provides an overview of the structure, activation, regulation, and mutational frequency of the different tiers of the cascade; with a particular focus on ERK1/2. We highlight the importance of scaffold proteins that contribute to kinase localization and coordinate interaction dynamics of the kinases with substrates, activators, and inhibitors. Additionally, we explore innovative therapeutic approaches emphasizing promising avenues in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martin-Vega
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Melanie H. Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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23
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Gadgeel SM, Miao J, Riess JW, Moon J, Mack PC, Gerstner GJ, Burns TF, Taj A, Akerley WL, Dragnev KH, Laudi N, Redman MW, Gray JE, Gandara DR, Kelly K. Phase II Study of Docetaxel and Trametinib in Patients with KRAS Mutation Positive Recurrent Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC; SWOG S1507, NCT-02642042). Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:3641-3649. [PMID: 37233987 PMCID: PMC10526968 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Efficacy of MEK inhibitors in KRAS+ NSCLC may differ based on specific KRAS mutations and comutations. Our hypothesis was that docetaxel and trametinib would improve activity in KRAS+ NSCLC and specifically in KRAS G12C NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS S1507 is a single-arm phase II study assessing the response rate (RR) with docetaxel plus trametinib in recurrent KRAS+ NSCLC and secondarily in the G12C subset. The accrual goal was 45 eligible patients, with at least 25 with G12C mutation. The design was two-stage design to rule out a 17% RR, within the overall population at the one-sided 3% level and within the G12C subset at the 5% level. RESULTS Between July 18, 2016, and March 15, 2018, 60 patients were enrolled with 53 eligible and 18 eligible in the G12C cohort. The RR was 34% [95% confidence interval (CI), 22-48] overall and 28% (95% CI, 10-53) in G12C. Median PFS and OS were 4.1 and 3.3 months and 10.9 and 8.8 months, overall and in the subset, respectively. Common toxicities were fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, rash, anemia, mucositis, and neutropenia. Among 26 patients with known status for TP53 (10+ve) and STK11 (5+ve), OS (HR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.16-7.01), and RR (0% vs. 56%, P = 0.004) were worse in patients with TP53 mutated versus wild-type cancers. CONCLUSIONS RRs were significantly improved in the overall population. Contrary to preclinical studies, the combination showed no improvement in efficacy in G12C patients. Comutations may influence therapeutic efficacy of KRAS directed therapies and are worthy of further evaluation. See related commentary by Cantor and Aggarwal, p. 3563.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jieling Miao
- SWOG Statistical and Data Management Center
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | - James Moon
- SWOG Statistical and Data Management Center
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | | | - Asma Taj
- Michigan CRC NCORP/St. Mary’s of Michigan, Saginaw, MI
| | | | | | - Noel Laudi
- Mercy Hospital/Minnesota Community Oncology Research Consortium, Coon Rapids, MN
| | - Mary W. Redman
- SWOG Statistical and Data Management Center
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | - Karen Kelly
- University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA
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24
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Wilhelm T, Toledo MAS, Simons I, Stuth C, Mohta V, Mülfarth R, Nitsche M, Maschke-Neuß K, Schmitz S, Kaiser A, Panse J, Christen D, Arock M, Zenke M, Huber M. Capitalizing on paradoxical activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway for treatment of Imatinib-resistant mast cell leukemia. Hematol Oncol 2023; 41:520-534. [PMID: 36383121 DOI: 10.1002/hon.3100] [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: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Prevention of fatal side effects during cancer therapy of cancer patients with high-dosed pharmacological inhibitors is to date a major challenge. Moreover, the development of drug resistance poses severe problems for the treatment of patients with leukemia or solid tumors. Particularly drug-mediated dimerization of RAF kinases can be the cause of acquired resistance, also called "paradoxical activation." In the present work we re-analyzed the effects of different tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) on the proliferation, metabolic activity, and survival of the Imatinib-resistant, KIT V560G, D816V-expressing human mast cell (MC) leukemia (MCL) cell line HMC-1.2. We observed that low concentrations of the TKIs Nilotinib and Ponatinib resulted in enhanced proliferation, suggesting paradoxical activation of the MAPK pathway. Indeed, these TKIs caused BRAF-CRAF dimerization, resulting in ERK1/2 activation. The combination of Ponatinib with the MEK inhibitor Trametinib, at nanomolar concentrations, effectively suppressed HMC-1.2 proliferation, metabolic activity, and induced apoptotic cell death. Effectiveness of this drug combination was recapitulated in the human KIT D816V MC line ROSAKIT D816V and in KIT D816V hematopoietic progenitors obtained from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and systemic mastocytosis patient samples. In conclusion, mutated KIT-driven Imatinib resistance and possible TKI-induced paradoxical activation can be efficiently overcome by a low concentration Ponatinib and Trametinib co-treatment, potentially reducing the negative side effects associated with MCL therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Wilhelm
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Marcelo A S Toledo
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Aachen, Germany
| | - Ilka Simons
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Stuth
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Vrinda Mohta
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ronja Mülfarth
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Marcus Nitsche
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Karin Maschke-Neuß
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Susanne Schmitz
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anne Kaiser
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Aachen, Germany
| | - Jens Panse
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Aachen, Germany
| | - Deborah Christen
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Aachen, Germany
| | - Michel Arock
- Department of Hematological Biology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Pierre et Marie Curie University (UPMC), Paris, France
| | - Martin Zenke
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Aachen, Germany
| | - Michael Huber
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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25
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Sigaud R, Albert TK, Hess C, Hielscher T, Winkler N, Kocher D, Walter C, Münter D, Selt F, Usta D, Ecker J, Brentrup A, Hasselblatt M, Thomas C, Varghese J, Capper D, Thomale UW, Hernáiz Driever P, Simon M, Horn S, Herz NA, Koch A, Sahm F, Hamelmann S, Faria-Andrade A, Jabado N, Schuhmann MU, Schouten-van Meeteren AYN, Hoving E, Brummer T, van Tilburg CM, Pfister SM, Witt O, Jones DTW, Kerl K, Milde T. MAPK inhibitor sensitivity scores predict sensitivity driven by the immune infiltration in pediatric low-grade gliomas. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4533. [PMID: 37500667 PMCID: PMC10374577 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40235-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGG) show heterogeneous responses to MAPK inhibitors (MAPKi) in clinical trials. Thus, more complex stratification biomarkers are needed to identify patients likely to benefit from MAPKi therapy. Here, we identify MAPK-related genes enriched in MAPKi-sensitive cell lines using the GDSC dataset and apply them to calculate class-specific MAPKi sensitivity scores (MSSs) via single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. The MSSs discriminate MAPKi-sensitive and non-sensitive cells in the GDSC dataset and significantly correlate with response to MAPKi in an independent PDX dataset. The MSSs discern gliomas with varying MAPK alterations and are higher in pLGG compared to other pediatric CNS tumors. Heterogenous MSSs within pLGGs with the same MAPK alteration identify proportions of potentially sensitive patients. The MEKi MSS predicts treatment response in a small set of pLGG patients treated with trametinib. High MSSs correlate with a higher immune cell infiltration, with high expression in the microglia compartment in single-cell RNA sequencing data, while low MSSs correlate with low immune infiltration and increased neuronal score. The MSSs represent predictive tools for the stratification of pLGG patients and should be prospectively validated in clinical trials. Our data supports a role for microglia in the response to MAPKi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Sigaud
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Thomas K Albert
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Caroline Hess
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Hielscher
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nadine Winkler
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniela Kocher
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carolin Walter
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Daniel Münter
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Florian Selt
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Diren Usta
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Ecker
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angela Brentrup
- Neurosurgery Dept., University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Hasselblatt
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Thomas
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Julian Varghese
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - David Capper
- Berlin Institute of Health, Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Straße 2, 10178, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Neuropathology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich W Thomale
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pablo Hernáiz Driever
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, German HIT-LOGGIC-Registry for pLGG in children and adolescents, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michèle Simon
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, German HIT-LOGGIC-Registry for pLGG in children and adolescents, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Svea Horn
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, German HIT-LOGGIC-Registry for pLGG in children and adolescents, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina Annika Herz
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, German HIT-LOGGIC-Registry for pLGG in children and adolescents, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arend Koch
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Neuropathology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Sahm
- Department of Neuropathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Hamelmann
- Department of Neuropathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Nada Jabado
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C7, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, and The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Martin U Schuhmann
- Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Eelco Hoving
- Princess Màxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tilman Brummer
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research (IMMZ), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany, Centre for Biological Signaling Studies BIOSS, University of Freiburg and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cornelis M van Tilburg
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olaf Witt
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David T W Jones
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Glioma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kornelius Kerl
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Till Milde
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
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26
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Liu C, Ye D, Yang H, Chen X, Su Z, Li X, Ding M, Liu Y. RAS-targeted cancer therapy: Advances in drugging specific mutations. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e285. [PMID: 37250144 PMCID: PMC10225044 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Rat sarcoma (RAS), as a frequently mutated oncogene, has been studied as an attractive target for treating RAS-driven cancers for over four decades. However, it is until the recent success of kirsten-RAS (KRAS)G12C inhibitor that RAS gets rid of the title "undruggable". It is worth noting that the therapeutic effect of KRASG12C inhibitors on different RAS allelic mutations or even different cancers with KRASG12C varies significantly. Thus, deep understanding of the characteristics of each allelic RAS mutation will be a prerequisite for developing new RAS inhibitors. In this review, the structural and biochemical features of different RAS mutations are summarized and compared. Besides, the pathological characteristics and treatment responses of different cancers carrying RAS mutations are listed based on clinical reports. In addition, the development of RAS inhibitors, either direct or indirect, that target the downstream components in RAS pathway is summarized as well. Hopefully, this review will broaden our knowledge on RAS-targeting strategies and trigger more intensive studies on exploiting new RAS allele-specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cen Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Danyang Ye
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Hongliu Yang
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xu Chen
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Zhijun Su
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xia Li
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Mei Ding
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yonggang Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
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27
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Lei Z, Tian Q, Teng Q, Wurpel JND, Zeng L, Pan Y, Chen Z. Understanding and targeting resistance mechanisms in cancer. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e265. [PMID: 37229486 PMCID: PMC10203373 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to cancer therapies has been a commonly observed phenomenon in clinical practice, which is one of the major causes of treatment failure and poor patient survival. The reduced responsiveness of cancer cells is a multifaceted phenomenon that can arise from genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental factors. Various mechanisms have been discovered and extensively studied, including drug inactivation, reduced intracellular drug accumulation by reduced uptake or increased efflux, drug target alteration, activation of compensatory pathways for cell survival, regulation of DNA repair and cell death, tumor plasticity, and the regulation from tumor microenvironments (TMEs). To overcome cancer resistance, a variety of strategies have been proposed, which are designed to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment or reduce drug resistance. These include identifying biomarkers that can predict drug response and resistance, identifying new targets, developing new targeted drugs, combination therapies targeting multiple signaling pathways, and modulating the TME. The present article focuses on the different mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer and the corresponding tackling approaches with recent updates. Perspectives on polytherapy targeting multiple resistance mechanisms, novel nanoparticle delivery systems, and advanced drug design tools for overcoming resistance are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi‐Ning Lei
- PrecisionMedicine CenterScientific Research CenterThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of Pharmacy and Health SciencesSt. John's UniversityQueensNew YorkUSA
| | - Qin Tian
- PrecisionMedicine CenterScientific Research CenterThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Qiu‐Xu Teng
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of Pharmacy and Health SciencesSt. John's UniversityQueensNew YorkUSA
| | - John N. D. Wurpel
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of Pharmacy and Health SciencesSt. John's UniversityQueensNew YorkUSA
| | - Leli Zeng
- PrecisionMedicine CenterScientific Research CenterThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Yihang Pan
- PrecisionMedicine CenterScientific Research CenterThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Zhe‐Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of Pharmacy and Health SciencesSt. John's UniversityQueensNew YorkUSA
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28
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Kurimoto M, Rockenbach Y, Kato A, Natsume A. Prediction of Tumor Development and Urine-Based Liquid Biopsy for Molecule-Targeted Therapy of Gliomas. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1201. [PMID: 37372381 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061201] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The timing of the acquisition of tumor-specific gene mutations and the systems by which these gene mutations are acquired during tumorigenesis were clarified. Advances in our understanding of tumorigenesis are being made every day, and therapies targeting fundamental genetic alterations have great potential for cancer treatment. Moreover, our research team successfully estimated tumor progression using mathematical modeling and attempted early diagnosis of brain tumors. We developed a nanodevice that enables urinary genetic diagnosis in a simple and noninvasive manner. Mainly on the basis of our research and experience, this review article presents novel therapies being developed for central nervous system cancers and six molecules, which upon mutation cause tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Further understanding of the genetic characteristics of brain tumors will lead to the development of precise drugs and improve individual treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihiro Kurimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aichi Children's Health and Medical Center, Obu 464-8710, Japan
| | - Yumi Rockenbach
- Institute of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Akira Kato
- Institute of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Atsushi Natsume
- Institute of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
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29
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Fang YT, Yang WW, Niu YR, Sun YK. Recent advances in targeted therapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:571-595. [PMID: 37123059 PMCID: PMC10134207 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i4.571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a fatal disease with a 5-year survival rate of 8% and a median survival of 6 mo. In PDAC, several mutations in the genes are involved, with Kirsten rat sarcoma oncogene (90%), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (90%), and tumor suppressor 53 (75%–90%) being the most common. Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 represents 50%. In addition, the self-preserving cancer stem cells, dense tumor microenvironment (fibrous accounting for 90% of the tumor volume), and suppressive and relatively depleted immune niche of PDAC are also constitutive and relevant elements of PDAC. Molecular targeted therapy is widely utilized and effective in several solid tumors. In PDAC, targeted therapy has been extensively evaluated; however, survival improvement of this aggressive disease using a targeted strategy has been minimal. There is currently only one United States Food and Drug Administration-approved targeted therapy for PDAC – erlotinib, but the absolute benefit of erlotinib in combination with gemcitabine is also minimal (2 wk). In this review, we summarize current targeted therapies and clinical trials targeting dysregulated signaling pathways and components of the PDAC oncogenic process, analyze possible reasons for the lack of positive results in clinical trials, and suggest ways to improve them. We also discuss emerging trends in targeted therapies for PDAC: combining targeted inhibitors of multiple pathways. The PubMed database and National Center for Biotechnology Information clinical trial website (www.clinicaltrials.gov) were queried to identify completed and published (PubMed) and ongoing (clinicaltrials.gov) clinical trials (from 2003-2022) using the keywords pancreatic cancer and targeted therapy. The PubMed database was also queried to search for information about the pathogenesis and molecular pathways of pancreatic cancer using the keywords pancreatic cancer and molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Wen-Wei Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Ya-Ru Niu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yong-Kun Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Hebei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Langfang 065001, Hebei Province, China
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30
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Wang P, Jia X, Lu B, Huang H, Liu J, Liu X, Wu Q, Hu Y, Li P, Wei H, Liu T, Zhao D, Zhang L, Tian X, Jiang Y, Qiao Y, Nie W, Ma X, Bai R, Peng C, Dong Z, Liu K. Erianin suppresses constitutive activation of MAPK signaling pathway by inhibition of CRAF and MEK1/2. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:96. [PMID: 36872366 PMCID: PMC9986241 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01329-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Constitutive activation of RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway (MAPK pathway) frequently occurs in many cancers harboring RAS or RAF oncogenic mutations. Because of the paradoxical activation induced by a single use of BRAF or MEK inhibitors, dual-target RAF and MEK treatment is thought to be a promising strategy. In this work, we evaluated erianin is a novel inhibitor of CRAF and MEK1/2 kinases, thus suppressing constitutive activation of the MAPK signaling pathway induced by BRAF V600E or RAS mutations. KinaseProfiler enzyme profiling, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), cellular thermal shift assay, computational docking, and molecular dynamics simulations were utilized to screen and identify erianin binding to CRAF and MEK1/2. Kinase assay, luminescent ADP detection assay, and enzyme kinetics assay were investigated to identify the efficiency of erianin in CRAF and MEK1/2 kinase activity. Notably, erianin suppressed BRAF V600E or RAS mutant melanoma and colorectal cancer cell by inhibiting MEK1/2 and CRAF but not BRAF kinase activity. Moreover, erianin attenuated melanoma and colorectal cancer in vivo. Overall, we provide a promising leading compound for BRAF V600E or RAS mutant melanoma and colorectal cancer through dual targeting of CRAF and MEK1/2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penglei Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, AMS, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuechao Jia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, AMS, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bingbing Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, AMS, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Han Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, AMS, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jialin Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, AMS, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuejiao Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, AMS, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, AMS, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yamei Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, AMS, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pan Li
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huifang Wei
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, AMS, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, AMS, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dengyun Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, AMS, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lingwei Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, AMS, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xueli Tian
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, AMS, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanan Jiang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, AMS, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan Qiao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, AMS, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenna Nie
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinli Ma
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruihua Bai
- The Department of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Cong Peng
- The Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, AMS, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China. .,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China. .,The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, 450000, Zhengzhou, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China. .,Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, AMS, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China. .,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, 450000, Zhengzhou, China. .,The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, 450000, Zhengzhou, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, 450000, Zhengzhou, China. .,Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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31
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Takano K, Munehira Y, Hatanaka M, Murakami R, Shibata Y, Shida T, Takeuchi K, Takechi S, Tabata T, Shimada T, Kishikawa S, Matsui Y, Ubukata O, Seki T, Kaneta Y. Discovery of a Novel ATP-Competitive MEK Inhibitor DS03090629 that Overcomes Resistance Conferred by BRAF Overexpression in BRAF-Mutated Melanoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:317-332. [PMID: 36622773 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Patients with melanoma with activating BRAF mutations (BRAF V600E/K) initially respond to combination therapy of BRAF and MEK inhibitors. However, their clinical efficacy is limited by acquired resistance, in some cases driven by amplification of the mutant BRAF gene and subsequent reactivation of the MAPK pathway. DS03090629 is a novel and orally available MEK inhibitor that inhibits MEK in an ATP-competitive manner. In both in vitro and in vivo settings, potent inhibition of MEK by DS03090629 or its combination with the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib was demonstrated in a mutant BRAF-overexpressing melanoma cell line model that exhibited a higher MEK phosphorylation level than the parental cell line and then became resistant to dabrafenib and the MEK inhibitor trametinib. DS03090629 also exhibited superior efficacy against a melanoma cell line-expressing mutant MEK1 protein compared with dabrafenib and trametinib. Biophysical analysis revealed that DS03090629 retained its affinity for the MEK protein regardless of its phosphorylation status, whereas the affinity of trametinib declined when the MEK protein was phosphorylated. These results suggest that DS03090629 may be a novel therapeutic option for patients who acquire resistance to the current BRAF- and MEK-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Takano
- Oncology Research Laboratories II, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoichi Munehira
- Oncology Research Laboratories II, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mana Hatanaka
- Oncology Research Laboratories II, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Murakami
- Oncology Research Laboratories II, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Shibata
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Shida
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kosuke Takeuchi
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sho Takechi
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiki Tabata
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Shimada
- Organic Synthesis Department, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuhei Kishikawa
- Organic Synthesis Department, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumi Matsui
- Biological Research Department, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Ubukata
- Biological Research Department, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiko Seki
- Early Clinical Development Department, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Kaneta
- Oncology Research Laboratories II, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
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32
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Fröhlich F, Gerosa L, Muhlich J, Sorger PK. Mechanistic model of MAPK signaling reveals how allostery and rewiring contribute to drug resistance. Mol Syst Biol 2023; 19:e10988. [PMID: 36700386 PMCID: PMC9912026 DOI: 10.15252/msb.202210988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BRAF is prototypical of oncogenes that can be targeted therapeutically and the treatment of BRAFV600E melanomas with RAF and MEK inhibitors results in rapid tumor regression. However, drug-induced rewiring generates a drug adapted state thought to be involved in acquired resistance and disease recurrence. In this article, we study mechanisms of adaptive rewiring in BRAFV600E melanoma cells using an energy-based implementation of ordinary differential equation (ODE) modeling in combination with proteomic, transcriptomic and imaging data. We develop a method for causal tracing of ODE models and identify two parallel MAPK reaction channels that are differentially sensitive to RAF and MEK inhibitors due to differences in protein oligomerization and drug binding. We describe how these channels, and timescale separation between immediate-early signaling and transcriptional feedback, create a state in which the RAS-regulated MAPK channel can be activated by growth factors under conditions in which the BRAFV600E -driven channel is fully inhibited. Further development of the approaches in this article is expected to yield a unified model of adaptive drug resistance in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Fröhlich
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems BiologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Luca Gerosa
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems BiologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA,Present address:
Genentech, Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Jeremy Muhlich
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems BiologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Peter K Sorger
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems BiologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
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33
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Govindaraj RG, Thangapandian S, Schauperl M, Denny RA, Diller DJ. Recent applications of computational methods to allosteric drug discovery. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 9:1070328. [PMID: 36710877 PMCID: PMC9877542 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1070328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Interest in exploiting allosteric sites for the development of new therapeutics has grown considerably over the last two decades. The chief driving force behind the interest in allostery for drug discovery stems from the fact that in comparison to orthosteric sites, allosteric sites are less conserved across a protein family, thereby offering greater opportunity for selectivity and ultimately tolerability. While there is significant overlap between structure-based drug design for orthosteric and allosteric sites, allosteric sites offer additional challenges mostly involving the need to better understand protein flexibility and its relationship to protein function. Here we examine the extent to which structure-based drug design is impacting allosteric drug design by highlighting several targets across a variety of target classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Gandhi Govindaraj
- Computational Chemistry, HotSpot Therapeutics Inc., Boston, MA, United States,*Correspondence: Rajiv Gandhi Govindaraj,
| | | | - Michael Schauperl
- Computational Chemistry, HotSpot Therapeutics Inc., Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - David J. Diller
- Computational Chemistry, HotSpot Therapeutics Inc., Boston, MA, United States
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34
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Zhao MH, Wu AW. Targeting KRAS G12C mutations in colorectal cancer. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2022; 11:goac083. [PMID: 36632627 PMCID: PMC9825714 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goac083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
With the advent of Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue G12C (KRAS G12C) inhibitors, RAS is no longer considered undruggable. For the suppression of RAS, new therapeutic approaches have been suggested. However, current clinical studies have indicated therapeutic resistance after short-lived tumour suppression. According to preclinical studies, this might be associated with acquired genetic alterations, reactivation of downstream pathways, and stimulation for upstream signalling. In this review, we aimed to summarize current approaches for combination therapy to alleviate resistance to KRAS G12C inhibitors in colorectal cancer with a focus on the mechanisms of therapeutic resistance. We also analysed the relationship between various mechanisms and therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-He Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education; Unit III, Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Ai-Wen Wu
- Corresponding author. Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Unit III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, No. 52 Fucheng Rd, Haidian District, Beijing 100142, China. Tel/Fax: +86-10-88196981;
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35
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Melanogenesis and the Targeted Therapy of Melanoma. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121874. [PMID: 36551302 PMCID: PMC9775438 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigment production is a unique character of melanocytes. Numerous factors are linked with melanin production, including genetics, ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and inflammation. Understanding the mechanism of melanogenesis is crucial to identify new preventive and therapeutic strategies in the treatment of melanoma. Here, we reviewed the current available literatures on the mechanisms of melanogenesis, including the signaling pathways of UVR-induced pigment production, MC1R's central determinant roles and MITF as a master transcriptional regulator in melanogenesis. Moreover, we further highlighted the role of targeting BRAF, NRAS and MC1R in melanoma prevention and treatment. The combination therapeutics of immunotherapy and targeted kinase inhibitors are becoming the newest therapeutic option in advanced melanoma.
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36
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Morante M, Pandiella A, Crespo P, Herrero A. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and RAS-ERK Pathway-Targeted Drugs as Combined Therapy for the Treatment of Melanoma. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1562. [PMID: 36358912 PMCID: PMC9687808 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is a highly immunogenic tumor with very poor survival rates due to immune system escape-mechanisms. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) and the programmed death-1 (PD1) receptors, are being used to impede immune evasion. This immunotherapy entails an increment in the overall survival rates. However, melanoma cells respond with evasive molecular mechanisms. ERK cascade inhibitors are also used in metastatic melanoma treatment, with the RAF activity blockade being the main therapeutic approach for such purpose, and in combination with MEK inhibitors improves many parameters of clinical efficacy. Despite their efficacy in inhibiting ERK signaling, the rewiring of the melanoma cell-signaling results in disease relapse, constituting the reinstatement of ERK activation, which is a common cause of some resistance mechanisms. Recent studies revealed that the combination of RAS-ERK pathway inhibitors and ICI therapy present promising advantages for metastatic melanoma treatment. Here, we present a recompilation of the combined therapies clinically evaluated in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Morante
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)—Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Atanasio Pandiella
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28009 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)—Universidad de Salamanca and IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Piero Crespo
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)—Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Herrero
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)—Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28009 Madrid, Spain
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37
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Drugging KRAS: current perspectives and state-of-art review. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:152. [PMID: 36284306 PMCID: PMC9597994 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01375-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
After decades of efforts, we have recently made progress into targeting KRAS mutations in several malignancies. Known as the ‘holy grail’ of targeted cancer therapies, KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human malignancies. Under normal conditions, KRAS shuttles between the GDP-bound ‘off’ state and the GTP-bound ‘on’ state. Mutant KRAS is constitutively activated and leads to persistent downstream signaling and oncogenesis. In 2013, improved understanding of KRAS biology and newer drug designing technologies led to the crucial discovery of a cysteine drug-binding pocket in GDP-bound mutant KRAS G12C protein. Covalent inhibitors that block mutant KRAS G12C were successfully developed and sotorasib was the first KRAS G12C inhibitor to be approved, with several more in the pipeline. Simultaneously, effects of KRAS mutations on tumour microenvironment were also discovered, partly owing to the universal use of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we discuss the discovery, biology, and function of KRAS in human malignancies. We also discuss the relationship between KRAS mutations and the tumour microenvironment, and therapeutic strategies to target KRAS. Finally, we review the current clinical evidence and ongoing clinical trials of novel agents targeting KRAS and shine light on resistance pathways known so far.
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38
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Laskovs M, Partridge L, Slack C. Molecular inhibition of RAS signalling to target ageing and age-related health. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276620. [PMID: 36111627 PMCID: PMC9510030 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAS/MAPK pathway is a highly conserved signalling pathway with a well-established role in cancer. Mutations that hyperactivate this pathway are associated with unregulated cell proliferation. Evidence from a range of model organisms also links RAS/MAPK signalling to ageing. Genetic approaches that reduce RAS/MAPK signalling activity extend lifespan and also improve healthspan, delaying the onset and/or progression of age-related functional decline. Given its role in cancer, therapeutic interventions that target and inhibit this pathway's key components are under intense investigation. The consequent availability of small molecule inhibitors raises the possibility of repurposing these compounds to ameliorate the deleterious effects of ageing. Here, we review evidence that RAS/MAPK signalling inhibitors already in clinical use, such as trametinib, acarbose, statins, metformin and dihydromyricetin, lead to lifespan extension and to improved healthspan in a range of model systems. These findings suggest that the repurposing of small molecule inhibitors of RAS/MAPK signalling might offer opportunities to improve health during ageing, and to delay or prevent the development of age-related disease. However, challenges to this approach, including poor tolerance to treatment in older adults or development of drug resistance, first need to be resolved before successful clinical implementation. Summary: This Review critically discusses the links between RAS signalling and ageing, and how RAS inhibitors could extend lifespan and enhance healthspan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihails Laskovs
- School of Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University 1 , Birmingham B4 7ET , UK
| | - Linda Partridge
- Institute of Healthy Ageing 2 , Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment , , Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT , UK
- University College London 2 , Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment , , Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT , UK
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing 3 , Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 9b, 50931 Cologne , Germany
| | - Cathy Slack
- School of Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University 1 , Birmingham B4 7ET , UK
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Feng J, Lian Z, Xia X, Lu Y, Hu K, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Hu L, Yuan K, Sun Z, Pang X. Targeting metabolic vulnerability in mitochondria conquers MEK inhibitor resistance in KRAS-mutant lung cancer. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 13:1145-1163. [PMID: 36970205 PMCID: PMC10031260 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
MEK is a canonical effector of mutant KRAS; however, MEK inhibitors fail to yield satisfactory clinical outcomes in KRAS-mutant cancers. Here, we identified mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) induction as a profound metabolic alteration to confer KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) resistance to the clinical MEK inhibitor trametinib. Metabolic flux analysis demonstrated that pyruvate metabolism and fatty acid oxidation were markedly enhanced and coordinately powered the OXPHOS system in resistant cells after trametinib treatment, satisfying their energy demand and protecting them from apoptosis. As molecular events in this process, the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHc) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase IA (CPTIA), two rate-limiting enzymes that control the metabolic flux of pyruvate and palmitic acid to mitochondrial respiration were activated through phosphorylation and transcriptional regulation. Importantly, the co-administration of trametinib and IACS-010759, a clinical mitochondrial complex I inhibitor that blocks OXPHOS, significantly impeded tumor growth and prolonged mouse survival. Overall, our findings reveal that MEK inhibitor therapy creates a metabolic vulnerability in the mitochondria and further develop an effective combinatorial strategy to circumvent MEK inhibitors resistance in KRAS-driven NSCLC.
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40
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Pechincha C, Groessl S, Kalis R, de Almeida M, Zanotti A, Wittmann M, Schneider M, de Campos RP, Rieser S, Brandstetter M, Schleiffer A, Müller-Decker K, Helm D, Jabs S, Haselbach D, Lemberg MK, Zuber J, Palm W. Lysosomal enzyme trafficking factor LYSET enables nutritional usage of extracellular proteins. Science 2022; 378:eabn5637. [PMID: 36074822 DOI: 10.1126/science.abn5637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian cells can generate amino acids through macropinocytosis and lysosomal breakdown of extracellular proteins, which is exploited by cancer cells to grow in nutrient-poor tumors. Here, through genetic screens in defined nutrient conditions we characterized LYSET, a transmembrane protein (TMEM251) selectively required when cells consume extracellular proteins. LYSET was found to associate in the Golgi with GlcNAc-1-phosphotransferase, which targets catabolic enzymes to lysosomes through mannose-6-phosphate modification. Without LYSET, GlcNAc-1-phosphotransferase was unstable owing to a hydrophilic transmembrane domain. Consequently, LYSET-deficient cells were depleted of lysosomal enzymes and impaired in turnover of macropinocytic and autophagic cargoes. Thus, LYSET represents a core component of the lysosomal enzyme trafficking pathway, underlies the pathomechanism for hereditary lysosomal storage disorders, and may represent a target to suppress metabolic adaptations in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Pechincha
- Cell Signaling and Metabolism, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sven Groessl
- Cell Signaling and Metabolism, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert Kalis
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.,Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University at Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Melanie de Almeida
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.,Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University at Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Zanotti
- Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marten Wittmann
- Cell Signaling and Metabolism, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Schneider
- MS-based Protein Analysis Unit, Genomics and Proteomics Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rafael P de Campos
- Cell Signaling and Metabolism, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah Rieser
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.,Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University at Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Marlene Brandstetter
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Schleiffer
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Müller-Decker
- Core Facility Tumor Models, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dominic Helm
- MS-based Protein Analysis Unit, Genomics and Proteomics Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Jabs
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - David Haselbach
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marius K Lemberg
- Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany.,Center for Biochemistry and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Johannes Zuber
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.,Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Wilhelm Palm
- Cell Signaling and Metabolism, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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The current state of the art and future trends in RAS-targeted cancer therapies. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2022; 19:637-655. [PMID: 36028717 PMCID: PMC9412785 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-022-00671-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite being the most frequently altered oncogenic protein in solid tumours, KRAS has historically been considered ‘undruggable’ owing to a lack of pharmacologically targetable pockets within the mutant isoforms. However, improvements in drug design have culminated in the development of inhibitors that are selective for mutant KRAS in its active or inactive state. Some of these inhibitors have proven efficacy in patients with KRASG12C-mutant cancers and have become practice changing. The excitement associated with these advances has been tempered by drug resistance, which limits the depth and/or duration of responses to these agents. Improvements in our understanding of RAS signalling in cancer cells and in the tumour microenvironment suggest the potential for several novel combination therapies, which are now being explored in clinical trials. Herein, we provide an overview of the RAS pathway and review the development and current status of therapeutic strategies for targeting oncogenic RAS, as well as their potential to improve outcomes in patients with RAS-mutant malignancies. We then discuss challenges presented by resistance mechanisms and strategies by which they could potentially be overcome. The RAS oncogenes are among the most common drivers of tumour development and progression but have historically been considered undruggable. The development of direct KRAS inhibitors has changed this paradigm, although currently clinical use of these novel therapeutics is limited to a select subset of patients, and intrinsic or acquired resistance presents an inevitable challenge to cure. Herein, the authors provide an overview of the RAS pathway in cancer and review the ongoing efforts to develop effective therapeutic strategies for RAS-mutant cancers. They also discuss the current understanding of mechanisms of resistance to direct KRAS inhibitors and strategies by which they might be overcome. Owing to intrinsic and extrinsic factors, KRAS and other RAS isoforms have until recently been impervious to targeting with small-molecule inhibitors. Inhibitors of the KRASG12C variant constitute a potential breakthrough in the treatment of many cancer types, particularly non-small-cell lung cancer, for which such an agent has been approved by the FDA. Several forms of resistance to KRAS inhibitors have been defined, including primary, adaptive and acquired resistance; these resistance mechanisms are being targeted in studies that combine KRAS inhibitors with inhibitors of horizontal or vertical signalling pathways. Mutant KRAS has important effects on the tumour microenvironment, including the immunological milieu; these effects must be considered to fully understand resistance to KRAS inhibitors and when designing novel treatment strategies.
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42
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“RB-reactivator screening” as a novel cell-based assay for discoveries of molecular targeting agents including the first-in-class MEK inhibitor trametinib (trade name: Mekinist). Pharmacol Ther 2022; 236:108234. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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43
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Wang H, Chi L, Yu F, Dai H, Si X, Gao C, Wang Z, Liu L, Zheng J, Ke Y, Liu H, Zhang Q. The overview of Mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)-based dual inhibitor in the treatment of cancers. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 70:116922. [PMID: 35849914 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116922] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) are the critical components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (MAPK/ERK1/2) signaling pathway which is one of the well-characterized kinase cascades regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, growth, metabolism, survival and mobility both in normal and cancer cells. The aberrant activation of MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway is a hallmark of numerous human cancers, therefore targeting the components of this pathway to inhibit its dysregulation is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Enormous efforts have been done in the development of MEK1/2 inhibitors and encouraging advancements have been made, including four inhibitors approved for clinical use. However, due to the multifactorial property of cancer and rapidly arising drug resistance, the clinical efficacy of these MEK1/2 inhibitors as monotherapy are far from ideal. Several alternative strategies have been developed to improve the limited clinical efficacy, including the dual inhibitor which is a single drug molecule able to simultaneously inhibit two targets. In this review, we first introduced the activation and function of the MAPK/ERK1/2 components and discussed the advantages of MEK1/2-based dual inhibitors compared with the single inhibitors and combination therapy in the treatment of cancers. Then, we overviewed the MEK1/2-based dual inhibitors for the treatment of cancers and highlighted the theoretical basis of concurrent inhibition of MEK1/2 and other targets for development of these dual inhibitors. Besides, the status and results of these dual inhibitors in both preclinical and clinical studies were also the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Lingling Chi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Fuqiang Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hongling Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaojie Si
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Chao Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhengjie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Limin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jiaxin Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yu Ke
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Hongmin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Qiurong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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44
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Identification of cell type-specific correlations between ERK activity and cell viability upon treatment with ERK1/2 inhibitors. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102226. [PMID: 35787369 PMCID: PMC9358475 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased MAPK signaling is a hallmark of various cancers and is a central regulator of cell survival. Direct ERK1/2 inhibition is considered a promising approach to avoid ERK1/2 reactivation caused by upstream kinases BRAF, MEK1/2, and KRAS, as well as by receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, but the dynamics and selectivity of ERK1/2 inhibitors are much less studied compared with BRAF or MEK inhibitors. Using ERK1/2 and downstream kinase ELK1 reporter cell lines of lung cancer (H1299; NRASQ61K), colon cancer (HCT-116; KRASG13D), neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y), and leukemia (U937), we examined the relationship between ERK inhibition and drug-induced toxicity for five ERK inhibitors: SCH772984, ravoxertinib, LY3214996, ulixertinib, and VX-11e, as well as one MEK inhibitor, PD0325901. Comparing cell viability and ERK inhibition revealed different ERK dependencies for these cell lines. We identify several drugs, such as SCH772984 and VX-11e, which induce excessive toxicity not directly related to ERK1/2 inhibition in specific cell lines. We also show that PD0325901, LY3214996, and ulixertinib are prone to ERK1/2 reactivation over time. We distinguished two types of ERK1/2 reactivation: the first could be reversed by adding a fresh dose of inhibitors, while the second persists even after additional treatments. We also showed that cells that became resistant to the MEK1/2 inhibitor PD0325901 due to ERK1/2 reactivation remained sensitive to ERK1/2 inhibitor ulixertinib. Our data indicate that correlation of ERK inhibition with drug-induced toxicity in multiple cell lines may help to find more selective and effective ERK1/2 inhibitors.
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45
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Chow A, Khan ZM, Marsiglia WM, Dar AC. Conformational control and regulation of the pseudokinase KSR via small molecule binding interactions. Methods Enzymol 2022; 667:365-402. [PMID: 35525547 PMCID: PMC9150438 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.03.039] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pseudokinases often operate through functionally related enzymes and receptors. A prime example is the pseudokinase KSR (Kinase Suppressor of RAS), which can act as both an amplifier and inhibitor of members in the RAS-MAPK (Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase) signaling pathway. KSR is structurally related to the active RAF kinases over multiple domains; moreover, the pseudokinase domain of KSR forms physical and regulatory complexes with both RAF and MEK through distinct interfaces. Characterization of small molecule interactions on KSR has been used to uncover novel chemical tools and understand the mechanism of action of clinical drugs. Here, we elaborate on assays and structural methods for measuring binding at orthosteric and interfacial binding sites on KSR. These distinct small molecule pockets provide therapeutic paths for targeting KSR1 and KSR2 pseudokinases in disease, including in RAS and RAF mutant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Chow
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Centre for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zaigham M Khan
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Centre for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - William M Marsiglia
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Centre for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Arvin C Dar
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Centre for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
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46
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Luo J, Ostrem J, Pellini B, Imbody D, Stern Y, Solanki HS, Haura EB, Villaruz LC. Overcoming KRAS-Mutant Lung Cancer. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2022; 42:1-11. [PMID: 35412860 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_360354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
More than 50 years after the discovery of RAS family proteins, which harbor the most common activating mutations in cancer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first direct allele-specific inhibitor of mutant KRAS in lung cancer. We highlight the history of discovering RAS and decades of studies targeting KRAS-driven lung cancer. A landmark article by Shokat and colleagues in 2013 elucidated allosteric inhibition of this undruggable target and paved the way for the first-in-class direct KRASG12C inhibitor. Although these drugs have impressive 36%-45% objective response rates with a median duration of response of 10 months, many tumors do not respond, and diverse mechanisms of resistance have already been observed; this includes new KRAS alterations, activation of alternate RTK pathway proteins, bypass pathways, and transcriptional remodeling. These resistance mechanisms can be profiled using tissue-based and plasma-based testing and help to inform clinical trial options for patients. We conclude with a discussion of research informing ongoing clinical trials to rationally test promising treatments to thwart or overcome resistance to KRASG12C inhibitors and target other KRAS-altered lung cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Luo
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jonathan Ostrem
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Bruna Pellini
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Denis Imbody
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Yaakov Stern
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Hitendra S Solanki
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Eric B Haura
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Liza C Villaruz
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA
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47
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Simanshu DK, Morrison DK. A Structure is Worth a Thousand Words: New Insights for RAS and RAF Regulation. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:899-912. [PMID: 35046094 PMCID: PMC8983508 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The RAS GTPases are frequently mutated in human cancer, with KRAS being the predominant tumor driver. For many years, it has been known that the structure and function of RAS are integrally linked, as structural changes induced by GTP binding or mutational events determine the ability of RAS to interact with regulators and effectors. Recently, a wealth of information has emerged from structures of specific KRAS mutants and from structures of multiprotein complexes containing RAS and/or RAF, an essential effector of RAS. These structures provide key insights regarding RAS and RAF regulation as well as promising new strategies for therapeutic intervention. SIGNIFICANCE The RAS GTPases are major drivers of tumorigenesis, and for RAS proteins to exert their full oncogenic potential, they must interact with the RAF kinases to initiate ERK cascade signaling. Although binding to RAS is typically a prerequisite for RAF to become an activated kinase, determining the molecular mechanisms by which this interaction results in RAF activation has been a challenging task. A major advance in understanding this process and RAF regulation has come from recent structural studies of various RAS and RAF multiprotein signaling complexes, revealing new avenues for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhirendra K. Simanshu
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland
| | - Deborah K. Morrison
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
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48
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Structural insights into the BRAF monomer-to-dimer transition mediated by RAS binding. Nat Commun 2022; 13:486. [PMID: 35078985 PMCID: PMC8789793 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28084-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RAF kinases are essential effectors of RAS, but how RAS binding initiates the conformational changes needed for autoinhibited RAF monomers to form active dimers has remained unclear. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of full-length BRAF complexes derived from mammalian cells: autoinhibited, monomeric BRAF:14-3-32:MEK and BRAF:14-3-32 complexes, and an inhibitor-bound, dimeric BRAF2:14-3-32 complex, at 3.7, 4.1, and 3.9 Å resolution, respectively. In both autoinhibited, monomeric structures, the RAS binding domain (RBD) of BRAF is resolved, revealing that the RBD forms an extensive contact interface with the 14-3-3 protomer bound to the BRAF C-terminal site and that key basic residues required for RBD-RAS binding are exposed. Moreover, through structure-guided mutational studies, our findings indicate that RAS-RAF binding is a dynamic process and that RBD residues at the center of the RBD:14-3-3 interface have a dual function, first contributing to RAF autoinhibition and then to the full spectrum of RAS-RBD interactions. RAF kinases are essential for RAS protein signalling but how RAS binding regulates dimerization and activation of RAF has remained unclear. Here, the authors report cryoEM structures that provide mechanistic insights into the RAS-mediated monomer-to-dimer transition of full-length BRAF.
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Discovery of spiro amide SHR902275: A potent, selective, and efficacious RAF inhibitor targeting RAS mutant cancers. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 228:114040. [PMID: 34906761 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway plays a key role to regulate multiple cellular functions. Acquired resistance to the first-generation RAF inhibitors that only targeted the bRAFV600E mutation prompted the need for a new generation of RAF inhibitors to target cancers bearing mutant RAS and wild type RAF activity by inhibition of paradoxical activation. Starting from the company's previously reported RAF inhibitor 1, extensive drug potency and drug-like properties optimizations led to the discovery of molecule 33 (SHR902275) with greatly improved in vitro potency and solubility. Molecule 33 exhibited good DMPK (Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics) properties, excellent permeability, and outstanding mouse/rat oral PK. It was further evaluated in an in vivo RAS mutant Calu6 xenograft mouse model and demonstrated dose dependent efficacy. To achieve high exposure in a toxicity study, pro-drug 48 was also explored.
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50
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Hou P, Wang YA. Conquering oncogenic KRAS and its bypass mechanisms. Theranostics 2022; 12:5691-5709. [PMID: 35966590 PMCID: PMC9373815 DOI: 10.7150/thno.71260] [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: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of KRAS signaling is common in cancer, which has catalyzed heroic drug development efforts to target KRAS directly or its downstream signaling effectors. Recent works have yielded novel small molecule drugs with promising preclinical and clinical activities. Yet, no matter how a cancer is addicted to a specific target - cancer's genetic and biological plasticity fashions a variety of resistance mechanisms as a fait accompli, limiting clinical benefit of targeted interventions. Knowledge of these mechanisms may inform combination strategies to attack both oncogenic KRAS and subsequent bypass mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Hou
- Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA.,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA.,Lead contact
| | - Y Alan Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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