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Nomura TK, Endo S, Kuwano T, Fukasawa K, Takashima S, Todo T, Furuta K, Yamamoto T, Hinoi E, Koyama H, Honda R. ARL-17477 is a dual inhibitor of NOS1 and the autophagic-lysosomal system that prevents tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10757. [PMID: 37402770 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37797-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
ARL-17477 is a selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) inhibitor that has been used in many preclinical studies since its initial discovery in the 1990s. In the present study, we demonstrate that ARL-17477 exhibits a NOS1-independent pharmacological activity that involves inhibition of the autophagy-lysosomal system and prevents cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Initially, we screened a chemical compound library for potential anticancer agents, and identified ARL-17477 with micromolar anticancer activity against a wide spectrum of cancers, preferentially affecting cancer stem-like cells and KRAS-mutant cancer cells. Interestingly, ARL-17477 also affected NOS1-knockout cells, suggesting the existence of a NOS1-independent anticancer mechanism. Analysis of cell signals and death markers revealed that LC3B-II, p62, and GABARAP-II protein levels were significantly increased by ARL-17477. Furthermore, ARL-17477 had a chemical structure similar to that of chloroquine, suggesting the inhibition of autophagic flux at the level of lysosomal fusion as an underlying anticancer mechanism. Consistently, ARL-17477 induced lysosomal membrane permeabilization, impaired protein aggregate clearance, and activated transcription factor EB and lysosomal biogenesis. Furthermore, in vivo ARL-17477 inhibited the tumor growth of KRAS-mutant cancer. Thus, ARL-17477 is a dual inhibitor of NOS1 and the autophagy-lysosomal system that could potentially be used as a cancer therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teiko Komori Nomura
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Satoshi Endo
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takuma Kuwano
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kazuya Fukasawa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Bioactive Molecules, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shigeo Takashima
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Division of Genomics Research, Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Tomoki Todo
- Division of Innovative Cancer Therapy, Advanced Clinical Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyoji Furuta
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takuhei Yamamoto
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Eiichi Hinoi
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Bioactive Molecules, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hiroko Koyama
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Ryo Honda
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.
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Tomazini A, Shifman JM. Targeting Ras with protein engineering. Oncotarget 2023; 14:672-687. [PMID: 37395750 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras proteins are small GTPases that regulate cell growth and division. Mutations in Ras genes are associated with many types of cancer, making them attractive targets for cancer therapy. Despite extensive efforts, targeting Ras proteins with small molecules has been extremely challenging due to Ras's mostly flat surface and lack of small molecule-binding cavities. These challenges were recently overcome by the development of the first covalent small-molecule anti-Ras drug, sotorasib, highlighting the efficacy of Ras inhibition as a therapeutic strategy. However, this drug exclusively inhibits the Ras G12C mutant, which is not a prevalent mutation in most cancer types. Unlike the G12C variant, other Ras oncogenic mutants lack reactive cysteines, rendering them unsuitable for targeting via the same strategy. Protein engineering has emerged as a promising method to target Ras, as engineered proteins have the ability to recognize various surfaces with high affinity and specificity. Over the past few years, scientists have engineered antibodies, natural Ras effectors, and novel binding domains to bind to Ras and counteract its carcinogenic activities via a variety of strategies. These include inhibiting Ras-effector interactions, disrupting Ras dimerization, interrupting Ras nucleotide exchange, stimulating Ras interaction with tumor suppressor genes, and promoting Ras degradation. In parallel, significant advancements have been made in intracellular protein delivery, enabling the delivery of the engineered anti-Ras agents into the cellular cytoplasm. These advances offer a promising path for targeting Ras proteins and other challenging drug targets, opening up new opportunities for drug discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atilio Tomazini
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Julia M Shifman
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
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Lam KK, Wong SH, Cheah PY. Targeting the 'Undruggable' Driver Protein, KRAS, in Epithelial Cancers: Current Perspective. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040631. [PMID: 36831298 PMCID: PMC9954350 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes recent development in synthetic drugs and biologics targeting intracellular driver genes in epithelial cancers, focusing on KRAS, and provides a current perspective and potential leads for the field. Compared to biologics, small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) readily penetrate cells, thus being able to target intracellular proteins. However, SMIs frequently suffer from pleiotropic effects, off-target cytotoxicity and invariably elicit resistance. In contrast, biologics are much larger molecules limited by cellular entry, but if this is surmounted, they may have more specific effects and less therapy-induced resistance. Exciting breakthroughs in the past two years include engineering of non-covalent KRAS G12D-specific inhibitor, probody bispecific antibodies, drug-peptide conjugate as MHC-restricted neoantigen to prompt immune response by T-cells, and success in the adoptive cell therapy front in both breast and pancreatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuen Kuen Lam
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | | | - Peh Yean Cheah
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Correspondence:
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Li Y, Hu L, Xu C. Kirsten rat sarcoma inhibitors in clinical development against nonsmall cell lung cancer. Curr Opin Oncol 2022; 34:66-76. [PMID: 34690284 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The unique structure made Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) 'undruggable' for quite an extended period. The functional mechanism of this small protein is well illustrated. However, there is no precision medicine for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients burden with KRAS mutation. The attempts made by scientists to make challenge history against KRAS mutation and their druggable targets are worth elucidating. RECENT FINDINGS The appearance of orphan drug AMG510 in the market specifically targeting KRASG12C is a tremendous breakthrough. Several KRAS inhibitors are under development now. More studies focus on combo treatment of KRAS inhibition and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Recent preclinical and clinical investigations have been reported that NSCLC patients with KRAS mutation can benefit from ICIs. SUMMARY The current review elucidates the development of KRAS inhibitors from basic research to clinical precision medicines. We retrospectively analyze the development of KRAS mutation targeting drugs and discuss the investigations for future development of KRAS inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunchang Li
- Integrative Cancer Center and Cancer Clinical Research Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Drosten M, Barbacid M. Targeting KRAS mutant lung cancer: light at the end of the tunnel. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:1057-1071. [PMID: 34951114 PMCID: PMC8895444 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, KRAS mutant lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD) have been refractory to therapeutic strategies based on personalized medicine owing to the complexity of designing inhibitors to selectively target KRAS and downstream targets with acceptable toxicities. The recent development of selective KRASG12C inhibitors represents a landmark after 40 years of intense research efforts since the identification of KRAS as a human oncogene. Here, we discuss the mechanisms responsible for the rapid development of resistance to these inhibitors, as well as potential strategies to overcome this limitation. Other therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibiting KRAS oncogenic signaling by targeting either upstream activators or downstream effectors are also reviewed. Finally, we discuss the effect of targeting the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, both based on the failure of MEK and ERK inhibitors in clinical trials, as well as on the recent identification of RAF1 as a potential target due to its MAPK‐independent activity. These new developments, taken together, are likely to open new avenues to effectively treat KRAS mutant LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Drosten
- Molecular Oncology Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariano Barbacid
- Molecular Oncology Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
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Tang D, Kroemer G, Kang R. Oncogenic KRAS blockade therapy: renewed enthusiasm and persistent challenges. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:128. [PMID: 34607583 PMCID: PMC8489073 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01422-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Across a broad range of human cancers, gain-of-function mutations in RAS genes (HRAS, NRAS, and KRAS) lead to constitutive activity of oncoproteins responsible for tumorigenesis and cancer progression. The targeting of RAS with drugs is challenging because RAS lacks classic and tractable drug binding sites. Over the past 30 years, this perception has led to the pursuit of indirect routes for targeting RAS expression, processing, upstream regulators, or downstream effectors. After the discovery that the KRAS-G12C variant contains a druggable pocket below the switch-II loop region, it has become possible to design irreversible covalent inhibitors for the variant with improved potency, selectivity and bioavailability. Two such inhibitors, sotorasib (AMG 510) and adagrasib (MRTX849), were recently evaluated in phase I-III trials for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with KRAS-G12C mutations, heralding a new era of precision oncology. In this review, we outline the mutations and functions of KRAS in human tumors and then analyze indirect and direct approaches to shut down the oncogenic KRAS network. Specifically, we discuss the mechanistic principles, clinical features, and strategies for overcoming primary or secondary resistance to KRAS-G12C blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daolin Tang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China. .,Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France. .,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France. .,Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France.
| | - Rui Kang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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