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Briseño-Díaz P, Schnoor M, Bello-Ramirez M, Correa-Basurto J, Rojo-Domínguez A, Arregui L, Vega L, Núñez-González E, Palau-Hernández LA, Parra-Torres CG, García Córdova OM, Zepeda-Castilla E, Torices-Escalante E, Domínguez-Camacho L, Xoconostle-Cazares B, Meraz-Ríos MA, Delfín-Azuara S, Carrión-Estrada DA, Villegas-Sepúlveda N, Hernández-Rivas R, Thompson-Bonilla MDR, Vargas M. Synergistic effect of antagonists to KRas4B/PDE6 molecular complex in pancreatic cancer. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302019. [PMID: 37813486 PMCID: PMC10561825 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has the worst prognosis among all human cancers as it is highly resistant to chemotherapy. K-Ras mutations usually trigger the development and progression of PDAC. We hypothesized that compounds stabilizing the KRas4B/PDE6δ complex could serve as PDAC treatments. Using in silico approaches, we identified the small molecules C14 and P8 that reduced K-Ras activation in primary PDAC cells. Importantly, C14 and P8 significantly prevented tumor growth in patient-derived xenotransplants. Combined treatment with C14 and P8 strongly increased cytotoxicity in PDAC cell lines and primary cultures and showed strong synergistic antineoplastic effects in preclinical murine PDAC models that were superior to conventional therapeutics without causing side effects. Mechanistically, C14 and P8 reduced tumor growth by inhibiting AKT and ERK signaling downstream of K-RAS leading to apoptosis, specifically in PDAC cells. Thus, combined treatment with C14 and P8 may be a superior pharmaceutical strategy to improve the outcome of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Briseño-Díaz
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
| | - Michael Schnoor
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
| | - Martiniano Bello-Ramirez
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Design of the Higher School of Medicine, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jose Correa-Basurto
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Design of the Higher School of Medicine, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arturo Rojo-Domínguez
- Department of Natural Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leticia Arregui
- Department of Natural Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Libia Vega
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Toxicology Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Enrique Núñez-González
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Hospital 1 de Octubre, ISSSTE, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Ernesto Zepeda-Castilla
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Hospital 1 de Octubre, ISSSTE, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Torices-Escalante
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Hospital 1 de Octubre, ISSSTE, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leticia Domínguez-Camacho
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Hospital 1 de Octubre, ISSSTE, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Beatriz Xoconostle-Cazares
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Biotechnology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
| | - Marco Antonio Meraz-Ríos
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
| | - Sandra Delfín-Azuara
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
| | - Dayan Andrea Carrión-Estrada
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
| | - Nicolas Villegas-Sepúlveda
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
| | - Rosaura Hernández-Rivas
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
| | | | - Miguel Vargas
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
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Roet S, Hooft F, Bolhuis PG, Swenson DWH, Vreede J. Path Sampling Simulations Reveal How the Q61L Mutation Alters the Dynamics of KRas. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:10034-10044. [PMID: 36427204 PMCID: PMC9743084 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c06235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Flexibility is essential for many proteins to function, but can be difficult to characterize. Experiments lack resolution in space and time, while the time scales involved are prohibitively long for straightforward molecular dynamics simulations. In this work, we present a multiple state transition path sampling simulation study of a protein that has been notoriously difficult to characterize in its active state. The GTPase enzyme KRas is a signal transduction protein in pathways for cell differentiation, growth, and division. When active, KRas tightly binds guanosine triphosphate (GTP) in a rigid state. The protein-GTP complex can also visit more flexible states, in which it is not active. KRas mutations can affect the conversion between these rigid and flexible states, thus prolonging the activation of signal transduction pathways, which may result in tumor formation. In this work, we apply path sampling simulations to investigate the dynamic behavior of KRas-4B (wild type, WT) and the oncogenic mutant Q61L (Q61L). Our results show that KRas visits several conformational states, which are the same for WT and Q61L. The multiple state transition path sampling (MSTPS) method samples transitions between the different states in a single calculation. Tracking which transitions occur shows large differences between WT and Q61L. The MSTPS results further reveal that for Q61L, a route to a more flexible state is inaccessible, thus shifting the equilibrium to more rigid states. The methodology presented here enables a detailed characterization of protein flexibility on time scales not accessible with brute-force molecular dynamics simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Roet
- Van’t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University
of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XHAmsterdam, The Netherlands,Department
of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science
and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ferry Hooft
- Van’t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University
of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XHAmsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter G. Bolhuis
- Van’t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University
of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XHAmsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David W. H. Swenson
- Van’t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University
of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XHAmsterdam, The Netherlands,Laboratoire
de Physique and Centre Blaise Pascal, CNRS, Univ Lyon, ENS de Lyon, Univ Claude Bernard, 69007Lyon, France
| | - Jocelyne Vreede
- Van’t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University
of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XHAmsterdam, The Netherlands,
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3
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Klimpel A, Stillger K, Wiederstein JL, Krüger M, Neundorf I. Cell-permeable CaaX-peptides affect K-Ras downstream signaling and promote cell death in cancer cells. FEBS J 2020; 288:2911-2929. [PMID: 33112492 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cysteine prenylation is a post-translational modification that is used by nature to control crucial biological functions of proteins, such as membrane trafficking, signal transduction, and apoptosis. It mainly occurs in eukaryotic proteins at a C-terminal CaaX box and is mediated by prenyltransferases. Since the discovery of prenylated proteins, various tools have been developed to study the mechanisms of prenyltransferases, as well as to visualize and to identify prenylated proteins. Herein, we introduce cell-permeable peptides bearing a C-terminal CaaX motif based on Ras sequences. We demonstrate that intracellular accumulation of those peptides in different cells is controlled by the presence of their CaaX motif and that they specifically interact with intracellular prenyltransferases. As proof of concept, we further highlight their utilization to alter downstream signaling of Ras proteins, particularly of K-Ras-4B, in pancreatic cancer cells. Application of this strategy holds great promise to better understand and regulate post-translational cysteine prenylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Klimpel
- Institute for Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Janica L Wiederstein
- Institute for Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Institute for Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Ines Neundorf
- Institute for Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Germany
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Adeniji EA, Olotu FA, Soliman MES. Exploring the Lapse in Druggability: Sequence Analysis, Structural Dynamics and Binding Site Characterization of K-RasG12C Variant, a Feasible Oncotherapeutics Target. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2019; 18:1540-1550. [PMID: 30019652 DOI: 10.2174/1871520618666180718110231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The difficulty in druggability of K-Ras variant has presented a challenge in the treatment of cancer diseases associated with its dysfunctionality. Despite the identification of different binding sites, limited information exists in the literature about their characteristics. Therefore, identification, crossvalidation and characterization of its druggable sites would aid the design of chemical compounds that will arrest its dysfunctionality related oncogenesis. OBJECTIVE This study entails the identification, cross-validation and characterization of K-Ras G12C variant's binding sites for potential druggability, coupled with the elucidation of alterations in 3D conformations and dynamics. METHOD Molecular dynamics simulation was carried out on the inactive, the active and the hyperactive K-RasG12Cvariant using the amber software package. The SiteMap software was employed in identifying and characterizing the druggable binding sites while the validation of the binding sites was carried out with the SiteHound and MetaPocket servers. RESULTS Four druggable binding sites were identified, validated and characterized based on physicochemical attributes such as size, volume, degree of enclosure or exposure, degree of contact, hydrophobic/hydrophilic character, hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance and hydrogen-bonding features. Conformational studies also revealed that the K-Ras variant exhibited notable structural instability, increased flexibility and a strongly anticorrelated movement compared to the inactive and active wildtype forms. CONCLUSION The attributes of the characterized druggable sites will be useful in designing site-specific K-Ras inhibitors for the treatment of K-Ras variant associated cancer diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel A Adeniji
- Molecular Bio-Computation and Drug Design Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Fisayo A Olotu
- Molecular Bio-Computation and Drug Design Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Mahmoud E S Soliman
- Molecular Bio-Computation and Drug Design Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
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5
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Abstract
Chemotherapy is an important part of multimodality pancreatic cancer treatment. After curative resection, adjuvant chemotherapy can significantly improve disease free survival and overall survival. The current standard of care is six months adjuvant chemotherapy with modified folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan and oxaliplatin (mFOLFIRINOX) in patients fit enough for this protocol, otherwise six months of gemcitabine and capecitabine based on the European Study Group for Pancreatic Cancer (ESPAC)-4 study. In patients with metastatic disease, combination chemotherapy according to the FOLFIRINOX protocol or with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel is an important improvement to gemcitabine monotherapy that was the standard for many years. Patients not fit for combination chemotherapy however may still benefit from gemcitabine. Patients with good performance status may benefit from second-line chemotherapy. Chemoradiation has long been used in locally advanced pancreatic cancer but is now tempered following the LAP07 study. This trial showed no difference in overall survival in those patients with stable disease after four months of gemcitabine (with or without erlotinib) randomized to either continuation of gemcitabine therapy or chemoradiation (54Gy with capecitabine). As an alternative to radiation, other forms local therapies including radiofrequency ablation, irreversible electroporation, high-intensity focused ultrasound, microwave ablation and local anti-KRAS therapy (using siG12D-LODER) are currently under investigation. Given the systemic nature of pancreas cancer from an early stage, the success of any local approach other than complete surgical resection (with adjuvant systemic therapy) is likely to be very limited. In patients with locally advanced, irresectable cancer, chemotherapy may offer the chance for secondary resection with a survival similar to patients with primary resectable disease. Downstaging regimens need to be evaluated in prospective randomized trials in order to make firm recommendations. Selection of patient groups for specific therapy including cytotoxics is becoming a reality using assays based on drug cellular transport and metabolism, and molecular signatures. Going forward, high throughput screening of different chemotherapy agents using molecular signatures based on patients' derived organoids holds considerable promise.
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6
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Roskoski R. Targeting ERK1/2 protein-serine/threonine kinases in human cancers. Pharmacol Res 2019; 142:151-168. [PMID: 30794926 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
ERK1 and ERK2 are key protein kinases that contribute to the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK MAP kinase signalling module. This pathway participates in the control of numerous processes including apoptosis, cell proliferation, the immune response, nervous system function, and RNA synthesis and processing. MEK1/2 activate human ERK1/2 by first catalyzing the phosphorylation of Y204/187 and then T202/185, both residues of which occur within the activation segment. The phosphorylation of both residues is required for enzyme activation. The only Raf substrates are MEK1/2 and the only MEK1/2 substrates are ERK1/2. In contrast, ERK1/2 catalyze the phosphorylation of many cytoplasmic and nuclear substrates including transcription factors and regulatory molecules. The linear MAP kinase pathway branches extensively at the ERK1/2 node. ERK1/2 are proline-directed kinases that preferentially catalyze the phosphorylation of substrates containing a PxS/TP sequence. The dephosphorylation and inactivation of ERK1/2 is catalyzed by dual specificity phosphatases, protein-tyrosine specific phosphatases, and protein-serine/threonine phosphatases. The combined functions of kinases and phosphatases make the overall process reversible. To provide an idea of the complexities involved in these reactions, somatic cell cycle progression involves the strict timing of more than 32,000 phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events as determined by mass spectrometry. The MAP kinase cascade is perhaps the most important oncogenic driver of human cancers and the blockade of this signalling module by targeted inhibitors is an important anti-tumor strategy. Although numerous cancers are driven by MAP kinase pathway activation, thus far the only orally effective approved drugs that target this signaling module are used for the treatment of BRAF-mutant melanomas. The best treatments include the combination of B-Raf and MEK inhibitors (dabrafenib and trametinib, encorafenib and binimetinib, vemurafenib and cobimetanib). However, resistance to these antagonists occurs within one year and additional treatment options are necessary. Owing to the large variety of malignancies that are driven by dysregulation of the MAP kinase pathway, additional tumor types should be amenable to MAP kinase pathway inhibitor therapy. In addition to new B-Raf and MEK inhibitors, the addition of ERK inhibitors should prove helpful. Ulixertinib, MK-8353, and GDC-0994 are orally effective, potent, and specific inhibitors of ERK1/2 that are in early clinical trials for the treatment of various advanced/metastatic solid tumors. These agents are effective against cell lines that are resistant to B-Raf and MEK1/2 inhibitor therapy. Although MK-8353 does not directly inhibit MEK1/2, it decreases the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 as well as the phosphorylation of RSK, an ERK1/2 substrate. The decrease in RSK phosphorylation appears to be a result of ERK inhibition and the decrease in ERK1/2 phosphorylation is related to the inability of MEK to catalyze the phosphorylation of the ERK-MK-8353 complex; these decreases characterize the ERK dual mechanism inhibition paradigm. Additional work will be required to determine whether ERK inhibitors will be successful in the clinic and are able to forestall the development of drug resistance of the MAP kinase pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Roskoski
- Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, 3754 Brevard Road, Suite 116, Box 19, Horse Shoe, NC, 28742-8814, United States.
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7
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Pierro C, Zhang X, Kankeu C, Trebak M, Bootman MD, Roderick HL. Oncogenic KRAS suppresses store-operated Ca 2+ entry and I CRAC through ERK pathway-dependent remodelling of STIM expression in colorectal cancer cell lines. Cell Calcium 2018; 72:70-80. [PMID: 29748135 PMCID: PMC6291847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The KRAS GTPase plays a fundamental role in transducing signals from plasma membrane growth factor receptors to downstream signalling pathways controlling cell proliferation, survival and migration. Activating KRAS mutations are found in 20% of all cancers and in up to 40% of colorectal cancers, where they contribute to dysregulation of cell processes underlying oncogenic transformation. Multiple KRAS-regulated cell functions are also influenced by changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels that are concurrently modified by receptor signalling pathways. Suppression of intracellular Ca2+ release mechanisms can confer a survival advantage in cancer cells, and changes in Ca2+ entry across the plasma membrane modulate cell migration and proliferation. However, inconsistent remodelling of Ca2+ influx and its signalling role has been reported in studies of transformed cells. To isolate the interaction between altered Ca2+ handling and mutated KRAS in colorectal cancer, we have previously employed isogenic cell line pairs, differing by the presence of an oncogenic KRAS allele (encoding KRASG13D), and have shown that reduced Ca2+ release from the ER and mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake contributes to the survival advantage conferred by oncogenic KRAS. Here we show in the same cell lines, that Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry (SOCE) and its underlying current, ICRAC are under the influence of KRASG13D. Specifically, deletion of the oncogenic KRAS allele resulted in enhanced STIM1 expression and greater Ca2+ influx. Consistent with the role of KRAS in the activation of the ERK pathway, MEK inhibition in cells with KRASG13D resulted in increased STIM1 expression. Further, ectopic expression of STIM1 in HCT 116 cells (which express KRASG13D) rescued SOCE, demonstrating a fundamental role of STIM1 in suppression of Ca2+ entry downstream of KRASG13D. These results add to the understanding of how ERK controls cancer cell physiology and highlight STIM1 as an important biomarker in cancerogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pierro
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Previously at Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Xuexin Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey PA 17033, United States
| | - Cynthia Kankeu
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mohamed Trebak
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey PA 17033, United States
| | - Martin D Bootman
- Previously at Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK; School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, UK
| | - H Llewelyn Roderick
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Previously at Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK.
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Lemstrova R, Brynychova V, Hughes DJ, Hlavac V, Dvorak P, Doherty JE, Murray HA, Crockard M, Oliverius M, Hlavsa J, Honsova E, Mazanec J, Kala Z, Lovecek M, Havlik R, Ehrmann J, Strouhal O, Soucek P, Melichar B, Mohelnikova-Duchonova B. Dysregulation of KRAS signaling in pancreatic cancer is not associated with KRAS mutations and outcome. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:5980-5988. [PMID: 29113235 PMCID: PMC5661609 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a tumor with a poor prognosis, and no targeted therapy is currently available. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic significance of the expression of V-Ki-ras2 Κirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), downstream signaling pathway genes and the association with clinical characteristics in PDAC patients undergoing radical surgery. Tumors and adjacent non-neoplastic pancreatic tissues were examined in 45 patients with histologically verified PDAC. KRAS and B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) gene mutation analysis was performed using the KRAS/BRAF/phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α array. The transcript profile of 52 KRAS downstream signaling pathway genes was assessed using quantitative-polymerase chain reaction. KRAS mutation was detected in 80% of cases. The genes of four signaling pathways downstream of KRAS, including the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1/V-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1, RAL guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Ras and Rab interactor 1/ABL proto-oncogene-1, non-receptor tyrosine kinase, and RAF proto-oncogene serine/threonine-protein kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, exhibited differential expression in PDAC compared with that in the adjacent normal tissues. However, no significant differences in expression were evident between patients with KRAS-mutated and wild-type tumors. The expression of KRAS downstream signaling pathways genes did not correlate with angioinvasion, perineural invasion, grade or presence of lymph node metastasis. Additionally, the presence of KRAS mutations was not associated with overall survival. Among the KRAS downstream effective signaling pathways molecules investigated, only v-raf-1 murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1 expression was predictive of prognosis. Overall, KRAS mutation is present in the majority of cases of PDAC, but is not associated with changes in the expression of KRAS downstream signaling pathways and the clinical outcome. This may partly explain the failure of KRAS-targeted therapies in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radmila Lemstrova
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, 771 47 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Brynychova
- Department of Toxicogenomics, National Institute of Public Health, 100 42 Prague, Czech Republic.,Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, 323 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - David J Hughes
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland
| | - Viktor Hlavac
- Department of Toxicogenomics, National Institute of Public Health, 100 42 Prague, Czech Republic.,Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, 323 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Dvorak
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | | | - Helena A Murray
- Randox Laboratories Ltd., Crumlin, BT29 4QY, Northern Ireland
| | - Martin Crockard
- Randox Laboratories Ltd., Crumlin, BT29 4QY, Northern Ireland
| | - Martin Oliverius
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 140 21 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Hlavsa
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Honsova
- Department of Clinical and Transplantation Pathology, Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 140 21 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Mazanec
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Kala
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Lovecek
- Department of Surgery I, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, 771 47 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Havlik
- Department of Surgery I, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, 771 47 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Ehrmann
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology and Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, 771 47 Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Strouhal
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, 771 47 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Soucek
- Department of Toxicogenomics, National Institute of Public Health, 100 42 Prague, Czech Republic.,Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, 323 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Bohuslav Melichar
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, 771 47 Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Beatrice Mohelnikova-Duchonova
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, 771 47 Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Department of Toxicogenomics, National Institute of Public Health, 100 42 Prague, Czech Republic
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