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Pepanian A, Binbay FA, Pei D, Imhof D. Design, synthesis, and analysis of macrobicyclic peptides for targeting the Gαi protein. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3565. [PMID: 38232955 PMCID: PMC11065574 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3565] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Bicyclic peptides are important chemical tools that can function, for example, as bioactive ligands switching on/off signaling pathways mediated by guanine nucleotide-binding proteins as bicycles are more broadly applicable. Despite their relevance in medicinal chemistry, the synthesis of such peptides is challenging, and the final yield is highly dependent on the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of the scaffold. We recently discovered novel, state-specific peptide modulators targeting the Gαi protein, namely, GPM-2/GPM-3, by screening a one-bead-two-compound combinatorial library. A more detailed analysis, including sequence alignments and computer-assisted conformational studies based on the hit compounds, revealed the new peptide 10 as a potential macrobicyclic Gαi ligand sharing high sequence similarity to the known Gαi modulators. The Gαs protein was included in this study for comparison and to unravel the criteria for the specificity of modulator binding to Gαi versus Gαs. This work provides in-depth computer-assisted experimental studies for the analysis of novel macrobicyclic, library-derived Gαi protein ligands. The sequence and structural comparison of 10 with the lead compounds GPM-2 and GPM-3 reveals the importance of the size and amino acid composition of one ring of the bicyclic system and suggests features enhancing the binding affinity of the peptides to the Gαi protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pepanian
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - F. Ayberk Binbay
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 578 Biological Sciences Building, 484 W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Diana Imhof
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
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2
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Pepanian A, Binbay FA, Roy S, Nubbemeyer B, Koley A, Rhodes CA, Ammer H, Pei D, Ghosh P, Imhof D. Bicyclic Peptide Library Screening for the Identification of Gαi Protein Modulators. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12396-12406. [PMID: 37587416 PMCID: PMC11000586 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00873] [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: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Noncanonical G protein activation and inactivation, particularly for the Gαi/s protein subfamilies, have long been a focus of chemical research. Combinatorial libraries were already effectively applied to identify modulators of the guanine-nucleotide exchange, as can be exemplified with peptides such as KB-752 and GPM-1c/d, the so-called guanine-nucleotide exchange modulators. In this study, we identified novel bicyclic peptides from a combinatorial library screening that show prominent properties as molecular switch-on/off modulators of Gαi signaling. Among the series of hits, the exceptional paradigm of GPM-3, a protein and state-specific bicyclic peptide, is the first chemically identified GAP (GTPase-activating protein) modulator with a high binding affinity for Gαi protein. Computational analyses identified and assessed the structure of the bicyclic peptides, novel ligand-protein interaction sites, and their subsequent impact on the nucleotide binding site. This approach can therefore lead the way for the development of efficient chemical biological probes targeting Gαi protein modulation within a cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pepanian
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Furkan Ayberk Binbay
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Suchismita Roy
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Britta Nubbemeyer
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Amritendu Koley
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 578 Biological Sciences Building, 484 W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Curran A. Rhodes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 578 Biological Sciences Building, 484 W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hermann Ammer
- Institute of Pharmacology Toxicology and Pharmacy, Veterinary Faculty, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Königinstr. 16, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 578 Biological Sciences Building, 484 W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Pradipta Ghosh
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Diana Imhof
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
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3
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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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4
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Pei D. Designing Cell-Permeable Peptide Therapeutics That Enter the Cell by Endocytosis. ACS SYMPOSIUM SERIES. AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2022; 1417:179-197. [PMID: 37621949 PMCID: PMC10448808 DOI: 10.1021/bk-2022-1417.ch007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs) represent a large class of exciting as well as challenging drug targets for traditional drug modalities (i.e., small molecules and biologics). Peptides (especially cyclic peptides) have proven highly effective as PPI inhibitors in vitro but are generally impermeable to the cell membrane. The recent discovery of a family of highly active cyclic cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) has enabled the delivery of peptides into the cytosol of mammalian cells at therapeutically relevant levels. This chapter describes the various strategies that have been developed to conjugate or integrate different types of peptidyl cargoes (e.g., linear, cyclic, and stapled peptides) with cyclic CPPs to generate cell-permeable, metabolically stable, and biologically active macrocyclic peptides against intracellular targets including PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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5
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Buyanova M, Cai S, Cooper J, Rhodes C, Salim H, Sahni A, Upadhyaya P, Yang R, Sarkar A, Li N, Wang QE, Pei D. Discovery of a Bicyclic Peptidyl Pan-Ras Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13038-13053. [PMID: 34415745 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The Ras subfamily of small GTPases is mutated in ∼30% of human cancers and represents compelling yet challenging anticancer drug targets owing to their flat protein surface. We previously reported a bicyclic peptidyl inhibitor, cyclorasin B3, which binds selectively to Ras-GTP with modest affinity and blocks its interaction with downstream effector proteins in vitro but lacks cell permeability or biological activity. In this study, optimization of B3 yielded a potent pan-Ras inhibitor, cyclorasin B4-27, which binds selectively to the GTP-bound forms of wild-type and mutant Ras isoforms (KD = 21 nM for KRasG12V-GppNHp) and is highly cell-permeable and metabolically stable (serum t1/2 > 24 h). B4-27 inhibits Ras signaling in vitro and in vivo by blocking Ras from interacting with downstream effector proteins and induces apoptosis of Ras-mutant cancer cells. When administered systemically (i.v.), B4-27 suppressed tumor growth in two different mouse xenograft models at 1-5 mg/kg of daily doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Buyanova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Shurui Cai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Jahan Cooper
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Curran Rhodes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Heba Salim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Ashweta Sahni
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Punit Upadhyaya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Amar Sarkar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Na Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Qi-En Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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6
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Abstract
RAS proteins represent critical drivers of tumor development and thus are the focus of intense efforts to pharmacologically inhibit these proteins in human cancer. Although recent success has been attained in developing clinically efficacious inhibitors to KRASG12C, there remains a critical need for developing approaches to inhibit additional mutant RAS proteins. A number of anti-RAS biologics have been developed which reveal novel and potentially therapeutically targetable vulnerabilities in oncogenic RAS. This review will discuss the growing field of anti-RAS biologics and potential development of these reagents into new anti-RAS therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Whaby
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Imran Khan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - John P O'Bryan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States.
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7
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Gorfe AA, Cho KJ. Approaches to inhibiting oncogenic K-Ras. Small GTPases 2021; 12:96-105. [PMID: 31438765 PMCID: PMC7849769 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2019.1655883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating somatic K-Ras mutations are associated with >15% all human tumors and up to 90% of specific tumor types such as pancreatic cancer. Successfully inhibiting abnormal K-Ras signaling would therefore be a game changer in cancer therapy. However, K-Ras has long been considered an undruggable target for various reasons. This view is now changing by the discovery of allosteric inhibitors that directly target K-Ras and inhibit its functions, and by the identification of new mechanisms to dislodge it from the plasma membrane and thereby abrogate its cellular activities. In this review, we will discuss recent progresses and challenges to inhibiting aberrant K-Ras functions by these two approaches. We will also provide a broad overview of other approaches such as inhibition of K-Ras effectors, and offer a brief perspective on the way forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alemayehu A. Gorfe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Programs of Biochemistry & Cell and Therapeutics & Pharmacology, MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kwang-Jin Cho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
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8
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Small and Simple, yet Sturdy: Conformationally Constrained Peptides with Remarkable Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041611. [PMID: 33562633 PMCID: PMC7915549 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The sheer size and vast chemical space (i.e., diverse repertoire and spatial distribution of functional groups) underlie peptides’ ability to engage in specific interactions with targets of various structures. However, the inherent flexibility of the peptide chain negatively affects binding affinity and metabolic stability, thereby severely limiting the use of peptides as medicines. Imposing conformational constraints to the peptide chain offers to solve these problems but typically requires laborious structure optimization. Alternatively, libraries of constrained peptides with randomized modules can be screened for specific functions. Here, we present the properties of conformationally constrained peptides and review rigidification chemistries/strategies, as well as synthetic and enzymatic methods of producing macrocyclic peptides. Furthermore, we discuss the in vitro molecular evolution methods for the development of constrained peptides with pre-defined functions. Finally, we briefly present applications of selected constrained peptides to illustrate their exceptional properties as drug candidates, molecular recognition probes, and minimalist catalysts.
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9
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How to make an undruggable enzyme druggable: lessons from ras proteins. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2020. [PMID: 32951811 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Significant advances have been made toward discovering allosteric inhibitors for challenging drug targets such as the Ras family of membrane-associated signaling proteins. Malfunction of Ras proteins due to somatic mutations is associated with up to a quarter of all human cancers. Computational techniques have played critical roles in identifying and characterizing allosteric ligand-binding sites on these proteins, and to screen ligand libraries against those sites. These efforts, combined with a wide range of biophysical, structural, biochemical and cell biological experiments, are beginning to yield promising inhibitors to treat malignancies associated with mutated Ras proteins. In this chapter, we discuss some of these developments and how the lessons learned from Ras might be applied to similar other challenging drug targets.
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10
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helen R. Mott
- Department of Biochemistry University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Darerca Owen
- Department of Biochemistry University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
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11
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Ahangarzadeh S, Kanafi MM, Hosseinzadeh S, Mokhtarzadeh A, Barati M, Ranjbari J, Tayebi L. Bicyclic peptides: types, synthesis and applications. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:1311-1319. [PMID: 31102732 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Bicyclic peptides form one of the most promising platforms for drug development owing to their biocompatibility, similarity and chemical diversity to proteins, and they are considered as a possible practical tool in various therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Bicyclic peptides are known to have the capability of being employed as an effective alternative to complex molecules, such as antibodies, or small molecules. This review provides a summary of the recent progress on the types, synthesis and applications of bicyclic peptides. More specifically, natural and synthetic bicyclic peptides are introduced with their different production methods and relevant applications, including drug targeting, imaging and diagnosis. Their uses as antimicrobial agents, as well as the therapeutic functions of different bicyclic peptides, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrzad Ahangarzadeh
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad M Kanafi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Simzar Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahmood Barati
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Ranjbari
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Lobat Tayebi
- Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA.
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12
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McCarthy M, Pagba CV, Prakash P, Naji AK, van der Hoeven D, Liang H, Gupta AK, Zhou Y, Cho KJ, Hancock JF, Gorfe AA. Discovery of High-Affinity Noncovalent Allosteric KRAS Inhibitors That Disrupt Effector Binding. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:2921-2930. [PMID: 30842983 PMCID: PMC6396121 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b03308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 15% of all human tumors harbor mutant KRAS, a membrane-associated small GTPase and notorious oncogene. Mutations that render KRAS constitutively active will lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer. However, despite aggressive efforts in recent years, there are no drugs on the market that directly target KRAS and inhibit its aberrant functions. In the current work, we combined structure-based design with a battery of cell and biophysical assays to discover a novel pyrazolopyrimidine-based allosteric KRAS inhibitor that binds to activated KRAS with sub-micromolar affinity and disrupts effector binding, thereby inhibiting KRAS signaling and cancer cell growth. These results show that pyrazolopyrimidine-based compounds may represent a first-in-class allosteric noncovalent inhibitors of KRAS. Moreover, by studying two of its analogues, we identified key chemical features of the compound that interact with a set of specific residues at the switch regions of KRAS and play critical roles for its high-affinity binding and unique mode of action, thus providing a blueprint for future optimization efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael
J. McCarthy
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Biochemistry
and Cell Biology Program, UTHealth MD Anderson
Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Cynthia V. Pagba
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Priyanka Prakash
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Ali K. Naji
- Department
of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Cambridge Street, Houston, Texas 7500, United States
| | - Dharini van der Hoeven
- Department
of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Cambridge Street, Houston, Texas 7500, United States
| | - Hong Liang
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Amit K. Gupta
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Yong Zhou
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Biochemistry
and Cell Biology Program, UTHealth MD Anderson
Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Kwang-Jin Cho
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 45435, United States
| | - John F. Hancock
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Biochemistry
and Cell Biology Program, UTHealth MD Anderson
Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Alemayehu A. Gorfe
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Biochemistry
and Cell Biology Program, UTHealth MD Anderson
Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- E-mail: (A.A.G.)
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13
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Parker JA, Mattos C. The K-Ras, N-Ras, and H-Ras Isoforms: Unique Conformational Preferences and Implications for Targeting Oncogenic Mutants. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2018; 8:cshperspect.a031427. [PMID: 29038336 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a031427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Ras controls a multitude of cellular signaling processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Deregulation of Ras cycling often promotes tumorigenesis and various other developmental disorders, termed RASopothies. Although the structure of Ras has been known for many decades, it is still one of the most highly sought-after drug targets today, and is often referred to as "undruggable." At the center of this paradoxical protein is a lack of understanding of fundamental differences in the G domains between the highly similar Ras isoforms and common oncogenic mutations, despite the immense wealth of knowledge accumulated about this protein to date. A shift in the field during the past few years toward a high-resolution understanding of the structure confirms the hypothesis that each isoform and oncogenic mutation must be considered individually, and that not all Ras mutations are created equal. For the first time in Ras history, we have the ability to directly compare the structures of each wild-type isoform to construct a "base-line" understanding, which can then be used as a springboard for analyzing the effects of oncogenic mutations on the structure-function relationship in Ras. This is a fundamental and large step toward the goal of developing personalized therapies for patients with Ras-driven cancers and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian A Parker
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Carla Mattos
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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14
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Abstract
Activating Ras mutations are associated with ∼30% of all human cancers and the four Ras isoforms are highly attractive targets for anticancer drug discovery. However, Ras proteins are challenging targets for conventional drug discovery because they function through intracellular protein-protein interactions and their surfaces lack major pockets for small molecules to bind. Over the past few years, researchers have explored a variety of approaches and modalities, with the aim of specifically targeting oncogenic Ras mutants for anticancer treatment. This perspective will provide an overview of the efforts on developing "macromolecular" inhibitors against Ras proteins, including peptides, macrocycles, antibodies, nonimmunoglobulin proteins, and nucleic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Kuangyu Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Hui Liao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
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15
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Mott HR, Owen D. Bioblockades join the assault on small G protein signalling. Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 54:149-161. [PMID: 29307570 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of Ras signalling has been a goal almost since its central role in cell signalling and its deregulation in disease were discovered. Early attempts at inhibiting its post-translational modification using peptidomimetics were successful in cell culture but failed spectacularly in clinical trials, making industry wary of targeting this critical oncoprotein. Small molecule inhibition of the protein-protein interactions involving Ras has also been difficult due to the nature of the interaction interface. Recent improvements in design, synthesis and selection of stabilised peptides, peptidomimetics and macrocycles have suggested that these biologics may represent a new hope in Ras inhibition. Here we review the various ways in which Ras has been targeted with these molecules. We also describe work on related small G proteins of the Ras superfamily, since many of the principles may be applicable to Ras, and these also provide inhibition of pathways downstream of Ras.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen R Mott
- Department of Biochemistry, 80, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK.
| | - Darerca Owen
- Department of Biochemistry, 80, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK.
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16
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Rhodes CA, Pei D. Bicyclic Peptides as Next-Generation Therapeutics. Chemistry 2017; 23:12690-12703. [PMID: 28590540 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201702117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bicyclic peptides have greater conformational rigidity and metabolic stability than linear and monocyclic peptides and are capable of binding to challenging drug targets with antibody-like affinity and specificity. Powerful combinatorial library technologies have recently been developed to rapidly synthesize and screen large bicyclic peptide libraries for ligands against enzymes, receptors, and protein-protein interaction targets. Bicyclic peptides have been developed as potential therapeutics against a wide range of diseases, drug targeting agents, imaging/diagnostic probes, and research tools. In this Minireview, we provide a summary of the recent progresses on the synthesis and applications of bicyclic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curran A Rhodes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
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17
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Macrocycles as protein-protein interaction inhibitors. Biochem J 2017; 474:1109-1125. [PMID: 28298556 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Macrocyclic compounds such as cyclic peptides have emerged as a new and exciting class of drug candidates for inhibition of intracellular protein-protein interactions, which are challenging targets for conventional drug modalities (i.e. small molecules and proteins). Over the past decade, several complementary technologies have been developed to synthesize macrocycle libraries and screen them for binding to therapeutically relevant targets. Two different approaches have also been explored to increase the membrane permeability of cyclic peptides. In this review, we discuss these methods and their applications in the discovery of macrocyclic compounds against protein-protein interactions.
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18
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Lu S, Jang H, Gu S, Zhang J, Nussinov R. Drugging Ras GTPase: a comprehensive mechanistic and signaling structural view. Chem Soc Rev 2016; 45:4929-52. [PMID: 27396271 PMCID: PMC5021603 DOI: 10.1039/c5cs00911a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Ras proteins are small GTPases, cycling between inactive GDP-bound and active GTP-bound states. Through these switches they regulate signaling that controls cell growth and proliferation. Activating Ras mutations are associated with approximately 30% of human cancers, which are frequently resistant to standard therapies. Over the past few years, structural biology and in silico drug design, coupled with improved screening technology, led to a handful of promising inhibitors, raising the possibility of drugging Ras proteins. At the same time, the invariable emergence of drug resistance argues for the critical importance of additionally honing in on signaling pathways which are likely to be involved. Here we overview current advances in Ras structural knowledge, including the conformational dynamic of full-length Ras in solution and at the membrane, therapeutic inhibition of Ras activity by targeting its active site, allosteric sites, and Ras-effector protein-protein interfaces, Ras dimers, the K-Ras4B/calmodulin/PI3Kα trimer, and targeting Ras with siRNA. To mitigate drug resistance, we propose signaling pathways that can be co-targeted along with Ras and explain why. These include pathways leading to the expression (or activation) of YAP1 and c-Myc. We postulate that these and Ras signaling pathways, MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR, act independently and in corresponding ways in cell cycle control. The structural data are instrumental in the discovery and development of Ras inhibitors for treating RAS-driven cancers. Together with the signaling blueprints through which drug resistance can evolve, this review provides a comprehensive and innovative master plan for tackling mutant Ras proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyong Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, U.S.A
| | - Shuo Gu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, U.S.A
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Sackler Institute of Molecular Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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19
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Cromm PM, Spiegel J, Küchler P, Dietrich L, Kriegesmann J, Wendt M, Goody RS, Waldmann H, Grossmann TN. Protease-Resistant and Cell-Permeable Double-Stapled Peptides Targeting the Rab8a GTPase. ACS Chem Biol 2016; 11:2375-82. [PMID: 27336832 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.6b00386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Small GTPases comprise a family of highly relevant targets in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry research and have been considered "undruggable" due to the persisting lack of effective synthetic modulators and suitable binding pockets. As molecular switches, small GTPases control a multitude of pivotal cellular functions, and their dysregulation is associated with many human diseases such as various forms of cancer. Rab-GTPases represent the largest subfamily of small GTPases and are master regulators of vesicular transport interacting with various proteins via flat and extensive protein-protein interactions (PPIs). The only reported synthetic inhibitor of a PPI involving an activated Rab GTPase is the hydrocarbon stapled peptide StRIP3. However, this macrocyclic peptide shows low proteolytic stability and cell permeability. Here, we report the design of a bioavailable StRIP3 analogue that harbors two hydrophobic cross-links and exhibits increased binding affinity, combined with robust cellular uptake and extremely high proteolytic stability. Localization experiments reveal that this double-stapled peptide and its target protein Rab8a accumulate in the same cellular compartments. The reported approach offers a strategy for the implementation of biostability into conformationally constrained peptides while supporting cellular uptake and target affinity, thereby conveying drug-like properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp M. Cromm
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Technische Universität Dortmund, Fakultät
für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jochen Spiegel
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Technische Universität Dortmund, Fakultät
für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Philipp Küchler
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Technische Universität Dortmund, Fakultät
für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Laura Dietrich
- Technische Universität Dortmund, Fakultät
für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Julia Kriegesmann
- Technische Universität Dortmund, Fakultät
für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- VU University Amsterdam, Department of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mathias Wendt
- Technische Universität Dortmund, Fakultät
für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- VU University Amsterdam, Department of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roger S. Goody
- Structural
Biochemistry, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse
11, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Herbert Waldmann
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Technische Universität Dortmund, Fakultät
für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Tom N. Grossmann
- Technische Universität Dortmund, Fakultät
für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- VU University Amsterdam, Department of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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20
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Marcus K, Mattos C. Direct Attack on RAS: Intramolecular Communication and Mutation-Specific Effects. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 21:1810-8. [PMID: 25878362 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-2148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The crystal structure of RAS was first solved 25 years ago. In spite of tremendous and sustained efforts, there are still no drugs in the clinic that directly target this major driver of human cancers. Recent success in the discovery of compounds that bind RAS and inhibit signaling has fueled renewed enthusiasm, and in-depth understanding of the structure and function of RAS has opened new avenues for direct targeting. To succeed, we must focus on the molecular details of the RAS structure and understand at a high-resolution level how the oncogenic mutants impair function. Structural networks of intramolecular communication between the RAS active site and membrane-interacting regions on the G-domain are disrupted in oncogenic mutants. Although conserved across the isoforms, these networks are near hot spots of protein-ligand interactions with amino acid composition that varies among RAS proteins. These differences could have an effect on stabilization of conformational states of interest in attenuating signaling through RAS. The development of strategies to target these novel sites will add a fresh direction in the quest to conquer RAS-driven cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 21(8); 1810-8. ©2015 AACR. See all articles in this CCR Focus section, "Targeting RAS-Driven Cancers."
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra Marcus
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carla Mattos
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts.
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21
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Trinh TB, Upadhyaya P, Qian Z, Pei D. Discovery of a Direct Ras Inhibitor by Screening a Combinatorial Library of Cell-Permeable Bicyclic Peptides. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2016; 18:75-85. [PMID: 26645887 PMCID: PMC4710893 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.5b00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Cyclic
peptides have great potential as therapeutic agents and research tools.
However, their applications against intracellular targets have been
limited, because cyclic peptides are generally impermeable to the
cell membrane. It was previously shown that fusion of cyclic peptides
with a cyclic cell-penetrating peptide resulted in cell-permeable
bicyclic peptides that are proteolytically stable and biologically
active in cellular assays. In this work, we tested the generality
of the bicyclic approach by synthesizing a combinatorial library of
5.7 × 106 bicyclic peptides featuring a degenerate
sequence in the first ring and an invariant cell-penetrating peptide
in the second ring. Screening of the library against oncoprotein K-Ras
G12V followed by hit optimization produced a moderately potent and
cell-permeable K-Ras inhibitor, which physically blocks the Ras-effector
interactions in vitro, inhibits the signaling events downstream of
Ras in cancer cells, and induces apoptosis of the cancer cells. Our
approach should be generally applicable to developing cell-permeable
bicyclic peptide inhibitors against other intracellular proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi B. Trinh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Punit Upadhyaya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Ziqing Qian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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22
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Berlinck RGS, Romminger S. The chemistry and biology of guanidine natural products. Nat Prod Rep 2016; 33:456-90. [DOI: 10.1039/c5np00108k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The present review discusses the isolation, structure determination, synthesis, biosynthesis and biological activities of secondary metabolites bearing a guanidine group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stelamar Romminger
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos
- Universidade de São Paulo
- São Carlos
- Brazil
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23
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Cromm PM, Spiegel J, Grossmann TN, Waldmann H. Direkte Modulation von Aktivität und Funktion kleiner GTPasen. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201504357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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24
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Cromm PM, Spiegel J, Grossmann TN, Waldmann H. Direct Modulation of Small GTPase Activity and Function. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015; 54:13516-37. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201504357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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25
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Upadhyaya P, Qian Z, Selner NG, Clippinger SR, Wu Z, Briesewitz R, Pei D. Inhibition of Ras signaling by blocking Ras-effector interactions with cyclic peptides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015; 54:7602-6. [PMID: 25950772 PMCID: PMC4591930 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201502763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Ras genes are frequently activated in human cancers, but the mutant Ras proteins remain largely "undruggable" through the conventional small-molecule approach owing to the absence of any obvious binding pockets on their surfaces. By screening a combinatorial peptide library, followed by structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis, we discovered a family of cyclic peptides possessing both Ras-binding and cell-penetrating properties. These cell-permeable cyclic peptides inhibit Ras signaling by binding to Ras-GTP and blocking its interaction with downstream proteins and they induce apoptosis of cancer cells. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of developing cyclic peptides for the inhibition of intracellular protein-protein interactions and of direct Ras inhibitors as a novel class of anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Punit Upadhyaya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 (USA)
| | - Ziqing Qian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 (USA)
| | - Nicholas G Selner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 (USA)
| | - Sarah R Clippinger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 (USA)
| | - Zhengrong Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 (USA)
| | - Roger Briesewitz
- Department of Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, 5065 Graves Hall, 333 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 (USA).
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 (USA).
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26
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Upadhyaya P, Qian Z, Selner NG, Clippinger SR, Wu Z, Briesewitz R, Pei D. Inhibition of Ras Signaling by Blocking Ras-Effector Interactions with Cyclic Peptides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201502763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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27
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Prakash P, Hancock JF, Gorfe AA. Binding hotspots on K-ras: consensus ligand binding sites and other reactive regions from probe-based molecular dynamics analysis. Proteins 2015; 83:898-909. [PMID: 25740554 PMCID: PMC4400267 DOI: 10.1002/prot.24786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
We have used probe-based molecular dynamics (pMD) simulations to search for interaction hotspots on the surface of the therapeutically highly relevant oncogenic K-Ras G12D. Combining the probe-based query with an ensemble-based pocket identification scheme and an analysis of existing Ras-ligand complexes, we show that (i) pMD is a robust and cost-effective strategy for binding site identification, (ii) all four of the previously reported ligand binding sites are suitable for structure-based ligand design, and (iii) in some cases probe binding and expanded sampling of configurational space enable pocket expansion and increase the likelihood of site identification. Furthermore, by comparing the distribution of hotspots in nonpocket-like regions with known protein- and membrane-interacting interfaces, we propose that pMD has the potential to predict surface patches responsible for protein-biomolecule interactions. These observations have important implications for future drug design efforts and will facilitate the search for potential interfaces responsible for the proposed transient oligomerization or interaction of Ras with other biomolecules in the cellular milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Prakash
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas 77030
| | - John F. Hancock
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Alemayehu A. Gorfe
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas 77030
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