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Chippalkatti R, Parisi B, Kouzi F, Laurini C, Ben Fredj N, Abankwa DK. RAS isoform specific activities are disrupted by disease associated mutations during cell differentiation. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151425. [PMID: 38795504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The RAS-MAPK-pathway is aberrantly regulated in cancer and developmental diseases called RASopathies. While typically the impact of Ras on the proliferation of various cancer cell lines is assessed, it is poorly established how Ras affects cellular differentiation. Here we implement the C2C12 myoblast cell line to systematically study the effect of Ras mutants and Ras-pathway drugs on differentiation. We first provide evidence that a minor pool of Pax7+ progenitors replenishes a major pool of transit amplifying cells that are ready to differentiate. Our data indicate that Ras isoforms have distinct roles in the differentiating culture, where K-Ras depletion increases and H-Ras depletion decreases terminal differentiation. This assay could therefore provide significant new insights into Ras biology and Ras-driven diseases. In line with this, we found that all oncogenic Ras mutants block terminal differentiation of transit amplifying cells. By contrast, RASopathy associated K-Ras variants were less able to block differentiation. Profiling of eight targeted Ras-pathway drugs on seven oncogenic Ras mutants revealed their allele-specific activities and distinct abilities to restore normal differentiation as compared to triggering cell death. In particular, the MEK-inhibitor trametinib could broadly restore differentiation, while the mTOR-inhibitor rapamycin broadly suppressed differentiation. We expect that this quantitative assessment of the impact of Ras-pathway mutants and drugs on cellular differentiation has great potential to complement cancer cell proliferation data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Chippalkatti
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Bianca Parisi
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Farah Kouzi
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Christina Laurini
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Nesrine Ben Fredj
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Daniel Kwaku Abankwa
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg.
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2
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Kavgaci G, Dizdar O, Yalcin S. Twelve-month progression-free survival with sotorasib and panitumumab in KRAS G12C mutant metastatic colorectal cancer. Anticancer Drugs 2024; 35:459-461. [PMID: 38451823 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third in global cancer prevalence, with 40% presenting as metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). KRAS mutations in mCRC patients confer resistance to anti-EGFR treatments. Promising inhibitors such as sotorasib and adagrasib targeting KRASG12C mutations have demonstrated efficacy. Herein, we present a heavily pretreated mCRC case with a progression-free survival of 12 months with sotorasib and panitumumab. In 2017, a 27-year-old male presented with abdominal pain and received a diagnosis of stage IIIC KRAS G12C mutant CRC. Following surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, he developed metastases in the liver and lungs in 2020. Treatment with FOLFIRINOX and bevacizumab, and later FOLFIRI and bevacizumab, with surgeries and local interventions resulted in partial responses. Upon disease progression, sotorasib and panitumumab were initiated, achieving a complete metabolic response. After 12 months of progression-free survival, oligoprogressive liver lesions were surgically resected. This case highlights the remarkable outcome of a heavily treated KRAS G12C mutant mCRC patient. The combination of sotorasib and panitumumab, along with multidisciplinary approaches including surgery and local interventions, played an important role in our patient's survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gozde Kavgaci
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
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3
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Gebregiworgis T, Chan JYL, Kuntz DA, Privé GG, Marshall CB, Ikura M. Crystal structure of NRAS Q61K with a ligand-induced pocket near switch II. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151414. [PMID: 38640594 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The RAS isoforms (KRAS, HRAS and NRAS) have distinct cancer type-specific profiles. NRAS mutations are the second most prevalent RAS mutations in skin and hematological malignancies. Although RAS proteins were considered undruggable for decades, isoform and mutation-specific investigations have produced successful RAS inhibitors that are either specific to certain mutants, isoforms (pan-KRAS) or target all RAS proteins (pan-RAS). While extensive structural and biochemical investigations have focused mainly on K- and H-RAS mutations, NRAS mutations have received less attention, and the most prevalent NRAS mutations in human cancers, Q61K and Q61R, are rare in K- and H-RAS. This manuscript presents a crystal structure of the NRAS Q61K mutant in the GTP-bound form. Our structure reveals a previously unseen pocket near switch II induced by the binding of a ligand to the active form of the protein. This observation reveals a binding site that can potentially be exploited for development of inhibitors against mutant NRAS. Furthermore, the well-resolved catalytic site of this GTPase bound to native GTP provides insight into the stalled GTP hydrolysis observed for NRAS-Q61K.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teklab Gebregiworgis
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5W9, Canada.
| | - Jonathan Yui-Lai Chan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Douglas A Kuntz
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Gilbert G Privé
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, 1 Kings College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Christopher B Marshall
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada.
| | - Mitsuhiko Ikura
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2M9, Canada.
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Arora N, Mu H, Liang H, Zhao W, Zhou Y. RAS G-domains allosterically contribute to the recognition of lipid headgroups and acyl chains. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202307121. [PMID: 38334958 PMCID: PMC10857904 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202307121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutant RAS are major contributors to cancer and signal primarily from nanoclusters on the plasma membrane (PM). Their C-terminal membrane anchors are main features of membrane association. However, the same RAS isoform bound to different guanine nucleotides spatially segregate. Different RAS nanoclusters all enrich a phospholipid, phosphatidylserine (PS). These findings suggest more complex membrane interactions. Our electron microscopy-spatial analysis shows that wild-types, G12V mutants, and membrane anchors of isoforms HRAS, KRAS4A, and KRAS4B prefer distinct PS species. Mechanistically, reorientation of KRAS4B G-domain exposes distinct residues, such as Arg 135 in orientation state 1 (OS1) and Arg 73/Arg 102 in OS2, to the PM and differentially facilitates the recognition of PS acyl chains. Allele-specific oncogenic mutations of KRAS4B also shift G-domain reorientation equilibrium. Indeed, KRAS4BG12V, KRAS4BG12D, KRAS4BG12C, KRAS4BG13D, and KRAS4BQ61H associate with PM lipids with headgroup and acyl chain specificities. Distribution of these KRAS4B oncogenic mutants favors different nanoscale membrane topography. Thus, RAS G-domains allosterically facilitate membrane lateral distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Arora
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Huanwen Mu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hong Liang
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wenting Zhao
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yong Zhou
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Program of Molecular and Translational Biology, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Chen Y, Liu QP, Xie H, Ding J. From bench to bedside: current development and emerging trend of KRAS-targeted therapy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:686-703. [PMID: 38049578 PMCID: PMC10943119 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01194-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancers with mutations predominantly occurring in codon 12. These mutations disrupt the normal function of KRAS by interfering with GTP hydrolysis and nucleotide exchange activity, making it prone to the GTP-bound active state, thus leading to sustained activation of downstream pathways. Despite decades of research, there has been no progress in the KRAS drug discovery until the groundbreaking discovery of covalently targeting the KRASG12C mutation in 2013, which led to revolutionary changes in KRAS-targeted therapy. So far, two small molecule inhibitors sotorasib and adagrasib targeting KRASG12C have received accelerated approval for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring KRASG12C mutations. In recent years, rapid progress has been achieved in the KRAS-targeted therapy field, especially the exploration of KRASG12C covalent inhibitors in other KRASG12C-positive malignancies, novel KRAS inhibitors beyond KRASG12C mutation or pan-KRAS inhibitors, and approaches to indirectly targeting KRAS. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular and mutational characteristics of KRAS and summarize the development and current status of covalent inhibitors targeting the KRASG12C mutation. We also discuss emerging promising KRAS-targeted therapeutic strategies, with a focus on mutation-specific and direct pan-KRAS inhibitors and indirect KRAS inhibitors through targeting the RAS activation-associated proteins Src homology-2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2) and son of sevenless homolog 1 (SOS1), and shed light on current challenges and opportunities for drug discovery in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qiu-Pei Liu
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Department of Chemical and Environment Engineering, Science and Engineering Building, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Hua Xie
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528400, China.
| | - Jian Ding
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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6
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Zhu W, Han H, Ma Z, Cao H, Yan Y, Zhao Y, Deng C, Xu H, Fu F, Fan F, Zhang Y, Chen H. Prognostic value of KRAS G12V mutation in lung adenocarcinoma stratified by stages and radiological features. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2024:S0022-5223(24)00279-4. [PMID: 38527651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2024.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE KRAS G12V is one of the most common KRAS mutation variants in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and yet its prognostic value is still unrevealed. In this study, we investigated the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic value of the KRAS G12V mutation in LUAD. METHODS Data of 3829 patients who underwent LUAD resection between 2008 and 2020 were collected. Mutations were classified as wild-type, G12V, or non-G12V. The clinicopathologic characteristics, postoperative outcomes, and recurrence pattern were analyzed among groups. RESULTS In total, 3554 patients were wild-type and 275 patients harbored a KRAS mutation: 60 patients with G12V (22.2%) and 215 patients with non-G12V (77.8%). The KRAS G12V mutation was more frequent in male patients, older patients (≥60 years), former/current smokers, those patients with radiologic solid nodules, and those with highly invasive histologic subtypes. Tumors carrying KRAS G12V mutation exhibited elevated programmed death-ligand 1 expression in comparison with wild-type tumors. KRAS G12V was more prevalent in older patients and had less lymphovascular invasion compared with other mutation types. FGF3, RET, and KDR co-mutations occurred more frequently in the KRAS G12V group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the KRAS G12V mutation was an independent prognostic factor in stage Ⅰ tumors, whereas the KRAS non-G12V mutation was not. KRAS G12V was associated with early recurrence and locoregional recurrence. CONCLUSIONS The KRAS G12V mutation was associated with aggressive clinical-pathologic phenotype and early recurrence. To note, this mutation exhibited a significantly worse prognosis in patients with part-solid and stage Ⅰ lung adenocarcinoma. Meanwhile, the prognostic significance of KRAS G12C and G12V variants was comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangyang Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Han
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zelin Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hang Cao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueren Yan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoqiang Deng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haomiao Xu
- University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangqiu Fu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fanfan Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Haiquan Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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7
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Zheng Q, Zhang Z, Guiley KZ, Shokat KM. Strain-release alkylation of Asp12 enables mutant selective targeting of K-Ras-G12D. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01565-w. [PMID: 38443470 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01565-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
K-Ras is the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancer. The recently approved non-small cell lung cancer drugs sotorasib and adagrasib covalently capture an acquired cysteine in K-Ras-G12C mutation and lock it in a signaling-incompetent state. However, covalent inhibition of G12D, the most frequent K-Ras mutation particularly prevalent in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, has remained elusive due to the lack of aspartate-targeting chemistry. Here we present a set of malolactone-based electrophiles that exploit ring strain to crosslink K-Ras-G12D at the mutant aspartate to form stable covalent complexes. Structural insights from X-ray crystallography and exploitation of the stereoelectronic requirements for attack of the electrophile allowed development of a substituted malolactone that resisted attack by aqueous buffer but rapidly crosslinked with the aspartate-12 of K-Ras in both GDP and GTP state. The GTP-state targeting allowed effective suppression of downstream signaling, and selective inhibition of K-Ras-G12D-driven cancer cell proliferation in vitro and xenograft growth in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinheng Zheng
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ziyang Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Keelan Z Guiley
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kevan M Shokat
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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8
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Nussinov R, Jang H. Direct K-Ras Inhibitors to Treat Cancers: Progress, New Insights, and Approaches to Treat Resistance. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 64:231-253. [PMID: 37524384 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-022823-113946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Here we discuss approaches to K-Ras inhibition and drug resistance scenarios. A breakthrough offered a covalent drug against K-RasG12C. Subsequent innovations harnessed same-allele drug combinations, as well as cotargeting K-RasG12C with a companion drug to upstream regulators or downstream kinases. However, primary, adaptive, and acquired resistance inevitably emerge. The preexisting mutation load can explain how even exceedingly rare mutations with unobservable effects can promote drug resistance, seeding growth of insensitive cell clones, and proliferation. Statistics confirm the expectation that most resistance-related mutations are in cis, pointing to the high probability of cooperative, same-allele effects. In addition to targeted Ras inhibitors and drug combinations, bifunctional molecules and innovative tri-complex inhibitors to target Ras mutants are also under development. Since the identities and potential contributions of preexisting and evolving mutations are unknown, selecting a pharmacologic combination is taxing. Collectively, our broad review outlines considerations and provides new insights into pharmacology and resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA;
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA;
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9
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Duan X, Zhang T, Feng L, de Silva N, Greenspun B, Wang X, Moyer J, Martin ML, Chandwani R, Elemento O, Leach SD, Evans T, Chen S, Pan FC. A pancreatic cancer organoid platform identifies an inhibitor specific to mutant KRAS. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:71-88.e8. [PMID: 38151022 PMCID: PMC11022279 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
KRAS mutations, mainly G12D and G12V, are found in more than 90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cases. The success of drugs targeting KRASG12C suggests the potential for drugs specifically targeting these alternative PDAC-associated KRAS mutations. Here, we report a high-throughput drug-screening platform using a series of isogenic murine pancreatic organoids that are wild type (WT) or contain common PDAC driver mutations, representing both classical and basal PDAC phenotypes. We screened over 6,000 compounds and identified perhexiline maleate, which can inhibit the growth and induce cell death of pancreatic organoids carrying the KrasG12D mutation both in vitro and in vivo and primary human PDAC organoids. scRNA-seq analysis suggests that the cholesterol synthesis pathway is upregulated specifically in the KRAS mutant organoids, including the key cholesterol synthesis regulator SREBP2. Perhexiline maleate decreases SREBP2 expression levels and reverses the KRAS mutant-induced upregulation of the cholesterol synthesis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Duan
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Genomic Health, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tuo Zhang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lingling Feng
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China
| | - Neranjan de Silva
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Benjamin Greenspun
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Genomic Health, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xing Wang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jenna Moyer
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Laura Martin
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rohit Chandwani
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven D Leach
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Todd Evans
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Genomic Health, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Shuibing Chen
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Genomic Health, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Fong Cheng Pan
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA.
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10
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Bose S, Shen X. The KRAS tour: Studying metabolic reprogramming in isogenic pancreatic cancer organoids. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:1-2. [PMID: 38181746 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Using an isogenic organoid platform to model pancreatic cancer, Duan et al. establish an important link between mutant KRAS and cholesterol metabolism and identify perhexiline maleate as a possible therapeutic to target this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shree Bose
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xiling Shen
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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11
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Vasta JD, Michaud A, Aaron Crapster J, Robers MB. A Method to Conditionally Measure Target Engagement at Intracellular RAS and RAF Complexes. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2797:287-297. [PMID: 38570468 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3822-4_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a common driver of human cancers. As such, both the master regulator of the pathway, RAS, and its proximal kinase effectors, RAFs, have been of interest as drug targets for decades. Importantly, signaling within the RAS/MAPK pathway is highly coordinated due to the formation of a higher-order complex called the RAS/RAF signalosome, which may minimally contain dimers of both RAS and RAF protomers. In the disease state, RAS and RAF assemble in homo- and/or heterodimeric forms. Traditionally, drug development campaigns for both RAS and RAF have utilized biochemical assays of purified recombinant protein. As these assays do not query the RAS or RAF proteins in their full-length and complexed forms in cells, potency results collected using these assays have often failed to correlate with inhibition of the MAPK pathway. To more accurately quantify engagement at this signaling components, we present a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)-based method to conditionally measure target engagement at individual protomers within the RAS/RAF signalosome in live cells.
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12
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Xiao X, Feng J, Ma J, Xia X, Liu X, Zhang J, Ding C, Pang X, Zhang A. Design, Synthesis, and Pharmacological Evaluation of Multisubstituted Pyrido[4,3- d]pyrimidine Analogues Bearing Deuterated Methylene Linkers as Potent KRAS G12D Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023; 66:15524-15549. [PMID: 37921024 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The breakthrough in drug development of KRASG12C inhibitors provides inspiration for targeting alternative KRAS mutations, especially the most prevalent KRASG12D variant. Based on the structural analysis of MRTX1133 in complex with KRASG12D, a comprehensive structure-activity study was conducted, which led to the discovery of several compounds (22, 28, and 31) that showed higher potency in suppressing the clonogenic growth of KRASG12D-dependent cancer cells. These new compounds markedly and selectively inhibited the binding of RBD peptide to GTP-bound KRASG12D with IC50 values between 0.48 and 1.21 nM. These new inhibitors were found to have dose-dependent anti-tumor efficacy in the AsPC-1 xenograft mouse models with a tumor growth inhibition of approximately 70% at a dose of 20 mg/kg twice daily (i.p.). Despite the non-optimal pharmacokinetic properties similar to those of MRTX1133, the high in vitro and in vivo potency of these new inhibitors call for further profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanzheng Xiao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Juanjuan Feng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xinting Xia
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiaogu Liu
- Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200210,China
| | - Chunyong Ding
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiufeng Pang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200210,China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai 200240, China
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13
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Vasta JD, Michaud A, Zimprich CA, Beck MT, Swiatnicki MR, Zegzouti H, Thomas MR, Wilkinson J, Crapster JA, Robers MB. Protomer selectivity of type II RAF inhibitors within the RAS/RAF complex. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:1354-1365.e6. [PMID: 37643616 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
RAF dimer inhibitors offer therapeutic potential in RAF- and RAS-driven cancers. The utility of such drugs is predicated on their capacity to occupy both RAF protomers in the RAS-RAF signaling complex. Here we describe a method to conditionally quantify drug-target occupancy at selected RAF protomers within an active RAS-RAF complex in cells. RAF target engagement can be measured in the presence or absence of any mutant KRAS allele, enabling the high-affinity state of RAF dimer inhibitors to be quantified in the cellular milieu. The intracellular protomer selectivity of clinical-stage type II RAF inhibitors revealed that ARAF protomer engagement, but not engagement of BRAF or CRAF, is commensurate with inhibition of MAPK signaling in various mutant RAS cell lines. Our results support a fundamental role for ARAF in mutant RAS signaling and reveal poor ARAF protomer vulnerability for a cohort of RAF inhibitors undergoing clinical evaluation.
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14
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Gomez-Gutierrez P, Rubio-Martinez J, Perez JJ. Discovery of Hit Compounds Targeting the P4 Allosteric Site of K-RAS, Identified through Ensemble-Based Virtual Screening. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:6412-6422. [PMID: 37824186 PMCID: PMC10598794 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Mutants of Ras are oncogenic drivers of a large number of human tumors. Despite being recognized as an attractive target for the treatment of cancer, the high affinity for its substrate tagged the protein as undruggable for a few years. The identification of cryptic pockets on the protein surface gave the opportunity to identify molecules capable of acting as allosteric modulators. Several molecules were disclosed in recent years, with sotorasib and adagrasib already approved for clinical use. The present study makes use of computational methods to characterize eight prospective allosteric pockets (P1-P8) in K-Ras, four of which (P1-P4) were previously characterized in the literature. The present study also describes the results of a virtual screening study focused on the discovery of hit compounds, binders of the P4 site that can be considered as peptidomimetics of a fragment of the SOS αI helix, a guanine exchange factor of Ras. After a detailed description of the computational procedure followed, we disclose five hit compounds, prospective binders of the P4 allosteric site that exhibit an inhibitory capability higher than 30% in a cell proliferation assay at 50 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Gomez-Gutierrez
- Department
of Chemical Engineering. ETSEIB, Universitat
Politecnica de Catalunya, Av. Diagonal, 647, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Allinky
Biopharma, Madrid Scientific Park, Faraday, 7, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Jaime Rubio-Martinez
- Department
of Materials Science and Physical Chemistry, University of Barcelona and the Institut de Recerca en Quimica Teorica
i Computacional (IQTCUB), Marti i Franques, 1, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Juan J. Perez
- Department
of Chemical Engineering. ETSEIB, Universitat
Politecnica de Catalunya, Av. Diagonal, 647, Barcelona 08028, Spain
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15
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Morstein J, Shrestha R, Van QN, López CA, Arora N, Tonelli M, Liang H, Chen D, Zhou Y, Hancock JF, Stephen AG, Turbyville TJ, Shokat KM. Direct Modulators of K-Ras-Membrane Interactions. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:2082-2093. [PMID: 37579045 PMCID: PMC10510109 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Protein-membrane interactions (PMIs) are ubiquitous in cellular signaling. Initial steps of signal transduction cascades often rely on transient and dynamic interactions with the inner plasma membrane leaflet to populate and regulate signaling hotspots. Methods to target and modulate these interactions could yield attractive tool compounds and drug candidates. Here, we demonstrate that the conjugation of a medium-chain lipid tail to the covalent K-Ras(G12C) binder MRTX849 at a solvent-exposed site enables such direct modulation of PMIs. The conjugated lipid tail interacts with the tethered membrane and changes the relative membrane orientation and conformation of K-Ras(G12C), as shown by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation-supported NMR studies. In cells, this PMI modulation restricts the lateral mobility of K-Ras(G12C) and disrupts nanoclusters. The described strategy could be broadly applicable to selectively modulate transient PMIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Morstein
- Department
of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Rebika Shrestha
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21701, United States
| | - Que N. Van
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21701, United States
| | - César A. López
- Theoretical
Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos
National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, United States
| | - Neha Arora
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Marco Tonelli
- National
Magnetic Resonance Facility at Madison, Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Hong Liang
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - De Chen
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21701, United States
| | - Yong Zhou
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - John F. Hancock
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Andrew G. Stephen
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21701, United States
| | - Thomas J. Turbyville
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21701, United States
| | - Kevan M. Shokat
- Department
of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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16
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Wright KM, DiNapoli SR, Miller MS, Aitana Azurmendi P, Zhao X, Yu Z, Chakrabarti M, Shi W, Douglass J, Hwang MS, Hsiue EHC, Mog BJ, Pearlman AH, Paul S, Konig MF, Pardoll DM, Bettegowda C, Papadopoulos N, Kinzler KW, Vogelstein B, Zhou S, Gabelli SB. Hydrophobic interactions dominate the recognition of a KRAS G12V neoantigen. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5063. [PMID: 37604828 PMCID: PMC10442379 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40821-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Specificity remains a major challenge to current therapeutic strategies for cancer. Mutation associated neoantigens (MANAs) are products of genetic alterations, making them highly specific therapeutic targets. MANAs are HLA-presented (pHLA) peptides derived from intracellular mutant proteins that are otherwise inaccessible to antibody-based therapeutics. Here, we describe the cryo-EM structure of an antibody-MANA pHLA complex. Specifically, we determine a TCR mimic (TCRm) antibody bound to its MANA target, the KRASG12V peptide presented by HLA-A*03:01. Hydrophobic residues appear to account for the specificity of the mutant G12V residue. We also determine the structure of the wild-type G12 peptide bound to HLA-A*03:01, using X-ray crystallography. Based on these structures, we perform screens to validate the key residues required for peptide specificity. These experiments led us to a model for discrimination between the mutant and the wild-type peptides presented on HLA-A*03:01 based exclusively on hydrophobic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine M Wright
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Discovery Chemistry, Protein and Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co, Inc, West Point, PA, 19846, USA
| | - Sarah R DiNapoli
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Michelle S Miller
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - P Aitana Azurmendi
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Xiaowei Zhao
- Janelia Research Campus, HHMI,19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147, USA
| | - Zhiheng Yu
- Janelia Research Campus, HHMI,19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147, USA
| | - Mayukh Chakrabarti
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - WuXian Shi
- Energy & Photon Sciences Directorate, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
- Case Center for Synchrotron Biosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Jacqueline Douglass
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Michael S Hwang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Emily Han-Chung Hsiue
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Brian J Mog
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Alexander H Pearlman
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Suman Paul
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Maximilian F Konig
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Drew M Pardoll
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Nickolas Papadopoulos
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kenneth W Kinzler
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Bert Vogelstein
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Shibin Zhou
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Sandra B Gabelli
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Discovery Chemistry, Protein and Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co, Inc, West Point, PA, 19846, USA.
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17
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Teske KA, Su W, Corona CR, Wen J, Deng J, Ping Y, Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Wilkinson J, Beck MT, Nealey KR, Vasta JD, Cong M, Meisenheimer PL, Kuai L, Robers MB. DELs enable the development of BRET probes for target engagement studies in cells. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:987-998.e24. [PMID: 37490918 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) provide unmatched chemical diversity and starting points for novel drug modalities. Here, we describe a workflow that exploits the bifunctional attributes of DEL ligands as a platform to generate BRET probes for live cell target engagement studies. To establish proof of concept, we performed a DEL screen using aurora kinase A and successfully converted aurora DEL ligands as cell-active BRET probes. Aurora BRET probes enabled the validation and stratification of the chemical series identified from primary selection data. Furthermore, we have evaluated the effective repurposing of pre-existing DEL screen data to find suitable leads for BRET probe development. Our findings support the use of DEL workflows as an engine to create cell-active BRET probes independent of structure or compound SAR. The combination of DEL and BRET technology accelerates hit-to-lead studies in a live cell setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Teske
- Promega Corporation, 2800 Woods Hollow Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711, USA
| | - Wenji Su
- WuXi AppTec Headquarters, 288 Fute Shong Road Waigaopqiao Free Trade Zone, Pudong District, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Cesear R Corona
- Promega Biosciences Incorporated, 277 Granada Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
| | - Jing Wen
- WuXi AppTec Headquarters, 288 Fute Shong Road Waigaopqiao Free Trade Zone, Pudong District, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Jason Deng
- WuXi AppTec Headquarters, 288 Fute Shong Road Waigaopqiao Free Trade Zone, Pudong District, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Yan Ping
- WuXi AppTec Headquarters, 288 Fute Shong Road Waigaopqiao Free Trade Zone, Pudong District, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Zaihong Zhang
- WuXi AppTec Headquarters, 288 Fute Shong Road Waigaopqiao Free Trade Zone, Pudong District, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- WuXi AppTec Headquarters, 288 Fute Shong Road Waigaopqiao Free Trade Zone, Pudong District, Shanghai 200131, China
| | | | - Michael T Beck
- Promega Corporation, 2800 Woods Hollow Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711, USA
| | - Kendra R Nealey
- Promega Corporation, 2800 Woods Hollow Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711, USA
| | - James D Vasta
- Promega Corporation, 2800 Woods Hollow Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711, USA
| | - Mei Cong
- Promega Corporation, 2800 Woods Hollow Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711, USA
| | | | - Letian Kuai
- WuXi AppTec Headquarters, 288 Fute Shong Road Waigaopqiao Free Trade Zone, Pudong District, Shanghai 200131, China.
| | - Matthew B Robers
- Promega Corporation, 2800 Woods Hollow Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711, USA.
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18
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Yun SD, Scott E, Moghadamchargari Z, Laganowsky A. 2'-Deoxy Guanosine Nucleotides Alter the Biochemical Properties of Ras. Biochemistry 2023; 62:2450-2460. [PMID: 37487239 PMCID: PMC11131413 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00258] [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: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Ras proteins in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway represent one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes in cancer. Ras binds guanosine nucleotides and cycles between active (GTP) and inactive (GDP) conformations to regulate the MAPK signaling pathway. Guanosine and other nucleotides exist in cells as either 2'-hydroxy or 2'-deoxy forms, and imbalances in the deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate pool have been associated with different diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer. However, the biochemical properties of Ras bound to dGNP are not well understood. Herein, we use native mass spectrometry to monitor the intrinsic GTPase activity of H-Ras and N-Ras oncogenic mutants, revealing that the rate of 2'-deoxy guanosine triphosphate (dGTP) hydrolysis differs compared to the hydroxylated form, in some cases by seven-fold. Moreover, K-Ras expressed from HEK293 cells exhibited a higher than anticipated abundance of dGNP, despite the low abundance of dGNP in cells. Additionally, the GTPase and dGTPase activity of K-RasG12C was found to be accelerated by 10.2- and 3.8-fold in the presence of small molecule covalent inhibitors, which may open opportunities for the development of Pan-Ras inhibitors. The molecular assemblies formed between H-Ras and N-Ras, including mutant forms, with the catalytic domain of SOS (SOScat) were also investigated. The results show that the different mutants of H-Ras and N-Ras not only engage SOScat differently, but these assemblies are also dependent on the form of guanosine triphosphate bound to Ras. These findings bring to the forefront a new perspective on the nucleotide-dependent biochemical properties of Ras that may have implications for the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway and Ras-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangho D. Yun
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Elena Scott
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | | | - Arthur Laganowsky
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
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19
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Ramalingam PS, Priyadharshini A, Emerson IA, Arumugam S. Potential biomarkers uncovered by bioinformatics analysis in sotorasib resistant-pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1107128. [PMID: 37396909 PMCID: PMC10310804 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1107128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mutant KRAS-induced tumorigenesis is prevalent in lung, colon, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. For the past 3 decades, KRAS mutants seem undruggable due to their high-affinity GTP-binding pocket and smooth surface. Structure-based drug design helped in the design and development of first-in-class KRAS G12C inhibitor sotorasib (AMG 510) which was then approved by the FDA. Recent reports state that AMG 510 is becoming resistant in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and lung adenocarcinoma patients, and the crucial drivers involved in this resistance mechanism are unknown. Methods In recent years, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data analysis has become a functional tool for profiling gene expression. The present study was designed to find the crucial biomarkers involved in the sotorasib (AMG 510) resistance in KRAS G12C-mutant MIA-PaCa2 cell pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. Initially, the GSE dataset was retrieved from NCBI GEO, pre-processed, and then subjected to differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis using the limma package. Then the identified DEGs were subjected to protein-protein interaction (PPI) using the STRING database, followed by cluster analysis and hub gene analysis, which resulted in the identification of probable markers. Results Furthermore, the enrichment and survival analysis revealed that the small unit ribosomal protein (RP) RPS3 is the crucial biomarker of the AMG 510 resistance in KRAS G12C-mutant MIA-PaCa2 cell pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. Conclusion Finally, we conclude that RPS3 is a crucial biomarker in sotorasib resistance which evades apoptosis by MDM2/4 interaction. We also suggest that the combinatorial treatment of sotorasib and RNA polymerase I machinery inhibitors could be a possible strategy to overcome resistance and should be studied in in vitro and in vivo settings in near future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annadurai Priyadharshini
- Bioinformatics Programming Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Isaac Arnold Emerson
- Bioinformatics Programming Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sivakumar Arumugam
- Protein Engineering Lab, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
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20
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Yin G, Huang J, Petela J, Jiang H, Zhang Y, Gong S, Wu J, Liu B, Shi J, Gao Y. Targeting small GTPases: emerging grasps on previously untamable targets, pioneered by KRAS. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:212. [PMID: 37221195 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01441-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Small GTPases including Ras, Rho, Rab, Arf, and Ran are omnipresent molecular switches in regulating key cellular functions. Their dysregulation is a therapeutic target for tumors, neurodegeneration, cardiomyopathies, and infection. However, small GTPases have been historically recognized as "undruggable". Targeting KRAS, one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes, has only come into reality in the last decade due to the development of breakthrough strategies such as fragment-based screening, covalent ligands, macromolecule inhibitors, and PROTACs. Two KRASG12C covalent inhibitors have obtained accelerated approval for treating KRASG12C mutant lung cancer, and allele-specific hotspot mutations on G12D/S/R have been demonstrated as viable targets. New methods of targeting KRAS are quickly evolving, including transcription, immunogenic neoepitopes, and combinatory targeting with immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the vast majority of small GTPases and hotspot mutations remain elusive, and clinical resistance to G12C inhibitors poses new challenges. In this article, we summarize diversified biological functions, shared structural properties, and complex regulatory mechanisms of small GTPases and their relationships with human diseases. Furthermore, we review the status of drug discovery for targeting small GTPases and the most recent strategic progress focused on targeting KRAS. The discovery of new regulatory mechanisms and development of targeting approaches will together promote drug discovery for small GTPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowei Yin
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Jing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Johnny Petela
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Hongmei Jiang
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yuetong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Siqi Gong
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jiaxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Bei Liu
- National Biomedical Imaging Center, School of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Yijun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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21
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Fukumori C, Branco PC, Barreto T, Ishida K, Lopes LB. Development and cytotoxicity evaluation of multiple nanoemulsions for oral co-delivery of 5-fluorouracil and short chain triglycerides for colorectal cancer. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 187:106465. [PMID: 37178734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world, but current chemotherapy options are limited due to adverse effects and low oral bioavailability of drugs. In this study, we investigated the obtainment parameters and composition of new multiple nanoemulsions (MN) based on microemulsions for oral co-delivery of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and short-chain triglycerides (SCT, either tributyrin or tripropionin). The area of microemulsion formation was increased from 14% to 38% when monocaprylin was mixed with tricaprylin as oil phase. Addition of SCT reduced this value to 24-26%. Using sodium alginate aqueous dispersion as internal aqueous phase (to avoid phase inversion) did not further affected the area but increased microemulsion viscosity by 1.5-fold. To obtain the MN, selected microemulsions were diluted in an external aqueous phase; droplet size was 500 nm and stability improved using polyoxyethylene (den Besten et al., 2013) oleyl ether at 1-2.5% as surfactant in the external phase and a dilution ratio of 1:1 (v/v). 5FU in vitro release could be better described by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. No pronounced changes in droplet size were observed when selected MNs were incubated in buffers mimicking gastrointestinal fluids. The 5FU cytotoxicity in monolayer cell lines presenting various mutations was influenced by its incorporation in the nanocarrier, presence of SCT and cell mutation status. The MNs selected reduced the viability of tumor spheroids (employed as 3D tumor models) by 2.2-fold compared to 5FU solution and did not affect the survival of the G. mellonella, suggesting effectiveness and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Fukumori
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paola Cristina Branco
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thayná Barreto
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kelly Ishida
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciana B Lopes
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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22
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Tria SM, Burge ME, Whitehall VLJ. The Therapeutic Landscape for KRAS-Mutated Colorectal Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082375. [PMID: 37190303 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the world's most prevalent and lethal cancers. Mutations of the KRAS gene occur in ~40% of metastatic colorectal cancers. While this cohort has historically been difficult to manage, the last few years have shown exponential growth in the development of selective inhibitors targeting KRAS mutations. Their foremost mechanism of action utilizes the Switch II binding pocket and Cys12 residue of GDP-bound KRAS proteins in G12C mutants, confining them to their inactive state. Sotorasib and Adagrasib, both FDA-approved for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), have been pivotal in paving the way for KRAS G12C inhibitors in the clinical setting. Other KRAS inhibitors in development include a multi-targeting KRAS-mutant drug and a G12D mutant drug. Treatment resistance remains an issue with combination treatment regimens including indirect pathway inhibition and immunotherapy providing possible ways to combat this. While KRAS-mutant selective therapy has come a long way, more work is required to make this an effective and viable option for patients with colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Manuel Tria
- Conjoint Gastroenterology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Matthew E Burge
- Conjoint Gastroenterology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Care Services, The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, QLD 4032, Australia
| | - Vicki L J Whitehall
- Conjoint Gastroenterology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
- Conjoint Internal Medicine Laboratory, Pathology Queensland, Queensland Health, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
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23
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Babu Manoharan G, Guzmán C, Najumudeen AK, Abankwa D. Detection of Ras nanoclustering-dependent homo-FRET using fluorescence anisotropy measurements. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151314. [PMID: 37058825 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The small GTPase Ras is frequently mutated in cancer and a driver of tumorigenesis. The recent years have shown great progress in drug-targeting Ras and understanding how it operates on the plasma membrane. We now know that Ras is non-randomly organized into proteo-lipid complexes on the membrane, called nanoclusters. Nanoclusters contain only a few Ras proteins and are necessary for the recruitment of downstream effectors, such as Raf. If tagged with fluorescent proteins, the dense packing of Ras in nanoclusters can be analyzed by Förster/ fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Loss of FRET can therefore report on decreased nanoclustering and any process upstream of it, such as Ras lipid modifications and correct trafficking. Thus, cellular FRET screens employing Ras-derived fluorescence biosensors are potentially powerful tools to discover chemical or genetic modulators of functional Ras membrane organization. Here we implement fluorescence anisotropy-based homo-FRET measurements of Ras-derived constructs labelled with only one fluorescent protein on a confocal microscope and a fluorescence plate reader. We show that homo-FRET of both H-Ras- and K-Ras-derived constructs can sensitively report on Ras-lipidation and -trafficking inhibitors, as well as on genetic perturbations of proteins regulating membrane anchorage. By exploiting the switch I/II-binding Ras-dimerizing compound BI-2852, this assay is also suitable to report on the engagement of the K-Ras switch II pocket by small molecules such as AMG 510. Given that homo-FRET only requires one fluorescent protein tagged Ras construct, this approach has significant advantages to create Ras-nanoclustering FRET-biosensor reporter cell lines, as compared to the more common hetero-FRET approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh Babu Manoharan
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Camilo Guzmán
- Euro-BioImaging ERIC, Statutory Seat, Turku, Finland
| | - Arafath Kaja Najumudeen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Daniel Abankwa
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
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24
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Salmón M, Álvarez-Díaz R, Fustero-Torre C, Brehey O, Lechuga CG, Sanclemente M, Fernández-García F, López-García A, Martín-Guijarro MC, Rodríguez-Perales S, Bousquet-Mur E, Morales-Cacho L, Mulero F, Al-Shahrour F, Martínez L, Domínguez O, Caleiras E, Ortega S, Guerra C, Musteanu M, Drosten M, Barbacid M. Kras oncogene ablation prevents resistance in advanced lung adenocarcinomas. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e164413. [PMID: 36928090 PMCID: PMC10065067 DOI: 10.1172/jci164413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
KRASG12C inhibitors have revolutionized the clinical management of patients with KRASG12C-mutant lung adenocarcinoma. However, patient exposure to these inhibitors leads to the rapid onset of resistance. In this study, we have used genetically engineered mice to compare the therapeutic efficacy and the emergence of tumor resistance between genetic ablation of mutant Kras expression and pharmacological inhibition of oncogenic KRAS activity. Whereas Kras ablation induces massive tumor regression and prevents the appearance of resistant cells in vivo, treatment of KrasG12C/Trp53-driven lung adenocarcinomas with sotorasib, a selective KRASG12C inhibitor, caused a limited antitumor response similar to that observed in the clinic, including the rapid onset of resistance. Unlike in human tumors, we did not observe mutations in components of the RAS-signaling pathways. Instead, sotorasib-resistant tumors displayed amplification of the mutant Kras allele and activation of xenobiotic metabolism pathways, suggesting that reduction of the on-target activity of KRASG12C inhibitors is the main mechanism responsible for the onset of resistance. In sum, our results suggest that resistance to KRAS inhibitors could be prevented by achieving a more robust inhibition of KRAS signaling mimicking the results obtained upon Kras ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Salmón
- Experimental Oncology Group, Molecular Oncology Program
| | | | | | - Oksana Brehey
- Experimental Oncology Group, Molecular Oncology Program
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sagrario Ortega
- Mouse Genome Editing Unit, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Guerra
- Experimental Oncology Group, Molecular Oncology Program
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Monica Musteanu
- Experimental Oncology Group, Molecular Oncology Program
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Matthias Drosten
- Experimental Oncology Group, Molecular Oncology Program
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer (CIC) and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas–Universidad de Salamanca (CSIC-USAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mariano Barbacid
- Experimental Oncology Group, Molecular Oncology Program
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Leini R, Pantsar T. In Silico Evaluation of the Thr58-Associated Conserved Water with KRAS Switch-II Pocket Binders. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:1490-1505. [PMID: 36854010 PMCID: PMC10015465 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
The KRAS switch-II pocket (SII-P) has proven to be one of the most successful tools for targeting KRAS with small molecules to date. This has been demonstrated with several KRAS(G12C)-targeting covalent inhibitors, already resulting in two FDA-approved drugs. Several earlier-stage compounds have also been reported to engage KRAS SII-P with other position 12 mutants, including G12D, G12S, and G12R. A highly conserved water molecule exists in the KRAS SII-P, linking Thr58 of switch-II and Gly10 of β1 sheet. This conserved water is also present in the cocrystal structures of most of the disclosed small-molecule inhibitors but is only displaced by a handful of SII-P binders. Here, we evaluated the conserved water molecule energetics by the WaterMap for the SII-P binders with publicly disclosed structures and studied the water behavior in the presence of selected inhibitors by microsecond timescale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using two water models (total simulation time of 120 μs). Our data revealed the high-energy nature of this hydration site when coexisting with an SII-P binder and that there is a preference for a single isolated hydration site in this location within the most advanced compounds. Furthermore, water displacement was only achieved with a few disclosed compounds and was suboptimal, as for instance a cyanomethyl group as a water displacer appears to introduce repulsion with the native conformation of Thr58. These results suggested that this conserved water should be considered more central when designing new inhibitors, especially in the design of noncovalent inhibitors targeting the SII-P.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renne Leini
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1C, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tatu Pantsar
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1C, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
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26
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Watterson A, Coelho MA. Cancer immune evasion through KRAS and PD-L1 and potential therapeutic interventions. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:45. [PMID: 36864508 PMCID: PMC9979509 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01063-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic driver mutations have implications that extend beyond cancer cells themselves. Aberrant tumour cell signalling has various effects on the tumour microenvironment and anti-tumour immunity, with important consequences for therapy response and resistance. We provide an overview of how mutant RAS, one of the most prevalent oncogenic drivers in cancer, can instigate immune evasion programs at the tumour cell level and through remodelling interactions with the innate and adaptive immune cell compartments. Finally, we describe how immune evasion networks focused on RAS, and the immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1 can be disrupted through therapeutic intervention, and discuss potential strategies for combinatorial treatment. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Watterson
- Translational Cancer Genomics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK.,Open Targets, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matthew A Coelho
- Translational Cancer Genomics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK. .,Open Targets, Cambridge, UK.
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27
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Inhibition mechanism of MRTX1133 on KRAS G12D: a molecular dynamics simulation and Markov state model study. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2023; 37:157-166. [PMID: 36849761 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-023-00498-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
The mutant KRAS was considered as an "undruggable" target for decades, especially KRASG12D. It is a great challenge to develop the inhibitors for KRASG12D which lacks the thiol group for covalently binding ligands. The discovery of MRTX1133 solved the dilemma. Interestingly, MRTX1133 can bind to both the inactive and active states of KRASG12D. The binding mechanism of MRTX1133 with KRASG12D, especially how MRTX1133 could bind the active state KRASG12D without triggering the active function of KRASG12D, has not been fully understood. Here, we used a combination of all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and Markov state model (MSM) to understand the inhibition mechanism of MRTX1133 and its analogs. The stationary probabilities derived from MSM show that MRTX1133 and its analogs can stabilize the inactive or active states of KRASG12D into different conformations. More remarkably, by scrutinizing the conformational differences, MRTX1133 and its analogs were hydrogen bonded to Gly60 to stabilize the switch II region and left switch I region in a dynamically inactive conformation, thus achieving an inhibitory effect. Our simulation and analysis provide detailed inhibition mechanism of KRASG12D induced by MRTX1133 and its analogs. This study will provide guidance for future design of novel small molecule inhibitors of KRASG12D.
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28
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Eliminating oncogenic RAS: back to the future at the drawing board. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:447-456. [PMID: 36688434 PMCID: PMC9987992 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
RAS drug development has made enormous strides in the past ten years, with the first direct KRAS inhibitor being approved in 2021. However, despite the clinical success of covalent KRAS-G12C inhibitors, we are immediately confronted with resistances as commonly found with targeted drugs. Previously believed to be undruggable due to its lack of obvious druggable pockets, a couple of new approaches to hit this much feared oncogene have now been carved out. We here concisely review these approaches to directly target four druggable sites of RAS from various angles. Our analysis focuses on the lessons learnt during the development of allele-specific covalent and non-covalent RAS inhibitors, the potential of macromolecular binders to facilitate the discovery and validation of targetable sites on RAS and finally an outlook on a future that may engage more small molecule binders to become drugs. We foresee that the latter could happen mainly in two ways: First, non-covalent small molecule inhibitors may be derived from the development of covalent binders. Second, reversible small molecule binders could be utilized for novel targeting modalities, such as degraders of RAS. Provided that degraders eliminate RAS by recruiting differentially expressed E3-ligases, this approach could enable unprecedented tissue- or developmental stage-specific destruction of RAS with potential advantages for on-target toxicity. We conclude that novel creative ideas continue to be important to exterminate RAS in cancer and other RAS pathway-driven diseases, such as RASopathies.
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29
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Chauhan P, V. R, Kumar M, Molla R, V. B. U, Rai V. Dis integrate (DIN) Theory Enabling Precision Engineering of Proteins. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:137-150. [PMID: 36844488 PMCID: PMC9951294 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c01455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The chemical toolbox for the selective modification of proteins has witnessed immense interest in the past few years. The rapid growth of biologics and the need for precision therapeutics have fuelled this growth further. However, the broad spectrum of selectivity parameters creates a roadblock to the field's growth. Additionally, bond formation and dissociation are significantly redefined during the translation from small molecules to proteins. Understanding these principles and developing theories to deconvolute the multidimensional attributes could accelerate the area. This outlook presents a disintegrate (DIN) theory for systematically disintegrating the selectivity challenges through reversible chemical reactions. An irreversible step concludes the reaction sequence to render an integrated solution for precise protein bioconjugation. In this perspective, we highlight the key advancements, unsolved challenges, and potential opportunities.
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30
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Müller F, Lim JKM, Bebber CM, Seidel E, Tishina S, Dahlhaus A, Stroh J, Beck J, Yapici FI, Nakayama K, Torres Fernández L, Brägelmann J, Leprivier G, von Karstedt S. Elevated FSP1 protects KRAS-mutated cells from ferroptosis during tumor initiation. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:442-456. [PMID: 36443441 PMCID: PMC9950476 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-01096-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic KRAS is the key driver oncogene for several of the most aggressive human cancers. One key feature of oncogenic KRAS expression is an early increase in cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) which promotes cellular transformation if cells manage to escape cell death, mechanisms of which remain incompletely understood. Here, we identify that expression of oncogenic as compared to WT KRAS in isogenic cellular systems renders cells more resistant to ferroptosis, a recently described type of regulated necrosis. Mechanistically, we find that cells with mutant KRAS show a specific lack of ferroptosis-induced lipid peroxidation. Interestingly, KRAS-mutant cells upregulate expression of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1). Indeed, elevated levels of FSP1 in KRAS-mutant cells are responsible for mediating ferroptosis resistance and FSP1 is upregulated as a consequence of MAPK and NRF2 pathway activation downstream of KRAS. Strikingly, FSP1 activity promotes cellular transformation in soft agar and its overexpression is sufficient to promote spheroid growth in 3D in KRAS WT cells. Moreover, FSP1 expression and its activity in ferroptosis inhibition accelerates tumor onset of KRAS WT cells in the absence of oncogenic KRAS in vivo. Consequently, we find that pharmacological induction of ferroptosis in pancreatic organoids derived from the LsL-KRASG12D expressing mouse model is only effective in combination with FSP1 inhibition. Lastly, FSP1 is upregulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer (CRC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as compared to the respective normal tissue of origin and correlates with NRF2 expression in PDAC patient datasets. Based on these data, we propose that KRAS-mutant cells must navigate a ferroptosis checkpoint by upregulating FSP1 during tumor establishment. Consequently, ferroptosis-inducing therapy should be combined with FSP1 inhibitors for efficient therapy of KRAS-mutant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Müller
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Translational Genomics, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jonathan K M Lim
- Heinrich Heine University, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Institute of Neuropathology, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina M Bebber
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Translational Genomics, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eric Seidel
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Translational Genomics, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sofya Tishina
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Translational Genomics, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alina Dahlhaus
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Translational Genomics, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jenny Stroh
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Translational Genomics, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Beck
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Translational Genomics, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Fatma Isil Yapici
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Translational Genomics, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Keiko Nakayama
- Division of Cell Proliferation, ART, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Lucia Torres Fernández
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Translational Genomics, Cologne, Germany
| | - Johannes Brägelmann
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Translational Genomics, Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gabriel Leprivier
- Heinrich Heine University, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Institute of Neuropathology, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Silvia von Karstedt
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Translational Genomics, Cologne, Germany.
- CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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31
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Zhang J, Zhang J, Leung ELH, Yao XJ. Multiple initiatives to conquer KRAS G12C inhibitor resistance from the perspective of clinical therapy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:101-106. [PMID: 36749819 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2178419] [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: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION KRAS G12C targeted covalent inhibitors for cancer therapy are revolutionary. However, resistance to KRAS G12C inhibitors in clinical trials is a proven fact. AREAS COVERED The authors focus on providing coverage and emphasizing the strategy of conquering KRAS G12C inhibitor resistance from the perspective of clinical therapy. The authors also provide the readers with their expert perspectives for future development. EXPERT OPINION It is essential to improve the therapeutic effect and achieve long-term disease control through accumulating rapid exploration of drug resistance mechanisms in preclinical trials and developing rational combination dosing approaches from clinical practice. Our presentation of the perspective provides insights into drug resistance in this groundbreaking area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junmin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, and Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China.,School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Juanhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, and Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China.,School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Science, MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, and Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
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32
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Wang H, Liu D, Yu Y, Fang M, Gu X, Long D. Exploring the state- and allele-specific conformational landscapes of Ras: understanding their respective druggabilities. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:1045-1053. [PMID: 36537570 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp04964c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in direct inhibition of Ras benefit from the protein's intrinsic dynamic nature that derives therapeutically vulnerable conformers bearing transiently formed cryptic pockets. Hotspot mutants of Ras are major tumor drivers and are hyperactivated in cells at variable levels, which may require allele-specific strategies for effective targeting. However, it remains unclear how the prevalent oncogenic mutations and activation states perturb the free energy landscape governing the protein dynamics and druggability. Here we characterized the nucleotide state- and allele-dependent alterations of Ras conformational dynamics using a combined NMR experimental and computational approach and constructed quantitative ensembles revealing the conservation of the cryptic SI/II-P and SII-P pockets in different states and alleles. Highly local but critical conformational reorganizations that undermine the SII-P accessibility to residue 12 have been identified as a common mechanism resulting in the low reactivities of Ras·GTP as well as Ras(G12D)·GDP with covalent SII-P inhibitors. Our results strongly support the conformational selection scenario for interactions between Ras and the previously reported binders and offer insights for the future development of state- and allele-specific, as well as pan-Ras, inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
| | - Dan Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
| | - Yongkui Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
| | - Mengqi Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
| | - Xue Gu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
| | - Dong Long
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China. .,Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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33
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Rosen JC, Sacher A, Tsao MS. Direct GDP-KRAS G12C inhibitors and mechanisms of resistance: the tip of the iceberg. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231160141. [PMID: 36950276 PMCID: PMC10026147 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231160141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog mutations are observed in 25% of lung adenocarcinoma and 40% of these are G12C mutations. Historically, no approved targeted agents were available for patients with any KRAS mutation, and response rates to standard-of-care therapies were suboptimal. Newly developed inhibitors directed toward KRASG12C have been successful in clinical trials with overall response rates ranging between 32% and 46%, and two FDA approvals were granted in May 2021 and December 2022 as second-line or later monotherapies. However, rapid tumor resistance complicates their use as a monotherapy. With the rapid development of this novel class of inhibitors, it is important to discern the different types of tumor resistance that may arise and how each can differently contribute to tumor growth and survival. G12C inhibitor resistance is under investigation and combinations of therapies with G12C inhibitors have been proposed. Much of this insight is gleaned from preclinical investigations, as our knowledge of clinical resistance is in its infancy. In this review, we summarize the preclinical development of KRASG12C inhibitors, their clinical evaluations, different types of resistance mechanisms to these compounds, and ways of overcoming them. Finally, we underscore the importance of basic and translational investigations of these molecules in a landscape where their clinical evaluations garner the most attention, and we set the stage for what is to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua C. Rosen
- Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre,
University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and
Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto,
ON, Canada
| | - Adrian Sacher
- Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre,
University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of
Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Temerty Faculty of Medicine,
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of
Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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34
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Wang Y, Zhang H, Li J, Niu MM, Zhou Y, Qu Y. Discovery of potent and noncovalent KRAS G12D inhibitors: Structure-based virtual screening and biological evaluation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1094887. [PMID: 36618907 PMCID: PMC9815544 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1094887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
KRASG12D, the most common oncogenic KRAS mutation, is a promising target for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Herein, we identified four potent and noncovalent KRASG12D inhibitors (hits 1-4) by using structure-based virtual screening and biological evaluation. The in vitro assays indicated that the four compounds had sub-nanomolar affinities for KRASG12D and showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on human pancreatic cancer cells. In particular, the hit compound 3 was the most promising candidate and significantly inhibited the tumor growth of pancreatic cancer in tumor-bearing mice. The hit compound 3 represented a promising starting point for structural optimization in hit-to-lead development. This study shows that hit compound 3 provides a basis for the development of the treatment of cancer driven by KRASG12D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jindong Li
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Miao-Miao Niu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China,*Correspondence: Yang Zhou, ; Yuanqian Qu,
| | - Yuanqian Qu
- Department of Pathology, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China,*Correspondence: Yang Zhou, ; Yuanqian Qu,
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35
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Doleschal B, Petzer A, Rumpold H. Current concepts of anti-EGFR targeting in metastatic colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1048166. [PMID: 36465407 PMCID: PMC9714621 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1048166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-EGFR targeting is one of the key strategies in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). For almost two decades oncologists have struggled to implement EGFR antibodies in the mCRC continuum of care. Both sidedness and RAS mutational status rank high among the predictive factors for the clinical efficacy of EGFR inhibitors. A prospective phase III trial has recently confirmed that anti-EGFR targeting confers an overall survival benefit only in left sided RAS-wildtype tumors when given in first line. It is a matter of discussion if more clinical benefit can be reached by considering putative primary resistance mechanisms (e.g., HER2, BRAF, PIK3CA, etc.) at this early stage of treatment. The value of this procedure in daily routine clinical utility has not yet been clearly delineated. Re-exposure to EGFR antibodies becomes increasingly crucial in the disease journey of mCRC. Yet re- induction or re-challenge strategies have been problematic as they relied on mathematical models that described the timely decay of EGFR antibody resistant clones. The advent of liquid biopsy and the implementation of more accurate next-generation sequencing (NGS) based high throughput methods allows for tracing of EGFR resistant clones in real time. These displays the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of metastatic disease compared to the former standard radiographic assessment and re-biopsy. These techniques may move EGFR inhibition in mCRC into the area of precision medicine in order to apply EGFR antibodies with the increase or decrease of EGFR resistant clones. This review critically discusses established concepts of tackling the EGFR pathway in mCRC and provides insight into the growing field of liquid biopsy guided personalized approaches of EGFR inhibition in mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Doleschal
- Department of Internal Medicine I for Hematology With Stem Cell Transplantation, Hemostaseology and Medical Oncology, Ordensklinikum Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Andreas Petzer
- Department of Internal Medicine I for Hematology With Stem Cell Transplantation, Hemostaseology and Medical Oncology, Ordensklinikum Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Holger Rumpold
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Ordensklinikum Linz, Linz, Austria
- Johannes Kepler University Linz, Medical Faculty, Linz, Austria
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36
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Discovering and Targeting Dynamic Drugging Pockets of Oncogenic Proteins: The Role of Magnesium in Conformational Changes of the G12D Mutated Kirsten Rat Sarcoma-Guanosine Diphosphate Complex. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213865. [PMID: 36430338 PMCID: PMC9692486 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS-G12D mutations are the one of most frequent oncogenic drivers in human cancers. Unfortunately, no therapeutic agent directly targeting KRAS-G12D has been clinically approved yet, with such mutated species remaining undrugged. Notably, cofactor Mg2+ is closely related to the function of small GTPases, but no investigation has been conducted yet on Mg2+ when associated with KRAS. Herein, through microsecond scale molecular dynamics simulations, we found that Mg2+ plays a crucial role in the conformational changes of the KRAS-GDP complex. We located two brand new druggable dynamic pockets exclusive to KRAS-G12D. Using the structural characteristics of these two dynamic pockets, we designed in silico the inhibitor DBD15-21-22, which can specifically and tightly target the KRAS-G12D-GDP-Mg2+ ternary complex. Overall, we provide two brand new druggable pockets located on KRAS-G12D and suitable strategies for its inhibition.
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37
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Targeting KRAS in Pancreatic Cancer. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12111870. [PMID: 36579598 PMCID: PMC9692903 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12111870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is mainly driven by mutations in the KRAS oncogene. While this cancer has shown remarkable therapy resistance, new approaches to inhibit mutated KRAS, KRAS activators and effectors show promise in breaking this therapeutic deadlock. Here, we review these innovations in therapies that target RAS signaling in pancreatic cancer from a clinical point of view. A number of promising approaches are currently in clinical trials or in clinical development. We focus on small-molecule drugs but also discuss immunotherapies and tumor vaccines.
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38
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Wallon L, Khan I, Teng KW, Koide A, Zuberi M, Li J, Ketavarapu G, Traaseth NJ, O’Bryan JP, Koide S. Inhibition of RAS-driven signaling and tumorigenesis with a pan-RAS monobody targeting the Switch I/II pocket. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2204481119. [PMID: 36252024 PMCID: PMC9618066 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204481119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RAS mutants are major therapeutic targets in oncology with few efficacious direct inhibitors available. The identification of a shallow pocket near the Switch II region on RAS has led to the development of small-molecule drugs that target this site and inhibit KRAS(G12C) and KRAS(G12D). To discover other regions on RAS that may be targeted for inhibition, we have employed small synthetic binding proteins termed monobodies that have a strong propensity to bind to functional sites on a target protein. Here, we report a pan-RAS monobody, termed JAM20, that bound to all RAS isoforms with nanomolar affinity and demonstrated limited nucleotide-state specificity. Upon intracellular expression, JAM20 potently inhibited signaling mediated by all RAS isoforms and reduced oncogenic RAS-mediated tumorigenesis in vivo. NMR and mutation analysis determined that JAM20 bound to a pocket between Switch I and II, which is similarly targeted by low-affinity, small-molecule inhibitors, such as BI-2852, whose in vivo efficacy has not been demonstrated. Furthermore, JAM20 directly competed with both the RAF(RBD) and BI-2852. These results provide direct validation of targeting the Switch I/II pocket for inhibiting RAS-driven tumorigenesis. More generally, these results demonstrate the utility of tool biologics as probes for discovering and validating druggable sites on challenging targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Wallon
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016
| | - Imran Khan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29401
| | - Kai Wen Teng
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016
| | - Akiko Koide
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
| | - Mariyam Zuberi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29401
| | - Jianping Li
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003
| | - Gayatri Ketavarapu
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016
| | | | - John P. O’Bryan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29401
| | - Shohei Koide
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
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39
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Peacock DM, Kelly MJS, Shokat KM. Probing the KRas Switch II Groove by Fluorine NMR Spectroscopy. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:2710-2715. [PMID: 36166818 PMCID: PMC9594042 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
While there has been recent success in the development of KRasG12C inhibitors, unmet needs for selective inhibitors of KRasG12D and the remaining oncogenic KRas proteins remain. Here, we applied trifluoromethyl-containing ligands of KRas proteins as competitive probe ligands to assay the occupancy of the switch II pocket by 19F NMR spectroscopy. Structure-activity-relationship studies of probe ligands increased the sensitivity of the assay and identified structures that differentially detected each nucleotide state of KRasG12D. These differences in selectivity, combined with the high resolution of 19F NMR spectroscopy, enabled this method to be expanded to assay both nucleotide states of the protein simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Matthew Peacock
- Department
of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Mark J. S. Kelly
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University
of California San Francisco, San
Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Kevan M. Shokat
- Department
of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States,Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, San Francisco, California 94158, United States,E-mail:
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40
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He H, Zhang Y, Xu J, Li Y, Fang H, Liu Y, Zhang S. Discovery of Orally Bioavailable SOS1 Inhibitors for Suppressing KRAS-Driven Carcinoma. J Med Chem 2022; 65:13158-13171. [PMID: 36173339 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between son of sevenless 1 (SOS1) gene and Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) is crucial for activating signals of proliferation and survival in a range of cancers. We previously discovered compound 40a with a tetracyclic quinazoline pharmacophore as a potent orally bioavailable SOS1 inhibitor. Herein, we disclosed the discovery of compound 13c, which substituted the third ring with the seven-membered ring, as a clinical drug candidate for suppressing KRAS-driven tumors. 13c strongly disrupted the protein-protein interaction between SOS1 and KRAS with low IC50 values of 3.9 nM (biochemical) and 21 nM (cellular). 13c showed a favorable pharmacokinetic profile with a bioavailability of 86.8% in beagles and exhibited 83.0% tumor suppression in Mia-paca-2 pancreas xenograft mice tumor models. 13c exhibited a weak time-dependent CY3A4P inhibition than BI-3406, thereby reducing the risk of drug-drug interaction in drug combination. Toxicological investigations revealed that 13c had a lower risk of sudden cardiac death than BI-3406. Overall, 13c has been under evaluation in preclinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan He
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
- Wuhan Yuxiang Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430200, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
| | - Juan Xu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi 435003, P. R. China
- Wuhan Yuxiang Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430200, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Wuhan Yuxiang Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430200, P. R. China
- School of Life Science and Technology & School Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, P. R. China
| | - Huaxiang Fang
- Wuhan Yuxiang Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430200, P. R. China
| | - Yi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
- School of Life Science and Technology & School Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Separation and Membrane Process & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Technology and Process Engineering, School of Chemistry, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, P. R. China
| | - Silong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
- Wuhan Yuxiang Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430200, P. R. China
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41
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He Q, Liu Z, Wang J. Targeting KRAS in PDAC: A New Way to Cure It? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14204982. [PMID: 36291766 PMCID: PMC9599866 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14204982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most intractable malignant tumors worldwide, and is known for its refractory nature and poor prognosis. The fatality rate of pancreatic cancer can reach over 90%. In pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC), the most common subtype of pancreatic cancer, KRAS is the most predominant mutated gene (more than 80%). In recent decades, KRAS proteins have maintained the reputation of being “undruggable” due to their special molecular structures and biological characteristics, making therapy targeting downstream genes challenging. Fortunately, the heavy rampart formed by KRAS has been broken down in recent years by the advent of KRASG12C inhibitors; the covalent inhibitors bond to the switch-II pocket of the KRASG12C protein. The KRASG12C inhibitor sotorasib has been received by the FDA for the treatment of patients suffering from KRASG12C-driven cancers. Meanwhile, researchers have paid close attention to the development of inhibitors for other KRAS mutations. Due to the high incidence of PDAC, developing KRASG12D/V inhibitors has become the focus of attention. Here, we review the clinical status of PDAC and recent research progress in targeting KRASG12D/V and discuss the potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyu He
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zuojia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400, USA
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (J.W.)
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42
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Meng L, Chan EW, Ng C, Aimi J, Tran JC, Oh AJ, Merchant M, Purkey HE, Heffron TP, Kaur S, Xu K, Shi Z, He J. Assessment of KRAS G12C Target Engagement by a Covalent Inhibitor in Tumor Biopsies Using an Ultra-Sensitive Immunoaffinity 2D-LC-MS/MS Approach. Anal Chem 2022; 94:12927-12933. [PMID: 36083155 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c03146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
KRAS is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes, with KRAS G12C recently becoming an actionable target for small molecule intervention. GDC-6036 is an investigational KRAS G12C inhibitor that acts by irreversibly binding to the switch II pocket of KRAS G12C when in the inactive GDP-bound state, thereby blocking GTP binding and activation. Assessing target engagement is an essential component of clinical drug development, helping to demonstrate mechanistic activity, guide dose selection, understand pharmacodynamics as it relates to clinical response, and explore resistance. Here, we report the development of an ultra-sensitive approach for assessing KRAS G12C engagement. Immunoaffinity enrichment with a commercially available anti-RAS antibody was combined with a targeted 2D-LC-MS/MS technique to quantify both free and GDC-6036-bound KRAS G12C proteins. A KRAS G12C-positive non-small cell lung cancer xenograft model was dosed with GDC-6036 to assess the feasibility of this assay for analyzing small core needle biopsies. As predicted, dose-dependent KRAS G12C engagement was observed. To date, a sensitivity of 0.08 fmol/μg of total protein has been achieved for both free and GDC-6036-bound KRAS G12C with as little as 4 μg of total protein extracted from human tumor samples. This sub-fmol/μg level of sensitivity provides a powerful potential approach to assess covalent inhibitor target engagement at the site of action using core needle tumor biopsies from clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyao Meng
- Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Emily W Chan
- Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Carl Ng
- Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Junko Aimi
- Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - John C Tran
- Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Angela J Oh
- Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Mark Merchant
- Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Hans E Purkey
- Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Timothy P Heffron
- Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Surinder Kaur
- Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Keyang Xu
- Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Zhen Shi
- Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jintang He
- Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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43
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The current state of the art and future trends in RAS-targeted cancer therapies. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2022; 19:637-655. [PMID: 36028717 PMCID: PMC9412785 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-022-00671-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite being the most frequently altered oncogenic protein in solid tumours, KRAS has historically been considered ‘undruggable’ owing to a lack of pharmacologically targetable pockets within the mutant isoforms. However, improvements in drug design have culminated in the development of inhibitors that are selective for mutant KRAS in its active or inactive state. Some of these inhibitors have proven efficacy in patients with KRASG12C-mutant cancers and have become practice changing. The excitement associated with these advances has been tempered by drug resistance, which limits the depth and/or duration of responses to these agents. Improvements in our understanding of RAS signalling in cancer cells and in the tumour microenvironment suggest the potential for several novel combination therapies, which are now being explored in clinical trials. Herein, we provide an overview of the RAS pathway and review the development and current status of therapeutic strategies for targeting oncogenic RAS, as well as their potential to improve outcomes in patients with RAS-mutant malignancies. We then discuss challenges presented by resistance mechanisms and strategies by which they could potentially be overcome. The RAS oncogenes are among the most common drivers of tumour development and progression but have historically been considered undruggable. The development of direct KRAS inhibitors has changed this paradigm, although currently clinical use of these novel therapeutics is limited to a select subset of patients, and intrinsic or acquired resistance presents an inevitable challenge to cure. Herein, the authors provide an overview of the RAS pathway in cancer and review the ongoing efforts to develop effective therapeutic strategies for RAS-mutant cancers. They also discuss the current understanding of mechanisms of resistance to direct KRAS inhibitors and strategies by which they might be overcome. Owing to intrinsic and extrinsic factors, KRAS and other RAS isoforms have until recently been impervious to targeting with small-molecule inhibitors. Inhibitors of the KRASG12C variant constitute a potential breakthrough in the treatment of many cancer types, particularly non-small-cell lung cancer, for which such an agent has been approved by the FDA. Several forms of resistance to KRAS inhibitors have been defined, including primary, adaptive and acquired resistance; these resistance mechanisms are being targeted in studies that combine KRAS inhibitors with inhibitors of horizontal or vertical signalling pathways. Mutant KRAS has important effects on the tumour microenvironment, including the immunological milieu; these effects must be considered to fully understand resistance to KRAS inhibitors and when designing novel treatment strategies.
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Zhang Z, Morstein J, Ecker AK, Guiley KZ, Shokat KM. Chemoselective Covalent Modification of K-Ras(G12R) with a Small Molecule Electrophile. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:15916-15921. [PMID: 36001446 PMCID: PMC9460778 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c05377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
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KRAS mutations are one of the most common
oncogenic
drivers in human cancer. While small molecule inhibitors for the G12C
mutant have been successfully developed, allele-specific inhibition
for other KRAS hotspot mutants remains challenging.
Here we report the discovery of covalent chemical ligands for the
common oncogenic mutant K-Ras(G12R). These ligands bind in the Switch
II pocket and irreversibly react with the mutant arginine residue.
An X-ray crystal structure reveals an imidazolium condensation product
formed between the α,β-diketoamide ligand and the ε-
and η-nitrogens of arginine 12. Our results show that arginine
residues can be selectively targeted with small molecule electrophiles
despite their weak nucleophilicity and provide the basis for the development
of mutant-specific therapies for K-Ras(G12R)-driven cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Johannes Morstein
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Andrew K Ecker
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Keelan Z Guiley
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Kevan M Shokat
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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Targeting KRAS with reversible inhibitors. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:338. [PMID: 35388206 DOI: 10.1038/d41573-022-00062-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Marshall CB, Ikura M. Hitting the hotspots. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:578-579. [DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01000-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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