1
|
Péczka N, Ranđelović I, Orgován Z, Csorba N, Egyed A, Petri L, Ábrányi-Balogh P, Gadanecz M, Perczel A, Tóvári J, Schlosser G, Takács T, Mihalovits LM, Ferenczy G, Buday L, Keserű GM. Contribution of Noncovalent Recognition and Reactivity to the Optimization of Covalent Inhibitors: A Case Study on KRas G12C. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1743-1756. [PMID: 38991015 PMCID: PMC11334105 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Covalent drugs might bear electrophiles to chemically modify their targets and have the potential to target previously undruggable proteins with high potency. Covalent binding of drug-size molecules includes a noncovalent recognition provided by secondary interactions and a chemical reaction leading to covalent complex formation. Optimization of their covalent mechanism of action should involve both types of interactions. Noncovalent and covalent binding steps can be characterized by an equilibrium dissociation constant (KI) and a reaction rate constant (kinact), respectively, and they are affected by both the warhead and the scaffold of the ligand. The relative contribution of these two steps was investigated on a prototypic drug target KRASG12C, an oncogenic mutant of KRAS. We used a synthetically more accessible nonchiral core derived from ARS-1620 that was equipped with four different warheads and a previously described KRAS-specific basic side chain. Combining these structural changes, we have synthesized novel covalent KRASG12C inhibitors and tested their binding and biological effect on KRASG12C by various biophysical and biochemical assays. These data allowed us to dissect the effect of scaffold and warhead on the noncovalent and covalent binding event. Our results revealed that the atropisomeric core of ARS-1620 is not indispensable for KRASG12C inhibition, the basic side chain has little effect on either binding step, and warheads affect the covalent reactivity but not the noncovalent binding. This type of analysis helps identify structural determinants of efficient covalent inhibition and may find use in the design of covalent agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolett Péczka
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Department
of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest
University of Technology and Economics, Budapest 1111, Hungary
| | - Ivan Ranđelović
- Department
of Experimental Pharmacology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest 1122, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Orgován
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Noémi Csorba
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Department
of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest
University of Technology and Economics, Budapest 1111, Hungary
| | - Attila Egyed
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - László Petri
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Péter Ábrányi-Balogh
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Márton Gadanecz
- Protein
Modeling Research Group, Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, ELTE Institute of Chemistry, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Hevesy
György PhD School of Chemistry, Eötvös
Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány. 1/A, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - András Perczel
- Protein
Modeling Research Group, Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, ELTE Institute of Chemistry, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - József Tóvári
- Department
of Experimental Pharmacology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest 1122, Hungary
| | - Gitta Schlosser
- MTA-ELTE
“Lendület”, Ion Mobility
Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Tamás Takács
- HUN-REN
Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Signal
Transduction and Functional Genomics Research Group, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Doctoral
School of Biology, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Levente M. Mihalovits
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - György
G. Ferenczy
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - László Buday
- HUN-REN
Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Signal
Transduction and Functional Genomics Research Group, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - György M. Keserű
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Department
of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest
University of Technology and Economics, Budapest 1111, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Harris E, Thawani R. Current perspectives of KRAS in non-small cell lung cancer. Curr Probl Cancer 2024; 51:101106. [PMID: 38879917 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2024.101106] [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: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
NSCLC has a diverse genomic background with mutations in key proto-oncogenic drivers including Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Roughly 40% of adenocarcinoma harbor Kras activating mutations regardless of smoking history. Most KRAS mutations are located at G12, which include G12C (roughly 40%), G12V (roughly 20%), and G12D (roughly 15%). KRAS mutated NSCLC have higher tumor mutational burden and some have increased PD-1 expression, which has resulted in better responses to immunotherapy than other oncogenes. While initial treatment for metastatic NSCLC still relies on chemo-immunotherapy, directly targeting KRAS has proven to be efficacious in treating patients with KRAS mutated metastatic NSCLC. To date, two G12C inhibitors have been FDA-approved, namely sotorasib and adagrasib. In this review, we summarize the different drug combinations used to target KRAS G12c, upcoming G12D inhibitors and novel therapies targeting KRAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Harris
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637. USA
| | - Rajat Thawani
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637. USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lucas SCC, Milbradt AG, Blackwell JH, Bonomo S, Brierley A, Cassar DJ, Freeman J, Hadfield TE, Morrill LA, Riemens R, Sarda S, Schiesser S, Wiktelius D, Ahmed S, Bostock MJ, Börjesson U, De Fusco C, Guerot C, Hargreaves D, Hewitt S, Lamb ML, Su N, Whatling R, Wheeler M, Kettle JG. Design of a Lead-Like Cysteine-Targeting Covalent Library and the Identification of Hits to Cys55 of Bfl-1. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11209-11225. [PMID: 38916990 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00781] [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: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Covalent hit identification is a viable approach to identify chemical starting points against difficult-to-drug targets. While most researchers screen libraries of <2k electrophilic fragments, focusing on lead-like compounds can be advantageous in terms of finding hits with improved affinity and with a better chance of identifying cryptic pockets. However, due to the increased molecular complexity, larger numbers of compounds (>10k) are desirable to ensure adequate coverage of chemical space. Herein, the approach taken to build a library of 12k covalent lead-like compounds is reported, utilizing legacy compounds, robust library chemistry, and acquisitions. The lead-like covalent library was screened against the antiapoptotic protein Bfl-1, and six promising hits that displaced the BIM peptide from the PPI interface were identified. Intriguingly, X-ray crystallography of lead-like compound 8 showed that it binds to a previously unobserved conformation of the Bfl-1 protein and is an ideal starting point for the optimization of Bfl-1 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon C C Lucas
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Alexander G Milbradt
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - J Henry Blackwell
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Silvia Bonomo
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Andrew Brierley
- Compound Synthesis and Management, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Doyle J Cassar
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Jared Freeman
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Disorders (CVRM), Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Thomas E Hadfield
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Lucas A Morrill
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Rick Riemens
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, Acerta B. V., a Part of the AstraZeneca Group, Oss 5349, The Netherlands
| | - Sunil Sarda
- Compound Synthesis and Management, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Stefan Schiesser
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Daniel Wiktelius
- Compound Synthesis and Management, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Samiyah Ahmed
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Mark J Bostock
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Ulf Börjesson
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Claudia De Fusco
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Carine Guerot
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - David Hargreaves
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Sarah Hewitt
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Michelle L Lamb
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Nancy Su
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Ryan Whatling
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Matthew Wheeler
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Jason G Kettle
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sahin IH, Saridogan T, Ayasun R, Syed MP, Gorantla V, Malhotra M, Thomas R, Rhee J, Zhang J, Hsu D, Singhi AD, Saeed A. Targeting KRAS Oncogene for Patients With Colorectal Cancer: A New Step Toward Precision Medicine. JCO Oncol Pract 2024:OP2300787. [PMID: 38739872 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
KRAS mutations are common driver oncogenes associated with the development of several solid tumors. KRAS oncogene has been considered a highly challenging target for drug development because of structural features, including the lack of deep groove on its catalytic unit. However, by leveraging cysteine residues, covalent KRAS inhibitors irreversibly trap KRAS G12C mutants in their inactive GDP-bound state. These agents have resulted in significant clinical responses among patients with KRAS G12C-mutant solid tumors, including patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Other allele-specific inhibitors of KRAS oncogene and panKRAS and panRAS inhibitors are also currently being investigated in clinical trials. This review article overviews recent clinical progress on KRAS G12C targeting for the management of patients with KRAS G12C-mutant CRC and provides an update on other RAS targeting approaches. We also discuss the unique biological features of RAS-mutant CRC, which require the combination of KRAS inhibitors and anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy, and elaborate on resistance mechanisms and novel therapeutic avenues that may define future treatment paradigms of patients with RAS-mutant CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Halil Sahin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Ruveyda Ayasun
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Masood Pasha Syed
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | | | - Roby Thomas
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - John Rhee
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Janie Zhang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Dennis Hsu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Aatur D Singhi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Anwaar Saeed
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Baltgalvis KA, Lamb KN, Symons KT, Wu CC, Hoffman MA, Snead AN, Song X, Glaza T, Kikuchi S, Green JC, Rogness DC, Lam B, Rodriguez-Aguirre ME, Woody DR, Eissler CL, Rodiles S, Negron SM, Bernard SM, Tran E, Pollock J, Tabatabaei A, Contreras V, Williams HN, Pastuszka MK, Sigler JJ, Pettazzoni P, Rudolph MG, Classen M, Brugger D, Claiborne C, Plancher JM, Cuartas I, Seoane J, Burgess LE, Abraham RT, Weinstein DS, Simon GM, Patricelli MP, Kinsella TM. Chemoproteomic discovery of a covalent allosteric inhibitor of WRN helicase. Nature 2024; 629:435-442. [PMID: 38658751 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07318-y] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
WRN helicase is a promising target for treatment of cancers with microsatellite instability (MSI) due to its essential role in resolving deleterious non-canonical DNA structures that accumulate in cells with faulty mismatch repair mechanisms1-5. Currently there are no approved drugs directly targeting human DNA or RNA helicases, in part owing to the challenging nature of developing potent and selective compounds to this class of proteins. Here we describe the chemoproteomics-enabled discovery of a clinical-stage, covalent allosteric inhibitor of WRN, VVD-133214. This compound selectively engages a cysteine (C727) located in a region of the helicase domain subject to interdomain movement during DNA unwinding. VVD-133214 binds WRN protein cooperatively with nucleotide and stabilizes compact conformations lacking the dynamic flexibility necessary for proper helicase function, resulting in widespread double-stranded DNA breaks, nuclear swelling and cell death in MSI-high (MSI-H), but not in microsatellite-stable, cells. The compound was well tolerated in mice and led to robust tumour regression in multiple MSI-H colorectal cancer cell lines and patient-derived xenograft models. Our work shows an allosteric approach for inhibition of WRN function that circumvents competition from an endogenous ATP cofactor in cancer cells, and designates VVD-133214 as a promising drug candidate for patients with MSI-H cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Betty Lam
- Vividion Therapeutics, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Piergiorgio Pettazzoni
- Pharma Research and Early Development pRED F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus G Rudolph
- Pharma Research and Early Development pRED F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Moritz Classen
- Pharma Research and Early Development pRED F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Doris Brugger
- Pharma Research and Early Development pRED F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christopher Claiborne
- Pharma Research and Early Development pRED F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marc Plancher
- Pharma Research and Early Development pRED F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Isabel Cuartas
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Seoane
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Robert T Abraham
- Vividion Therapeutics, San Diego, CA, USA
- Odyssey Therapeutics, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kirschner T, Müller MP, Rauh D. Targeting KRAS Diversity: Covalent Modulation of G12X and Beyond in Cancer Therapy. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6044-6051. [PMID: 38621359 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02403] [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: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The GTPase KRAS acts as a switch in cellular signaling, transitioning between inactive GDP-bound and active GTP-bound states. In about 20% of human cancers, oncogenic RAS mutations disrupt this balance, favoring the active form and promoting proliferative signaling, thus rendering KRAS an appealing target for precision medicine in oncology. In 2013, Shokat and co-workers achieved a groundbreaking feat by covalently targeting a previously undiscovered allosteric pocket (switch II pocket (SWIIP)) of KRASG12C. This breakthrough led to the development and approval of sotorasib (AMG510) and adagrasib (MRTX849), revolutionizing the treatment of KRASG12C-dependent lung cancer. Recent achievements in targeting various KRASG12X mutants, using SWIIP as a key binding pocket, are discussed. Insights from successful KRASG12C targeting informed the design of molecules addressing other mutations, often in a covalent manner. These findings offer promise for innovative approaches in addressing commonly occurring KRAS mutations such as G12D, G12V, G12A, G12S, and G12R in various cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tonia Kirschner
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD) am Zentrum für integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Matthias P Müller
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD) am Zentrum für integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Daniel Rauh
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD) am Zentrum für integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Skalka GL, Tsakovska M, Murphy DJ. Kinase signalling adaptation supports dysfunctional mitochondria in disease. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1354682. [PMID: 38434478 PMCID: PMC10906720 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1354682] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria form a critical control nexus which are essential for maintaining correct tissue homeostasis. An increasing number of studies have identified dysregulation of mitochondria as a driver in cancer. However, which pathways support and promote this adapted mitochondrial function? A key hallmark of cancer is perturbation of kinase signalling pathways. These pathways include mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK), lipid secondary messenger networks, cyclic-AMP-activated (cAMP)/AMP-activated kinases (AMPK), and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) networks. These signalling pathways have multiple substrates which support initiation and persistence of cancer. Many of these are involved in the regulation of mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial apoptosis, mitochondrial calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial associated membranes (MAMs), and retrograde ROS signalling. This review will aim to both explore how kinase signalling integrates with these critical mitochondrial pathways and highlight how these systems can be usurped to support the development of disease. In addition, we will identify areas which require further investigation to fully understand the complexities of these regulatory interactions. Overall, this review will emphasize how studying the interaction between kinase signalling and mitochondria improves our understanding of mitochondrial homeostasis and can yield novel therapeutic targets to treat disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George L. Skalka
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mina Tsakovska
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J. Murphy
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nissley DV, Stephen AG, Yi M, McCormick F. Progress in Targeting KRAS Directly. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2797:1-12. [PMID: 38570448 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3822-4_1] [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
RAS research has entered the world of translational and clinical science. Progress has been based on our appreciation of the role of RAS mutations in different types of cancer and the effects of these mutations on the biochemical, structural, and biophysical properties of the RAS proteins themselves, particularly KRAS, on which most attention has been focused. This knowledge base, while still growing, has enabled creative chemical approaches to targeting KRAS directly. Our understanding of RAS signaling pathways in normal and cancer cells plays an important role for developing RAS inhibitors but also continues to reveal new approaches to targeting RAS through disruption of signaling complexes and downstream pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dwight V Nissley
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - Andrew G Stephen
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Ming Yi
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhao Q, Haga R, Tamura S, Shimada I, Nishida N. Real-time monitoring of the reaction of KRAS G12C mutant specific covalent inhibitor by in vitro and in-cell NMR spectroscopy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19253. [PMID: 37935773 PMCID: PMC10630485 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46623-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS mutations are major drivers of various cancers. Recently, allele-specific inhibitors of the KRAS G12C mutant were developed that covalently modify the thiol of Cys12, thereby trapping KRAS in an inactive GDP-bound state. To study the mechanism of action of the covalent inhibitors in both in vitro and intracellular environments, we used real-time NMR to simultaneously observe GTP hydrolysis and inhibitor binding. In vitro NMR experiments showed that the rate constant of ARS-853 modification is identical to that of GTP hydrolysis, indicating that GTP hydrolysis is the rate-limiting step for ARS-853 modification. In-cell NMR analysis revealed that the ARS-853 reaction proceeds significantly faster than that in vitro, reflecting acceleration of GTP hydrolysis by endogenous GTPase proteins. This study demonstrated that the KRAS covalent inhibitor is as effective in the cell as in vitro and that in-cell NMR is a valuable validation tool for assessing the pharmacological properties of the drug in the intracellular context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingci Zhao
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan
| | - Ryoka Haga
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan
| | - Satoko Tamura
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Ichio Shimada
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan.
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan.
| | - Noritaka Nishida
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Farhat N, Khan AU. Repurposing FDA approved drug molecules against A B C classes of β-lactamases: a computational biology and molecular dynamics simulations study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37909541 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2276890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
β-lactamase are the main resistance factor for β-lactam antibiotics in Gram-negative bacteria. Since β-lactam antibiotics are being utilised as an antimicrobial agents extensively for the past 70 years, a large number of β-lactam-inactivating β-lactamases have been produced by bacteria. Here, we employed a structure-based drug discovery approach to identify and assess the efficacy of a potential medication that might block the β-lactamases which hydrolyse antibiotics. The FDA-approved medications were subjected to virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, density functional theory, and covalent docking against the β-lactamases. We identified diosmin, hidrosmin, monoxuritin and solasulfone as β-lactamase inhibitors which are authorised for therapeutic use in humans. These medications interact in a remarkable variety of non-covalent ways with the conserved residues in the substrate-binding pocket of the β-lactamases. Diosmin has been identified as an inhibitor that binds covalently to the NDM-1 a class B metallo-betalactamase. After experimental validation and clinical demonstration, this study offers adequate evidence for the therapeutic use of these drugs for controlling multidrug resistance.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nabeela Farhat
- Medical Microbiology and Molecular Biology Lab. Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Asad U Khan
- Medical Microbiology and Molecular Biology Lab. Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhao C, Wang H, Zhan W, Lv X, Ma X. Exploitation of Proximity-Mediated Effects in Drug Discovery: An Update of Recent Research Highlights in Perturbing Pathogenic Proteins and Correlated Issues. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10122-10149. [PMID: 37489834 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00079] [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: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The utilization of proximity-mediated effects to perturb pathogenic proteins of interest (POIs) has emerged as a powerful strategic alternative to conventional drug design approaches based on target occupancy. Over the past three years, the burgeoning field of targeted protein degradation (TPD) has witnessed the expansion of degradable POIs to membrane-associated, extracellular, proteasome-resistant, and even microbial proteins. Beyond TPD, researchers have achieved the proximity-mediated targeted protein stabilization, the recruitment of intracellular immunophilins to disturb undruggable targets, and the nonphysiological post-translational modifications of POIs. All of these strides provide new avenues for innovative drug discovery aimed at battling human malignancies and other major diseases. This perspective presents recent research highlights and discusses correlated issues in developing therapeutic modalities that exploit proximity-mediated effects to modulate pathogenic proteins, thereby guiding future academic and industrial efforts in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Can Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Henian Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Wenhu Zhan
- iCarbonX (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Xiaoqing Lv
- College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hartung IV, Rudolph J, Mader MM, Mulder MPC, Workman P. Expanding Chemical Probe Space: Quality Criteria for Covalent and Degrader Probes. J Med Chem 2023; 66:9297-9312. [PMID: 37403870 PMCID: PMC10388296 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Within druggable target space, new small-molecule modalities, particularly covalent inhibitors and targeted degraders, have expanded the repertoire of medicinal chemists. Molecules with such modes of action have a large potential not only as drugs but also as chemical probes. Criteria have previously been established to describe the potency, selectivity, and properties of small-molecule probes that are qualified to enable the interrogation and validation of drug targets. These definitions have been tailored to reversibly acting modulators but fall short in their applicability to other modalities. While initial guidelines have been proposed, we delineate here a full set of criteria for the characterization of covalent, irreversible inhibitors as well as heterobifunctional degraders ("proteolysis-targeting chimeras", or PROTACs) and molecular glue degraders. We propose modified potency and selectivity criteria compared to those for reversible inhibitors. We discuss their relevance and highlight examples of suitable probe and pathfinder compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingo V. Hartung
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Global Research & Development, Merck Healthcare KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Joachim Rudolph
- Discovery
Chemistry, Genentech, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Mary M. Mader
- Molecular
Innovation, Indiana Biosciences Research
Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana 64202, United States
| | - Monique P. C. Mulder
- Department
of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University
Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Workman
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute
of Cancer Research, London, Sutton SM2 5NG, United Kingdom
- Chemical
Probes Portal, https://www.chemicalprobes.org/
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yang W, Ge J, Yuan M, Li J, Pan L, Ren J, Dou G, Yang L, Zhou Y, Xie H, Wang X, Hu H. Computational study of novel natural inhibitors targeting Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog G12C. Anticancer Drugs 2023; 34:609-619. [PMID: 36847041 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001428] [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: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive and rapidly fatal types of malignant lung tumor. Molecular docking and virtual screening were effectively and systematically used to identify specific targets in malignant tumors and screen potential drugs. Here, we screen perfect leading compounds from a medicate library (ZINC15 database) and analyze their properties (conveyance, absorption, metabolism, excretion, and harmless forecasts) with potential inhibition of Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog (KRAS) G12C. Further results demonstrated that ZINC000013817014 and ZINC000004098458 were screened out from the ZINC15 database and were identified to have a much better binding affinity and more favorable interaction vitality binding with KRAS G12C and less rat carcinogenicity, Ames mutagenicity, way better dissolvability in water and noninhibition with cytochrome P-450 2D6. Molecular dynamics simulation analysis indicated that the binding capacity of these two compounds and KRAS G12C, ZINC000013817014-KRAS G12C, and ZINC000004098458-KRAS G12C is stable in the natural environment. Our findings reveal that ZINC000013817014 and ZINC000004098458 were perfect leading compounds to be inhibitors binding with KRAS G12C, which were selected as safe drug candidates and a cornerstone for KRAS G12C-related medicine plan and improvement. What is more, we have conducted a Cell Counting Kit-8 to verify the exactly inhibitory effects of the two selected drugs on Lung adenocarcinoma. This study establishes a solid framework for systematic anticancer medication research and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhuo Yang
- Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology Department, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou
| | - Junliang Ge
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Jilin University
| | - Meng Yuan
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University
| | - Jialin Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University
| | - Lin Pan
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Jilin University
| | - Junan Ren
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University
| | - Gaojing Dou
- Department of Breast Surgery, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun
| | - Laiyu Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University
| | - Haoqun Xie
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xinxiang Medical College, Xinxiang, China
| | - Hongrong Hu
- Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology Department, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mons E, Kim RQ, Mulder MPC. Technologies for Direct Detection of Covalent Protein—Drug Adducts. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16040547. [PMID: 37111304 PMCID: PMC10146396 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past two decades, drug candidates with a covalent binding mode have gained the interest of medicinal chemists, as several covalent anticancer drugs have successfully reached the clinic. As a covalent binding mode changes the relevant parameters to rank inhibitor potency and investigate structure-activity relationship (SAR), it is important to gather experimental evidence on the existence of a covalent protein–drug adduct. In this work, we review established methods and technologies for the direct detection of a covalent protein–drug adduct, illustrated with examples from (recent) drug development endeavors. These technologies include subjecting covalent drug candidates to mass spectrometric (MS) analysis, protein crystallography, or monitoring intrinsic spectroscopic properties of the ligand upon covalent adduct formation. Alternatively, chemical modification of the covalent ligand is required to detect covalent adducts by NMR analysis or activity-based protein profiling (ABPP). Some techniques are more informative than others and can also elucidate the modified amino acid residue or bond layout. We will discuss the compatibility of these techniques with reversible covalent binding modes and the possibilities to evaluate reversibility or obtain kinetic parameters. Finally, we expand upon current challenges and future applications. Overall, these analytical techniques present an integral part of covalent drug development in this exciting new era of drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elma Mons
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert Q. Kim
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Monique P. C. Mulder
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Orgován Z, Péczka N, Petri L, Ábrányi-Balogh P, Ranđelović I, Tóth S, Szakács G, Nyíri K, Vértessy B, Pálfy G, Vida I, Perczel A, Tóvári J, Keserű GM. Covalent fragment mapping of KRas G12C revealed novel chemotypes with in vivo potency. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 250:115212. [PMID: 36842271 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
G12C mutant KRas is considered druggable by allele-specific covalent inhibitors due to the nucleophilic character of the oncogenic mutant cysteine at position 12. Discovery of these inhibitors requires the optimization of both covalent and noncovalent interactions. Here, we report covalent fragment screening of our electrophilic fragment library of diverse non-covalent scaffolds equipped with 40 different electrophilic functionalities to identify fragments as suitable starting points targeting Cys12. Screening the library against KRasG12C using Ellman's free thiol assay, followed by protein NMR and cell viability assays, resulted in two potential inhibitor chemotypes. Characterization of these scaffolds in in vitro cellular- and in vivo xenograft models revealed them as promising starting points for covalent drug discovery programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Orgován
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, and National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Péczka
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, and National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Petri
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, and National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Ábrányi-Balogh
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, and National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Szilárd Tóth
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergely Szakács
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kinga Nyíri
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary
| | - Beáta Vértessy
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary
| | - Gyula Pálfy
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-ELTE Protein Modelling Research Group, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Vida
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-ELTE Protein Modelling Research Group, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Perczel
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-ELTE Protein Modelling Research Group, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - József Tóvári
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, and National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Liu H, Liang Z, Cheng S, Huang L, Li W, Zhou C, Zheng X, Li S, Zeng Z, Kang L. Mutant KRAS Drives Immune Evasion by Sensitizing Cytotoxic T-Cells to Activation-Induced Cell Death in Colorectal Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2203757. [PMID: 36599679 PMCID: PMC9951350 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The roles of oncogenic KRAS in tumor immune evasion remain poorly understood. Here, mutant KRAS is identified as a key driver of tumor immune evasion in colorectal cancer (CRC). In human CRC specimens, a significant reduction in cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell tumor infiltration is found in patients with mutant versus wild type KRAS. This phenomenon is confirmed by preclinical models of CRC, and further study showed KRAS mutant tumors exhibited poor response to anti-PD-1 and adoptive T-cell therapies. Mechanistic analysis revealed lactic acid derived from mutant KRAS-expressing tumor cells sensitized tumor-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells to activation-induced cell death via NF-κB inactivation; this may underlie the inverse association between intratumoral cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells and KRAS mutation. Importantly, KRAS mutated tumor resistance to immunotherapies can be overcome by inhibiting KRAS or blocking lactic acid production. Together, this work suggests the KRAS-mediated immune program is an exploitable therapeutic approach for the treatment of patients with KRAS mutant CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huashan Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
| | - Zhenxing Liang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
| | - Sijing Cheng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
- School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhenGuangdong518107P. R. China
| | - Liang Huang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
| | - Wenxin Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
| | - Chi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
- Department of Colorectal SurgerySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Xiaobin Zheng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
| | - Shujuan Li
- Department of PharmacyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenan450052P. R. China
| | - Ziwei Zeng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
- University Clinic MannheimMedical Faculty MannheimHeidelberg University68167MannheimGermany
| | - Liang Kang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510655P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Guiley KZ, Shokat KM. A Small Molecule Reacts with the p53 Somatic Mutant Y220C to Rescue Wild-type Thermal Stability. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:56-69. [PMID: 36197521 PMCID: PMC9827106 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor and tumor suppressor protein p53 is the most frequently mutated and inactivated gene in cancer. Mutations in p53 result in deregulated cell proliferation and genomic instability, both hallmarks of cancer. There are currently no therapies available that directly target mutant p53 to rescue wild-type function. In this study, we identify covalent compsounds that selectively react with the p53 somatic mutant cysteine Y220C and restore wild-type thermal stability. SIGNIFICANCE The tumor suppressor p53 is the most mutated gene in cancer, and yet no therapeutics to date directly target the mutated protein to rescue wild-type function. In this study, we identify the first allele-specific compound that selectively reacts with the cysteine p53 Y220C to rescue wild-type thermal stability and gene activation. See related commentary by Lane and Verma, p. 14. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keelan Z. Guiley
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Kevan M. Shokat
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Corresponding Author: Kevan M. Shokat, Department of Cellular Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, MC 2280, San Francisco, CA 94158-2280. Phone: 415-514-0472; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bao HY, Wang W, Sun HB, Chen JZ. Binding modes of GDP, GTP and GNP to NRAS deciphered by using Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics simulations. SAR AND QSAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 34:65-89. [PMID: 36762439 DOI: 10.1080/1062936x.2023.2165542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Probing binding modes of GDP, GTP and GNP to NRAS are of significance for understanding the regulation mechanism on the activity of RAS proteins. Four separate Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulations were performed on the apo, GDP-, GTP- and GNP-bound NRAS. Dynamics analyses suggest that binding of three ligands highly affects conformational states of the switch domains from NRAS, which disturbs binding of NRAS to its effectors. The analyses of free energy landscapes (FELs) indicate that binding of GDP, GTP and GNP induces more energetic states of NRAS compared to the apo NRAS but the presence of GNP makes the switch domains more ordered than binding of GDP and GNP. The information of interaction networks of ligands with NRAS reveals that the π-π interaction of residue F28 and the salt bridge interactions of K16 and D119 with ligands stabilize binding of GDP, GTP and GNP to NRAS. Meanwhile magnesium ion plays a bridge role in interactions of ligands with NRAS, which is favourable for associations of GDP, GTP and GNP with NRAS. This work is expected to provide useful information for deeply understanding the function and activity of NRAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Y Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - W Wang
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan, China
| | - H B Sun
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan, China
| | - J Z Chen
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
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.
Collapse
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:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
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
![]()
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Huynh MV, Parsonage D, Forshaw TE, Chirasani VR, Hobbs GA, Wu H, Lee J, Furdui CM, Poole LB, Campbell SL. Oncogenic KRAS G12C: Kinetic and redox characterization of covalent inhibition. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102186. [PMID: 35753348 PMCID: PMC9352912 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent development of mutant-selective inhibitors for the oncogenic KRASG12C allele has generated considerable excitement. These inhibitors covalently engage the mutant C12 thiol located within the phosphoryl binding loop of RAS, locking the KRASG12C protein in an inactive state. While clinical trials of these inhibitors have been promising, mechanistic questions regarding the reactivity of this thiol remain. Here, we show by NMR and an independent biochemical assay that the pKa of the C12 thiol is depressed (pKa ∼7.6), consistent with susceptibility to chemical ligation. Using a validated fluorescent KRASY137W variant amenable to stopped-flow spectroscopy, we characterized the kinetics of KRASG12C fluorescence changes upon addition of ARS-853 or AMG 510, noting that at low temperatures, ARS-853 addition elicited both a rapid first phase of fluorescence change (attributed to binding, Kd = 36.0 ± 0.7 μM) and a second, slower pH-dependent phase, taken to represent covalent ligation. Consistent with the lower pKa of the C12 thiol, we found that reversible and irreversible oxidation of KRASG12C occurred readily both in vitro and in the cellular environment, preventing the covalent binding of ARS-853. Moreover, we found that oxidation of the KRASG12C Cys12 to a sulfinate altered RAS conformation and dynamics to be more similar to KRASG12D in comparison to the unmodified protein, as assessed by molecular dynamics simulations. Taken together, these findings provide insight for future KRASG12C drug discovery efforts, and identify the occurrence of G12C oxidation with currently unknown biological ramifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minh V Huynh
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Derek Parsonage
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tom E Forshaw
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Venkat R Chirasani
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - G Aaron Hobbs
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hanzhi Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jingyun Lee
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cristina M Furdui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Center for Redox Biology and Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Leslie B Poole
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Center for Redox Biology and Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Sharon L Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kantae V, Polanski R, Lewis HJ, Haider A, Barratt D, Srinivasan B. Accelerating the Validation of Endogenous On-Target Engagement and In Cellulo Kinetic Assessment for Covalent Inhibitors of KRAS G12C in Early Drug Discovery. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:2366-2376. [PMID: 35881961 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Covalent inhibition is a valuable modality in drug discovery because of its potential ability in decoupling pharmacokinetics from pharmacodynamics by prolonging the residence time of the drug on the target of interest. This increase in target occupancy is limited only by the rate of target turnover. However, a limitation in such studies is to translate the in vitro inhibition assessment to the appropriate in cellulo target engagement parameter by covalent probes. Estimation of such parameters is often impeded by the low-throughput nature of current probe-free approaches. In this study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry platform was utilized to develop a targeted proteomics workflow that can evaluate cellular on-target engagement of covalent molecules in an increased throughput manner. This workflow enabled a throughput increase of 5-10 fold when compared to traditional nanoLC-based proteomics studies. To demonstrate the applicability of the method, KRASG12C was used as a model system to investigate the interaction of an irreversible covalent small molecule, compound 25, both in vitro and in cellulo. Initial biochemical studies confirmed that the small molecule forms an adduct with the targeted cysteine on the protein, as assessed at the level of both intact protein and on the target peptide. In cellulo studies were carried out to quantify target engagement and allele selectivity assessment for the small molecule in the heterozygous NCI-H358 cell line for KRASG12C with respect to the WT type protein. The workflow enabled evaluation of in vitro and in cellulo target engagement kinetics, providing mechanistic insights into the irreversible mode of inhibition. In summary, the method has the potential for target agnostic application in the assessment of on-target engagement of covalent probes compatible with the high-throughput requirements of early drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasudev Kantae
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Radoslaw Polanski
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | - Afreen Haider
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Derek Barratt
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Bharath Srinivasan
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Chemical acylation of an acquired serine suppresses oncogenic signaling of K-Ras(G12S). Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:1177-1183. [PMID: 35864332 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01065-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Drugs that directly impede the function of driver oncogenes offer exceptional efficacy and a therapeutic window. The recently approved mutant selective small-molecule cysteine-reactive covalent inhibitor of the G12C mutant of K-Ras, sotorasib, provides a case in point. KRAS is the most frequently mutated proto-oncogene in human cancer, yet despite success targeting the G12C allele, targeted therapy for other hotspot mutants of KRAS has not been described. Here we report the discovery of small molecules that covalently target a G12S somatic mutation in K-Ras and suppress its oncogenic signaling. We show that these molecules are active in cells expressing K-Ras(G12S) but spare the wild-type protein. Our results provide a path to targeting a second somatic mutation in the oncogene KRAS by overcoming the weak nucleophilicity of an acquired serine residue. The chemistry we describe may serve as a basis for the selective targeting of other unactivated serines.
Collapse
|
28
|
Li L, Meyer C, Zhou ZW, Elmezayen A, Westover K. Therapeutic Targeting the Allosteric Cysteinome of RAS and Kinase Families. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167626. [PMID: 35595166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Allosteric mechanisms are pervasive in nature, but human-designed allosteric perturbagens are rare. The history of KRASG12C inhibitor development suggests that covalent chemistry may be a key to expanding the armamentarium of allosteric inhibitors. In that effort, irreversible targeting of a cysteine converted a non-deal allosteric binding pocket and low affinity ligands into a tractable drugging strategy. Here we examine the feasibility of expanding this approach to other allosteric pockets of RAS and kinase family members, given that both protein families are regulators of vital cellular processes that are often dysregulated in cancer and other human diseases. Moreover, these heavily studied families are the subject of numerous drug development campaigns that have resulted, sometimes serendipitously, in the discovery of allosteric inhibitors. We consequently conducted a comprehensive search for cysteines, a commonly targeted amino acid for covalent drugs, using AlphaFold-generated structures of those families. This new analysis presents potential opportunities for allosteric targeting of validated and understudied drug targets, with an emphasis on cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lianbo Li
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390, USA
| | - Cynthia Meyer
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390, USA
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhou
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390, USA
| | - Ammar Elmezayen
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390, USA
| | - Kenneth Westover
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lietman CD, Johnson ML, McCormick F, Lindsay CR. More to the RAS Story: KRAS G12C Inhibition, Resistance Mechanisms, and Moving Beyond KRAS G12C. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2022; 42:1-13. [PMID: 35561303 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_351333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite the discovery of RAS oncogenes in human tumor DNA 40 years ago, the development of effective targeted therapies directed against RAS has lagged behind those more successful advancements in the field of therapeutic tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting other oncogenes such as EGFR, ALK, and ROS1. The discoveries that (1) malignant RAS oncogenes differ from their wild-type counterparts by only a single amino acid change and (2) covalent inhibition of the cysteine residue at codon 12 of KRASG12C in its inactive GDP-bound state resulted in effective inhibition of oncogenic RAS signaling and have catalyzed a dramatic shift in mindset toward KRAS-driven cancers. Although the development of allele-selective KRASG12C inhibitors has changed a treatment paradigm, the clinical activity of these agents is more modest than tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting other oncogene-driven cancers. Heterogeneous resistance mechanisms generally result in the restoration of RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway signaling. Many approaches are being evaluated to overcome this resistance, with many combinatorial clinical trials ongoing. Furthermore, because KRASG12D and KRASG12V are more prevalent than KRASG12C, there remains an unmet need for additional therapeutic strategies for these patients. Thus, our current translational standing could be described as "the end of the beginning," with additional discovery and research innovation needed to address the enormous disease burden imposed by RAS-mutant cancers. Here, we describe the development of KRASG12C inhibitors, the challenges of resistance to these inhibitors, strategies to mitigate that resistance, and new approaches being taken to address other RAS-mutant cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Frank McCormick
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
KRAS is vulnerable to reversible switch-II pocket engagement in cells. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:596-604. [PMID: 35314814 PMCID: PMC9135634 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-00985-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Current small-molecule inhibitors of KRAS(G12C) bind irreversibly in the switch-II pocket (SII-P), exploiting the strong nucleophilicity of the acquired cysteine as well as the preponderance of the GDP-bound form of this mutant. Nevertheless, many oncogenic KRAS mutants lack these two features, and it remains unknown whether targeting the SII-P is a practical therapeutic approach for KRAS mutants beyond G12C. Here we use NMR spectroscopy and a cellular KRAS engagement assay to address this question by examining a collection of SII-P ligands from the literature and from our own laboratory. We show that the SII-Ps of many KRAS hotspot (G12, G13, Q61) mutants are accessible using noncovalent ligands, and that this accessibility is not necessarily coupled to the GDP state of KRAS. The results we describe here emphasize the SII-P as a privileged drug-binding site on KRAS and unveil new therapeutic opportunities in RAS-driven cancer. ![]()
The use of NMR spectroscopy and development of a cellular BRET KRAS engagement assay revealed that noncovalent ligands can access the switch-II pocket of KRAS hotspot mutants.
Collapse
|
31
|
Cáceres-Gutiérrez RE, Alfaro-Mora Y, Andonegui MA, Díaz-Chávez J, Herrera LA. The Influence of Oncogenic RAS on Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy Resistance Through DNA Repair Pathways. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:751367. [PMID: 35359456 PMCID: PMC8962660 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.751367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
RAS oncogenes are chief tumorigenic drivers, and their mutation constitutes a universal predictor of poor outcome and treatment resistance. Despite more than 30 years of intensive research since the identification of the first RAS mutation, most attempts to therapeutically target RAS mutants have failed to reach the clinic. In fact, the first mutant RAS inhibitor, Sotorasib, was only approved by the FDA until 2021. However, since Sotorasib targets the KRAS G12C mutant with high specificity, relatively few patients will benefit from this therapy. On the other hand, indirect approaches to inhibit the RAS pathway have revealed very intricate cascades involving feedback loops impossible to overcome with currently available therapies. Some of these mechanisms play different roles along the multistep carcinogenic process. For instance, although mutant RAS increases replicative, metabolic and oxidative stress, adaptive responses alleviate these conditions to preserve cellular survival and avoid the onset of oncogene-induced senescence during tumorigenesis. The resulting rewiring of cellular mechanisms involves the DNA damage response and pathways associated with oxidative stress, which are co-opted by cancer cells to promote survival, proliferation, and chemo- and radioresistance. Nonetheless, these systems become so crucial to cancer cells that they can be exploited as specific tumor vulnerabilities. Here, we discuss key aspects of RAS biology and detail some of the mechanisms that mediate chemo- and radiotherapy resistance of mutant RAS cancers through the DNA repair pathways. We also discuss recent progress in therapeutic RAS targeting and propose future directions for the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo E. Cáceres-Gutiérrez
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yair Alfaro-Mora
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marco A. Andonegui
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Díaz-Chávez
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Luis A. Herrera, ; José Díaz-Chávez,
| | - Luis A. Herrera
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Luis A. Herrera, ; José Díaz-Chávez,
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Srinivasan B. A guide to enzyme kinetics in early drug discovery. FEBS J 2022; 290:2292-2305. [PMID: 35175693 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Drugs interact with their target of interest to bring about the desired phenotypic outcome that results in disease alleviation. Traditionally, most lead optimization exercises were driven by affinity measures (like IC50 ) to inform structure-activity relationship (SAR)-guided medicinal chemistry. However, an IC50 value is a thermodynamic estimate measured under equilibrium conditions that can vary as a function of substrate concentration and/or time (the latter especially for nonequilibrium modalities). Further, like other thermodynamic estimates, it is a state-function that is indifferent to the path traversed from the initial state to the final state. This can be a cause for concern in drug discovery given the predominance of nonequilibrium interactions and the open thermodynamic nature of the human system. Under such situations, employing rates along with equilibrium constants (or IC50 values) would be far more relevant to capture the time evolution of the small molecule's interaction with the target of interest. These rates are generally typified by the rate of association, rate of dissociation and the residence time of the small molecule on the target (target occupancy). These parameters, when combined with the concept of target vulnerability, therapeutic window, pharmacokinetic profile of the small molecule, estimates of endogenous ligand and target turnover, will shed critical insights into the kinetics and dynamics of a small molecule's interaction with the protein, and allow realistic modelling of the system to enable optimizations and dosing decisions. With that aim, this guide will attempt to introduce the traditional role of mechanistic enzymology within drug discovery and emphasize the importance of kinetics in guiding SAR-based optimizations. It will also present initial ideas on how kinetic investigation should be positioned relative to the temporal span of a drug-discovery pipeline to leverage maximal utility from the investment in time and effort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bharath Srinivasan
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology Discovery Sciences R&D AstraZeneca Cambridge UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ge R, Shen Z, Yin J, Chen W, Zhang Q, An Y, Tang D, Satz AL, Su W, Kuai L. Discovery of SARS-CoV-2 main protease covalent inhibitors from a DNA-encoded library selection. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2022; 27:79-85. [PMID: 35063690 PMCID: PMC8767972 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Covalent inhibitors targeting the main protease (Mpro, or 3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 have shown promise in preclinical investigations. Herein, we report the discovery of two new series of molecules that irreversibly bind to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. These acrylamide containing molecules were discovered using our covalent DNA-encoded library (DEL) screening platform. Following selection against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, off-DNA compounds were synthesized and investigated to determine their inhibitory effects, the nature of their binding, and to generate preliminary structure-activity relationships. LC-MS analysis indicates a 1:1 (covalent) binding stoichiometry between our hit molecules and SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Fluorescent staining assay for covalent binding in the presence of cell lysate suggests reasonable selectivity for SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. And lastly, inhibition of enzymatic activity was also observed against a panel of 3CLpro enzymes from different coronavirus strains, with IC50 values ranging from inactive to single digit micromolar. Our results indicate that DEL selection is a useful approach for identifying covalent inhibitors of cysteine proteases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ge
- WuXi AppTec, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Zuyuan Shen
- WuXi AppTec, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Jian Yin
- WuXi AppTec, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Wenhua Chen
- WuXi AppTec, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- WuXi AppTec, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Yulong An
- WuXi AppTec, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Dewei Tang
- WuXi AppTec, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | | | - Wenji Su
- WuXi AppTec, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China.
| | - Letian Kuai
- WuXi AppTec(,) 55 Cambridge Parkway, 8th Floor(,) Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Jamshidiha M, Lanyon-Hogg T, Sutherell CL, Craven GB, Tersa M, De Vita E, Brustur D, Pérez-Dorado I, Hassan S, Petracca R, Morgan RM, Sanz-Hernández M, Norman JC, Armstrong A, Mann DJ, Cota E, Tate EW. Identification of the first structurally validated covalent ligands of the small GTPase RAB27A. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:150-155. [PMID: 35308027 PMCID: PMC8864489 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00225b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rab27A is a small GTPase, which mediates transport and docking of secretory vesicles at the plasma membrane via protein-protein interactions (PPIs) with effector proteins. Rab27A promotes the growth and invasion of multiple cancer types such as breast, lung and pancreatic, by enhancing secretion of chemokines, metalloproteases and exosomes. The significant role of Rab27A in multiple cancer types and the minor role in adults suggest that Rab27A may be a suitable target to disrupt cancer metastasis. Similar to many GTPases, the flat topology of the Rab27A-effector PPI interface and the high affinity for GTP make it a challenging target for inhibition by small molecules. Reported co-crystal structures show that several effectors of Rab27A interact with the Rab27A SF4 pocket ('WF-binding pocket') via a conserved tryptophan-phenylalanine (WF) dipeptide motif. To obtain structural insight into the ligandability of this pocket, a novel construct was designed fusing Rab27A to part of an effector protein (fRab27A), allowing crystallisation of Rab27A in high throughput. The paradigm of KRas covalent inhibitor development highlights the challenge presented by GTPase proteins as targets. However, taking advantage of two cysteine residues, C123 and C188, that flank the WF pocket and are unique to Rab27A and Rab27B among the >60 Rab family proteins, we used the quantitative Irreversible Tethering (qIT) assay to identify the first covalent ligands for native Rab27A. The binding modes of two hits were elucidated by co-crystallisation with fRab27A, exemplifying a platform for identifying suitable lead fragments for future development of competitive inhibitors of the Rab27A-effector interaction interface, corroborating the use of covalent libraries to tackle challenging targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Jamshidiha
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London London SW7 2AZ UK
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London London W12 0BZ UK
| | - Thomas Lanyon-Hogg
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London London SW7 2AZ UK
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London London W12 0BZ UK
| | | | - Gregory B Craven
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London London SW7 2AZ UK
| | - Montse Tersa
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London London SW7 2AZ UK
| | - Elena De Vita
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London London W12 0BZ UK
| | - Delia Brustur
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London London W12 0BZ UK
| | | | - Sarah Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London London W12 0BZ UK
| | - Rita Petracca
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London London W12 0BZ UK
| | - Rhodri M Morgan
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London London SW7 2AZ UK
| | | | - Jim C Norman
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate Glasgow G61 1BD UK
| | - Alan Armstrong
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London London W12 0BZ UK
| | - David J Mann
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London London SW7 2AZ UK
| | - Ernesto Cota
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London London SW7 2AZ UK
| | - Edward W Tate
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London London W12 0BZ UK
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Since its discovery as the first human oncogene in 1983, the small GTPase KRAS has been a major target of cancer drug discovery. The paper reported in this issue describes a long-awaited small molecule drug candidate of the oncogenic KRAS (G12D) mutant for the treatment of currently incurable pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinheng Zheng
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - D Matthew Peacock
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Kevan M Shokat
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
KRAS(G12D) can be targeted by potent inhibitors via formation of salt bridge. Cell Discov 2022; 8:5. [PMID: 35075146 PMCID: PMC8786924 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-021-00368-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS mutation occurs in nearly 30% of human cancers, yet the most prevalent and oncogenic KRAS(G12D) variant still lacks inhibitors. Herein, we designed a series of potent inhibitors that can form a salt bridge with KRAS’s Asp12 residue. Our ITC results show that these inhibitors have similar binding affinity with both GDP-bound and GTP-bound KRAS(G12D), and our crystallographic studies reveal the structural basis of inhibitor binding-induced switch-II pocket in KRAS(G12D), experimentally confirming the formation of a salt bridge between the piperazine moiety of the inhibitors and the Asp12 residue of the mutant protein. Among KRAS family proteins and mutants, both ITC and enzymatic assays demonstrate the selectivity of the inhibitors for KRAS(G12D); and the inhibitors disrupt the KRAS–CRAF interaction. We also observed the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation as well as MAPK signaling by a representative inhibitor (TH-Z835). However, since the inhibition was not fully dependent on KRAS mutation status, it is possible that our inhibitors may have off-target effects via targeting non-KRAS small GTPases. Experiments with mouse xenograft models of pancreatic cancer showed that TH-Z835 significantly reduced tumor volume and synergized with an anti-PD-1 antibody. Collectively, our study demonstrates proof-of-concept for a strategy based on salt-bridge and induced-fit pocket formation for KRAS(G12D) targeting, which warrants future medicinal chemistry efforts for optimal efficacy and minimized off-target effects.
Collapse
|
37
|
Li KS, Quinn JG, Saabye MJ, Guerrero JFS, Nonomiya J, Lian Q, Phung W, Izrayelit Y, Walters BT, Gustafson A, Endres NF, Beresini MH, Mulvihill MM. High-Throughput Kinetic Characterization of Irreversible Covalent Inhibitors of KRASG12C by Intact Protein MS and Targeted MRM. Anal Chem 2022; 94:1230-1239. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c04463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Sherry Li
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - John G. Quinn
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Matthew J. Saabye
- Confluence, 4340 Duncan Avenue, Suite 400, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Jesus F. Salcido Guerrero
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jim Nonomiya
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Qihui Lian
- WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd., 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Wilson Phung
- Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Yevgeniy Izrayelit
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Benjamin T. Walters
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Amy Gustafson
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Nicholas F. Endres
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Maureen H. Beresini
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Melinda M. Mulvihill
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Conformation-locking antibodies for the discovery and characterization of KRAS inhibitors. Nat Biotechnol 2022; 40:769-778. [PMID: 34992247 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-021-01126-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Small molecules that stabilize inactive protein conformations are an underutilized strategy for drugging dynamic or otherwise intractable proteins. To facilitate the discovery and characterization of such inhibitors, we created a screening platform to identify conformation-locking antibodies for molecular probes (CLAMPs) that distinguish and induce rare protein conformational states. Applying the approach to KRAS, we discovered CLAMPs that recognize the open conformation of KRASG12C stabilized by covalent inhibitors. One CLAMP enables the visualization of KRASG12C covalent modification in vivo and can be used to investigate response heterogeneity to KRASG12C inhibitors in patient tumors. A second CLAMP enhances the affinity of weak ligands binding to the KRASG12C switch II region (SWII) by stabilizing a specific conformation of KRASG12C, thereby enabling the discovery of such ligands that could serve as leads for the development of drugs in a high-throughput screen. We show that combining the complementary properties of antibodies and small molecules facilitates the study and drugging of dynamic proteins.
Collapse
|
39
|
Rajpurohit T, Bhattacharya S. Moving Towards Dawn: KRas Signaling and Treatment in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2022; 15:904-928. [PMID: 35088684 DOI: 10.2174/1874467215666220128161647] [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: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
"Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)" is robust, nearly clueless, and all-around deadly among all tumors. Below 10 %, the general 5-year endurance period has remained adamantly unaltered in the last 30 years, regardless of enormous clinical and therapeutic endeavors. The yearly number of deaths is more than the number of recently analyzed cases. Not a classic one, but "Carbohydrate Antigen CA19- 9" remains the prevailing tool for diagnosis. MicroRNAs and non-invasive techniques are now incorporated for the effective prognosis of PDAC than just CA19-9. Mutated "Rat sarcoma virus Ras" conformation "V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog KRas" is 95 % accountable for PDAC, and its active (GTP-bound) formation activates signaling cascade comprising "Rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma Raf"/"Mitogen-activated protein kinase MEK"/ "Extracellular signal-regulated kinase ERK" with "Phosphoinositide 3-kinase PI3K"/ "protein kinase B Akt"/ "mammalian target of rapamycin mTOR" pathways. KRas has acquired the label of 'undruggable' since the crosstalk in the nexus of pathways compensates for Raf and PI3K signaling cascade blocking. It is arduous to totally regulate KRascoordinated PDAC with traditional medicaments like "gemcitabine GEM" plus nabpaclitaxel/ FOLFIRINOX. For long-haul accomplishments aiming at KRas, future endeavors should be directed to combinatorial methodologies to adequately block KRas pathways at different standpoints. Currently they are contributing to healing PDAC. In this review article, we outline the function of KRas in carcinogenesis in PDAC, its signaling cascade, former techniques utilized in hindering Kras, current and future possibilities for targeting Kras.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tarun Rajpurohit
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Shirpur, Maharashtra 425405, India
| | - Sankha Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Shirpur, Maharashtra 425405, India
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wang X, Allen S, Blake JF, Bowcut V, Briere DM, Calinisan A, Dahlke JR, Fell JB, Fischer JP, Gunn RJ, Hallin J, Laguer J, Lawson JD, Medwid J, Newhouse B, Nguyen P, O'Leary JM, Olson P, Pajk S, Rahbaek L, Rodriguez M, Smith CR, Tang TP, Thomas NC, Vanderpool D, Vigers GP, Christensen JG, Marx MA. Identification of MRTX1133, a Noncovalent, Potent, and Selective KRAS G12D Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2021; 65:3123-3133. [PMID: 34889605 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
KRASG12D, the most common oncogenic KRAS mutation, is a promising target for the treatment of solid tumors. However, when compared to KRASG12C, selective inhibition of KRASG12D presents a significant challenge due to the requirement of inhibitors to bind KRASG12D with high enough affinity to obviate the need for covalent interactions with the mutant KRAS protein. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of the first noncovalent, potent, and selective KRASG12D inhibitor, MRTX1133, which was discovered through an extensive structure-based activity improvement and shown to be efficacious in a KRASG12D mutant xenograft mouse tumor model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolun Wang
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Shelley Allen
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - James F Blake
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - Vickie Bowcut
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - David M Briere
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | | | - Joshua R Dahlke
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - Jay B Fell
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - John P Fischer
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - Robin J Gunn
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jill Hallin
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jade Laguer
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - J David Lawson
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - James Medwid
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Brad Newhouse
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - Phong Nguyen
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - Jacob M O'Leary
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - Peter Olson
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Spencer Pajk
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - Lisa Rahbaek
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Mareli Rodriguez
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | | | - Tony P Tang
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - Nicole C Thomas
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | | | - Guy P Vigers
- Pfizer Boulder Research & Development, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | | | - Matthew A Marx
- Mirati Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Fumagalli G, Carbajo RJ, Nissink JWM, Tart J, Dou R, Thomas AP, Spring DR. Targeting a Novel KRAS Binding Site: Application of One-Component Stapling of Small (5-6-mer) Peptides. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17287-17303. [PMID: 34787423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RAS proteins are central in the proliferation of many types of cancer, but a general approach toward the identification of pan-mutant RAS inhibitors has remained unresolved. In this work, we describe the application of a binding pharmacophore identified from analysis of known RAS binding peptides to the design of novel peptides. Using a chemically divergent approach, we generated a library of small stapled peptides from which we identified compounds with weak binding activity. Exploration of structure-activity relationships (SARs) and optimization of these early compounds led to low-micromolar binders of KRAS that block nucleotide exchange.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Fumagalli
- Department of Chemistry, Cambridge University, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.,Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | | | - Jonathan Tart
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Rongxuan Dou
- Department of Chemistry, Cambridge University, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Andrew P Thomas
- Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - David R Spring
- Department of Chemistry, Cambridge University, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Huang L, Guo Z, Wang F, Fu L. KRAS mutation: from undruggable to druggable in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:386. [PMID: 34776511 PMCID: PMC8591115 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00780-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, and its treatment and outcomes have been dramatically revolutionised by targeted therapies. As the most frequently mutated oncogene, Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS) has attracted substantial attention. The understanding of KRAS is constantly being updated by numerous studies on KRAS in the initiation and progression of cancer diseases. However, KRAS has been deemed a challenging therapeutic target, even "undruggable", after drug-targeting efforts over the past four decades. Recently, there have been surprising advances in directly targeted drugs for KRAS, especially in KRAS (G12C) inhibitors, such as AMG510 (sotorasib) and MRTX849 (adagrasib), which have obtained encouraging results in clinical trials. Excitingly, AMG510 was the first drug-targeting KRAS (G12C) to be approved for clinical use this year. This review summarises the most recent understanding of fundamental aspects of KRAS, the relationship between the KRAS mutations and tumour immune evasion, and new progress in targeting KRAS, particularly KRAS (G12C). Moreover, the possible mechanisms of resistance to KRAS (G12C) inhibitors and possible combination therapies are summarised, with a view to providing the best regimen for individualised treatment with KRAS (G12C) inhibitors and achieving truly precise treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lamei Huang
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 P. R. China
| | - Zhixing Guo
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 P. R. China
| | - Fang Wang
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 P. R. China
| | - Liwu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Repurposing drug molecule against SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19) through molecular docking and dynamics: a quick approach to pick FDA-approved drugs. J Mol Model 2021; 27:312. [PMID: 34601658 PMCID: PMC8487339 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-021-04923-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A novel coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome is rapidly spreading worldwide. The international health authorities are putting all their efforts on quick diagnosis and placing the patients in quarantine. Although different vaccines have come for quick use as prophylactics, drug repurposing seems to be of paramount importance because of inefficient therapeutic options and clinical trial limitations. Here, we used structure-based drug designing approach to find and check the efficacy of the possible drug that can inhibit coronavirus main protease which is involved in polypeptide processing to functional protein. We performed virtual screening, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations of the FDA-approved drugs against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. Using well-defined computational methods, we identified amprenavir, cefoperazone, riboflavin, diosmin, nadide and troxerutin approved for human therapeutic uses, as COVID-19 main protease inhibitors. These drugs bind to the SARS-CoV-2 main protease conserved residues of substrate-binding pocket and formed a remarkable number of non-covalent interactions. We have found diosmin as an inhibitor which binds covalently to the COVID-19 main protease. This study provides enough evidences for therapeutic use of these drugs in controlling COVID-19 after experimental validation and clinical demonstration.
Collapse
|
44
|
Zhang Z, Wang X, Ye J, Liu H, Fang J, Zhang M, Li Y, Huang J, Zhang D, Wang J, Zhang X. Development and Preclinical Evaluation of Radiolabeled Covalent G12C-Specific Inhibitors for Direct Imaging of the Oncogenic KRAS Mutant. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:3509-3518. [PMID: 34410132 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although KRAS has been an important target for many cancers, direct inhibition of oncogenic RAS remains challenging. Until recently, covalent KRAS G12C-specific inhibitors have been developed and progressed to the clinics. Nevertheless, not all patients benefit from these covalent inhibitors. At present, identification of candidates for this treatment requires tissue biopsies and gene sequencing, which are invasive, time-consuming, and could be of insufficient quality and limited predictive value owing to tumor heterogeneity. The use of noninvasive molecular imaging techniques such as PET and SPECT for spying KRAS G12C mutation in tumors provide a promising strategy for circumventing these hurdles. In the present study, based on the covalent G12C-specific inhibitor ARS-1620, we sought to develop radiolabeled small molecules for direct imaging of the KRAS mutation status in tumors. [131I]I-ARS-1620 and [18F]F-ARS-1620 were successfully prepared with high radiochemical yield, radiochemical purity, and molar activity. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the affinity, specificity, and capacity of [131I]I-ARS-1620 for direct imaging of the oncogenic KRAS G12C mutant. This initial attempt allows us to directly screen the KRAS G12C mutant for the first time in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jiajun Ye
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Huanhuan Liu
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jianyang Fang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Mingru Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yesen Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Minnan PET Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Jinxiong Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Minnan PET Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Deliang Zhang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xianzhong Zhang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Li HY, Qi WL, Wang YX, Meng LH. Covalent inhibitor targets KRasG12C: A new paradigm for drugging the undruggable and challenges ahead. Genes Dis 2021; 10:403-414. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
|
46
|
Fedele C, Li S, Teng KW, Foster CJR, Peng D, Ran H, Mita P, Geer MJ, Hattori T, Koide A, Wang Y, Tang KH, Leinwand J, Wang W, Diskin B, Deng J, Chen T, Dolgalev I, Ozerdem U, Miller G, Koide S, Wong KK, Neel BG. SHP2 inhibition diminishes KRASG12C cycling and promotes tumor microenvironment remodeling. J Exp Med 2021; 218:211451. [PMID: 33045063 PMCID: PMC7549316 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20201414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS is the most frequently mutated human oncogene, and KRAS inhibition has been a longtime goal. Recently, inhibitors were developed that bind KRASG12C-GDP and react with Cys-12 (G12C-Is). Using new affinity reagents to monitor KRASG12C activation and inhibitor engagement, we found that an SHP2 inhibitor (SHP2-I) increases KRAS-GDP occupancy, enhancing G12C-I efficacy. The SHP2-I abrogated RTK feedback signaling and adaptive resistance to G12C-Is in vitro, in xenografts, and in syngeneic KRASG12C-mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SHP2-I/G12C-I combination evoked favorable but tumor site-specific changes in the immune microenvironment, decreasing myeloid suppressor cells, increasing CD8+ T cells, and sensitizing tumors to PD-1 blockade. Experiments using cells expressing inhibitor-resistant SHP2 showed that SHP2 inhibition in PDAC cells is required for PDAC regression and remodeling of the immune microenvironment but revealed direct inhibitory effects on tumor angiogenesis and vascularity. Our results demonstrate that SHP2-I/G12C-I combinations confer a substantial survival benefit in PDAC and NSCLC and identify additional potential combination strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Fedele
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Shuai Li
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Kai Wen Teng
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Connor J R Foster
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - David Peng
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Hao Ran
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Paolo Mita
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Mitchell J Geer
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Takamitsu Hattori
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Akiko Koide
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY.,Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Yubao Wang
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Kwan Ho Tang
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Joshua Leinwand
- S. Arthur Localio Laboratory, Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Wei Wang
- S. Arthur Localio Laboratory, Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Brian Diskin
- S. Arthur Localio Laboratory, Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Jiehui Deng
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Ting Chen
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Igor Dolgalev
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Ugur Ozerdem
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - George Miller
- S. Arthur Localio Laboratory, Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Shohei Koide
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Kwok-Kin Wong
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Benjamin G Neel
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Unveiling the "invisible" druggable conformations of GDP-bound inactive Ras. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2024725118. [PMID: 33836610 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2024725118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalent view on whether Ras is druggable has gradually changed in the recent decade with the discovery of effective inhibitors binding to cryptic sites unseen in the native structures. Despite the promising advances, therapeutics development toward higher potency and specificity is challenged by the elusive nature of these binding pockets. Here we derive a conformational ensemble of guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-bound inactive Ras by integrating spin relaxation-validated atomistic simulation with NMR chemical shifts and residual dipolar couplings, which provides a quantitative delineation of the intrinsic dynamics up to the microsecond timescale. The experimentally informed ensemble unequivocally demonstrates the preformation of both surface-exposed and buried cryptic sites in Ras•GDP, advocating design of inhibition by targeting the transient druggable conformers that are invisible to conventional experimental methods. The viability of the ensemble-based rational design has been established by retrospective testing of the ability of the Ras•GDP ensemble to identify known ligands from decoys in virtual screening.
Collapse
|
48
|
Chen K, Zhang Y, Qian L, Wang P. Emerging strategies to target RAS signaling in human cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:116. [PMID: 34301278 PMCID: PMC8299671 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01127-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS mutations (HRAS, NRAS, and KRAS) are among the most common oncogenes, and around 19% of patients with cancer harbor RAS mutations. Cells harboring RAS mutations tend to undergo malignant transformation and exhibit malignant phenotypes. The mutational status of RAS correlates with the clinicopathological features of patients, such as mucinous type and poor differentiation, as well as response to anti-EGFR therapies in certain types of human cancers. Although RAS protein had been considered as a potential target for tumors with RAS mutations, it was once referred to as a undruggable target due to the consecutive failure in the discovery of RAS protein inhibitors. However, recent studies on the structure, signaling, and function of RAS have shed light on the development of RAS-targeting drugs, especially with the approval of Lumakras (sotorasib, AMG510) in treatment of KRASG12C-mutant NSCLC patients. Therefore, here we fully review RAS mutations in human cancer and especially focus on emerging strategies that have been recently developed for RAS-targeting therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yalei Zhang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ling Qian
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
As a member of small GTPase family, KRAS protein is a key physiological modulator of various cellular activities including proliferation. However, mutations of KRAS present in numerous cancer types, most frequently in pancreatic (> 60%), colorectal (> 40%), and lung cancers, drive oncogenic processes through overactivation of proliferation. The G12C mutation of KRAS protein is especially abundant in the case of these types of malignancies. Despite its key importance in human disease, KRAS was assumed to be non-druggable for a long time since the protein seemingly lacks potential drug-binding pockets except the nucleotide-binding site, which is difficult to be targeted due to the high affinity of KRAS for both GDP and GTP. Recently, a new approach broke the ice and provided evidence that upon covalent targeting of the G12C mutant KRAS, a highly dynamic pocket was revealed. This novel targeting is especially important since it serves with an inherent solution for drug selectivity. Based on these results, various structure-based drug design projects have been launched to develop selective KRAS mutant inhibitors. In addition to the covalent modification strategy mostly applicable for G12C mutation, different innovative solutions have been suggested for the other frequently occurring oncogenic G12 mutants. Here we summarize the latest advances of this field, provide perspectives for novel approaches, and highlight the special properties of KRAS, which might issue some new challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Nyíri
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, 1111, Hungary.
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.
| | - Gergely Koppány
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, 1111, Hungary
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - Beáta G Vértessy
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, 1111, Hungary.
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Pichler WJ. Anaphylaxis to drugs: Overcoming mast cell unresponsiveness by fake antigens. Allergy 2021; 76:1340-1349. [PMID: 32780486 PMCID: PMC8247404 DOI: 10.1111/all.14554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of IgE‐mediated drug allergy relies on the hapten concept, which is well established in inducing adaptive reactions of the immune system to small molecules like drugs. The role of hapten‐carrier adducts in re‐challenge reactions leading to mast cell degranulation and anaphylaxis is unclear. Based on clinical observations, the speed of adduct formation, skin and in vitro tests to inert drug molecules, a different explanation of IgE‐mediated reactions to drugs is proposed: These are (a) A natural role of reduced mast cell (MC) reactivity in developing IgE‐mediated reactions to drugs. This MC unresponsiveness is antigen‐specific and covers the serum drug concentrations, but allows reactivity to locally higher concentrations. (b) Some non‐covalent drug‐protein complexes rely on rather affine bindings and have a similar appearance as covalent hapten‐protein adducts. Such drug‐protein complexes represent so‐called “fake antigens,” as they are unable to induce immunity, but may react with and cross‐link preformed drug‐specific IgE. As they are formed very rapidly and in high concentrations, they may cause fulminant MC degranulation and anaphylaxis. (c) The generation of covalent hapten‐protein adducts requires hours, either because the formation of covalent bonds requires time or because first a metabolic step for forming a reactive metabolite is required. This slow process of stable adduct formation has the advantage that it may give time to desensitize mast cells, even in already sensitized individuals. The consequences of this new interpretation of IgE‐mediated reactions to drugs are potentially wide‐reaching for IgE‐mediated drug allergy but also allergy in general.
Collapse
|