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Li C, Zhao N, An L, Dai Z, Chen X, Yang F, You Q, Di B, Hu C, Xu L. Apoptosis-inducing activity of synthetic hydrocarbon-stapled peptides in H358 cancer cells expressing KRAS G12C. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:2670-2684. [PMID: 34589388 PMCID: PMC8463269 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancers are the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and pose a grave threat to human life and health. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most frequent malignancy occupying 80% of all lung cancer subtypes. Except for other mutations (e.g., KRASG12V/D) that are also vital for the occurrence, KRASG12C gene mutation is a significant driving force of NSCLC, with a prevalence of approximately 14% of all NSCLC patients. However, there are only a few therapeutic drugs targeting KRASG12C mutations currently. Here, we synthesized hydrocarbon-stapled peptide 3 that was much shorter and more stable with modest KRASG12C binding affinity and the same anti-tumor effect based on the α-helical peptide mimic SAH-SOS1A. The stapled peptide 3 effectively induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis, inhibiting cell growth in KRAS-mutated lung cancer cells via disrupting the KRAS-mediated RAF/MEK/ERK signaling, which was verified from the perspective of genomics and proteomics. Peptide 3 also exhibited strong anti-trypsin and anti-chymotrypsin abilities, as well as good plasma stability and human liver microsomal metabolic stability. Overall, peptide 3 retains the equivalent anti-tumor activity of SAH-SOS1A but with improved stability and affinity, superior to SAH-SOS1A. Our work offers a structural optimization approach of KRASG12C peptide inhibitors for cancer therapy.
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2
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Cornish J, Owen D, Mott HR. RLIP76: A Structural and Functional Triumvirate. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092206. [PMID: 34064388 PMCID: PMC8124665 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RLIP76/RalBP1 is an ATP-dependent transporter of glutathione conjugates, which is overexpressed in various human cancers, but its diverse functions in normal cells, which include endocytosis, stress response and mitochondrial dynamics, are still not fully understood. The protein can be divided into three distinct regions, each with its own structural properties. At the centre of the protein are two well-defined domains, a GTPase activating protein domain targeting Rho family small G proteins and a small coiled-coil that binds to the Ras family small GTPases RalA and RalB. In engaging with Rho and Ral proteins, RLIP76 bridges these two distinct G protein families. The N-terminal region is predicted to be disordered and is rich in basic amino acids, which may mediate membrane association, consistent with its role in transport. RLIP76 is an ATP-dependent transporter with ATP-binding sites within the N-terminus and the Ral binding domain. Furthermore, RLIP76 is subject to extensive phosphorylation, particularly in the N-terminal region. In contrast, the C-terminal region is thought to form an extensive coiled-coil that could mediate dimerization. Here, we review the structural features of RLIP76, including experimental data and computational predictions, and discuss the implications of its various post-translational modifications.
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3
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Hurd CA, Brear P, Revell J, Ross S, Mott HR, Owen D. Affinity maturation of the RLIP76 Ral binding domain to inform the design of stapled peptides targeting the Ral GTPases. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100101. [PMID: 33214225 PMCID: PMC7949049 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.015735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ral GTPases have been implicated as critical drivers of cell growth and metastasis in numerous Ras-driven cancers. We have previously reported stapled peptides, based on the Ral effector RLIP76, that can disrupt Ral signaling. Stapled peptides are short peptides that are locked into their bioactive form using a synthetic brace. Here, using an affinity maturation of the RLIP76 Ral-binding domain, we identified several sequence substitutions that together improve binding to Ral proteins by more than 20-fold. Hits from the selection were rigorously analyzed to determine the contributions of individual residues and two 1.5 Å cocrystal structures of the tightest-binding mutants in complex with RalB revealed key interactions. Insights gained from this maturation were used to design second-generation stapled peptides based on RLIP76 that exhibited vastly improved selectivity for Ral GTPases when compared with the first-generation lead peptide. The binding of second-generation peptides to Ral proteins was quantified and the binding site of the lead peptide on RalB was determined by NMR. Stapled peptides successfully competed with multiple Ral-effector interactions in cellular lysates. Our findings demonstrate how manipulation of a native binding partner can assist in the rational design of stapled peptide inhibitors targeting a protein-protein interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Hurd
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul Brear
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jefferson Revell
- AstraZeneca, Sir Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarah Ross
- Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Helen R Mott
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Darerca Owen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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4
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Wang Y, Zheng Y, Chen Q, Dai Y, Li T. MicroRNA-139 inhibits pancreatic-cancer carcinogenesis by suppressing RalB via the Ral/RAC/PI3K pathway. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 704:108719. [PMID: 33290747 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are a class of conserved small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) that post-transcriptionally regulate their downstream target genes. Existing evidence indicates that abnormal expression of mRNAs results in the occurrence and development of pancreatic cancer (PC). In this study, we explored the potential role of miRNA-139 (miR-139) as a biomarker in the monitoring and treatment of PC. We demonstrated that expression of miR-139 was significantly downregulated in PC cells and tissues. In addition, both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that miR-139 significantly inhibited the growth, migration, and invasion of PC cells. We carried out microarray analysis and transcriptome sequencing to find the potential target of miR-139 in PC cells, and the results showed that miR-139 targeted Ras-like proto-oncogene B (RalB). Luciferase reporter experiments verified that high level of RalB could reverse the proliferation and invasion of PC cells overexpressing miR-139. Using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, we found that miR-139 likely affected PC cell cycle by targeting RalB via the Ral/protein kinase B (Akt) serine/threonine kinase 1 (RAC)/phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, thus affecting cell proliferation. This presumption was further confirmed in our in vitro and in vivo experiments. Our examination of PC tissues suggested that the expression of miR-139 was negatively correlated with that of RalB. Taken together, our results implied that miR-139 could suppress tumor growth and metastasis in PC by targeting RalB, revealing the potential role of miR-139 as a biomarker for the monitoring and treatment of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Provincial Clinical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Provincial Clinical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Qiao Chen
- Department of Oncology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Provincial Clinical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Yongmei Dai
- Department of Oncology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Provincial Clinical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Oncology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Provincial Clinical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China.
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5
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Apken LH, Oeckinghaus A. The RAL signaling network: Cancer and beyond. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 361:21-105. [PMID: 34074494 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The RAL proteins RALA and RALB belong to the superfamily of small RAS-like GTPases (guanosine triphosphatases). RAL GTPases function as molecular switches in cells by cycling through GDP- and GTP-bound states, a process which is regulated by several guanine exchange factors (GEFs) and two heterodimeric GTPase activating proteins (GAPs). Since their discovery in the 1980s, RALA and RALB have been established to exert isoform-specific functions in central cellular processes such as exocytosis, endocytosis, actin organization and gene expression. Consequently, it is not surprising that an increasing number of physiological functions are discovered to be controlled by RAL, including neuronal plasticity, immune response, and glucose and lipid homeostasis. The critical importance of RAL GTPases for oncogenic RAS-driven cellular transformation and tumorigenesis still attracts most research interest. Here, RAL proteins are key drivers of cell migration, metastasis, anchorage-independent proliferation, and survival. This chapter provides an overview of normal and pathological functions of RAL GTPases and summarizes the current knowledge on the involvement of RAL in human disease as well as current therapeutic targeting strategies. In particular, molecular mechanisms that specifically control RAL activity and RAL effector usage in different scenarios are outlined, putting a spotlight on the complexity of the RAL GTPase signaling network and the emerging theme of RAS-independent regulation and relevance of RAL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa H Apken
- Institute of Molecular Tumor Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Oeckinghaus
- Institute of Molecular Tumor Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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6
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Seibold M, Stühmer T, Kremer N, Mottok A, Scholz CJ, Schlosser A, Leich E, Holzgrabe U, Brünnert D, Barrio S, Kortüm KM, Solimando AG, Chatterjee M, Einsele H, Rosenwald A, Bargou RC, Steinbrunn T. RAL GTPases mediate multiple myeloma cell survival and are activated independently of oncogenic RAS. Haematologica 2020; 105:2316-2326. [PMID: 33054056 PMCID: PMC7556628 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.223024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic RAS provides crucial survival signaling for up to half of multiple myeloma cases, but has so far remained a clinically undruggable target. RAL is a member of the RAS superfamily of small GTPases and is considered to be a potential mediator of oncogenic RAS signaling. In primary multiple myeloma, we found RAL to be overexpressed in the vast majority of samples when compared with pre-malignant monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance or normal plasma cells. We analyzed the functional effects of RAL abrogation in myeloma cell lines and found that RAL is a critical mediator of survival. RNAi-mediated knockdown of RAL resulted in rapid induction of tumor cell death, an effect which was independent from signaling via mitogen-activated protein kinase, but appears to be partially dependent on Akt activity. Notably, RAL activation was not correlated with the presence of activating RAS mutations and remained unaffected by knockdown of oncogenic RAS. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis yielded distinct RNA expression signatures after knockdown of either RAS or RAL. Combining RAL depletion with clinically relevant anti-myeloma agents led to enhanced rates of cell death. Our data demonstrate that RAL promotes multiple myeloma cell survival independently of oncogenic RAS and, thus, this pathway represents a potential therapeutic target in its own right.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Seibold
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stühmer
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Chair of Translational Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Kremer
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Chair of Translational Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anja Mottok
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Schlosser
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ellen Leich
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Holzgrabe
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Brünnert
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Chair of Translational Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Santiago Barrio
- Hematology Department, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - K. Martin Kortüm
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Manik Chatterjee
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Chair of Translational Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Ralf C. Bargou
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Chair of Translational Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Steinbrunn
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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7
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Shi X, Li S, Wang L, Li H, Li Z, Wang W, Bai J, Sun Y, Li J, Li X. RalB degradation by dihydroartemisinin induces autophagy and IFI16/caspase-1 inflammasome depression in the human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Chin Med 2020; 15:64. [PMID: 32577124 PMCID: PMC7304197 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00340-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Interferon-inducible 16 (IFI16)/caspase-1 inflammasome activates and secretes IL-1β. However, it is still unclear whether the IFI16 inflammasome is involved in human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Autophagy directly removed inflammasome components and limited early IL-1β production. RalB is required for the crosstalk between inflammasome and autophagy in macrophages. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), the main derived ingredient of artemisinin, has a variety of biological activities. The mechanism of DHA in regulating the crosstalk between IFI16 inflammasome and autophagy by inhibiting RalB expression was analyzed in order to provide clues for new therapeutic methods in laryngeal cancer. Methods The expression of IFI16 was analyzed by Oncomine and GEPIA databases and detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The relationship between IFI16 inflammasome and autophagy was investigated by transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence assay, etc. in Hep-2, Cal-27 and HeLa cells treated with DHA. The xenograft tumor of hep-2 cell in nude mice were used to assess the effect of DHA on laryngeal cancer. Results It was reported for the first time in this study that IFI16 was overexpressed and positively correlated with caspase-1 in laryngeal carcinoma tissues. DHA significantly inhibited the activation of inflammasome and reduced IL-1β production in the microenvironment of Hep-2 cell xenograft tumor in nude mice. Mechanistically, we found that DHA degraded RalB, inhibited USP33 expression, and triggered autophagy. Meanwhile, enhanced autophagy can reduce the expression of RalB and USP33. Furthermore, DHA promotes autophagy, which suppresses the activation of IFI16/caspase-1 inflammasome and IL-1β production. Conclusions Therefore, our findings demonstrate that DHA may act as a RalB inhibitor to regulate the crosstalk between autophagy and IFI16/caspase-1 inflammasome, which inhibits IL-1β production in tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinli Shi
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050081 China.,Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200 China
| | - Shenghao Li
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200 China
| | - Li Wang
- Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis Prophylaxis and Treatment by Combine Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Research Center of Combine Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Traditional Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050081 China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050081 China
| | - Weiyi Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050081 China.,Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000 China
| | - Jing Bai
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050081 China
| | - Yajing Sun
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050081 China
| | - Jianchun Li
- Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis Prophylaxis and Treatment by Combine Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Research Center of Combine Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Traditional Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050081 China
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8
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Kannan S, Aronica PGA, Ng S, Gek Lian DT, Frosi Y, Chee S, Shimin J, Yuen TY, Sadruddin A, Kaan HYK, Chandramohan A, Wong JH, Tan YS, Chang ZW, Ferrer-Gago FJ, Arumugam P, Han Y, Chen S, Rénia L, Brown CJ, Johannes CW, Henry B, Lane DP, Sawyer TK, Verma CS, Partridge AW. Macrocyclization of an all-d linear α-helical peptide imparts cellular permeability. Chem Sci 2020; 11:5577-5591. [PMID: 32874502 PMCID: PMC7441689 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc06383h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based molecules hold great potential as targeted inhibitors of intracellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Indeed, the vast diversity of chemical space conferred through their primary, secondary and tertiary structures allows these molecules to be applied to targets that are typically deemed intractable via small molecules. However, the development of peptide therapeutics has been hindered by their limited conformational stability, proteolytic sensitivity and cell permeability. Several contemporary peptide design strategies are aimed at addressing these issues. Strategic macrocyclization through optimally placed chemical braces such as olefinic hydrocarbon crosslinks, commonly referred to as staples, may improve peptide properties by (i) restricting conformational freedom to improve target affinities, (ii) improving proteolytic resistance, and (iii) enhancing cell permeability. As a second strategy, molecules constructed entirely from d-amino acids are hyper-resistant to proteolytic cleavage, but generally lack conformational stability and membrane permeability. Since neither approach is a complete solution, we have combined these strategies to identify the first examples of all-d α-helical stapled and stitched peptides. As a template, we used a recently reported all d-linear peptide that is a potent inhibitor of the p53-Mdm2 interaction, but is devoid of cellular activity. To design both stapled and stitched all-d-peptide analogues, we used computational modelling to predict optimal staple placement. The resultant novel macrocyclic all d-peptide was determined to exhibit increased α-helicity, improved target binding, complete proteolytic stability and, most notably, cellular activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasaraghavan Kannan
- Bioinformatics Institute , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix , Singapore 138671 , Singapore . ; ; ; Tel: +65 6478 8353 ; Tel: +65 6478 8273
| | - Pietro G A Aronica
- Bioinformatics Institute , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix , Singapore 138671 , Singapore . ; ; ; Tel: +65 6478 8353 ; Tel: +65 6478 8273
| | - Simon Ng
- p53 Laboratory , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-04/05, Neuros/Immunos , Singapore 138648
| | - Dawn Thean Gek Lian
- p53 Laboratory , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-04/05, Neuros/Immunos , Singapore 138648
| | - Yuri Frosi
- p53 Laboratory , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-04/05, Neuros/Immunos , Singapore 138648
| | - Sharon Chee
- p53 Laboratory , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-04/05, Neuros/Immunos , Singapore 138648
| | - Jiang Shimin
- p53 Laboratory , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-04/05, Neuros/Immunos , Singapore 138648
| | - Tsz Ying Yuen
- Institute of Chemical & Engineering Science , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 8 Biomedical Grove, #07, Neuros Building , Singapore 138665
| | - Ahmad Sadruddin
- MSD International , Translation Medicine Research Centre , 8 Biomedical Grove, #04-01/05 Neuros Building , Singapore , 138665 , Singapore .
| | - Hung Yi Kristal Kaan
- MSD International , Translation Medicine Research Centre , 8 Biomedical Grove, #04-01/05 Neuros Building , Singapore , 138665 , Singapore .
| | - Arun Chandramohan
- MSD International , Translation Medicine Research Centre , 8 Biomedical Grove, #04-01/05 Neuros Building , Singapore , 138665 , Singapore .
| | - Jin Huei Wong
- Bioinformatics Institute , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix , Singapore 138671 , Singapore . ; ; ; Tel: +65 6478 8353 ; Tel: +65 6478 8273
| | - Yaw Sing Tan
- Bioinformatics Institute , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix , Singapore 138671 , Singapore . ; ; ; Tel: +65 6478 8353 ; Tel: +65 6478 8273
| | - Zi Wei Chang
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN) , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 8A Biomedical Grove, #03-06, Immunos , Singapore 138648
| | - Fernando J Ferrer-Gago
- p53 Laboratory , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-04/05, Neuros/Immunos , Singapore 138648
| | - Prakash Arumugam
- Bioinformatics Institute , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix , Singapore 138671 , Singapore . ; ; ; Tel: +65 6478 8353 ; Tel: +65 6478 8273
| | - Yi Han
- Merck & Co., Inc. , Kenilworth , New Jersey , USA
| | - Shiying Chen
- Merck & Co., Inc. , Kenilworth , New Jersey , USA
| | - Laurent Rénia
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN) , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 8A Biomedical Grove, #03-06, Immunos , Singapore 138648
| | - Christopher J Brown
- p53 Laboratory , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-04/05, Neuros/Immunos , Singapore 138648
| | - Charles W Johannes
- Institute of Chemical & Engineering Science , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 8 Biomedical Grove, #07, Neuros Building , Singapore 138665
| | - Brian Henry
- MSD International , Translation Medicine Research Centre , 8 Biomedical Grove, #04-01/05 Neuros Building , Singapore , 138665 , Singapore .
| | - David P Lane
- p53 Laboratory , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-04/05, Neuros/Immunos , Singapore 138648
| | | | - Chandra S Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix , Singapore 138671 , Singapore . ; ; ; Tel: +65 6478 8353 ; Tel: +65 6478 8273
- School of Biological Sciences , Nanyang Technological University , 60 Nanyang Drive , Singapore 637551
- Department of Biological Sciences , National University of Singapore , 14 Science Drive 4 , Singapore 117543
| | - Anthony W Partridge
- MSD International , Translation Medicine Research Centre , 8 Biomedical Grove, #04-01/05 Neuros Building , Singapore , 138665 , Singapore .
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9
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helen R. Mott
- Department of Biochemistry University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Darerca Owen
- Department of Biochemistry University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
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10
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Wu Y, Kaur A, Fowler E, Wiedmann MM, Young R, Galloway WRJD, Olsen L, Sore HF, Chattopadhyay A, Kwan TTL, Xu W, Walsh SJ, de Andrade P, Janecek M, Arumugam S, Itzhaki LS, Lau YH, Spring DR. Toolbox of Diverse Linkers for Navigating the Cellular Efficacy Landscape of Stapled Peptides. ACS Chem Biol 2019; 14:526-533. [PMID: 30702850 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Stapled peptides have great potential as modulators of protein-protein interactions (PPIs). However, there is a vast landscape of chemical features that can be varied for any given peptide, and identifying a set of features that maximizes cellular uptake and subsequent target engagement remains a key challenge. Herein, we present a systematic analysis of staple functionality on the peptide bioactivity landscape in cellular assays. Through application of a "toolbox" of diversified dialkynyl linkers to the stapling of MDM2-binding peptides via a double-click approach, we conducted a study of cellular uptake and p53 activation as a function of the linker. Minor changes in the linker motif and the specific pairing of linker with peptide sequence can lead to substantial differences in bioactivity, a finding which may have important design implications for peptide-based inhibitors of other PPIs. Given the complexity of the structure-activity relationships involved, the toolbox approach represents a generalizable strategy for optimization when progressing from in vitro binding assays to cellular efficacy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuteng Wu
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , United Kingdom
| | - Amandeep Kaur
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory Australia Node for Single Molecule Science and ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, School of Medical Sciences , University of New South Wales , Sydney , NSW 2052 , Australia
| | - Elaine Fowler
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , United Kingdom
| | - Mareike M Wiedmann
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , United Kingdom
| | - Reginald Young
- School of Chemistry , The University of Sydney , Eastern Avenue , Sydney , NSW 2006 , Australia
| | - Warren R J D Galloway
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , United Kingdom
| | - Lasse Olsen
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , United Kingdom
| | - Hannah F Sore
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , United Kingdom
| | - Anasuya Chattopadhyay
- Department of Pharmacology , University of Cambridge , Tennis Court Road , Cambridge CB2 1PD , United Kingdom
| | - Terence T-L Kwan
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , United Kingdom
| | - Wenshu Xu
- Department of Pharmacology , University of Cambridge , Tennis Court Road , Cambridge CB2 1PD , United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J Walsh
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , United Kingdom
| | - Peterson de Andrade
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , United Kingdom
| | - Matej Janecek
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , United Kingdom
| | - Senthil Arumugam
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory Australia Node for Single Molecule Science and ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, School of Medical Sciences , University of New South Wales , Sydney , NSW 2052 , Australia
| | - Laura S Itzhaki
- Department of Pharmacology , University of Cambridge , Tennis Court Road , Cambridge CB2 1PD , United Kingdom
| | - Yu Heng Lau
- School of Chemistry , The University of Sydney , Eastern Avenue , Sydney , NSW 2006 , Australia
| | - David R Spring
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , United Kingdom
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11
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Design and structural characterisation of monomeric water-soluble α-helix and β-hairpin peptides: State-of-the-art. Arch Biochem Biophys 2019; 661:149-167. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2018.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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12
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Speltz TE, Danes JM, Stender JD, Frasor J, Moore TW. A Cell-Permeable Stapled Peptide Inhibitor of the Estrogen Receptor/Coactivator Interaction. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:676-684. [PMID: 29309722 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.7b01016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We and others have proposed that coactivator binding inhibitors, which block the interaction of estrogen receptor and steroid receptor coactivators, may represent a potential class of new breast cancer therapeutics. The development of coactivator binding inhibitors has been limited, however, because many of the current molecules which are active in in vitro and biochemical assays are not active in cell-based assays. Our goal in this work was to prepare a coactivator binding inhibitor active in cellular models of breast cancer. To accomplish this, we used molecular dynamics simulations to convert a high-affinity stapled peptide with poor cell permeability into R4K1, a cell-penetrating stapled peptide. R4K1 displays high binding affinity for estrogen receptor α, inhibits the formation of estrogen receptor/coactivator complexes, and distributes throughout the cell with a high percentage of nuclear localization. R4K1 represses native gene transcription mediated by estrogen receptor α and inhibits proliferation of estradiol-stimulated MCF-7 cells. Using RNA-Seq, we demonstrate that almost all of the effects of R4K1 on global gene transcription are estrogen-receptor-associated. This chemical probe provides a significant proof-of-concept for preparing cell-permeable stapled peptide inhibitors of the estrogen receptor/coactivator interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. Speltz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood St., Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Jeanne M. Danes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1835 W Polk St, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Joshua D. Stender
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Jonna Frasor
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1835 W Polk St, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, 1801 W Taylor St., Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Terry W. Moore
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood St., Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, 1801 W Taylor St., Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
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13
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Mott HR, Owen D. Bioblockades join the assault on small G protein signalling. Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 54:149-161. [PMID: 29307570 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of Ras signalling has been a goal almost since its central role in cell signalling and its deregulation in disease were discovered. Early attempts at inhibiting its post-translational modification using peptidomimetics were successful in cell culture but failed spectacularly in clinical trials, making industry wary of targeting this critical oncoprotein. Small molecule inhibition of the protein-protein interactions involving Ras has also been difficult due to the nature of the interaction interface. Recent improvements in design, synthesis and selection of stabilised peptides, peptidomimetics and macrocycles have suggested that these biologics may represent a new hope in Ras inhibition. Here we review the various ways in which Ras has been targeted with these molecules. We also describe work on related small G proteins of the Ras superfamily, since many of the principles may be applicable to Ras, and these also provide inhibition of pathways downstream of Ras.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen R Mott
- Department of Biochemistry, 80, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK.
| | - Darerca Owen
- Department of Biochemistry, 80, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK.
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14
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Yan C, Theodorescu D. RAL GTPases: Biology and Potential as Therapeutic Targets in Cancer. Pharmacol Rev 2017; 70:1-11. [PMID: 29196555 DOI: 10.1124/pr.117.014415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
More than a hundred proteins comprise the RAS superfamily of small GTPases. This family can be divided into RAS, RHO, RAB, RAN, ARF, and RAD subfamilies, with each shown to play distinct roles in human cells in both health and disease. The RAS subfamily has a well-established role in human cancer with the three genes, HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS being the commonly mutated in tumors. These RAS mutations, most often functionally activating, are especially common in pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers. Efforts to inhibit RAS and related GTPases have produced inhibitors targeting the downstream effectors of RAS signaling, including inhibitors of the RAF-mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK)-ERK kinase pathway and the phosphoinositide-3-kinase-AKT-mTOR kinase pathway. A third effector arm of RAS signaling, mediated by RAL (RAS like) has emerged in recent years as a critical driver of RAS oncogenic signaling and has not been targeted until recently. RAL belongs to the RAS branch of the RAS superfamily and shares a high structural similarity with RAS. In human cells, there are two genes, RALA and RALB, both of which have been shown to play roles in the proliferation, survival, and metastasis of a variety of human cancers, including lung, colon, pancreatic, prostate, skin, and bladder cancers. In this review, we summarize the latest knowledge of RAL in the context of human cancer and the recent advancements in the development of cancer therapeutics targeting RAL small GTPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (C.Y.); Departments of Surgery (Urology) and Pharmacology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado (D.T.); and University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado (D.T.)
| | - Dan Theodorescu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (C.Y.); Departments of Surgery (Urology) and Pharmacology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado (D.T.); and University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado (D.T.)
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