1
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Casacuberta-Serra S, González-Larreategui Í, Capitán-Leo D, Soucek L. MYC and KRAS cooperation: from historical challenges to therapeutic opportunities in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:205. [PMID: 39164274 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01907-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
RAS and MYC rank amongst the most commonly altered oncogenes in cancer, with RAS being the most frequently mutated and MYC the most amplified. The cooperative interplay between RAS and MYC constitutes a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, profoundly influencing tumor development. Together and individually, these two oncogenes regulate most, if not all, hallmarks of cancer, including cell death escape, replicative immortality, tumor-associated angiogenesis, cell invasion and metastasis, metabolic adaptation, and immune evasion. Due to their frequent alteration and role in tumorigenesis, MYC and RAS emerge as highly appealing targets in cancer therapy. However, due to their complex nature, both oncogenes have been long considered "undruggable" and, until recently, no drugs directly targeting them had reached the clinic. This review aims to shed light on their complex partnership, with special attention to their active collaboration in fostering an immunosuppressive milieu and driving immunotherapeutic resistance in cancer. Within this review, we also present an update on the different inhibitors targeting RAS and MYC currently undergoing clinical trials, along with their clinical outcomes and the different combination strategies being explored to overcome drug resistance. This recent clinical development suggests a paradigm shift in the long-standing belief of RAS and MYC "undruggability", hinting at a new era in their therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Íñigo González-Larreategui
- Models of cancer therapies Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Cellex Centre, Hospital University Vall d'Hebron Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Capitán-Leo
- Models of cancer therapies Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Cellex Centre, Hospital University Vall d'Hebron Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Soucek
- Peptomyc S.L., Barcelona, Spain.
- Models of cancer therapies Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Cellex Centre, Hospital University Vall d'Hebron Campus, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
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2
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Mangano K, Potts PR. Feel the breeze: Opening the therapeutic window with RIPTACs and induced proximity. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1391-1393. [PMID: 39151405 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.07.013] [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: 07/19/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
In this issue of Cell Chemical Biology, Raina et al.1 demonstrate proof of concept of a new chemical induced proximity strategy for targeted cancer therapeutics. Building on a recent surge in induced proximity modalities, RIPTACs represent a novel approach that offers promise in treating cancers with improved safety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Mangano
- Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA; R&D Postdoctoral Fellows Program, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Patrick Ryan Potts
- Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
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3
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Mozzarelli AM, Simanshu DK, Castel P. Functional and structural insights into RAS effector proteins. Mol Cell 2024; 84:2807-2821. [PMID: 39025071 PMCID: PMC11316660 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.06.027] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
RAS proteins are conserved guanosine triphosphate (GTP) hydrolases (GTPases) that act as molecular binary switches and play vital roles in numerous cellular processes. Upon GTP binding, RAS GTPases adopt an active conformation and interact with specific proteins termed RAS effectors that contain a conserved ubiquitin-like domain, thereby facilitating downstream signaling. Over 50 effector proteins have been identified in the human proteome, and many have been studied as potential mediators of RAS-dependent signaling pathways. Biochemical and structural analyses have provided mechanistic insights into these effectors, and studies using model organisms have complemented our understanding of their role in physiology and disease. Yet, many critical aspects regarding the dynamics and biological function of RAS-effector complexes remain to be elucidated. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and functions of known RAS effector proteins, provide structural perspectives on RAS-effector interactions, evaluate their significance in RAS-mediated signaling, and explore their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro M Mozzarelli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter NYU Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dhirendra K Simanshu
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - Pau Castel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter NYU Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
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4
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Zhang JZ, Ong SE, Baker D, Maly DJ. Single-cell sensor analyses reveal signaling programs enabling Ras-G12C drug resistance. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01684-4. [PMID: 39103633 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01684-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Clinical resistance to rat sarcoma virus (Ras)-G12C inhibitors is a challenge. A subpopulation of cancer cells has been shown to undergo genomic and transcriptional alterations to facilitate drug resistance but the immediate adaptive effects on Ras signaling in response to these drugs at the single-cell level is not well understood. Here, we used Ras biosensors to profile the activity and signaling environment of endogenous Ras at the single-cell level. We found that a subpopulation of KRas-G12C cells treated with Ras-G12C-guanosine-diphosphate inhibitors underwent adaptive signaling and metabolic changes driven by wild-type Ras at the Golgi and mutant KRas at the mitochondria, respectively. Our Ras biosensors identified major vault protein as a mediator of Ras activation through its scaffolding of Ras signaling pathway components and metabolite channels. Overall, methods including ours that facilitate direct analysis on the single-cell level can report the adaptations that subpopulations of cells adopt in response to cancer therapies, thus providing insight into drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Z Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Shao-En Ong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dustin J Maly
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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5
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Kage M, Hayashi R, Matsuo A, Tamiya M, Kuramoto S, Ohara K, Irie M, Chiyoda A, Takano K, Ito T, Kotake T, Takeyama R, Ishikawa S, Nomura K, Furuichi N, Morita Y, Hashimoto S, Kawada H, Nishimura Y, Nii K, Sase H, Ohta A, Kojima T, Iikura H, Tanada M, Shiraishi T. Structure-activity relationships of middle-size cyclic peptides, KRAS inhibitors derived from an mRNA display. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 110:117830. [PMID: 38981216 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117830] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Cyclic peptides are attracting attention as therapeutic agents due to their potential for oral absorption and easy access to tough intracellular targets. LUNA18, a clinical KRAS inhibitor, was transformed-without scaffold hopping-from the initial hit by using an mRNA display library that met our criteria for drug-likeness. In drug discovery using mRNA display libraries, hit compounds always possess a site linked to an mRNA tag. Here, we describe our examination of the Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) using X-ray structures for chemical optimization near the site linked to the mRNA tag, equivalent to the C-terminus. Structural modifications near the C-terminus demonstrated a relatively wide range of tolerance for side chains. Furthermore, we show that a single atom modification is enough to change the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile. Since there are four positions where side chain modification is permissible in terms of activity, it is possible to flexibly adjust the pharmacokinetic profile by structurally optimizing the side chain. The side chain transformation findings demonstrated here may be generally applicable to hits obtained from mRNA display libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirai Kage
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Ryuji Hayashi
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Matsuo
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Minoru Tamiya
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Shino Kuramoto
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ohara
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Machiko Irie
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Aya Chiyoda
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Koji Takano
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Toshiya Ito
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Tomoya Kotake
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Ryuuichi Takeyama
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Shiho Ishikawa
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Kenichi Nomura
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Furuichi
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Yuya Morita
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hashimoto
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Hatsuo Kawada
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Nishimura
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Keiji Nii
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Sase
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ohta
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Kojima
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Iikura
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan
| | - Mikimasa Tanada
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan.
| | - Takuya Shiraishi
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 216, Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8602, Japan.
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6
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Li Y, Yang L, Li X, Zhang X. Inhibition of GTPase KRAS G12D: a review of patent literature. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024; 34:701-721. [PMID: 38884569 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2369630] [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: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION KRAS is a critical oncogenic protein intricately involved in tumor progression, and the difficulty in targeting KRAS has led it to be classified as an 'undruggable target.' Among the various KRAS mutations, KRASG12D is highly prevalent and represents a promising therapeutic target, yet there are currently no approved inhibitors for it. AREA COVERED This review summarizes numerous patents and literature featuring inhibitors or degraders of KRASG12D through searching relevant information in PubMed, SciFinder and Web of Science databases from 2021 to February 2024, providing an overview of the research progress on inhibiting KRASG12D in terms of design strategies, chemical structures, biological activities, and clinical advancements. EXPERT OPINION Since the approval of AMG510 (Sotorasib), there has been an increasing focus on the inhibition of KRASG12D, leading to numerous reports of related inhibitors and degraders. Among them, MRTX1133, as the first KRASG12D inhibitor to enter clinical trials, has demonstrated excellent tumor suppression in various KRASG12D-bearing human tumor xenograft models. It is important to note, however, that understanding the mechanisms of acquired resistance caused by KRAS inhibition and developing additional combination therapies is crucial. Moreover, seeking covalent inhibition of KRASG12D also holds significant potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Li
- Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Le Yang
- Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoran Li
- Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- AceMapAI Joint Lab, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- AceMapAI Joint Lab, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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7
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Ostrem JML, Peters U, Shokat KM. Direct RAS inhibitors turn 10. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01691-5. [PMID: 39060392 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01691-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M L Ostrem
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | | | - Kevan M Shokat
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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8
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Kitai H, Choi PH, Yang YC, Boyer JA, Whaley A, Pancholi P, Thant C, Reiter J, Chen K, Markov V, Taniguchi H, Yamaguchi R, Ebi H, Evans J, Jiang J, Lee B, Wildes D, de Stanchina E, Smith JAM, Singh M, Rosen N. Combined inhibition of KRAS G12C and mTORC1 kinase is synergistic in non-small cell lung cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6076. [PMID: 39025835 PMCID: PMC11258147 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50063-z] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Current KRASG12C (OFF) inhibitors that target inactive GDP-bound KRASG12C cause responses in less than half of patients and these responses are not durable. A class of RASG12C (ON) inhibitors that targets active GTP-bound KRASG12C blocks ERK signaling more potently than the inactive-state inhibitors. Sensitivity to either class of agents is strongly correlated with inhibition of mTORC1 activity. We have previously shown that PI3K/mTOR and ERK-signaling pathways converge on key cellular processes and that inhibition of both pathways is required for inhibition of these processes and for significant antitumor activity. We find here that the combination of a KRASG12C inhibitor with a selective mTORC1 kinase inhibitor causes synergistic inhibition of Cyclin D1 expression and cap-dependent translation. Moreover, BIM upregulation by KRASG12C inhibition and inhibition of MCL-1 expression by the mTORC1 inhibitor are both required to induce significant cell death. In vivo, this combination causes deep, durable tumor regressions and is well tolerated. This study suggests that the ERK and PI3K/mTOR pathways each mitigate the effects of inhibition of the other and that combinatorial inhibition is a potential strategy for treating KRASG12C-dependent lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Kitai
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology and Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Philip H Choi
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology and Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yu C Yang
- Department of Biology, Revolution Medicines Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Jacob A Boyer
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology and Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adele Whaley
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology and Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Priya Pancholi
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology and Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Claire Thant
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology and Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason Reiter
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology and Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin Chen
- Antitumor Assessment Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vladimir Markov
- Antitumor Assessment Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hirokazu Taniguchi
- Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rui Yamaguchi
- Division of Cancer Systems Biology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8681, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Ebi
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8681, Japan
| | - James Evans
- Department of Biology, Revolution Medicines Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Jingjing Jiang
- Department of Biology, Revolution Medicines Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Bianca Lee
- Department of Biology, Revolution Medicines Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - David Wildes
- Department of Biology, Revolution Medicines Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Mallika Singh
- Department of Biology, Revolution Medicines Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA.
| | - Neal Rosen
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology and Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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9
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Cornilescu G, Bindu L, Sternicki L, Chao FA, Gillette WK, Fer N, Colombus J, Castillo J, Bonilla PA, Van QN, Larsen E, Hong M, Burgan W, Turbyville T, Nissley DV, Liu M, Quinn R, Jean-Francois FL. Natural Product Graveoline Modulates Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homologue (KRAS) Membrane Association: Insights from Advanced Spectroscopic Studies. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1983-1995. [PMID: 39022364 PMCID: PMC11249638 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The KRAS gene plays a pivotal role in numerous cancers by encoding a GTPase that upon association with the plasma membrane activates the MAPK pathway, promoting cellular proliferation. In our study, we investigated small molecules that disrupt KRAS's membrane interaction, hypothesizing that such disruption could in turn inhibit mutant RAS signaling. Native mass spectrometry screening of KRAS-FMe identified compounds with a preference for interacting with the hypervariable region (HVR), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) further refined our selection to graveoline as a compound exhibiting preferential HVR binding. Subsequent nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis showed that graveoline's interaction with KRAS depends on C-terminal O-methylation. Moreover, our findings revealed multiple interaction sites, suggesting weak engagement with the KRAS G domain. Using nanodiscs as a membrane mimetic, further characterization through NMR and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies demonstrated graveoline's ability to perturb KRAS membrane interaction in a biochemical setting. Our biophysical approach sheds light on the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying KRAS-ligand interactions, providing valuable insights into understanding the KRAS-associated pathophysiology. These findings contribute to the translational aspect of our study, offering potential avenues for further research targeting KRAS membrane association with the potential to lead to a new class of RAS therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Cornilescu
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Lakshman Bindu
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Louise Sternicki
- Griffith
Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Fa-An Chao
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - William K. Gillette
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Nicole Fer
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - John Colombus
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Jean Castillo
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Pedro Andrade Bonilla
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Que N. Van
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Erik Larsen
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Min Hong
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - William Burgan
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Thomas Turbyville
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Dwight V. Nissley
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Miaomiao Liu
- Griffith
Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Ronald Quinn
- Griffith
Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Frantz L. Jean-Francois
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
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10
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Ma X, Sloman DL, Duggal R, Anderson KD, Ballard JE, Bharathan I, Brynczka C, Gathiaka S, Henderson TJ, Lyons TW, Miller R, Munsell EV, Orth P, Otte RD, Palani A, Rankic DA, Robinson MR, Sather AC, Solban N, Song XS, Wen X, Xu Z, Yang Y, Yang R, Day PJ, Stoeck A, Bennett DJ, Han Y. Discovery of MK-1084: An Orally Bioavailable and Low-Dose KRAS G12C Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11024-11052. [PMID: 38924388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00572] [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: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations in the RAS gene account for 30% of all human tumors; more than 60% of which present as KRAS mutations at the hotspot codon 12. After decades of intense pursuit, a covalent inhibition strategy has enabled selective targeting of this previously "undruggable" target. Herein, we disclose our journey toward the discovery of MK-1084, an orally bioavailable and low-dose KRASG12C covalent inhibitor currently in phase I clinical trials (NCT05067283). We leveraged structure-based drug design to identify a macrocyclic core structure, and hypothesis-driven optimization of biopharmaceutical properties to further improve metabolic stability and tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshen Ma
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - David L Sloman
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Ruchia Duggal
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalytics, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Kenneth D Anderson
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalytics, Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Jeanine E Ballard
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalytics, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Indu Bharathan
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Christopher Brynczka
- Department of Nonclinical Drug Safety, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Symon Gathiaka
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Timothy J Henderson
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Thomas W Lyons
- Department of Process Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Richard Miller
- Department of Discovery Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Erik V Munsell
- Department of Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Peter Orth
- Department of Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Ryan D Otte
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Anandan Palani
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Danica A Rankic
- Department of Process Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Michelle R Robinson
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalytics, Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Aaron C Sather
- Department of Process Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Nicolas Solban
- Department of Discovery Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Xuelei Sherry Song
- Department of Discovery Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Xin Wen
- Department of Process Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Zangwei Xu
- Department of Discovery Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Discovery Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Ruojing Yang
- Department of Discovery Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Phil J Day
- Department of Structural Biology, Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Alexander Stoeck
- Department of Discovery Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - David Jonathan Bennett
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Yongxin Han
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
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11
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Robinson SA, Co JA, Banik SM. Molecular glues and induced proximity: An evolution of tools and discovery. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1089-1100. [PMID: 38688281 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.04.001] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Small molecule molecular glues can nucleate protein complexes and rewire interactomes. Molecular glues are widely used as probes for understanding functional proximity at a systems level, and the potential to instigate event-driven pharmacology has motivated their application as therapeutics. Despite advantages such as cell permeability and the potential for low off-target activity, glues are still rare when compared to canonical inhibitors in therapeutic development. Their often simple structure and specific ability to reshape protein-protein interactions pose several challenges for widespread, designer applications. Molecular glue discovery and design campaigns can find inspiration from the fields of synthetic biology and biophysics to mine chemical libraries for glue-like molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steven Mark Banik
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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12
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Schreiber SL. Molecular glues and bifunctional compounds: Therapeutic modalities based on induced proximity. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1050-1063. [PMID: 38861986 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.05.004] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
This Perspective explores molecular glues and bifunctional compounds-proximity-inducing compounds-and offers a framework to understand and exploit their similarity to hotspots, missense mutations, and posttranslational modifications (PTMs). This view is also shown to be relevant to intramolecular glues, where compounds induce contacts between distinct domains of the same protein. A historical perspective of these compounds is presented that shows the field has come full circle from molecular glues targeting native proteins, to bifunctionals targeting fusion proteins, and back to molecular glues and bifunctionals targeting native proteins. Modern screening methods and data analyses with pre-selected target proteins are shown to yield either cooperative molecular glues or bifunctional compounds that induce proximity, thereby enabling novel functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart L Schreiber
- Arena BioWorks, Broad Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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13
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Konstantinidou M, Arkin MR. Molecular glues for protein-protein interactions: Progressing toward a new dream. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1064-1088. [PMID: 38701786 PMCID: PMC11193649 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.04.002] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The modulation of protein-protein interactions with small molecules is one of the most rapidly developing areas in drug discovery. In this review, we discuss advances over the past decade (2014-2023) focusing on molecular glues (MGs)-monovalent small molecules that induce proximity, either by stabilizing native interactions or by inducing neomorphic interactions. We include both serendipitous and rational discoveries and describe the different approaches that were used to identify them. We classify the compounds in three main categories: degradative MGs, non-degradative MGs or PPI stabilizers, and MGs that induce self-association. Diverse, illustrative examples with structural data are described in detail, emphasizing the elements of molecular recognition and cooperative binding at the interface that are fundamental for a MG mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markella Konstantinidou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Small Molecule Discovery Center (SMDC), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Michelle R Arkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Small Molecule Discovery Center (SMDC), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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14
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Jiang J, Jiang L, Maldonato BJ, Wang Y, Holderfield M, Aronchik I, Winters IP, Salman Z, Blaj C, Menard M, Brodbeck J, Chen Z, Wei X, Rosen MJ, Gindin Y, Lee BJ, Evans JW, Chang S, Wang Z, Seamon KJ, Parsons D, Cregg J, Marquez A, Tomlinson AC, Yano JK, Knox JE, Quintana E, Aguirre AJ, Arbour KC, Reed A, Gustafson WC, Gill AL, Koltun ES, Wildes D, Smith JA, Wang Z, Singh M. Translational and Therapeutic Evaluation of RAS-GTP Inhibition by RMC-6236 in RAS-Driven Cancers. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:994-1017. [PMID: 38593348 PMCID: PMC11149917 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-24-0027] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
RAS-driven cancers comprise up to 30% of human cancers. RMC-6236 is a RAS(ON) multi-selective noncovalent inhibitor of the active, GTP-bound state of both mutant and wild-type variants of canonical RAS isoforms with broad therapeutic potential for the aforementioned unmet medical need. RMC-6236 exhibited potent anticancer activity across RAS-addicted cell lines, particularly those harboring mutations at codon 12 of KRAS. Notably, oral administration of RMC-6236 was tolerated in vivo and drove profound tumor regressions across multiple tumor types in a mouse clinical trial with KRASG12X xenograft models. Translational PK/efficacy and PK/PD modeling predicted that daily doses of 100 mg and 300 mg would achieve tumor control and objective responses, respectively, in patients with RAS-driven tumors. Consistent with this, we describe here objective responses in two patients (at 300 mg daily) with advanced KRASG12X lung and pancreatic adenocarcinoma, respectively, demonstrating the initial activity of RMC-6236 in an ongoing phase I/Ib clinical trial (NCT05379985). SIGNIFICANCE The discovery of RMC-6236 enables the first-ever therapeutic evaluation of targeted and concurrent inhibition of canonical mutant and wild-type RAS-GTP in RAS-driven cancers. We demonstrate that broad-spectrum RAS-GTP inhibition is tolerable at exposures that induce profound tumor regressions in preclinical models of, and in patients with, such tumors. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 897.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lingyan Jiang
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | | | - Yingyun Wang
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | | | - Ida Aronchik
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Ian P. Winters
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
- D2G Oncology, Inc., Mountain View, California
| | - Zeena Salman
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Cristina Blaj
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Marie Menard
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Jens Brodbeck
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Zhe Chen
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Xing Wei
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | | | | | - Bianca J. Lee
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | | | | | - Zhican Wang
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | | | - Dylan Parsons
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - James Cregg
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Abby Marquez
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | | | - Jason K. Yano
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - John E. Knox
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Elsa Quintana
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Andrew J. Aguirre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kathryn C. Arbour
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Abby Reed
- The Christ Hospital Cancer Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | | | | | - David Wildes
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | | | | | - Mallika Singh
- Revolution Medicines, Inc., Redwood City, California
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15
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Wang B, Cao S, Zheng N. Emerging strategies for prospective discovery of molecular glue degraders. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 86:102811. [PMID: 38598983 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102811] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Molecular glue (MG) degraders are monovalent small molecule compounds that co-opt E3 ubiquitin ligases to target neo-substrates for proteasomal degradation. Here, we provide a concise review of recent advances in rational MG discovery, which are categorized into two major strategies, ligand modification and de novo discovery. We also highlight the structural mechanisms underlying the formation of MG-enabled ternary complexes and their thermodynamic properties. Finally, we summarize the broader category of proximity inducers including MGs, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), peptides, and viral proteins. MGs are specified as a unique class of proximity inducers with chemical simplicity and a requirement of pre-existing weak protein-protein interactions. We propose that leveraging the weak basal interaction provides a starting point to prospectively develop MGs to degrade high-value therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiyun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Box 357280, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shiyun Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, Box 357280, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ning Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Box 357280, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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16
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Hillebrand L, Liang XJ, Serafim RAM, Gehringer M. Emerging and Re-emerging Warheads for Targeted Covalent Inhibitors: An Update. J Med Chem 2024; 67:7668-7758. [PMID: 38711345 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Covalent inhibitors and other types of covalent modalities have seen a revival in the past two decades, with a variety of new targeted covalent drugs having been approved in recent years. A key feature of such molecules is an intrinsically reactive group, typically a weak electrophile, which enables the irreversible or reversible formation of a covalent bond with a specific amino acid of the target protein. This reactive group, often called the "warhead", is a critical determinant of the ligand's activity, selectivity, and general biological properties. In 2019, we summarized emerging and re-emerging warhead chemistries to target cysteine and other amino acids (Gehringer, M.; Laufer, S. A. J. Med. Chem. 2019, 62, 5673-5724; DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01153). Since then, the field has rapidly evolved. Here we discuss the progress on covalent warheads made since our last Perspective and their application in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hillebrand
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Xiaojun Julia Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ricardo A M Serafim
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Gehringer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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17
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Lokhandwala J, Smalley TB, Tran TH. Structural perspectives on recent breakthrough efforts toward direct drugging of RAS and acquired resistance. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1394702. [PMID: 38841166 PMCID: PMC11150659 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1394702] [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: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncoprotein homolog (KRAS) is currently a primary focus of oncologists and translational scientists, driven by exciting results with KRAS-targeted therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. While KRAS mutations continue to drive high cancer diagnosis and death, researchers have developed unique strategies to target KRAS variations. Having been investigated over the past 40 years and considered "undruggable" due to the lack of pharmacological binding pockets, recent breakthroughs and accelerated FDA approval of the first covalent inhibitors targeting KRASG12C, have largely sparked further drug development. Small molecule development has targeted the previously identified primary location alterations such as G12, G13, Q61, and expanded to address the emerging secondary mutations and acquired resistance. Of interest, the non-covalent KRASG12D targeting inhibitor MRTX-1133 has shown promising results in humanized pancreatic cancer mouse models and is seemingly making its way from bench to bedside. While this manuscript was under review a novel class of first covalent inhibitors specific for G12D was published, These so-called malolactones can crosslink both GDP and GTP bound forms of G12D. Inhibition of the latter state suppressed downstream signaling and cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in mouse xenografts. Moreover, a non-covalent pan-KRAS inhibitor, BI-2865, reduced tumor proliferation in cell lines and mouse models. Finally, the next generation of KRAS mutant-specific and pan-RAS tri-complex inhibitors have revolutionized RAS drug discovery. This review will give a structural biology perspective on the current generation of KRAS inhibitors through the lens of emerging secondary mutations and acquired resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jameela Lokhandwala
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Tracess B. Smalley
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Timothy H. Tran
- Chemical Biology Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
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18
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Shi JT, Hou SJ, Cheng L, Zhang HJ, Mu HX, Wang QS, Wang ZY, Chen SW. Discovery of novel coumarin-based KRAS-G12C inhibitors from virtual screening and Rational structural optimization. Bioorg Chem 2024; 148:107467. [PMID: 38772290 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107467] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
KRAS-G12C inhibitors has been made significant progress in the treatment of KRAS-G12C mutant cancers, but their clinical application is limited due to the adaptive resistance, motivating development of novel structural inhibitors. Herein, series of coumarin derivatives as KRAS-G12C inhibitors were found through virtual screening and rational structural optimization. Especially, K45 exhibited strong antiproliferative potency on NCI-H23 and NCI-H358 cancer cells harboring KRAS-G12C with the IC50 values of 0.77 μM and 1.50 μM, which was 15 and 11 times as potent as positive drug ARS1620, respectively. Furthermore, K45 reduced the phosphorylation of KRAS downstream effectors ERK and AKT by reducing the active form of KRAS (KRAS GTP) in NCI-H23 cells. In addition, K45 induced cell apoptosis by increasing the expression of anti-apoptotic protein BAD and BAX in NCI-H23 cells. Docking studies displayed that the 3-naphthylmethoxy moiety of K45 extended into the cryptic pocket formed by the residues Gln99 and Val9, which enhanced the interaction with the KRAS-G12C protein. These results indicated that K45 was a potent KRAS-G12C inhibitor worthy of further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Tao Shi
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Su-Juan Hou
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Hao-Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Hong-Xia Mu
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Qing-Shan Wang
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhao-Yang Wang
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shi-Wu Chen
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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19
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Long SA, Amparo AM, Goodhart G, Ahmad SA, Waters AM. Evaluation of KRAS inhibitor-directed therapies for pancreatic cancer treatment. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1402128. [PMID: 38800401 PMCID: PMC11116577 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1402128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advancements in the treatment of other cancers, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the world's deadliest cancers. More than 90% of PDAC patients harbor a Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) gene mutation. Although the clinical potential of anti-KRAS therapies has long been realized, all initial efforts to target KRAS were unsuccessful. However, with the recent development of a new generation of KRAS-targeting drugs, multiple KRAS-targeted treatment options for patients with PDAC have entered clinical trials. In this review, we provide an overview of current standard of care treatment, describe RAS signaling and the relevance of KRAS mutations, and discuss RAS isoform- and mutation-specific differences. We also evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of mutation-selective and multi-selective inhibitors, in the context of PDAC. We then provide a comparison of clinically relevant KRAS inhibitors to second-line PDAC treatment options. Finally, we discuss putative resistance mechanisms that may limit the clinical effectiveness of KRAS-targeted therapies and provide a brief overview of promising therapeutic approaches in development that are focused on mitigating these resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Aun Long
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Amber M. Amparo
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Grace Goodhart
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Syed A. Ahmad
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Andrew M. Waters
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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20
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Ye W, Lu X, Qiao Y, Ou WB. Activity and resistance to KRAS G12C inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189108. [PMID: 38723697 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189108] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) are associated with a high mortality rate. Mutations in the V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog (KRAS) proto-oncogene GTPase (KRAS) are frequently observed in these cancers. Owing to its structural attributes, KRAS has traditionally been regarded as an "undruggable" target. However, recent advances have identified a novel mutational regulatory site, KRASG12C switch II, leading to the development of two KRASG12C inhibitors (adagrasib and sotorasib) that are FDA-approved. This groundbreaking discovery has revolutionized our understanding of the KRAS locus and offers treatment options for patients with NSCLC harboring KRAS mutations. Due to the presence of alternative resistance pathways, the use of KRASG12C inhibitors as a standalone treatment for patients with CRC is not considered optimal. However, the combination of KRASG12C inhibitors with other targeted drugs has demonstrated greater efficacy in CRC patients harboring KRAS mutations. Furthermore, NSCLC and CRC patients harboring KRASG12C mutations inevitably develop primary or acquired resistance to drug therapy. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of resistance mechanisms, such as secondary mutations of KRAS, mutations of downstream intermediates, co-mutations with KRAS, receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activation, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions (EMTs), and tumor remodeling, the implementation of KRASG12C inhibitor-based combination therapy holds promise as a viable solution. Furthermore, the emergence of protein hydrolysis-targeted chimeras and molecular glue technologies has been facilitated by collaborative efforts in structural science and pharmacology. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the recent advancements in various aspects related to the KRAS gene, including the KRAS signaling pathway, tumor immunity, and immune microenvironment crosstalk, as well as the latest developments in KRASG12C inhibitors and mechanisms of resistance. In addition, this study discusses the strategies used to address drug resistance in light of the crosstalk between these factors. In the coming years, there will likely be advancements in the development of more efficacious pharmaceuticals and targeted therapeutic approaches for treating NSCLC and CRC. Consequently, individuals with KRAS-mutant NSCLC may experience a prolonged response duration and improved treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ye
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yue Qiao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wen-Bin Ou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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21
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Holderfield M, Lee BJ, Jiang J, Tomlinson A, Seamon KJ, Mira A, Patrucco E, Goodhart G, Dilly J, Gindin Y, Dinglasan N, Wang Y, Lai LP, Cai S, Jiang L, Nasholm N, Shifrin N, Blaj C, Shah H, Evans JW, Montazer N, Lai O, Shi J, Ahler E, Quintana E, Chang S, Salvador A, Marquez A, Cregg J, Liu Y, Milin A, Chen A, Ziv TB, Parsons D, Knox JE, Klomp JE, Roth J, Rees M, Ronan M, Cuevas-Navarro A, Hu F, Lito P, Santamaria D, Aguirre AJ, Waters AM, Der CJ, Ambrogio C, Wang Z, Gill AL, Koltun ES, Smith JAM, Wildes D, Singh M. Concurrent inhibition of oncogenic and wild-type RAS-GTP for cancer therapy. Nature 2024; 629:919-926. [PMID: 38589574 PMCID: PMC11111408 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07205-6] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
RAS oncogenes (collectively NRAS, HRAS and especially KRAS) are among the most frequently mutated genes in cancer, with common driver mutations occurring at codons 12, 13 and 611. Small molecule inhibitors of the KRAS(G12C) oncoprotein have demonstrated clinical efficacy in patients with multiple cancer types and have led to regulatory approvals for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer2,3. Nevertheless, KRASG12C mutations account for only around 15% of KRAS-mutated cancers4,5, and there are no approved KRAS inhibitors for the majority of patients with tumours containing other common KRAS mutations. Here we describe RMC-7977, a reversible, tri-complex RAS inhibitor with broad-spectrum activity for the active state of both mutant and wild-type KRAS, NRAS and HRAS variants (a RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor). Preclinically, RMC-7977 demonstrated potent activity against RAS-addicted tumours carrying various RAS genotypes, particularly against cancer models with KRAS codon 12 mutations (KRASG12X). Treatment with RMC-7977 led to tumour regression and was well tolerated in diverse RAS-addicted preclinical cancer models. Additionally, RMC-7977 inhibited the growth of KRASG12C cancer models that are resistant to KRAS(G12C) inhibitors owing to restoration of RAS pathway signalling. Thus, RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitors can target multiple oncogenic and wild-type RAS isoforms and have the potential to treat a wide range of RAS-addicted cancers with high unmet clinical need. A related RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor, RMC-6236, is currently under clinical evaluation in patients with KRAS-mutant solid tumours (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05379985).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Alessia Mira
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Enrico Patrucco
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Grace Goodhart
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Julien Dilly
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Shurui Cai
- Revolution Medicines, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Oliver Lai
- Revolution Medicines, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Jade Shi
- Revolution Medicines, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jim Cregg
- Revolution Medicines, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Revolution Medicines, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | | | - Anqi Chen
- Revolution Medicines, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jennifer E Klomp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer Roth
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matthew Rees
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Melissa Ronan
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Antonio Cuevas-Navarro
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Feng Hu
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Piro Lito
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Santamaria
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Andrew J Aguirre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew M Waters
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Channing J Der
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chiara Ambrogio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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22
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Perurena N, Situ L, Cichowski K. Combinatorial strategies to target RAS-driven cancers. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:316-337. [PMID: 38627557 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00679-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Although RAS was formerly considered undruggable, various agents that inhibit RAS or specific RAS oncoproteins have now been developed. Indeed, the importance of directly targeting RAS has recently been illustrated by the clinical success of mutant-selective KRAS inhibitors. Nevertheless, responses to these agents are typically incomplete and restricted to a subset of patients, highlighting the need to develop more effective treatments, which will likely require a combinatorial approach. Vertical strategies that target multiple nodes within the RAS pathway to achieve deeper suppression are being investigated and have precedence in other contexts. However, alternative strategies that co-target RAS and other therapeutic vulnerabilities have been identified, which may mitigate the requirement for profound pathway suppression. Regardless, the efficacy of any given approach will likely be dictated by genetic, epigenetic and tumour-specific variables. Here we discuss various combinatorial strategies to treat KRAS-driven cancers, highlighting mechanistic concepts that may extend to tumours harbouring other RAS mutations. Although many promising combinations have been identified, clinical responses will ultimately depend on whether a therapeutic window can be achieved and our ability to prospectively select responsive patients. Therefore, we must continue to develop and understand biologically diverse strategies to maximize our likelihood of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiara Perurena
- Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa Situ
- Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen Cichowski
- Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Ludwig Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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23
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Seale T, Misale S. RAS G12C Inhibitors: Three Birds with One Stone. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:698-700. [PMID: 38692265 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-24-0175] [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: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
SUMMARY In this issue, Rubinson, Tanaka, and colleagues demonstrate that differences among G12C inhibitors rely on their ability to covalently bind not only G12C mutant KRAS but also NRAS and HRAS, proposing sotorasib as a potent NRAS G12C inhibitor. See related article by Rubinson et al., p. 727 (6).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Seale
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sandra Misale
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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24
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Rubinson DA, Tanaka N, Fece de la Cruz F, Kapner KS, Rosenthal MH, Norden BL, Barnes H, Ehnstrom S, Morales-Giron AA, Brais LK, Lemke CT, Aguirre AJ, Corcoran RB. Sotorasib Is a Pan-RASG12C Inhibitor Capable of Driving Clinical Response in NRASG12C Cancers. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:727-736. [PMID: 38236605 PMCID: PMC11061598 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-1138] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
KRASG12C inhibitors, like sotorasib and adagrasib, potently and selectively inhibit KRASG12C through a covalent interaction with the mutant cysteine, driving clinical efficacy in KRASG12C tumors. Because amino acid sequences of the three main RAS isoforms-KRAS, NRAS, and HRAS-are highly similar, we hypothesized that some KRASG12C inhibitors might also target NRASG12C and/or HRASG12C, which are less common but critical oncogenic driver mutations in some tumors. Although some inhibitors, like adagrasib, were highly selective for KRASG12C, others also potently inhibited NRASG12C and/or HRASG12C. Notably, sotorasib was five-fold more potent against NRASG12C compared with KRASG12C or HRASG12C. Structural and reciprocal mutagenesis studies suggested that differences in isoform-specific binding are mediated by a single amino acid: Histidine-95 in KRAS (Leucine-95 in NRAS). A patient with NRASG12C colorectal cancer treated with sotorasib and the anti-EGFR antibody panitumumab achieved a marked tumor response, demonstrating that sotorasib can be clinically effective in NRASG12C-mutated tumors. SIGNIFICANCE These studies demonstrate that certain KRASG12C inhibitors effectively target all RASG12C mutations and that sotorasib specifically is a potent NRASG12C inhibitor capable of driving clinical responses. These findings have important implications for the treatment of patients with NRASG12C or HRASG12C cancers and could guide design of NRAS or HRAS inhibitors. See related commentary by Seale and Misale, p. 698. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 695.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas A. Rubinson
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Noritaka Tanaka
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ferran Fece de la Cruz
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kevin S. Kapner
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Michael H. Rosenthal
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Radiology, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bryanna L. Norden
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Haley Barnes
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sara Ehnstrom
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alvin A. Morales-Giron
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren K. Brais
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Andrew J. Aguirre
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ryan B. Corcoran
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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25
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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.
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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
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26
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Ash LJ, Busia-Bourdain O, Okpattah D, Kamel A, Liberchuk A, Wolfe AL. KRAS: Biology, Inhibition, and Mechanisms of Inhibitor Resistance. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:2024-2046. [PMID: 38668053 PMCID: PMC11049385 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31040150] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
KRAS is a small GTPase that is among the most commonly mutated oncogenes in cancer. Here, we discuss KRAS biology, therapeutic avenues to target it, and mechanisms of resistance that tumors employ in response to KRAS inhibition. Several strategies are under investigation for inhibiting oncogenic KRAS, including small molecule compounds targeting specific KRAS mutations, pan-KRAS inhibitors, PROTACs, siRNAs, PNAs, and mutant KRAS-specific immunostimulatory strategies. A central challenge to therapeutic effectiveness is the frequent development of resistance to these treatments. Direct resistance mechanisms can involve KRAS mutations that reduce drug efficacy or copy number alterations that increase the expression of mutant KRAS. Indirect resistance mechanisms arise from mutations that can rescue mutant KRAS-dependent cells either by reactivating the same signaling or via alternative pathways. Further, non-mutational forms of resistance can take the form of epigenetic marks, transcriptional reprogramming, or alterations within the tumor microenvironment. As the possible strategies to inhibit KRAS expand, understanding the nuances of resistance mechanisms is paramount to the development of both enhanced therapeutics and innovative drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard J. Ash
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Subprogram of the Biology Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Ottavia Busia-Bourdain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Daniel Okpattah
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Avrosina Kamel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Macaulay Honors College, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ariel Liberchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Macaulay Honors College, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Andrew L. Wolfe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Subprogram of the Biology Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
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27
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Singhal A, Li BT, O'Reilly EM. Targeting KRAS in cancer. Nat Med 2024; 30:969-983. [PMID: 38637634 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02903-0] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
RAS family variants-most of which involve KRAS-are the most commonly occurring hotspot mutations in human cancers and are associated with a poor prognosis. For almost four decades, KRAS has been considered undruggable, in part due to its structure, which lacks small-molecule binding sites. But recent developments in bioengineering, organic chemistry and related fields have provided the infrastructure to make direct KRAS targeting possible. The first successes occurred with allele-specific targeting of KRAS p.Gly12Cys (G12C) in non-small cell lung cancer, resulting in regulatory approval of two agents-sotorasib and adagrasib. Inhibitors targeting other variants beyond G12C have shown preliminary antitumor activity in highly refractory malignancies such as pancreatic cancer. Herein, we outline RAS pathobiology with a focus on KRAS, illustrate therapeutic approaches across a variety of malignancies, including emphasis on the 'on' and 'off' switch allele-specific and 'pan' RAS inhibitors, and review immunotherapeutic and other key combination RAS targeting strategies. We summarize mechanistic understanding of de novo and acquired resistance, review combination approaches, emerging technologies and drug development paradigms and outline a blueprint for the future of KRAS therapeutics with anticipated profound clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupriya Singhal
- Gastrointestinal Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bob T Li
- Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Early Drug Development Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eileen M O'Reilly
- Gastrointestinal Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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28
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Tate EW, Soday L, de la Lastra AL, Wang M, Lin H. Protein lipidation in cancer: mechanisms, dysregulation and emerging drug targets. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:240-260. [PMID: 38424304 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00666-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Protein lipidation describes a diverse class of post-translational modifications (PTMs) that is regulated by over 40 enzymes, targeting more than 1,000 substrates at over 3,000 sites. Lipidated proteins include more than 150 oncoproteins, including mediators of cancer initiation, progression and immunity, receptor kinases, transcription factors, G protein-coupled receptors and extracellular signalling proteins. Lipidation regulates the physical interactions of its protein substrates with cell membranes, regulating protein signalling and trafficking, and has a key role in metabolism and immunity. Targeting protein lipidation, therefore, offers a unique approach to modulate otherwise undruggable oncoproteins; however, the full spectrum of opportunities to target the dysregulation of these PTMs in cancer remains to be explored. This is attributable in part to the technological challenges of identifying the targets and the roles of protein lipidation. The early stage of drug discovery for many enzymes in the pathway contrasts with efforts for drugging similarly common PTMs such as phosphorylation and acetylation, which are routinely studied and targeted in relevant cancer contexts. Here, we review recent advances in identifying targetable protein lipidation pathways in cancer, the current state-of-the-art in drug discovery, and the status of ongoing clinical trials, which have the potential to deliver novel oncology therapeutics targeting protein lipidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward W Tate
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
| | - Lior Soday
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mei Wang
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hening Lin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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29
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Molina-Arcas M, Downward J. Exploiting the therapeutic implications of KRAS inhibition on tumor immunity. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:338-357. [PMID: 38471457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, RAS oncogenic proteins have transitioned from being deemed undruggable to having two clinically approved drugs, with several more in advanced stages of development. Despite the initial benefit of KRAS-G12C inhibitors for patients with tumors harboring this mutation, the rapid emergence of drug resistance underscores the urgent need to synergize these inhibitors with other therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes. RAS mutant tumor cells can create an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), suggesting an increased susceptibility to immunotherapies following RAS inhibition. This provides a rationale for combining RAS inhibitory drugs with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, achieving this synergy in the clinical setting has proven challenging. Here, we explore how understanding the impact of RAS mutant tumor cells on the TME can guide innovative approaches to combining RAS inhibition with immunotherapies, review progress in both pre-clinical and clinical stages, and discuss challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julian Downward
- Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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30
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Horio Y, Kuroda H, Masago K, Matsushita H, Sasaki E, Fujiwara Y. Current diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland-type tumors of the lung. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2024; 54:229-247. [PMID: 38018262 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyad160] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Salivary gland-type tumors of the lung are thought to originate from the submucosal exocrine glands of the large airways. Due to their rare occurrence, reports of their study are limited to small-scale or case reports. Therefore, daily clinical practices often require a search for previous reports. In the last 20 years, several genetic rearrangements have been identified, such as MYB::NF1B rearrangements in adenoid cystic carcinoma, CRTC1::MAML2 rearrangements in mucoepidermoid carcinoma, EWSR1::ATF1 rearrangements in hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma and rearrangements of the EWSR1 locus or FUS (TLS) locus in myoepithelioma and myoepithelial carcinoma. These molecular alterations have been useful in diagnosing these tumors, although they have not yet been linked to molecularly targeted therapies. The morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular characteristics of these tumors are similar to those of their counterparts of extrapulmonary origin, so clinical and radiologic differential diagnosis is required to distinguish between primary and metastatic disease of other primary sites. However, these molecular alterations can be useful in differentiating them from other primary lung cancer histologic types. The management of these tumors requires broad knowledge of the latest diagnostics, surgery, radiotherapy, bronchoscopic interventions, chemotherapy, immunotherapy as well as therapeutic agents in development, including molecularly targeted agents. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary salivary gland tumors, with a focus on adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma, which are the two most common subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitsugu Horio
- Department of Outpatient Services, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kuroda
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Teikyo University Hospital, Mizonokuchi, Kanagawa-prefecture, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Masago
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Matsushita
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Eiichi Sasaki
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yutaka Fujiwara
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
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31
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Zheng Q, Zhang Z, Guiley KZ, Shokat KM. Strain-release alkylation of Asp12 enables mutant selective targeting of K-Ras-G12D. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01565-w. [PMID: 38443470 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01565-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
K-Ras is the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancer. The recently approved non-small cell lung cancer drugs sotorasib and adagrasib covalently capture an acquired cysteine in K-Ras-G12C mutation and lock it in a signaling-incompetent state. However, covalent inhibition of G12D, the most frequent K-Ras mutation particularly prevalent in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, has remained elusive due to the lack of aspartate-targeting chemistry. Here we present a set of malolactone-based electrophiles that exploit ring strain to crosslink K-Ras-G12D at the mutant aspartate to form stable covalent complexes. Structural insights from X-ray crystallography and exploitation of the stereoelectronic requirements for attack of the electrophile allowed development of a substituted malolactone that resisted attack by aqueous buffer but rapidly crosslinked with the aspartate-12 of K-Ras in both GDP and GTP state. The GTP-state targeting allowed effective suppression of downstream signaling, and selective inhibition of K-Ras-G12D-driven cancer cell proliferation in vitro and xenograft growth in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinheng Zheng
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ziyang Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Keelan Z Guiley
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kevan M Shokat
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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32
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Holdgate GA, Bardelle C, Berry SK, Lanne A, Cuomo ME. Screening for molecular glues - Challenges and opportunities. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2024; 29:100136. [PMID: 38104659 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Molecular glues are small molecules, typically smaller than PROTACs, and usually with improved physicochemical properties that aim to stabilise the interaction between two proteins. Most often this approach is used to improve or induce an interaction between the target and an E3 ligase, but other interactions which stabilise interactions to increase activity or to inhibit binding to a natural effector have also been demonstrated. This review will describe the effects of induced proximity, discuss current methods used to identify molecular glues and introduce approaches that could be adapted for molecular glue screening.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine Bardelle
- High-throughput Screening, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, UK
| | - Sophia K Berry
- High-throughput Screening, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, UK
| | - Alice Lanne
- High-throughput Screening, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, UK
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Shang Y, Fu S, Hao Q, Ying H, Wang J, Shen T. Multiple medicinal chemistry strategies of targeting KRAS: State-of-the art and future directions. Bioorg Chem 2024; 144:107092. [PMID: 38271825 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.107092] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene and drives the development and progression of malignancies, most notably non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLS), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). However, KRAS proteins have maintained the reputation of being "undruggable" due to the lack of suitable deep pockets on its surface. One major milestone for KRAS inhibition was the discovery of the covalent inhibitors bond to the allosteric switch-II pocket of the KRASG12C protein. To date, the FDA has approved two KRASG12C inhibitors, sotorasib and adagrasib, for the treatment of patients with KRASG12C-driven cancers. Researchers have paid close attention to the development of inhibitors for other KRAS mutations and upstream regulatory factors. The KRAS targeted drug discovery has entered a state of rapid development. This article has aimed to present the current state of the art of drug development in the KRAS field. We systematically summarize recent advances in the discovery and optimization processes of direct KRAS inhibitors (including KRASG12C, KRASG12D, KRASG12A and KRASG12R inhibitors), indirect KRAS inhibitors (SOS1 and SHP2 inhibitors), pan-KRAS inhibitors, as well as proteolysis-targetingchimeras degrades and molecular chaperone modulators from the perspective of medicinal chemistry. We also discuss the current challenges and opportunities of KRAS inhibition and hope to shed light on future KRAS drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanguo Shang
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengnan Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingjing Hao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanjie Ying
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinxin Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Tao Shen
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China.
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Rosell R, Codony-Servat J, González J, Santarpia M, Jain A, Shivamallu C, Wang Y, Giménez-Capitán A, Molina-Vila MA, Nilsson J, González-Cao M. KRAS G12C-mutant driven non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 195:104228. [PMID: 38072173 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104228] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
KRAS G12C mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) partially respond to KRAS G12C covalent inhibitors. However, early adaptive resistance occurs due to rewiring of signaling pathways, activating receptor tyrosine kinases, primarily EGFR, but also MET and ligands. Evidence indicates that treatment with KRAS G12C inhibitors (sotorasib) triggers the MRAS:SHOC2:PP1C trimeric complex. Activation of MRAS occurs from alterations in the Scribble and Hippo-dependent pathways, leading to YAP activation. Other mechanisms that involve STAT3 signaling are intertwined with the activation of MRAS. The high-resolution MRAS:SHOC2:PP1C crystallization structure allows in silico analysis for drug development. Activation of MRAS:SHOC2:PP1C is primarily Scribble-driven and downregulated by HUWE1. The reactivation of the MRAS complex is carried out by valosin containing protein (VCP). Exploring these pathways as therapeutic targets and their impact on different chemotherapeutic agents (carboplatin, paclitaxel) is crucial. Comutations in STK11/LKB1 often co-occur with KRAS G12C, jeopardizing the effect of immune checkpoint (anti-PD1/PDL1) inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Rosell
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Badalona (IGTP), Spain; IOR, Hospital Quiron-Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Jessica González
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Badalona (IGTP), Spain
| | - Mariacarmela Santarpia
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Italy
| | - Anisha Jain
- Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Chandan Shivamallu
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Yu Wang
- Genfleet Therapeutics, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | - Jonas Nilsson
- Department Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, Sweden
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35
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Nalawansha DA, Mangano K, den Besten W, Potts PR. TAC-tics for Leveraging Proximity Biology in Drug Discovery. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300712. [PMID: 38015747 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300712] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Chemically induced proximity (CIP) refers to co-opting naturally occurring biological pathways using synthetic molecules to recruit neosubstrates that are not normally encountered or to enhance the affinity of naturally occurring interactions. Leveraging proximity biology through CIPs has become a rapidly evolving field and has garnered considerable interest in basic research and drug discovery. PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) is a well-established CIP modality that induces the proximity between a target protein and an E3 ubiquitin ligase, causing target protein degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Inspired by PROTACs, several other induced proximity modalities have emerged to modulate both proteins and RNA over recent years. In this review, we summarize the critical advances and opportunities in the field, focusing on protein degraders, RNA degraders and non-degrader modalities such as post-translational modification (PTM) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) modulators. We envision that these emerging proximity-based drug modalities will be valuable resources for both biological research and therapeutic discovery in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kyle Mangano
- Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Willem den Besten
- Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Patrick Ryan Potts
- Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
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36
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Sharma AK, Pei J, Yang Y, Dyba M, Smith B, Rabara D, Larsen EK, Lightstone FC, Esposito D, Stephen AG, Wang B, Beltran PJ, Wallace E, Nissley DV, McCormick F, Maciag AE. Revealing the mechanism of action of a first-in-class covalent inhibitor of KRASG12C (ON) and other functional properties of oncogenic KRAS by 31P NMR. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105650. [PMID: 38237681 PMCID: PMC10877953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105650] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Individual oncogenic KRAS mutants confer distinct differences in biochemical properties and signaling for reasons that are not well understood. KRAS activity is closely coupled to protein dynamics and is regulated through two interconverting conformations: state 1 (inactive, effector binding deficient) and state 2 (active, effector binding enabled). Here, we use 31P NMR to delineate the differences in state 1 and state 2 populations present in WT and common KRAS oncogenic mutants (G12C, G12D, G12V, G13D, and Q61L) bound to its natural substrate GTP or a commonly used nonhydrolyzable analog GppNHp (guanosine-5'-[(β,γ)-imido] triphosphate). Our results show that GppNHp-bound proteins exhibit significant state 1 population, whereas GTP-bound KRAS is primarily (90% or more) in state 2 conformation. This observation suggests that the predominance of state 1 shown here and in other studies is related to GppNHp and is most likely nonexistent in cells. We characterize the impact of this differential conformational equilibrium of oncogenic KRAS on RAF1 kinase effector RAS-binding domain and intrinsic hydrolysis. Through a KRAS G12C drug discovery, we have identified a novel small-molecule inhibitor, BBO-8956, which is effective against both GDP- and GTP-bound KRAS G12C. We show that binding of this inhibitor significantly perturbs state 1-state 2 equilibrium and induces an inactive state 1 conformation in GTP-bound KRAS G12C. In the presence of BBO-8956, RAF1-RAS-binding domain is unable to induce a signaling competent state 2 conformation within the ternary complex, demonstrating the mechanism of action for this novel and active-conformation inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok K Sharma
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick, Maryland, USA.
| | - Jun Pei
- Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, USA
| | - Yue Yang
- Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, USA
| | - Marcin Dyba
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian Smith
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Dana Rabara
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Erik K Larsen
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Felice C Lightstone
- Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, USA
| | - Dominic Esposito
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew G Stephen
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Bin Wang
- BridgeBio Oncology Therapeutics, BridgeBio Pharma, Inc, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Pedro J Beltran
- BridgeBio Oncology Therapeutics, BridgeBio Pharma, Inc, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Eli Wallace
- BridgeBio Oncology Therapeutics, BridgeBio Pharma, Inc, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Dwight V Nissley
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick, Maryland, USA; BridgeBio Oncology Therapeutics, BridgeBio Pharma, Inc, Palo Alto, California, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anna E Maciag
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick, Maryland, USA.
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Yoon H, Rutter JC, Li YD, Ebert BL. Induced protein degradation for therapeutics: past, present, and future. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e175265. [PMID: 38165043 PMCID: PMC10760958 DOI: 10.1172/jci175265] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The concept of induced protein degradation by small molecules has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy that is particularly effective in targeting proteins previously considered "undruggable." Thalidomide analogs, employed in the treatment of multiple myeloma, stand as prime examples. These compounds serve as molecular glues, redirecting the CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase to degrade myeloma-dependency factors, IKZF1 and IKZF3. The clinical success of thalidomide analogs demonstrates the therapeutic potential of induced protein degradation. Beyond molecular glue degraders, several additional modalities to trigger protein degradation have been developed and are currently under clinical evaluation. These include heterobifunctional degraders, polymerization-induced degradation, ligand-dependent degradation of nuclear hormone receptors, disruption of protein interactions, and various other strategies. In this Review, we will provide a concise overview of various degradation modalities, their clinical applications, and potential future directions in the field of protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojong Yoon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Justine C. Rutter
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yen-Der Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benjamin L. Ebert
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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38
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Zhang JZ, Ong SE, Baker D, Maly DJ. Single-cell signaling analysis reveals that Major Vault Protein facilitates RasG12C inhibitor resistance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.02.560617. [PMID: 37873412 PMCID: PMC10592919 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.02.560617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Recently developed covalent inhibitors for RasG12C provide the first pharmacological tools to target mutant Ras-driven cancers. However, the rapid development of resistance to current clinical Ras G12C inhibitors is common. Presumably, a subpopulation of RasG12C-expressing cells adapt their signaling to evade these inhibitors and the mechanisms for this phenomenon are unclear due to the lack of tools that can measure signaling with single-cell resolution. Here, we utilized recently developed Ras sensors to profile the environment of active Ras and to measure the activity of endogenous Ras in order to pair structure (Ras signalosome) to function (Ras activity), respectively, at a single-cell level. With this approach, we identified a subpopulation of KRasG12C cells treated with RasG12C-GDP inhibitors underwent oncogenic signaling and metabolic changes driven by WT Ras at the golgi and mutant Ras at the mitochondria, respectively. Our Ras sensors identified Major Vault Protein (MVP) as a mediator of Ras activation at both compartments by scaffolding Ras signaling pathway components and metabolite channels. We found that recently developed RasG12C-GTP inhibitors also led to MVP-mediated WT Ras signaling at the golgi, demonstrating that this a general mechanism RasG12C inhibitor resistance. Overall, single-cell analysis of structure-function relationships enabled the discovery of a RasG12C inhibitor-resistant subpopulation driven by MVP, providing insight into the complex and heterogenous rewiring occurring during drug resistance in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Z. Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Shao-En Ong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - David Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Dustin J. Maly
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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39
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Liu JO. Targeting cancer with molecular glues. Science 2023; 381:729-730. [PMID: 37590349 DOI: 10.1126/science.adj1001] [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: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Molecular glues suppress the active form of the oncogenic protein KRAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun O Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The SJ Yan and HJ Mao Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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