1
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Klomp JE, Diehl JN, Klomp JA, Edwards AC, Yang R, Morales AJ, Taylor KE, Drizyte-Miller K, Bryant KL, Schaefer A, Johnson JL, Huntsman EM, Yaron TM, Pierobon M, Baldelli E, Prevatte AW, Barker NK, Herring LE, Petricoin EF, Graves LM, Cantley LC, Cox AD, Der CJ, Stalnecker CA. Determining the ERK-regulated phosphoproteome driving KRAS-mutant cancer. Science 2024; 384:eadk0850. [PMID: 38843329 PMCID: PMC11301400 DOI: 10.1126/science.adk0850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
To delineate the mechanisms by which the ERK1 and ERK2 mitogen-activated protein kinases support mutant KRAS-driven cancer growth, we determined the ERK-dependent phosphoproteome in KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancer. We determined that ERK1 and ERK2 share near-identical signaling and transforming outputs and that the KRAS-regulated phosphoproteome is driven nearly completely by ERK. We identified 4666 ERK-dependent phosphosites on 2123 proteins, of which 79 and 66%, respectively, were not previously associated with ERK, substantially expanding the depth and breadth of ERK-dependent phosphorylation events and revealing a considerably more complex function for ERK in cancer. We established that ERK controls a highly dynamic and complex phosphoproteome that converges on cyclin-dependent kinase regulation and RAS homolog guanosine triphosphatase function (RHO GTPase). Our findings establish the most comprehensive molecular portrait and mechanisms by which ERK drives KRAS-dependent pancreatic cancer growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. Klomp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - J. Nathaniel Diehl
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Klomp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - A. Cole Edwards
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Runying Yang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Alexis J. Morales
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Khalilah E. Taylor
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kristina Drizyte-Miller
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kirsten L. Bryant
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Antje Schaefer
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jared L. Johnson
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Emily M. Huntsman
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine; New York, NY 10065, USA
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Tomer M. Yaron
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine; New York, NY 10065, USA
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Elisa Baldelli
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Alex W. Prevatte
- UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Natalie K. Barker
- UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Laura E. Herring
- UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | - Lee M. Graves
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lewis C. Cantley
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Adrienne D. Cox
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Channing J. Der
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Clint A. Stalnecker
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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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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3
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Valladares-Ayerbes M, Safont MJ, González Flores E, García-Alfonso P, Aranda E, Muñoz AML, Falcó Ferrer E, Cirera Nogueras L, Rodríguez-Salas N, Aparicio J, Llanos Muñoz M, Pimentel Cáceres PP, Castillo Trujillo OA, Vidal Tocino R, Salgado Fernández M, Salud-Salvia A, Massuti Sureda B, Garcia-Carbonero R, Vicente Conesa MÁ, Lloansí Vila A. Sequential RAS mutations evaluation in cell-free DNA of patients with tissue RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer: the PERSEIDA (Cohort 2) study. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03487-4. [PMID: 38642257 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03487-4] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE RAS (KRAS/NRAS) mutational status on a tumor biopsy is mandatory to guide the best treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Determining the RAS mutational status by tumor-tissue biopsy is essential in guiding the optimal treatment decision for mCRC. RAS mutations are negative predictive factors for the use of EGFR monoclonal antibodies. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis enables minimally invasive monitoring of tumor evolution. METHODS/PATIENTS PERSEIDA was an observational, prospective study assessing cfDNA RAS, BRAF and EGFR mutations (using Idylla™) in first-line mCRC, RAS wild-type (baseline tumor-tissue biopsy) patients (cohort 2). Plasma samples were collected before first-line treatment, after 20 ± 2 weeks, and at disease progression. RESULTS 117 patients were included (103 received panitumumab + chemotherapy as first-line treatment). At baseline, 7 (6.8%) patients had RAS mutations, 4 (3.9%) BRAF mutations and no EGFR mutations were detected (cfDNA, panitumumab + chemotherapy subpopulation [panitumumab + Ch]). The baseline RAS mutational status concordance between tissue and liquid biopsies was 94.0% (93.2%, panitumumab + Ch). At 20 weeks, only one patient in the study (included in the panitumumab + Ch) had an emerging cfDNA RAS mutation. No emerging BRAF or EGFR mutations were reported. At disease progression, 6 patients had emergent mutations not present at baseline (RAS conversion rate: 13.3% [6/45]; 15.0% [6/40], panitumumab + Ch). CONCLUSIONS The concordance rate between liquid and solid biopsies at baseline was very high, as previously reported, while our results suggest a considerable emergence of RAS mutations during disease progression. Thus, the dynamics of the genomic landscape in ctDNA may provide relevant information for the management of mCRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria José Safont
- Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia; CIBERONC, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Pilar García-Alfonso
- Medical Oncology Service, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jorge Aparicio
- Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain
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4
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Carrión-Estrada DA, Aguilar-Rojas A, Huerta-Yepez S, Montecillo-Aguado M, Bello M, Rojo-Domínguez A, Arechaga-Ocampo E, Briseño-Díaz P, Meraz-Ríos MA, Thompson-Bonilla MDR, Hernández-Rivas R, Vargas M. Antineoplastic effect of compounds C14 and P8 on TNBC and radioresistant TNBC cells by stabilizing the K-Ras4B G13D/PDE6δ complex. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1341766. [PMID: 38571493 PMCID: PMC10989073 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1341766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) representing one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant subtypes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antitumor potential of C14 and P8 molecules in both TNBC and radioresistant TNBC cells. These compounds were chosen for their ability to stabilize the complex formed by the overactivated form of K-Ras4BG13D and its membrane transporter (PDE6δ). Methods The antitumor potential of C14 and P8 was assessed using TNBC cell lines, MDA-MB-231, and the radioresistant derivative MDA-MB-231RR, both carrying the K-Ras4B> G13D mutation. We investigated the compounds' effects on K-Ras signaling pathways, cell viability, and tumor growth in vivo. Results Western blotting analysis determined the negative impact of C14 and P8 on the activation of mutant K-Ras signaling pathways in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-231RR cells. Proliferation assays demonstrated their efficacy as cytotoxic agents against K-RasG13D mutant cancer cells and in inducing apoptosis. Clonogenic assays proven their ability to inhibit TNBC and radioresistant TNBC cell clonogenicity. In In vivo studies, C14 and P8 inhibited tumor growth and reduced proliferation, angiogenesis, and cell cycle progression markers. Discussion These findings suggest that C14 and P8 could serve as promising adjuvant treatments for TNBC, particularly for non-responders to standard therapies. By targeting overactivated K-Ras and its membrane transporter, these compounds offer potential therapeutic benefits against TNBC, including its radioresistant form. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to validate their efficacy and safety as novel TNBC treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayan A. Carrión-Estrada
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-I.P.N.), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arturo Aguilar-Rojas
- Medical Research Unit in Reproductive Medicine, Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), High Specialty Medical Unit in Gynecology and Obstetrics No. 4 Dr. Luis Castelazo Ayala, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sara Huerta-Yepez
- Research Unit in Oncological Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mayra Montecillo-Aguado
- Research Unit in Oncological Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Martiniano Bello
- Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation, Higher School of Medicine, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arturo Rojo-Domínguez
- Department of Natural Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University Cuajimalpa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elena Arechaga-Ocampo
- Department of Natural Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University Cuajimalpa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Paola Briseño-Díaz
- Department of Biochemistry of the Faculty of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marco Antonio Meraz-Ríos
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-I.P.N.), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María del Rocío Thompson-Bonilla
- Biomedical and Transnational Research, Genomic Medicine Laboratory, Hospital 1° de Octubre, Institute of Security and Social Services of State Workers (ISSSTE), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosaura Hernández-Rivas
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-I.P.N.), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel Vargas
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-I.P.N.), Mexico City, Mexico
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5
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Yousef A, Yousef M, Chowdhury S, Abdilleh K, Knafl M, Edelkamp P, Alfaro-Munoz K, Chacko R, Peterson J, Smaglo BG, Wolff RA, Pant S, Lee MS, Willis J, Overman M, Doss S, Matrisian L, Hurd MW, Snyder R, Katz MHG, Wang H, Maitra A, Shen JP, Zhao D. Impact of KRAS mutations and co-mutations on clinical outcomes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:27. [PMID: 38310130 PMCID: PMC10838312 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00505-0] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The relevance of KRAS mutation alleles to clinical outcome remains inconclusive in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We conducted a retrospective study of 803 patients with PDAC (42% with metastatic disease) at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Overall survival (OS) analysis demonstrated that KRAS mutation status and subtypes were prognostic (p < 0.001). Relative to patients with KRAS wildtype tumors (median OS 38 months), patients with KRASG12R had a similar OS (median 34 months), while patients with KRASQ61 and KRASG12D mutated tumors had shorter OS (median 20 months [HR: 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.0, p = 0.006] and 22 months [HR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.3, p < 0.001], respectively). There was enrichment of KRASG12D mutation in metastatic tumors (34% vs 24%, OR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.4, p = 0.001) and enrichment of KRASG12R in well and moderately differentiated tumors (14% vs 9%, OR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.05-2.99, p = 0.04). Similar findings were observed in the external validation cohort (PanCAN's Know Your Tumor® dataset, n = 408).
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelrahman Yousef
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mahmoud Yousef
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Saikat Chowdhury
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kawther Abdilleh
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark Knafl
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Paul Edelkamp
- Department of Data Engineering & Analytics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kristin Alfaro-Munoz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ray Chacko
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer Peterson
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brandon G Smaglo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert A Wolff
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shubham Pant
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael S Lee
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jason Willis
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Overman
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sudheer Doss
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lynn Matrisian
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark W Hurd
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca Snyder
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthew H G Katz
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John Paul Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dan Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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6
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Tripathi P, Kumari R, Pathak R. Drugging the undruggable: Advances in targeting KRAS signaling in solid tumors. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 385:1-39. [PMID: 38663957 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Cancer remains the leading cause of global mortality, prompting a paradigm shift in its treatment and outcomes with the advent of targeted therapies. Among the most prevalent mutations in RAS-driven cancers, Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations account for approximately 86% of cases worldwide, particularly in lung, pancreatic, and colon cancers, contributing to poor prognosis and reduced overall survival. Despite numerous efforts to understand the biology of KRAS mutants and their pivotal role in cancer development, the lack of well-defined drug-binding pockets has deemed KRAS an "undruggable" therapeutic target, presenting significant challenges for researchers and clinicians alike. Through significant biochemical and technological advances, the last decade has witnessed promising breakthroughs in targeted therapies for KRAS-mutated lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers, marking a critical turning point in the field. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the characteristics of KRAS mutations across various solid tumors, highlighting ongoing cutting-edge research on the immune microenvironment, the development of KRAS-driven mice models, and the recent progress in the exploration of specific KRAS mutant-targeted therapeutic approaches. By comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of KRAS signaling in solid tumors and the latest therapeutic developments, this chapter will shed light on the potential for novel therapeutic strategies to combat KRAS-driven tumors and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajna Tripathi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rajni Kumari
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Rajiv Pathak
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
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7
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Schaefer A, Hodge RG, Zhang H, Hobbs GA, Dilly J, Huynh M, Goodwin CM, Zhang F, Diehl JN, Pierobon M, Baldelli E, Javaid S, Guthrie K, Rashid NU, Petricoin EF, Cox AD, Hahn WC, Aguirre AJ, Bass AJ, Der CJ. RHOA L57V drives the development of diffuse gastric cancer through IGF1R-PAK1-YAP1 signaling. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadg5289. [PMID: 38113333 PMCID: PMC10791543 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adg5289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated mutations in the guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) RHOA are found at different locations from the mutational hotspots in the structurally and biochemically related RAS. Tyr42-to-Cys (Y42C) and Leu57-to-Val (L57V) substitutions are the two most prevalent RHOA mutations in diffuse gastric cancer (DGC). RHOAY42C exhibits a gain-of-function phenotype and is an oncogenic driver in DGC. Here, we determined how RHOAL57V promotes DGC growth. In mouse gastric organoids with deletion of Cdh1, which encodes the cell adhesion protein E-cadherin, the expression of RHOAL57V, but not of wild-type RHOA, induced an abnormal morphology similar to that of patient-derived DGC organoids. RHOAL57V also exhibited a gain-of-function phenotype and promoted F-actin stress fiber formation and cell migration. RHOAL57V retained interaction with effectors but exhibited impaired RHOA-intrinsic and GAP-catalyzed GTP hydrolysis, which favored formation of the active GTP-bound state. Introduction of missense mutations at KRAS residues analogous to Tyr42 and Leu57 in RHOA did not activate KRAS oncogenic potential, indicating distinct functional effects in otherwise highly related GTPases. Both RHOA mutants stimulated the transcriptional co-activator YAP1 through actin dynamics to promote DGC progression; however, RHOAL57V additionally did so by activating the kinases IGF1R and PAK1, distinct from the FAK-mediated mechanism induced by RHOAY42C. Our results reveal that RHOAL57V and RHOAY42C drive the development of DGC through distinct biochemical and signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Schaefer
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Richard G. Hodge
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Haisheng Zhang
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - G. Aaron Hobbs
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Julien Dilly
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Minh Huynh
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Craig M. Goodwin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Feifei Zhang
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - J. Nathaniel Diehl
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mariaelena Pierobon
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Elisa Baldelli
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Sehrish Javaid
- Program in Oral and Craniofacial Biomedicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Karson Guthrie
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Naim U. Rashid
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Emanuel F. Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Adrienne D. Cox
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Program in Oral and Craniofacial Biomedicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - William C. Hahn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Andrew J. Aguirre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Adam J. Bass
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Channing J. Der
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Program in Oral and Craniofacial Biomedicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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8
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Daley BR, Vieira HM, Rao C, Hughes JM, Beckley ZM, Huisman DH, Chatterjee D, Sealover NE, Cox K, Askew JW, Svoboda RA, Fisher KW, Lewis RE, Kortum RL. SOS1 and KSR1 modulate MEK inhibitor responsiveness to target resistant cell populations based on PI3K and KRAS mutation status. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2313137120. [PMID: 37972068 PMCID: PMC10666034 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313137120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS is the most commonly mutated oncogene. Targeted therapies have been developed against mediators of key downstream signaling pathways, predominantly components of the RAF/MEK/ERK kinase cascade. Unfortunately, single-agent efficacy of these agents is limited both by intrinsic and acquired resistance. Survival of drug-tolerant persister cells within the heterogeneous tumor population and/or acquired mutations that reactivate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/RAS signaling can lead to outgrowth of tumor-initiating cells (TICs) and drive therapeutic resistance. Here, we show that targeting the key RTK/RAS pathway signaling intermediates SOS1 (Son of Sevenless 1) or KSR1 (Kinase Suppressor of RAS 1) both enhances the efficacy of, and prevents resistance to, the MEK inhibitor trametinib in KRAS-mutated lung (LUAD) and colorectal (COAD) adenocarcinoma cell lines depending on the specific mutational landscape. The SOS1 inhibitor BI-3406 enhanced the efficacy of trametinib and prevented trametinib resistance by targeting spheroid-initiating cells in KRASG12/G13-mutated LUAD and COAD cell lines that lacked PIK3CA comutations. Cell lines with KRASQ61 and/or PIK3CA mutations were insensitive to trametinib and BI-3406 combination therapy. In contrast, deletion of the RAF/MEK/ERK scaffold protein KSR1 prevented drug-induced SIC upregulation and restored trametinib sensitivity across all tested KRAS mutant cell lines in both PIK3CA-mutated and PIK3CA wild-type cancers. Our findings demonstrate that vertical inhibition of RTK/RAS signaling is an effective strategy to prevent therapeutic resistance in KRAS-mutated cancers, but therapeutic efficacy is dependent on both the specific KRAS mutant and underlying comutations. Thus, selection of optimal therapeutic combinations in KRAS-mutated cancers will require a detailed understanding of functional dependencies imposed by allele-specific KRAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna R. Daley
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - Heidi M. Vieira
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Chaitra Rao
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Jacob M. Hughes
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - Zaria M. Beckley
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - Dianna H. Huisman
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Deepan Chatterjee
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Nancy E. Sealover
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - Katherine Cox
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - James W. Askew
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Robert A. Svoboda
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Kurt W. Fisher
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Robert E. Lewis
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Robert L. Kortum
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
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9
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Mano Y, Sugimachi K, Shimagaki T, Tomino T, Onishi E, Lee L, Hisano T, Koga Y, Taguchi K, Morita M, Toh Y. Liver metastasis composed of pure squamous cell carcinoma component from pancreatic pure ductal adenocarcinoma: a case report. Surg Case Rep 2023; 9:173. [PMID: 37773552 PMCID: PMC10541355 DOI: 10.1186/s40792-023-01755-z] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver metastasis of pure squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has not been previously reported. CASE PRESENTATION A 66-year-old man underwent a computed tomography scan 3 years after surgery for pancreatic head cancer, and the scan revealed a mass lesion in the right lobe of the liver. A liver tumor biopsy was performed, and SCC was diagnosed. Whole sections of the pancreatic head cancer were re-evaluated, but no areas of SCC-like differentiation were identified. Although the pathology differed between the pancreas and liver, metastasis of adenosquamous carcinoma was considered. Three courses of gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel were administered to treat the liver metastasis of pancreatic cancer, but no response was attained. Therefore, primary SCC of the liver was considered and hepatic resection was performed. The tumor had invaded the diaphragm, and S5/6 partial hepatic resection with right diaphragm resection was performed. Pathological examination showed pure SCC of the liver, which differed from the pancreatic cancer. KRAS mutations were evaluated in the pancreatic and liver tumor specimens, and Q61R mutation was identified in both specimens. This pure SCC of the liver was diagnosed as metastasis from pancreatic cancer not by histology but by genetic analysis. CONCLUSIONS This is the first reported case of pure SCC liver metastasis from pancreatic cancer without a squamous cell component in the primary tumor. Evaluation of KRAS mutations in both specimens was useful for diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Mano
- Department of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Notame 3-1-1, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 811-1395 Japan
- Department of Surgery, Oita Red Cross Hospital, 3-2-37 Chiyomachi, Oita, 870-0033 Japan
| | - Keishi Sugimachi
- Department of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Notame 3-1-1, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 811-1395 Japan
| | - Tomonari Shimagaki
- Department of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Notame 3-1-1, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 811-1395 Japan
| | - Takahiro Tomino
- Department of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Notame 3-1-1, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 811-1395 Japan
| | - Emi Onishi
- Department of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Notame 3-1-1, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 811-1395 Japan
| | - Lingaku Lee
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatology, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Notame 3-1-1, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 811-1395 Japan
| | - Terumasa Hisano
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatology, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Notame 3-1-1, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 811-1395 Japan
| | - Yutaka Koga
- Department of Pathology, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Notame 3-1-1, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 811-1395 Japan
| | - Kenichi Taguchi
- Department of Pathology, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Notame 3-1-1, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 811-1395 Japan
| | - Masaru Morita
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Notame 3-1-1, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 811-1395 Japan
| | - Yasushi Toh
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Notame 3-1-1, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 811-1395 Japan
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10
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Yousef A, Yousef M, Chowdhury S, Abdilleh K, Knafl M, Edelkamp P, Alfaro-Munoz K, Chacko R, Peterson J, Smaglo BG, Wolff RA, Pant S, Lee MS, Willis J, Overman M, Doss S, Matrisian L, Hurd MW, Snyder R, Katz MH, Wang H, Maitra A, Shen JP, Zhao D. Impact of KRAS Mutations and Co-mutations on Clinical Outcomes in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3195257. [PMID: 37609177 PMCID: PMC10441514 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3195257/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
The relevance of KRAS mutation alleles to clinical outcome remains inconclusive in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We conducted a retrospective study of 803 PDAC patients (42% with metastatic disease) at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Overall survival (OS) analysis demonstrated that KRAS mutation status and subtypes were prognostic (p<0.001). Relative to patients with KRAS wildtype tumors (median OS 38 months), patients with KRASG12R had a similar OS (median 34 months), while patients with KRASQ61 and KRASG12D mutated tumors had shorter OS (median 20 months [HR: 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.0, p=0.006] and 22 months [HR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.3, p<0.001], respectively). There was enrichment of KRASG12D mutation in metastatic tumors (34% vs 24%, OR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.4, p=0.001) and enrichment of KRASG12R in well and moderately differentiated tumors (14% vs 9%, OR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.05-2.99, p=0.04). Similar findings were observed in the external validation cohort (PanCAN's Know Your Tumor® dataset, n=408).
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelrahman Yousef
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mahmoud Yousef
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Saikat Chowdhury
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kawther Abdilleh
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark Knafl
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Paul Edelkamp
- Department of Data Engineering & Analytics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kristin Alfaro-Munoz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ray Chacko
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer Peterson
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brandon G. Smaglo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert A. Wolff
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shubham Pant
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael S. Lee
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jason Willis
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Overman
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sudheer Doss
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lynn Matrisian
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark W. Hurd
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca Snyder
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthew H.G. Katz
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John Paul Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dan Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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11
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Liu C, Ye D, Yang H, Chen X, Su Z, Li X, Ding M, Liu Y. RAS-targeted cancer therapy: Advances in drugging specific mutations. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e285. [PMID: 37250144 PMCID: PMC10225044 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Rat sarcoma (RAS), as a frequently mutated oncogene, has been studied as an attractive target for treating RAS-driven cancers for over four decades. However, it is until the recent success of kirsten-RAS (KRAS)G12C inhibitor that RAS gets rid of the title "undruggable". It is worth noting that the therapeutic effect of KRASG12C inhibitors on different RAS allelic mutations or even different cancers with KRASG12C varies significantly. Thus, deep understanding of the characteristics of each allelic RAS mutation will be a prerequisite for developing new RAS inhibitors. In this review, the structural and biochemical features of different RAS mutations are summarized and compared. Besides, the pathological characteristics and treatment responses of different cancers carrying RAS mutations are listed based on clinical reports. In addition, the development of RAS inhibitors, either direct or indirect, that target the downstream components in RAS pathway is summarized as well. Hopefully, this review will broaden our knowledge on RAS-targeting strategies and trigger more intensive studies on exploiting new RAS allele-specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cen Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Danyang Ye
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Hongliu Yang
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xu Chen
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Zhijun Su
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xia Li
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Mei Ding
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yonggang Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
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12
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Burska AN, Ilyassova B, Dildabek A, Khamijan M, Begimbetova D, Molnár F, Sarbassov DD. Enhancing an Oxidative "Trojan Horse" Action of Vitamin C with Arsenic Trioxide for Effective Suppression of KRAS-Mutant Cancers: A Promising Path at the Bedside. Cells 2022; 11:3454. [PMID: 36359850 PMCID: PMC9657932 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The turn-on mutations of the KRAS gene, coding a small GTPase coupling growth factor signaling, are contributing to nearly 25% of all human cancers, leading to highly malignant tumors with poor outcomes. Targeting of oncogenic KRAS remains a most challenging task in oncology. Recently, the specific G12C mutant KRAS inhibitors have been developed but with a limited clinical outcome because they acquire drug resistance. Alternatively, exploiting a metabolic breach of KRAS-mutant cancer cells related to a glucose-dependent sensitivity to oxidative stress is becoming a promising indirect cancer targeting approach. Here, we discuss the use of a vitamin C (VC) acting in high dose as an oxidative "Trojan horse" agent for KRAS-mutant cancer cells that can be potentiated with another oxidizing drug arsenic trioxide (ATO) to obtain a potent and selective cytotoxic impact. Moreover, we outline the advantages of VC's non-natural enantiomer, D-VC, because of its distinctive pharmacokinetics and lower toxicity. Thus, the D-VC and ATO combination shows a promising path to treat KRAS-mutant cancers in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata N. Burska
- Department of Biology, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Aruzhan Dildabek
- Department of Biology, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Medina Khamijan
- Department of Biology, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Dinara Begimbetova
- National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Ferdinand Molnár
- Department of Biology, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Dos D. Sarbassov
- Department of Biology, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
- National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
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13
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Abstract
Although oncogenic driver mutations in RAS occur in 20% of cancers, heterogeneity in the biologic outputs of different RAS mutants has hampered efforts to develop effective treatments for RAS-mutated cancers. In this issue of Science Signaling, Huynh et al. show that even among KRASQ61 mutants, the specific amino acid that is substituted substantially affects mutant KRAS biologic activity and oncogenicity.
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