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Scardaci R, Berlinska E, Scaparone P, Vietti Michelina S, Garbo E, Novello S, Santamaria D, Ambrogio C. Novel RAF-directed approaches to overcome current clinical limits and block the RAS/RAF node. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:1355-1377. [PMID: 38362705 PMCID: PMC11161739 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13605] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway are frequent alterations in cancer and RASopathies, and while RAS oncogene activation alone affects 19% of all patients and accounts for approximately 3.4 million new cases every year, less frequent alterations in the cascade's downstream effectors are also involved in cancer etiology. RAS proteins initiate the signaling cascade by promoting the dimerization of RAF kinases, which can act as oncoproteins as well: BRAFV600E is the most common oncogenic driver, mutated in the 8% of all malignancies. Research in this field led to the development of drugs that target the BRAFV600-like mutations (Class I), which are now utilized in clinics, but cause paradoxical activation of the pathway and resistance development. Furthermore, they are ineffective against non-BRAFV600E malignancies that dimerize and could be either RTK/RAS independent or dependent (Class II and III, respectively), which are still lacking an effective treatment. This review discusses the recent advances in anti-RAF therapies, including paradox breakers, dimer-inhibitors, immunotherapies, and other novel approaches, critically evaluating their efficacy in overcoming the therapeutic limitations, and their putative role in blocking the RAS pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Scardaci
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology CenterUniversity of TorinoItaly
| | - Ewa Berlinska
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology CenterUniversity of TorinoItaly
| | - Pietro Scaparone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology CenterUniversity of TorinoItaly
| | - Sandra Vietti Michelina
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology CenterUniversity of TorinoItaly
| | - Edoardo Garbo
- Department of OncologyUniversity of Torino, San Luigi HospitalOrbassanoItaly
| | - Silvia Novello
- Department of OncologyUniversity of Torino, San Luigi HospitalOrbassanoItaly
| | - David Santamaria
- Centro de Investigación del CáncerCSIC‐Universidad de SalamancaSpain
| | - Chiara Ambrogio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology CenterUniversity of TorinoItaly
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2
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Zhang H, Read A, Cataisson C, Yang HH, Lee WC, Turk BE, Yuspa SH, Luo J. Protein phosphatase 6 activates NF-κB to confer sensitivity to MAPK pathway inhibitors in KRAS- and BRAF-mutant cancer cells. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eadd5073. [PMID: 38743809 PMCID: PMC11238902 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.add5073] [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: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a major target for cancer treatment. To better understand the genetic pathways that modulate cancer cell sensitivity to MAPK pathway inhibitors, we performed a CRISPR knockout screen with MAPK pathway inhibitors on a colorectal cancer (CRC) cell line carrying mutant KRAS. Genetic deletion of the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 6 (PP6), encoded by PPP6C, rendered KRAS- and BRAF-mutant CRC and BRAF-mutant melanoma cells more resistant to these inhibitors. In the absence of MAPK pathway inhibition, PPP6C deletion in CRC cells decreased cell proliferation in two-dimensional (2D) adherent cultures but accelerated the growth of tumor spheroids in 3D culture and tumor xenografts in vivo. PPP6C deletion enhanced the activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling in CRC and melanoma cells and circumvented the cell cycle arrest and decreased cyclin D1 abundance induced by MAPK pathway blockade in CRC cells. Inhibiting NF-κB activity by genetic and pharmacological means restored the sensitivity of PPP6C-deficient cells to MAPK pathway inhibition in CRC and melanoma cells in vitro and in CRC cells in vivo. Furthermore, a R264 point mutation in PPP6C conferred loss of function in CRC cells, phenocopying the enhanced NF-κB activation and resistance to MAPK pathway inhibition observed for PPP6C deletion. These findings demonstrate that PP6 constrains the growth of KRAS- and BRAF-mutant cancer cells, implicates the PP6-NF-κB axis as a modulator of MAPK pathway output, and presents a rationale for cotargeting the NF-κB pathway in PPP6C-mutant cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Zhang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Abigail Read
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Current affiliation: Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Christophe Cataisson
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Howard H. Yang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Wei-Chun Lee
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Benjamin E. Turk
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stuart H. Yuspa
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ji Luo
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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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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Linehan A, O’Reilly M, McDermott R, O’Kane GM. Targeting KRAS mutations in pancreatic cancer: opportunities for future strategies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1369136. [PMID: 38576709 PMCID: PMC10991798 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1369136] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting the RAS pathway remains the holy grail of precision oncology. In the case of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC), 90-92% harbor mutations in the oncogene KRAS, triggering canonical MAPK signaling. The smooth structure of the altered KRAS protein without a binding pocket and its affinity for GTP have, in the past, hampered drug development. The emergence of KRASG12C covalent inhibitors has provided renewed enthusiasm for targeting KRAS. The numerous pathways implicated in RAS activation do, however, lead to the development of early resistance. In addition, the dense stromal niche and immunosuppressive microenvironment dictated by oncogenic KRAS can influence treatment responses, highlighting the need for a combination-based approach. Given that mutations in KRAS occur early in PDAC tumorigenesis, an understanding of its pleiotropic effects is key to progress in this disease. Herein, we review current perspectives on targeting KRAS with a focus on PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Linehan
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mary O’Reilly
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ray McDermott
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Grainne M. O’Kane
- Department of Medical Oncology, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Sahu P, Mitra A, Ganguly A. Targeting KRAS and SHP2 signaling pathways for immunomodulation and improving treatment outcomes in solid tumors. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 386:167-222. [PMID: 38782499 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Historically, KRAS has been considered 'undruggable' inspite of being one of the most frequently altered oncogenic proteins in solid tumors, primarily due to the paucity of pharmacologically 'druggable' pockets within the mutant isoforms. However, pioneering developments in drug design capable of targeting the mutant KRAS isoforms especially KRASG12C-mutant cancers, have opened the doors for emergence of combination therapies comprising of a plethora of inhibitors targeting different signaling pathways. SHP2 signaling pathway, primarily known for activation of intracellular signaling pathways such as KRAS has come up as a potential target for such combination therapies as it emerged to be the signaling protein connecting KRAS and the immune signaling pathways and providing the link for understanding the overlapping regions of RAS/ERK/MAPK signaling cascade. Thus, SHP2 inhibitors having potent tumoricidal activity as well as role in immunomodulation have generated keen interest in researchers to explore its potential as combination therapy in KRAS mutant solid tumors. However, the excitement with these combination therapies need to overcome challenges thrown up by drug resistance and enhanced toxicity. In this review, we will discuss KRAS and SHP2 signaling pathways and their roles in immunomodulation and regulation of tumor microenvironment and also analyze the positive effects and drawbacks of the different combination therapies targeted at these signaling pathways along with their present and future potential to treat solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Sahu
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ankita Mitra
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Anirban Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India.
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6
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Buckley CW, O’Reilly EM. Next-generation therapies for pancreatic cancer. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 18:55-72. [PMID: 38415709 PMCID: PMC10960610 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2024.2322648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a frequently lethal malignancy that poses unique therapeutic challenges. The current mainstay of therapy for metastatic PDAC (mPDAC) is cytotoxic chemotherapy. NALIRIFOX (liposomal irinotecan, fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin) is an emerging standard of care in the metastatic setting. An evolving understanding of PDAC pathogenesis is driving a shift toward targeted therapy. Olaparib, a poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, has regulatory approval for maintenance therapy in BRCA-mutated mPDAC along with other targeted agents receiving disease-agnostic approvals including for PDAC with rare fusions and mismatch repair deficiency. Ongoing research continues to identify and evaluate an expanding array of targeted therapies for PDAC. AREAS COVERED This review provides a brief overview of standard therapies for PDAC and an emphasis on current and emerging targeted therapies. EXPERT OPINION There is notable potential for targeted therapies for KRAS-mutated PDAC with opportunity for meaningful benefit for a sizable portion of patients with this disease. Further, emerging approaches are focused on novel immune, tumor microenvironment, and synthetic lethality strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor W. Buckley
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Eileen M. O’Reilly
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
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Kim J. Nucleic Acid-Based Approaches to Tackle KRAS Mutant Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16933. [PMID: 38069255 PMCID: PMC10707712 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in KRAS are highly relevant to various cancers, driving persistent efforts toward the development of drugs that can effectively inhibit KRAS activity. Previously, KRAS was considered 'undruggable'; however, the recent advances in our understanding of RNA and nucleic acid chemistry and delivery formulations have sparked a paradigm shift in the approach to KRAS inhibition. We are currently witnessing a large wave of next-generation drugs for KRAS mutant cancers-nucleic acid-based therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the current progress in targeting KRAS mutant tumors and outline significant developments in nucleic acid-based strategies. We delve into their mechanisms of action, address existing challenges, and offer insights into the current clinical trial status of these approaches. We aim to provide a thorough understanding of the potential of nucleic acid-based strategies in the field of KRAS mutant cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimi Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Health Science and Technology, GAIHST, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
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8
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Ramalingam PS, Arumugam S. Computational design and validation of effective siRNAs to silence oncogenic KRAS. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:350. [PMID: 37780803 PMCID: PMC10541393 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03767-w] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic KRAS mutations drive cancer progression in lung, colon, breast, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. Apart from the current strategies, such as KRAS upstream inhibitors, downstream effector inhibitors, interaction inhibitors, cell cycle inhibitors, and direct KRAS inhibitors, against KRAS-mutated cancers, the therapeutic small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) represent a promising alternative strategy that directly binds with the target mRNA and inhibits protein translation via mRNA degradation. Here, in the present study, we utilized various in silico approaches to design potential siRNA candidates against KRAS mRNA. We have predicted nearly 17 siRNAs against the KRAS mRNA, and further through various criteria, such as U, R, and A rules, GC%, secondary structure formation, mRNA-siRNA duplex stability, Tm (Cp), Tm (Conc), and inhibition efficiency, they have been filtered into 4 potential siRNAs namely siRNA8, siRNA11, siRNA12, and siRNA17. Further, the molecular docking analysis revealed that the siRNA8, siRNA11, siRNA12, and siRNA17 showed higher negative binding energies, such as - 379.13 kcal/mol, - 360.19 kcal/mol, - 288.47 kcal/mol, and - 329.76 kcal/mol, toward the human Argonaute2 protein (hAgo2) respectively. In addition, the normal mode analysis of the hAgo2-siRNAs complexes indicates the structural changes and deformation of the hAgo2 protein upon the binding of siRNA molecules in the dynamic environment which suggests that these siRNAs could be effective. Finally, we conclude that these 4 siRNAs have therapeutic potential against KRAS mRNA and also have to be studied in vitro and in vivo to evaluate their specificity toward mutant KRAS (not degrading wild-type KRAS). Also, the current challenges in the use of siRNA therapeutics could be overcome by the emerging siRNA delivery methods, such as Antibody-siRNA conjugates (ARCs) and Gelatin-Antibody Delivery System (GADS), in the near future and these siRNAs could be employed as potential therapeutic agents against KRAS-mutated cancers. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03767-w.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sivakumar Arumugam
- Protein Engineering Lab, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
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Yang L, Li Z, Binzel DW, Guo P, Williams TM. Targeting oncogenic KRAS in non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR aptamer-conjugated multifunctional RNA nanoparticles. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:559-571. [PMID: 37637206 PMCID: PMC10448464 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
KRAS mutations are one of the most common oncogenic driver mutations in human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and have established roles in cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance. The development of effective inhibitors of mutant KRAS represents a significant challenge. Three-way junction (3WJ)-based multi-functional RNA nanoparticles have the potential to serve as an effective in vivo siRNA delivery platform with the ability to enhance tumor targeting specificity and visualize biodistribution through an imaging moiety. Herein, we assembled novel EGFRapt-3WJ-siKRASG12C mutation targeted nanoparticles to target EGFR-expressing human NSCLC harboring a KRASG12C mutation to silence KRASG12C expression in a tumor cell-specific fashion. We found that EGFRapt-3WJ-siKRASG12C nanoparticles potently depleted cellular KRASG12C expression, resulting in attenuation of downstream MAPK pathway signaling, cell proliferation, migration/invasion ability, and sensitized NSCLC cells to chemoradiotherapy. In vivo, these nanoparticles induced tumor growth inhibition in KRASG12C NSCLC tumor xenografts. Together, this study suggests that the 3WJ pRNA-based platform has the potential to suppress mutant KRAS activity for the treatment of KRAS-driven human cancers, and warrants further development for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Zhefeng Li
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Daniel W. Binzel
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Terence M. Williams
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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Zhao G, Ho W, Chu J, Xiong X, Hu B, Boakye-Yiadom KO, Xu X, Zhang XQ. Inhalable siRNA Nanoparticles for Enhanced Tumor-Targeting Treatment of KRAS-Mutant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37354089 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c05007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) is the most commonly mutated oncogene in lung cancers. Gene therapy is emerging as a promising cancer treatment modality; however, the systemic administration of gene therapy has been limited by inefficient delivery to the lungs and systemic toxicity. Herein, we report a noninvasive aerosol inhalation nanoparticle (NP) system, termed "siKRAS@GCLPP NPs," to treat KRAS-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The self-assembled siKRAS@GCLPP NPs are capable of maintaining structural integrity during nebulization, with preferential distribution within the tumor-bearing lung. Inhalable siKRAS@GCLPP NPs show not only significant tumor-targeting capability but also enhanced antitumor activity in an orthotopic mouse model of human KRAS-mutant NSCLC. The nebulized delivery of siKRAS@GCLPP NPs demonstrates potent knockdown of mutated KRAS in tumor-bearing lungs without causing any observable adverse effects, exhibiting a better biosafety profile than the systemic delivery approach. The results present a promising inhaled gene therapy approach for the treatment of KRAS-mutant NSCLC and other respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guolin Zhao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - William Ho
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Jinxian Chu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaojian Xiong
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Kofi Oti Boakye-Yiadom
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaoyang Xu
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Xue-Qing Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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11
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Ren SN, Zhang ZY, Guo RJ, Wang DR, Chen FF, Chen XB, Fang XD. Application of nanotechnology in reversing therapeutic resistance and controlling metastasis of colorectal cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:1911-1941. [PMID: 37155531 PMCID: PMC10122790 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i13.1911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common digestive malignancy across the world. Its first-line treatments applied in the routine clinical setting include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, resistance to therapy has been identified as the major clinical challenge that fails the treatment method, leading to recurrence and distant metastasis. An increasing number of studies have been attempting to explore the underlying mechanisms of the resistance of CRC cells to different therapies, which can be summarized into two aspects: (1) The intrinsic characters and adapted alterations of CRC cells before and during treatment that regulate the drug metabolism, drug transport, drug target, and the activation of signaling pathways; and (2) the suppressive features of the tumor microenvironment (TME). To combat the issue of therapeutic resistance, effective strategies are warranted with a focus on the restoration of CRC cells’ sensitivity to specific treatments as well as reprogramming impressive TME into stimulatory conditions. To date, nanotechnology seems promising with scope for improvement of drug mobility, treatment efficacy, and reduction of systemic toxicity. The instinctive advantages offered by nanomaterials enable the diversity of loading cargoes to increase drug concentration and targeting specificity, as well as offer a platform for trying the combination of different treatments to eventually prevent tumor recurrence, metastasis, and reversion of therapy resistance. The present review intends to summarize the known mechanisms of CRC resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, as well as the process of metastasis. We have also emphasized the recent application of nanomaterials in combating therapeutic resistance and preventing metastasis either by combining with other treatment approaches or alone. In summary, nanomedicine is an emerging technology with potential for CRC treatment; hence, efforts should be devoted to targeting cancer cells for the restoration of therapeutic sensitivity as well as reprogramming the TME. It is believed that the combined strategy will be beneficial to achieve synergistic outcomes contributing to control and management of CRC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Nan Ren
- Nanomedicine and Translational Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zhan-Yi Zhang
- Bethune Third Clinical Medical College, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Rui-Jie Guo
- Bethune Third Clinical Medical College, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Da-Ren Wang
- Bethune Third Clinical Medical College, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Fang-Fang Chen
- Nanomedicine and Translational Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xue-Bo Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xue-Dong Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
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12
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Singh G, Thakur N, Kumar U. RAS: Circuitry and therapeutic targeting. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110505. [PMID: 36341985 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110505] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cancer has affected the lives of millions worldwide and is truly regarded as a devastating disease process. Despite advanced understanding of the genomic underpinning of cancer development and progression, therapeutic challenges are still persistent. Among all the human cancers, around 33% are attributed to mutations in RAS oncogene, a crucial component of the signaling pathways. With time, our understanding of RAS circuitry has improved and now the fact that it activates several downstream effectors, depending on the type and grades of cancer has been established. The circuitry is controlled via post-transcriptional mechanisms and frequent distortions in these mechanisms lead to important metabolic as well as immunological states that favor cancer cells' growth, survival, plasticity and metastasis. Therefore, understanding RAS circuitry can help researchers/clinicians to develop novel and potent therapeutics that, in turn, can save the lives of patients suffering from RAS-mutant cancers. There are many challenges presented by resistance and the potential strategies with a particular focus on novel combinations for overcoming these, that could move beyond transitory responses in the direction of treatment. Here in this review, we will look at how understanding the circuitry of RAS can be put to use in making strategies for developing therapeutics against RAS- driven malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Singh
- Department of Biosciences (UIBT), Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413, India
| | - Neelam Thakur
- Department of Biosciences (UIBT), Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413, India; Department of Zoology, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Government College Campus, Paddal, Kartarpur, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175001, India.
| | - Umesh Kumar
- School of Biosciences, Institute of Management Studies Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus), Adhyatmik Nagar, NH09, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201015, India.
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13
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Targeting KRAS in Pancreatic Cancer. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12111870. [PMID: 36579598 PMCID: PMC9692903 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12111870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is mainly driven by mutations in the KRAS oncogene. While this cancer has shown remarkable therapy resistance, new approaches to inhibit mutated KRAS, KRAS activators and effectors show promise in breaking this therapeutic deadlock. Here, we review these innovations in therapies that target RAS signaling in pancreatic cancer from a clinical point of view. A number of promising approaches are currently in clinical trials or in clinical development. We focus on small-molecule drugs but also discuss immunotherapies and tumor vaccines.
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14
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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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15
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Shen H, Lundy J, Strickland AH, Harris M, Swan M, Desmond C, Jenkins BJ, Croagh D. KRAS G12D Mutation Subtype in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Does It Influence Prognosis or Stage of Disease at Presentation? Cells 2022; 11:cells11193175. [PMID: 36231137 PMCID: PMC9562007 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: KRAS G12D mutation subtype is present in over 40% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the leading global causes of cancer death. This retrospective cohort study aims to investigate whether detection of the KRAS G12D mutation subtype in PDAC patients is a determinant of prognosis across all stages of disease. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 231 patients presenting with PDAC at a large tertiary hospital, and compared survival using the Kaplan Meier, log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results: KRAS G12D mutation subtype was not significantly associated with poorer survival compared across the whole population of PDAC patients (p = 0.107; HR 1.293 95% CI (0.946-1.767)). However, KRAS G12D patients who were resectable had a shorter median survival time of 356 days compared to all other genotypes (median survival 810 days) (p = 0.019; HR 1.991 95% CI (1.121-3.537)). Conclusions: KRAS G12D patients who were resectable at diagnosis had shorter survival compared to all other PDAC patients. These data suggest that KRAS G12D may be a clinically useful prognostic biomarker of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Shen
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Joanne Lundy
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Andrew H. Strickland
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Marion Harris
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Michael Swan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Monash Medical Centre, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Christopher Desmond
- Department of Gastroenterology, Monash Medical Centre, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Brendan J. Jenkins
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Daniel Croagh
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-428-121-121; Fax: +61-3-9543-3805
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16
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Sayed S, Sidorova OA, Hennig A, Augsburg M, Cortés Vesga CP, Abohawya M, Schmitt LT, Sürün D, Stange DE, Mircetic J, Buchholz F. Efficient Correction of Oncogenic KRAS and TP53 Mutations through CRISPR Base Editing. Cancer Res 2022; 82:3002-3015. [PMID: 35802645 PMCID: PMC9437569 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-2519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancer, and its activating mutations represent long-sought therapeutic targets. Programmable nucleases, particularly the CRISPR-Cas9 system, provide an attractive tool for genetically targeting KRAS mutations in cancer cells. Here, we show that cleavage of a panel of KRAS driver mutations suppresses growth in various human cancer cell lines, revealing their dependence on mutant KRAS. However, analysis of the remaining cell population after long-term Cas9 expression unmasked the occurence of oncogenic KRAS escape variants that were resistant to Cas9-cleavage. In contrast, the use of an adenine base editor to correct oncogenic KRAS mutations progressively depleted the targeted cells without the appearance of escape variants and allowed efficient and simultaneous correction of a cancer-associated TP53 mutation. Oncogenic KRAS and TP53 base editing was possible in patient-derived cancer organoids, suggesting that base editor approaches to correct oncogenic mutations could be developed for functional interrogation of vulnerabilities in a personalized manner for future precision oncology applications. SIGNIFICANCE Repairing KRAS mutations with base editors can be used for providing a better understanding of RAS biology and may lay the foundation for improved treatments for KRAS-mutant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shady Sayed
- Medical Systems Biology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Olga A. Sidorova
- Medical Systems Biology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexander Hennig
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany.,Mildred Scheel Early Career Center (MSNZ) P2, National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martina Augsburg
- Medical Systems Biology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Catherine P. Cortés Vesga
- Medical Systems Biology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Moustafa Abohawya
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lukas T. Schmitt
- Medical Systems Biology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Duran Sürün
- Medical Systems Biology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniel E. Stange
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany.,Mildred Scheel Early Career Center (MSNZ) P2, National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jovan Mircetic
- Medical Systems Biology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site, Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Buchholz
- Medical Systems Biology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany.,Mildred Scheel Early Career Center (MSNZ) P2, National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site, Dresden, Germany.,Corresponding Author: Frank Buchholz, Medical Systems Biology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany. E-mail:
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17
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Amen AM, Loughran RM, Huang CH, Lew RJ, Ravi A, Guan Y, Schatoff EM, Dow LE, Emerling BM, Fellmann C. Endogenous spacing enables co-processing of microRNAs and efficient combinatorial RNAi. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100239. [PMID: 35880017 PMCID: PMC9308131 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We present Multi-miR, a microRNA-embedded shRNA system modeled after endogenous microRNA clusters that enables simultaneous expression of up to three or four short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) from a single promoter without loss of activity, enabling robust combinatorial RNA interference (RNAi). We further developed complementary all-in-one vectors that are over one log-scale more sensitive to doxycycline-mediated activation in vitro than previous methods and resistant to shRNA inactivation in vivo. We demonstrate the utility of this system for intracranial expression of shRNAs in a glioblastoma model. Additionally, we leverage this platform to target the redundant RAF signaling node in a mouse model of KRAS-mutant cancer and show that robust combinatorial synthetic lethality efficiently abolishes tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M. Amen
- Gladstone Institute of Data Science and Biotechnology, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Ryan M. Loughran
- Cell and Molecular Biology of Cancer Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Chun-Hao Huang
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel J. Lew
- Gladstone Institute of Data Science and Biotechnology, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Archna Ravi
- Cell and Molecular Biology of Cancer Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Emma M. Schatoff
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lukas E. Dow
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brooke M. Emerling
- Cell and Molecular Biology of Cancer Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Christof Fellmann
- Gladstone Institute of Data Science and Biotechnology, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Mirimus Inc., Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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18
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Sbirkov Y, Vergov B, Mehterov N, Sarafian V. miRNAs in Lymphocytic Leukaemias-The miRror of Drug Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094657. [PMID: 35563051 PMCID: PMC9103677 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Refractory disease and relapse remain the main causes of cancer therapy failure. Refined risk stratification, treatment regimens and improved early diagnosis and detection of minimal residual disease have increased cure rates in malignancies like childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) to 90%. Nevertheless, overall survival in the context of drug resistance remains poor. The regulatory role of micro RNAs (miRNAs) in cell differentiation, homeostasis and tumorigenesis has been under extensive investigation in different cancers. There is accumulating data demonstrating the significance of miRNAs for therapy outcomes in lymphoid malignancies and some direct demonstrations of the interplay between these small molecules and drug response. Here, we summarise miRNAs' impact on chemotherapy resistance in adult and paediatric ALL and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). The main focus of this review is on the modulation of particular signaling pathways like PI3K-AKT, transcription factors such as NF-κB, and apoptotic mediators, all of which are bona fide and pivotal elements orchestrating the survival of malignant lymphocytic cells. Finally, we discuss the attractive strategy of using mimics, antimiRs and other molecular approaches pointing at miRNAs as promising therapeutic targets. Such novel strategies to circumvent ALL and CLL resistance networks may potentially improve patients' responses and survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (B.V.); (N.M.)
- Division of Molecular and Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: (Y.S.); (V.S.)
| | - Bozhidar Vergov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (B.V.); (N.M.)
| | - Nikolay Mehterov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (B.V.); (N.M.)
- Division of Molecular and Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (B.V.); (N.M.)
- Division of Molecular and Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: (Y.S.); (V.S.)
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19
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Gencer A, Baysal I, Nemutlu E, Yabanoglu-Ciftci S, Arica B. Efficacy of Sirna-Loaded Nanoparticles in the Treatment of k-ras Mutant Lung Cancer in vitro. J Microencapsul 2022; 39:261-275. [PMID: 35356841 DOI: 10.1080/02652048.2022.2061058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM To design and develop K-RAS silencing small interfering RNA (siRNA)-loaded poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles and evaluate their efficacy in the treatment of K-RAS mutant lung cancer. METHODS The nanoparticles prepared by the double emulsion solvent evaporation method were characterized by TEM, FTIR and XPS analyzes and evaluated in vitro by XTT, PCR, ELISA, and Western-Blot. Metabolomic analyzes were performed to evaluate the changes in metabolic profiles of the cells after nanoparticles treatment. RESULTS The nanoparticles were obtained with a particle size less than 250 nm, a polydispersity index around 0.1, a surface charge of (-12) - (+14) mV, and 80% of the siRNA encapsulation. The nanoparticles didn't affect cell viability of the cells after 72 hours. In cancer cells, KRAS expression was decreased by up to 50%, protein levels were decreased by more than 90%. CONCLUSION The formulated siRNA delivery nanoparticles can be promising treatment in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Gencer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ipek Baysal
- Vocational School of Health Services, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emirhan Nemutlu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Betul Arica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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20
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Abstract
In this review, I provide a brief history of the discovery of RAS and the GAPs and GEFs that regulate its activity from a personal perspective. Much of this history has been driven by technological breakthroughs that occurred concurrently, such as molecular cloning, cDNA expression to analyze RAS proteins and their structures, and application of PCR to detect mutations. I discuss the RAS superfamily and RAS proteins as therapeutic targets, including recent advances in developing RAS inhibitors. I also describe the role of the RAS Initiative at Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in advancing development of RAS inhibitors and providing new insights into signaling complexes and interaction of RAS proteins with the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank McCormick
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States.
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21
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Han Z, Zhou D, Wang J, Jiang B, Liu X. Reflections on drug resistance to KRAS G12C inhibitors and gene silencing/editing tools for targeting mutant KRAS in cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188677. [PMID: 35033622 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
KRAS is the most commonly mutated oncogene in human tumors, especially in lung, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting mutant KRASG12C demonstrated promising anti-tumor effect in patients with non-small cell lung cancer harboring KRASG12C mutation, while the intrinsic and acquired drug resistance occurred frequently and might be inevitable. Unlike the protein-level inhibition approach, gene silencing/editing tools for DNA-level knockout and RNA-level knockdown of mutant KRAS may be advantageous since these approaches directly eliminate the production of mutant KRAS-encoded protein. An in-depth understanding of KRAS biology, drug resistance to KRASG12C inhibitors and gene silencing/editing methods applied for anti-KRAS therapy may give new insight into the therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZhaoYong Han
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Affiliated Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - Ding Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Affiliated Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - JiaMan Wang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Affiliated Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - Bruce Jiang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, China.
| | - XiYu Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, China.
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22
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Asimgil H, Ertetik U, Çevik NC, Ekizce M, Doğruöz A, Gökalp M, Arık-Sever E, Istvanffy R, Friess H, Ceyhan GO, Demir IE. Targeting the undruggable oncogenic KRAS: the dawn of hope. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e153688. [PMID: 35014625 PMCID: PMC8765045 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.153688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS mutations are the drivers of various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Over the last 30 years, immense efforts have been made to inhibit KRAS mutants and oncogenic KRAS signaling using inhibitors. Recently, specific targeting of KRAS mutants with small molecules revived the hopes for successful therapies for lung, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer patients. Moreover, advances in gene editing, protein engineering, and drug delivery formulations have revolutionized cancer therapy regimens. New therapies aim to improve immune surveillance and enhance antitumor immunity by precisely targeting cancer cells harboring oncogenic KRAS. Here, we review recent KRAS-targeting strategies, their therapeutic potential, and remaining challenges to overcome. We also highlight the potential synergistic effects of various combinatorial therapies in preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hande Asimgil
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Utku Ertetik
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nedim Can Çevik
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Menar Ekizce
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alper Doğruöz
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Muazzez Gökalp
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elif Arık-Sever
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rouzanna Istvanffy
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- SFB/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- SFB/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany
| | - Güralp Onur Ceyhan
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ihsan Ekin Demir
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- SFB/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany
- Else Kröner Clinician Scientist Professor for Translational Pancreatic Surgery, Munich, Germany
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23
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Hattab D, Gazzali AM, Bakhtiar A. Clinical Advances of siRNA-Based Nanotherapeutics for Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1009. [PMID: 34371702 PMCID: PMC8309123 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13071009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is associated with single or multiple gene defects. Recently, much research has focused on incorporating genetic materials as one of the means to treat various types of carcinomas. RNA interference (RNAi) conveys an alternative genetic approach for cancer patients, especially when conventional medications fail. RNAi involves the inhibition of expression of specific messenger RNA that signals for uncontrollable cell growth and proliferation, most notably with carcinoma cells. This molecular technology is promising as genetic materials allow us to overcome issues associated with chemotherapeutic agents including organ damage associated with severe drug toxicities. Nonetheless, vast challenges impede successful gene therapy application, including low tumor localization, low stability and rapid clearance from the blood circulation. Owing to the limited treatment opportunities for the management of cancer, the development of effective siRNA carrier systems involving nanotherapeutics has been extensively explored. Over the past years, several siRNA nanotherapeutics have undergone a period of clinical investigation, with some demonstrating promising antitumor activities and safety profiles. Extensive observation of siRNA-nanoparticles is necessary to ensure commercial success. Therefore, this review mainly focuses on the progress of siRNAs-loaded nanoparticles that have undergone clinical trials for cancer treatment. The status of the siRNA nanotherapeutics is discussed, allowing comprehensive understanding of their gene-mediated therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dima Hattab
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Queen Rania Street, Amman 11942, Jordan;
| | - Amirah Mohd Gazzali
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia;
| | - Athirah Bakhtiar
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
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24
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Sang R, Stratton B, Engel A, Deng W. Liposome technologies towards colorectal cancer therapeutics. Acta Biomater 2021; 127:24-40. [PMID: 33812076 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the fourth most common deadly cancer worldwide. After treatment with curative intent recurrence rates vary with staging 0-13% in Stage 1, 11-61% in S2 and 28-73% in Stage 3. The toxicity to healthy tissues from chemotherapy and radiotherapy and drug resistance severely affect the quality of life and cancer specific outcomes of CRC patients. To overcome some of these limitations, many efforts have been made to develop nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems. Among these nanocarriers, liposomes represented one of the most successful candidates in delivering targeted oncological treatment, improving safety profile and therapeutic efficacy of encapsulated drugs. In this review we will discuss liposome design with a particular focus on the targeting feature and triggering functions. We will also summarise the recent advances in liposomal delivery system for CRC treatment in both the preclinical and clinical studies. We will finally provide our perspectives on the liposome technology development for the future clinical translation. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Conventional treatments for colorectal cancer (CRC) severely affect the therapeutic effects for advanced patients. With the development of nanomedicines, liposomal delivery system appears to be one of the most promising nanocarriers for CRC treatment. In last three years several reviews in this area have been published focusing on the preclinical research and drug delivery function, which is a fairly narrow focus in the field of liposome technology for CRC therapy. Our review presented the most recent advances of the liposome technology (both clinical and preclinical applications) for CRC with strong potential for further clinical translation. We believe it will attract lots of attention from various audiences, including researchers, clinicians and the industry.
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25
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Indini A, Rijavec E, Ghidini M, Cortellini A, Grossi F. Targeting KRAS in Solid Tumors: Current Challenges and Future Opportunities of Novel KRAS Inhibitors. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050653. [PMID: 34064352 PMCID: PMC8147792 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in RAS family proteins are found in ~25% of all human cancers. Different solid tumors are correlated with mutations in certain isoforms of RAS, with Kirsten RAS (KRAS) being the most frequently mutated isoform. Historically, KRAS has been acknowledged as “undruggable”, largely because the RAS proteins do not appear to present suitable pockets to which small inhibitory molecules can bind. However, this scenario has changed over the last years with the advent of novel KRAS inhibitors. In this review, we describe the role of KRAS mutation across different solid tumors, providing data on novel KRAS inhibitors currently under development and an updated overview of ongoing research in this field. A literature search was performed to select papers, abstracts, and oral presentation on KRAS inhibitory strategies in KRAS mutated solid tumors. Overall, the most promising therapeutic results have been obtained with molecules targeting KRAS G12C, thus paving the way for a significant therapeutic improvement in non-small cell lung cancer. Unfortunately, KRAS G12C mutation is rather uncommon in other solid tumors, namely pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and colorectal cancer. Several combination strategies are currently under evaluation in clinical trials, in order to bypass the resistance mechanisms responsible for the intrinsic resistance of mutated KRAS to the main therapeutic strategies adopted to date. Results suggest that the therapeutic scenario of KRAS has started to change, and further research will bring therapeutic results in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Indini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.I.); (E.R.); (M.G.)
| | - Erika Rijavec
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.I.); (E.R.); (M.G.)
| | - Michele Ghidini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.I.); (E.R.); (M.G.)
| | - Alessio Cortellini
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W120NN, UK
| | - Francesco Grossi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Correspondence: or
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26
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Hu Y, Li X, Zhang Q, Gu Z, Luo Y, Guo J, Wang X, Jing Y, Chen X, Su J. Exosome-guided bone targeted delivery of Antagomir-188 as an anabolic therapy for bone loss. Bioact Mater 2021; 6:2905-2913. [PMID: 33718671 PMCID: PMC7917458 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The differentiation shift from osteogenesis to adipogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) characterizes many pathological bone loss conditions. Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1) is highly enriched in the bone marrow for C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4)-positive hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) homing and tumor bone metastasis. In this study, we displayed CXCR4 on the surface of exosomes derived from genetically engineered NIH-3T3 cells. CXCR4+ exosomes selectively accumulated in the bone marrow. Then, we fused CXCR4+ exosomes with liposomes carrying antagomir-188 to produce hybrid nanoparticles (NPs). The hybrid NPs specifically gathered in the bone marrow and released antagomir-188, which promoted osteogenesis and inhibited adipogenesis of BMSCs and thereby reversed age-related trabecular bone loss and decreased cortical bone porosity in mice. Taken together, this study presents a novel way to obtain bone-targeted exosomes via surface display of CXCR4 and a promising anabolic therapeutic approach for age-related bone loss. Surface display of CXCR4 grants exosomes bone targeting properties. Exosome-liposome hybrid nanoparticles carrying nucleic acid target bone. Antagomir-188 loaded hybrid nanoparticles regulate MSC differentiation in aged mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Hu
- Department of Trauma Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xiaoqun Li
- Department of Trauma Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Zhengrong Gu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Baoshan Luodian Hospital, Shanghai, 201908, China
| | - Ying Luo
- Centre Laboratory, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jiawei Guo
- Department of Trauma Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xiuhui Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yingying Jing
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Trauma Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.,Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jiacan Su
- Department of Trauma Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
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27
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Papke B, Azam SH, Feng AY, Gutierrez-Ford C, Huggins H, Pallan PS, Van Swearingen AED, Egli M, Cox AD, Der CJ, Pecot CV. Silencing of Oncogenic KRAS by Mutant-Selective Small Interfering RNA. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:703-712. [PMID: 33860195 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations in the KRAS gene are well-established drivers of cancer. While the recently developed KRASG12C inhibitors offer a targeted KRAS therapy and have shown success in the clinic, KRASG12C represents only 11% of all KRAS mutations. Current therapeutic approaches for all other KRAS mutations are both indirect and nonmutant-selective, largely focusing on inhibition of downstream KRAS effectors such as MAP kinases. Inhibition of KRAS downstream signaling results in a system-wide down-modulation of the respective targets, raising concerns about systemic cell toxicity. Here, we describe a custom short interfering RNA oligonucleotide (EFTX-D1) designed to preferentially bind mRNA of the most commonly occurring KRAS missense mutations in codons 12 and 13. We determined that EFTX-D1 preferentially reduced the mutant KRAS sequence versus wild-type at the levels of both transcription and translation and reversed oncogenic KRAS-induced morphologic and growth transformation. Furthermore, EFTX-D1 significantly impaired the proliferation of several KRAS mutant cancer cell lines in 2-D as well as 3-D assays. Taken together, our data indicate a novel use of RNA interference to target oncogenic KRAS-driven cancers specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjoern Papke
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Salma H Azam
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,EnFuego Therapeutics, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Anne Y Feng
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Christina Gutierrez-Ford
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Hayden Huggins
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,EnFuego Therapeutics, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Pradeep S Pallan
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Amanda E D Van Swearingen
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Martin Egli
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Adrienne D Cox
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Channing J Der
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Chad V Pecot
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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28
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Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a recalcitrant cancer with one of the lowest 5-year survival rates. A hallmark of pancreatic cancer is the prevalence of oncogenic mutation in the KRAS gene. The KRAS oncogene plays a critical role in the initiation and maintenance of pancreatic tumors and its signaling network represents a major target for therapeutic intervention. A number of inhibitors have been developed against kinase effectors in various Ras signaling pathways. Their clinical activity, however, has been disappointing thus far. More recently, covalent inhibitors targeting the KRASG12C oncoprotein have been developed. These inhibitors showed promising activity in KRASG12C mutant pancreatic cancer in early clinical trials. This review will present an updated summary of our understanding of mutant KRAS function in pancreatic cancer and discuss therapeutic strategies that target oncogenic KRAS signaling in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Luo
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD.
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29
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Huang Z, Liu M, Li D, Tan Y, Zhang R, Xia Z, Wang P, Jiao B, Liu P, Ren R. PTPN2 regulates the activation of KRAS and plays a critical role in proliferation and survival of KRAS-driven cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:18343-18354. [PMID: 33122197 PMCID: PMC7939389 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
RAS genes are the most commonly mutated in human cancers and play critical roles in tumor initiation, progression, and drug resistance. Identification of targets that block RAS signaling is pivotal to develop therapies for RAS-related cancer. As RAS translocation to the plasma membrane (PM) is essential for its effective signal transduction, we devised a high-content screening assay to search for genes regulating KRAS membrane association. We found that the tyrosine phosphatase PTPN2 regulates the plasma membrane localization of KRAS. Knockdown of PTPN2 reduced the proliferation and promoted apoptosis in KRAS-dependent cancer cells, but not in KRAS-independent cells. Mechanistically, PTPN2 negatively regulates tyrosine phosphorylation of KRAS, which, in turn, affects the activation KRAS and its downstream signaling. Consistently, analysis of the TCGA database demonstrates that high expression of PTPN2 is significantly associated with poor prognosis of patients with KRAS-mutant pancreatic adenocarcinoma. These results indicate that PTPN2 is a key regulator of KRAS and may serve as a new target for therapy of KRAS-driven cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangsen Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingzhu Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Donghe Li
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Tan
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruihong Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhizhou Xia
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peihong Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Jiao
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ruibao Ren
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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30
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Sundara Rajan S, Ludwig KR, Hall KL, Jones TL, Caplen NJ. Cancer biology functional genomics: From small RNAs to big dreams. Mol Carcinog 2020; 59:1343-1361. [PMID: 33043516 PMCID: PMC7702050 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The year 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the first publications reporting the discovery of the gene silencing mechanism, RNA interference (RNAi) in mammalian cells. Along with the many studies that delineated the proteins and substrates that form the RNAi pathway, this finding changed our understanding of the posttranscriptional regulation of mammalian gene expression. Furthermore, the development of methods that exploited the RNAi pathway began the technological revolution that eventually enabled the interrogation of mammalian gene function-from a single gene to the whole genome-in only a few days. The needs of the cancer research community have driven much of this progress. In this perspective, we highlight milestones in the development and application of RNAi-based methods to study carcinogenesis. We discuss how RNAi-based functional genetic analysis of exemplar tumor suppressors and oncogenes furthered our understanding of cancer initiation and progression and explore how such studies formed the basis of genome-wide scale efforts to identify cancer or cancer-type specific vulnerabilities, including studies conducted in vivo. Furthermore, we examine how RNAi technologies have revealed new cancer-relevant molecular targets and the implications for cancer of the first RNAi-based drugs. Finally, we discuss the future of functional genetic analysis, highlighting the increasing availability of complementary approaches to analyze cancer gene function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Sundara Rajan
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Katelyn R. Ludwig
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Katherine L. Hall
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Tamara L. Jones
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Natasha J. Caplen
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
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31
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Ng S, Juang YC, Chandramohan A, Kaan HYK, Sadruddin A, Yuen TY, Ferrer-Gago FJ, Lee XC, Liew X, Johannes CW, Brown CJ, Kannan S, Aronica PG, Berglund NA, Verma CS, Liu L, Stoeck A, Sawyer TK, Partridge AW, Lane DP. De-risking Drug Discovery of Intracellular Targeting Peptides: Screening Strategies to Eliminate False-Positive Hits. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:1993-2001. [PMID: 33062184 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonspecific promiscuous compounds can mislead researchers and waste significant resources. This phenomenon, though well-documented for small molecules, has not been widely explored for the peptide modality. Here we demonstrate that two purported peptide-based KRas inhibitors, SAH-SOS1 A and cyclorasin 9A5, exemplify false-positive molecules-in terms of both their binding affinities and cellular activities. Through multiple gold-standard biophysical techniques, we unambiguously show that both peptides lack specific binding to KRas and instead induce protein unfolding. Although these peptides inhibited cellular proliferation, the activities appeared to be off-target on the basis of a counterscreen with KRas-independent cell lines. We further demonstrate that their cellular activities are derived from membrane disruption. Accordingly, we propose that to de-risk false-positive molecules, orthogonal binding assays and cellular counterscreens are indispensable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tsz Ying Yuen
- Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, A*STAR, Singapore 138665
| | | | - Xue’Er Cheryl Lee
- Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, A*STAR, Singapore 138665
| | - Xi Liew
- Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, A*STAR, Singapore 138665
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lijuan Liu
- Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | | | - Tomi K. Sawyer
- Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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32
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Nollmann FI, Ruess DA. Targeting Mutant KRAS in Pancreatic Cancer: Futile or Promising? Biomedicines 2020; 8:E281. [PMID: 32796566 PMCID: PMC7459579 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8080281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most fatal cancers with a dismal prognosis for the patient. This is due to limited diagnostic options for the early detection of the disease as well as its rather aggressive nature. Despite major advances in oncologic research in general, the treatment options in the clinic for PDAC have only undergone minor changes in the last decades. One major treatment advance would be the successful targeting of the oncogenic driver KRASmut. In the past, the indirect targeting of KRAS has been exploited, e. g., via upstream inhibition of receptor tyrosine kinases or via downstream MEK or PI3K inhibition. However, the experience gained from clinical trials and from the clinic itself in the treatment of KRASmut cancer entities has dampened the initial euphoria. Lately, with the development of KRASG12C-specific inhibitors, not only the direct but also the indirect targeting of KRASmut has gained momentum again. Though preclinical studies and preliminary early clinical studies of monotherapies have shown promising results, they have been overshadowed by the swift development of resistances resulting in inconsistent responses in patient cohorts. Currently, several different combination therapies for KRASmut cancer are being explored. If they hold the promise they have made in preclinical studies, they might also be suitable treatment options for patients suffering from PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dietrich Alexander Ruess
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstrasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany;
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33
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Chen K, Shang Z, Dai AL, Dai PL. Novel PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitors plus radiotherapy: Strategy for non-small cell lung cancer with mutant RAS gene. Life Sci 2020; 255:117816. [PMID: 32454155 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with RAS -mutant gene has been the most difficult obstacle to overcome. Over 25% of muted lung adenocarcinomas have RAS mutation. The prognosis of NSCLC patients with RAS-mutant genes is always poor because there is no effective drug to suppress RAS-mutant genes. NSCLC patients with RAS-mutant usually develop resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which in some cases leads to a 5-10% survival rate for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As little clinical symptom of NSCLC was presented at its early stages, thus it always brings in disappointing treatment outcome. Currently, NSCLC presents the highest morbidity and mortality all over the world. The combination of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors with radiotherapy is a novel strategy to improve radiosensitivity and therapeutic outcome of NSCLC with a RAS-mutant gene. There have been many preclinical studies and clinical trials on the effect of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors combined with radiotherapy in NSCLC with a RAS-mutant gene have been reported in the past years. This review provides current knowledge of the combination of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitors with radiotherapy, which prove to be a significant improvement for the treatment of NSCLC patients with RAS mutations and will benefit NSCLC patients with RAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Zhongjun Shang
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Ai-Lin Dai
- Kunming Medical University Haiyuan School, Kunming 650100, China; Maternal and Child Health and Family Planning Service Center of Wenshan state, 663000, China
| | - Pei-Ling Dai
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650118, China; Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650100, China.
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34
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Yaqoob A, Li WM, Liu V, Wang C, Mackedenski S, Tackaberry LE, Massicotte HB, Egger KN, Reimer K, Lee CH. Grifolin, neogrifolin and confluentin from the terricolous polypore Albatrellus flettii suppress KRAS expression in human colon cancer cells. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231948. [PMID: 32369483 PMCID: PMC7199964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In our search for bioactive mushrooms native to British Columbia, we determined that the ethanol extracts from fruiting bodies of the terrestrial polypore Albatrellus flettii had potent anti-cell viability activity. Using bioassay-guided fractionation, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance, we successfully isolated three known compounds (grifolin, neogrifolin and confluentin). These compounds represent the major anti-cell viability components from the ethanol extracts of A. flettii. We also identified a novel biological activity for these compounds, specifically in down-regulating KRAS expression in two human colon cancer cell lines. Relatively little is known about the anti-cell viability activity and mechanism of action of confluentin. For the first time, we show the ability of confluentin to induce apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle at the G2/M phase in SW480 human colon cancer cells. The oncogenic insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IMP1) has been previously shown to regulate KRAS mRNA expression in colon cancer cells, possibly through its ability to bind to the KRAS transcript. Using a fluorescence polarization assay, we show that confluentin dose-dependently inhibits the physical interaction between KRAS RNA and full-length IMP1. The inhibition also occurs with truncated IMP1 containing the KH1 to KH4 domain (KH1to4 IMP1), but not with the di-domain KH3 and KH4 (KH3&4 IMP1). In addition, unlike the control antibiotic neomycin, grifolin, neogrifolin and confluentin do not bind to KRAS RNA. These results suggest that confluentin inhibits IMP1-KRAS RNA interaction by binding to the KH1&2 di-domains of IMP1. Since the molecular interaction between IMP1 and its target RNAs is a pre-requisite for the oncogenic function of IMP1, confluentin should be further explored as a potential inhibitor of IMP1 in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almas Yaqoob
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wai Ming Li
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Victor Liu
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Chuyi Wang
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sebastian Mackedenski
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Linda E. Tackaberry
- Ecosystem Science and Management Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hugues B. Massicotte
- Ecosystem Science and Management Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Keith N. Egger
- Ecosystem Science and Management Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kerry Reimer
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Chow H. Lee
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Ross C, Szczepanek K, Lee M, Yang H, Qiu T, Sanford JD, Hunter K. The genomic landscape of metastasis in treatment-naïve breast cancer models. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008743. [PMID: 32463822 PMCID: PMC7282675 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis remains the principle cause of mortality for breast cancer and presents a critical challenge because secondary lesions are often refractory to conventional treatments. While specific genetic alterations are tightly linked to primary tumor development and progression, the role of genetic alteration in the metastatic process is not well-understood. The theory of tumor evolution postulated by Peter Nowell in 1976 has yet to be proven in the context of metastasis. Therefore, in order to investigate how somatic evolution contributes to breast cancer metastasis, we performed exome, whole genome, and RNA sequencing of matched metastatic and primary tumors from pre-clinical mouse models of breast cancer. Here we show that in a treatment-naïve setting, recurrent single nucleotide variants and copy number variation, but not gene fusion events, play key metastasis-driving roles in breast cancer. For instance, we identified recurrent mutations in Kras, a known driver of colorectal and lung tumorigenesis that has not been previously implicated in breast cancer metastasis. However, in a set of in vivo proof-of-concept experiments we show that the Kras G12D mutation is sufficient to significantly promote metastasis using three syngeneic allograft models. The work herein confirms the existence of metastasis-driving mutations and presents a novel framework to identify actionable metastasis-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Ross
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Metastasis Susceptibility Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Karol Szczepanek
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Metastasis Susceptibility Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Maxwell Lee
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, High-Dimension Data Analysis Group, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Howard Yang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, High-Dimension Data Analysis Group, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tinghu Qiu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Metastasis Susceptibility Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jack D. Sanford
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Metastasis Susceptibility Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kent Hunter
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Metastasis Susceptibility Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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Wan T, Chen Y, Pan Q, Xu X, Kang Y, Gao X, Huang F, Wu C, Ping Y. Genome editing of mutant KRAS through supramolecular polymer-mediated delivery of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein for colorectal cancer therapy. J Control Release 2020; 322:236-247. [PMID: 32169537 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR (clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has emerged as a powerful genome-editing tool to correct genetic disorders. However, successful intracellular delivery of CRISPR/Cas9, especially in the form of ribonucleoprotein (RNP), remains elusive for clinical translation. Herein, we describe a supramolecular polymer that can mediate efficient controlled delivery of Cas9 RNP in vitro and in vivo. This supramolecular polymer system is prepared by complexing disulfide-bridged biguanidyl adamantine (Ad-SS-GD) with β-cyclodextrin-conjugated low-molecular-weight polyethyleneimime (CP) through supramolecular assembly to generate CP/Ad-SS-GD. Due to multiple, strong hydrogen bonding and salt bridge effects, CP/Ad-SS-GD well interact with Cas9 RNP to form stable nanocomplex CP/Ad-SS-GD/RNP, which can be readily released in the reductive intracellular milieu as a result of the cleavage of disulfide bonds. The supramolecular polymer ensures the efficient intracellular delivery and the release of Cas9 RNP into 293T cells and colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, thus displaying high genome-editing activity in vitro. Importantly, we also found that hyaluronic acid (HA)-decorated CP/Ad-SS-GD/RNP nanocomplexes targeting mutant KRAS effectively inhibit tumor growth as well as metastasis in the tumor-bearing mouse models. Collectively, our findings provide a promising therapeutic strategy against mutant KRAS for the treatment of CRC-activated RAS pathways, offering a new therapeutic genome-editing modality for the colorectal cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuxuan Chen
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qi Pan
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaojie Xu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yu Kang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xue Gao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Feihe Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Center for Chemistry of High Performance & Novel Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Chuanbin Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yuan Ping
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Buscail L, Bournet B, Cordelier P. Role of oncogenic KRAS in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 17:153-168. [PMID: 32005945 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-019-0245-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 361] [Impact Index Per Article: 90.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is predicted to be the second most common cause of death within the next 10 years. The prognosis for this disease is poor despite diagnostic progress and new chemotherapeutic regimens. The oncogenic KRAS mutation is the major event in pancreatic cancer; it confers permanent activation of the KRAS protein, which acts as a molecular switch to activate various intracellular signalling pathways and transcription factors inducing cell proliferation, migration, transformation and survival. Several laboratory methods have been developed to detect KRAS mutations in biological samples, including digital droplet PCR (which displays high sensitivity). Clinical studies have revealed that a KRAS mutation assay in fine-needle aspiration material combined with cytopathology increases the sensitivity, accuracy and negative predictive value of cytopathology for a positive diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. In addition, the presence of KRAS mutations in serum and plasma (liquid biopsies) correlates with a worse prognosis. The presence of mutated KRAS can also have therapeutic implications, whether at the gene level per se, during its post-translational maturation, interaction with nucleotides and after activation of the various oncogenic signals. Further pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies on new molecules are required, especially small synthetic molecules, before they can be used in the therapeutic arsenal for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Buscail
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Toulouse III, Rangueil Hospital, Toulouse, France. .,INSERM UMR 1037, Toulouse Centre for Cancer Research, University of Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.
| | - Barbara Bournet
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Toulouse III, Rangueil Hospital, Toulouse, France.,INSERM UMR 1037, Toulouse Centre for Cancer Research, University of Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Cordelier
- INSERM UMR 1037, Toulouse Centre for Cancer Research, University of Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
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Shao YT, Ma L, Zhang TH, Xu TR, Ye YC, Liu Y. The Application of the RNA Interference Technologies for KRAS: Current Status, Future Perspective and Associated Challenges. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:2143-2157. [PMID: 31456522 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190828162217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
KRAS is a member of the murine sarcoma virus oncogene-RAS gene family. It plays an important role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tumors during tumor cell growth and angiogenesis. KRAS is the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancers, such as pancreatic cancers, colon cancers, and lung cancers. Detection of KRAS gene mutation is an important indicator for tracking the status of oncogenes, highlighting the developmental prognosis of various cancers, and the efficacy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the efficacy of different patients in clinical treatment is not the same. Since RNA interference (RNAi) technologies can specifically eliminate the expression of specific genes, these technologies have been widely used in the field of gene therapy for exploring gene function, infectious diseases and malignant tumors. RNAi refers to the phenomenon of highly specific degradation of homologous mRNA induced by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which is highly conserved during evolution. There are three classical RNAi technologies, including siRNA, shRNA and CRISPR-Cas9 system, and a novel synthetic lethal interaction that selectively targets KRAS mutant cancers. Therefore, the implementation of individualized targeted drug therapy has become the best choice for doctors and patients. Thus, this review focuses on the current status, future perspective and associated challenges in silencing of KRAS with RNAi technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Shao
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Li Ma
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Tie-Hui Zhang
- The First People's Hospital of Heishan County, Jinzhou city, Liaoning, Jinzhou 121400, China
| | - Tian-Rui Xu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Yuan-Chao Ye
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.,Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Ying Liu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
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Boscaino V, Fiannaca A, La Paglia L, La Rosa M, Rizzo R, Urso A. MiRNA therapeutics based on logic circuits of biological pathways. BMC Bioinformatics 2019; 20:344. [PMID: 31757209 PMCID: PMC6873406 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-019-2881-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In silico experiments, with the aid of computer simulation, speed up the process of in vitro or in vivo experiments. Cancer therapy design is often based on signalling pathway. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNA molecules. In several kinds of diseases, including cancer, hepatitis and cardiovascular diseases, they are often deregulated, acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. miRNA therapeutics is based on two main kinds of molecules injection: miRNA mimics, which consists of injection of molecules that mimic the targeted miRNA, and antagomiR, which consists of injection of molecules inhibiting the targeted miRNA. Nowadays, the research is focused on miRNA therapeutics. This paper addresses cancer related signalling pathways to investigate miRNA therapeutics. RESULTS In order to prove our approach, we present two different case studies: non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma. KEGG signalling pathways are modelled by a digital circuit. A logic value of 1 is linked to the expression of the corresponding gene. A logic value of 0 is linked to the absence (not expressed) gene. All possible relationships provided by a signalling pathway are modelled by logic gates. Mutations, derived according to the literature, are introduced and modelled as well. The modelling approach and analysis are widely discussed within the paper. MiRNA therapeutics is investigated by the digital circuit analysis. The most effective miRNA and combination of miRNAs, in terms of reduction of pathogenic conditions, are obtained. A discussion of obtained results in comparison with literature data is provided. Results are confirmed by existing data. CONCLUSIONS The proposed study is based on drug discovery and miRNA therapeutics and uses a digital circuit simulation of a cancer pathway. Using this simulation, the most effective combination of drugs and miRNAs for mutated cancer therapy design are obtained and these results were validated by the literature. The proposed modelling and analysis approach can be applied to each human disease, starting from the corresponding signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Boscaino
- CNR-ICAR, National Research Council of Italy, via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, 90146 Italy
| | - Antonino Fiannaca
- CNR-ICAR, National Research Council of Italy, via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, 90146 Italy
| | - Laura La Paglia
- CNR-ICAR, National Research Council of Italy, via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, 90146 Italy
| | - Massimo La Rosa
- CNR-ICAR, National Research Council of Italy, via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, 90146 Italy
| | - Riccardo Rizzo
- CNR-ICAR, National Research Council of Italy, via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, 90146 Italy
| | - Alfonso Urso
- CNR-ICAR, National Research Council of Italy, via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, 90146 Italy
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40
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Chen F, Alphonse MP, Liu Y, Liu Q. Targeting Mutant KRAS for Anticancer Therapy. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:2098-2113. [DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190902151307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
:Over the past decades, designing therapeutic strategies to target KRAS-mutant cancers, which is one of the most frequent mutant oncogenes among all cancer types, have proven unsuccessful regardless of many concerted attempts. There are key challenges for KRAS-mutant anticancer therapy, as the complex cellular processes involved in KRAS signaling has present. Herein, we highlight the emerging therapeutic approaches for inhibiting KRAS signaling and blocking KRAS functions, in hope to serve as a more effective guideline for future development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengqian Chen
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH), Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79416, United States
| | - Martin P. Alphonse
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Cancer Research Building II, Suite 216, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
| | - Yan Liu
- Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766, United States
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Cancer Research Building II, Suite 216, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
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41
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Gimple RC, Wang X. RAS: Striking at the Core of the Oncogenic Circuitry. Front Oncol 2019; 9:965. [PMID: 31681559 PMCID: PMC6798062 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a devastating disease process that touches the lives of millions worldwide. Despite advances in our understanding of the genomic architecture of cancers and the mechanisms that underlie cancer development, a great therapeutic challenge remains. Here, we revisit the birthplace of cancer biology and review how one of the first discovered oncogenes, RAS, drives cancers in new and unexpected ways. As our understanding of oncogenic signaling has evolved, it is clear that RAS signaling is not homogenous, but activates distinct downstream effectors in different cancer types and grades. RAS signaling is tightly controlled through a series of post-transcriptional mechanisms, which are frequently distorted in the context of cancer, and establish key metabolic and immunologic states that support cancer growth, migration, survival, metastasis, and plasticity. While targeting RAS has been fiercely pursued for decades, new strategies have recently emerged with the potential for therapeutic efficacy. Thus, understanding the complexities of RAS biology may translate into improved therapies for patients with RAS-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Gimple
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States.,Department of Pathology, Case Western University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Xiuxing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of Ministry of Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Saliani M, Jalal R, Ahmadian MR. From basic researches to new achievements in therapeutic strategies of KRAS-driven cancers. Cancer Biol Med 2019; 16:435-461. [PMID: 31565476 PMCID: PMC6743616 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2018.0530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the numerous oncogenes involved in human cancers, KRAS represents the most studied and best characterized cancer-related genes. Several therapeutic strategies targeting oncogenic KRAS (KRAS onc ) signaling pathways have been suggested, including the inhibition of synthetic lethal interactions, direct inhibition of KRAS onc itself, blockade of downstream KRAS onc effectors, prevention of post-translational KRAS onc modifications, inhibition of the induced stem cell-like program, targeting of metabolic peculiarities, stimulation of the immune system, inhibition of inflammation, blockade of upstream signaling pathways, targeted RNA replacement, and oncogene-induced senescence. Despite intensive and continuous efforts, KRAS onc remains an elusive target for cancer therapy. To highlight the progress to date, this review covers a collection of studies on therapeutic strategies for KRAS published from 1995 to date. An overview of the path of progress from earlier to more recent insights highlight novel opportunities for clinical development towards KRASonc-signaling targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Saliani
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177948974, Iran
| | - Razieh Jalal
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177948974, Iran
- Department of Research Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177948974, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Ahmadian
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
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Yuan TL, Amzallag A, Bagni R, Yi M, Afghani S, Burgan W, Fer N, Strathern LA, Powell K, Smith B, Waters AM, Drubin D, Thomson T, Liao R, Greninger P, Stein GT, Murchie E, Cortez E, Egan RK, Procter L, Bess M, Cheng KT, Lee CS, Lee LC, Fellmann C, Stephens R, Luo J, Lowe SW, Benes CH, McCormick F. Differential Effector Engagement by Oncogenic KRAS. Cell Rep 2019; 22:1889-1902. [PMID: 29444439 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.01.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS can bind numerous effector proteins, which activate different downstream signaling events. The best known are RAF, phosphatidylinositide (PI)-3' kinase, and RalGDS families, but many additional direct and indirect effectors have been reported. We have assessed how these effectors contribute to several major phenotypes in a quantitative way, using an arrayed combinatorial siRNA screen in which we knocked down 41 KRAS effectors nodes in 92 cell lines. We show that every cell line has a unique combination of effector dependencies, but in spite of this heterogeneity, we were able to identify two major subtypes of KRAS mutant cancers of the lung, pancreas, and large intestine, which reflect different KRAS effector engagement and opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina L Yuan
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, 1450 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Arnaud Amzallag
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Rachel Bagni
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ming Yi
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Shervin Afghani
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, 1450 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - William Burgan
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Nicole Fer
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Leslie A Strathern
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Katie Powell
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Brian Smith
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Andrew M Waters
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - David Drubin
- Selventa, One Alewife Center, Suite 330, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - Ty Thomson
- Selventa, One Alewife Center, Suite 330, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - Rosy Liao
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Patricia Greninger
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Giovanna T Stein
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Ellen Murchie
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Eliane Cortez
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Regina K Egan
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Lauren Procter
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Matthew Bess
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kwong Tai Cheng
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Chih-Shia Lee
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Liam Changwoo Lee
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christof Fellmann
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Robert Stephens
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ji Luo
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Scott W Lowe
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Cyril H Benes
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Frank McCormick
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, 1450 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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Khan FJ, Yuen G, Luo J. Multiplexed CRISPR/Cas9 gene knockout with simple crRNA:tracrRNA co-transfection. Cell Biosci 2019; 9:41. [PMID: 31139343 PMCID: PMC6528186 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-019-0304-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene knockout is a powerful tool for genome editing with the ability to target multiple genes simultaneously. Establishing an efficient, multiplexed gene knockout system using CRISPR/Cas9 that is both simple and robust in its application would further advance the adoption of CRISPR/Cas9 for genetic studies. Results In this study, we present a simple, versatile and highly efficient method to achieve acute gene knockout with CRISPR/Cas9 using chemically synthesized crRNA and tracrRNA oligos. We demonstrate that co-transfection of the crRNA:tracrRNA duplex into Cas9-expressing cells leads to target gene mutation and loss of target protein expression in the majority of the cell population. We also show that delivering three crRNAs targeting EGFP, KRAS and PTEN in the same reaction leads to the simultaneous knockout of all three genes. Direct comparison of multiplexed gene targeting by crRNA:tracrRNA and by siRNA indicates that these two methods are comparable in their efficiency and kinetics of gene silencing. Conclusions Our method is a convenient yet powerful tool to enable rapid and scalable gene knockout using CRISPR/Cas9 in mammalian cells. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13578-019-0304-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fehad J Khan
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD USA.,2Undergraduate Scholarship Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Garmen Yuen
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD USA.,3Master of Science in Biotechnology Program, The Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Washington, DC USA.,Present Address: Cygnal Therapeutics, Boston, MA USA
| | - Ji Luo
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD USA
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Beneker CM, Rovoli M, Kontopidis G, Röring M, Galda S, Braun S, Brummer T, McInnes C. Design and Synthesis of Type-IV Inhibitors of BRAF Kinase That Block Dimerization and Overcome Paradoxical MEK/ERK Activation. J Med Chem 2019; 62:3886-3897. [PMID: 30977659 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite the clinical success of BRAF inhibitors like vemurafenib in treating metastatic melanoma, resistance has emerged through "paradoxical MEK/ERK signaling" where transactivation of one protomer occurs as a result of drug inhibition of the other partner in the activated dimer. The importance of the dimerization interface in the signaling potential of wild-type BRAF in cells expressing oncogenic Ras has recently been demonstrated and proposed as a site of therapeutic intervention in targeting cancers resistant to adenosine triphosphate competitive drugs. The proof of concept for a structure-guided approach targeting the dimerization interface is described through the design and synthesis of macrocyclic peptides that bind with high affinity to BRAF and that block paradoxical signaling in malignant melanoma cells occurring through this drug target. The lead compounds identified are type-IV kinase inhibitors and represent an ideal framework for conversion into next-generation BRAF inhibitors through macrocyclic drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad M Beneker
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences , College of Pharmacy , Columbia , South Carolina 29208 , United States
| | - Magdalini Rovoli
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Medicine , University of Thessaly , Karditsa 43131 , Greece
| | - George Kontopidis
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Medicine , University of Thessaly , Karditsa 43131 , Greece
| | - Michael Röring
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine , University of Freiburg , Freiburg 79085 , Germany
| | - Simeon Galda
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine , University of Freiburg , Freiburg 79085 , Germany
| | - Sandra Braun
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine , University of Freiburg , Freiburg 79085 , Germany
| | - Tilman Brummer
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine , University of Freiburg , Freiburg 79085 , Germany.,Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, BIOSS , University of Freiburg , Schänzlestrasse 18 , Freiburg 79104 , Germany.,German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research DKTK, Partner Site Freiburg , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg 69120 , Germany
| | - Campbell McInnes
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences , College of Pharmacy , Columbia , South Carolina 29208 , United States
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MAP kinase and autophagy pathways cooperate to maintain RAS mutant cancer cell survival. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:4508-4517. [PMID: 30709910 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1817494116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations in the small GTPase KRAS are frequently found in human cancers, and, currently, there are no effective targeted therapies for these tumors. Using a combinatorial siRNA approach, we analyzed a panel of KRAS mutant colorectal and pancreatic cancer cell lines for their dependency on 28 gene nodes that represent canonical RAS effector pathways and selected stress response pathways. We found that RAF node knockdown best differentiated KRAS mutant and KRAS WT cancer cells, suggesting RAF kinases are key oncoeffectors for KRAS addiction. By analyzing all 376 pairwise combination of these gene nodes, we found that cotargeting the RAF, RAC, and autophagy pathways can improve the capture of KRAS dependency better than targeting RAF alone. In particular, codepletion of the oncoeffector kinases BRAF and CRAF, together with the autophagy E1 ligase ATG7, gives the best therapeutic window between KRAS mutant cells and normal, untransformed cells. Distinct patterns of RAS effector dependency were observed across KRAS mutant cell lines, indicative of heterogeneous utilization of effector and stress response pathways in supporting KRAS addiction. Our findings revealed previously unappreciated complexity in the signaling network downstream of the KRAS oncogene and suggest rational target combinations for more effective therapeutic intervention.
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Chandana S, Babiker HM, Mahadevan D. Therapeutic trends in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2018; 28:161-177. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1557145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sreenivasa Chandana
- Phase I program, START Midwest, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Cancer and Hematology Centers of Western Michigan, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Department of Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Hani M. Babiker
- Early Phase Therapeutics Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Daruka Mahadevan
- Early Phase Therapeutics Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Clinical update on K-Ras targeted therapy in gastrointestinal cancers. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2018; 130:78-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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49
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Ras proteins as therapeutic targets. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:1303-1311. [PMID: 30154091 DOI: 10.1042/bst20170529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations in RAS genes underlie the pathogenesis of many human tumours, and there has been intense effort for over 30 years to develop effective and tolerated targeted therapeutics for patients with Ras-driven cancers. This review summarises the progress made in Ras drug discovery, highlighting some of the recent developments in directly targeting Ras through advances in small molecule drug design and novel therapeutic strategies.
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50
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Aguirre AJ, Hahn WC. Synthetic Lethal Vulnerabilities in KRAS-Mutant Cancers. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2018; 8:cshperspect.a031518. [PMID: 29101114 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a031518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
KRAS is the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancer. Most KRAS-mutant cancers depend on sustained expression and signaling of KRAS, thus making it a high-priority therapeutic target. Unfortunately, development of direct small molecule inhibitors of KRAS function has been challenging. An alternative therapeutic strategy for KRAS-mutant malignancies involves targeting codependent vulnerabilities or synthetic lethal partners that are preferentially essential in the setting of oncogenic KRAS. KRAS activates numerous effector pathways that mediate proliferation and survival signals. Moreover, cancer cells must cope with substantial oncogenic stress conferred by mutant KRAS. These oncogenic signaling pathways and compensatory coping mechanisms of KRAS-mutant cancer cells form the basis for synthetic lethal interactions. Here, we review the compendium of previously identified codependencies in KRAS-mutant cancers, including the results of numerous functional genetic screens aimed at identifying KRAS synthetic lethal targets. Importantly, many of these vulnerabilities may represent tractable therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Aguirre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.,Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - William C Hahn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.,Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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