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Wang X, Li N, Liu YH, Wu J, Liu QG, Niu JB, Xu Y, Huang CZ, Zhang SY, Song J. Targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in cancer therapy: A recent update on inhibitors and PROTAC degraders. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116678. [PMID: 39029337 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is considered as a pivotal intracellular non-receptor tyrosine kinase, and has garnered significant attention as a promising target for anticancer drug development. As of early 2024, a total of 12 drugs targeting FAK have been approved for clinical or preclinical studies worldwide, including three PROTAC degraders. In recent three years (2021-2023), significant progress has been made in designing targeted FAK anticancer agents, including the development of a novel benzenesulfofurazan type NO-releasing FAK inhibitor and the first-in-class dual-target inhibitors simultaneously targeting FAK and HDACs. Given the pivotal role of FAK in the discovery of anticancer drugs, as well as the notable advancements achieved in FAK inhibitors and PROTAC degraders in recent years, this review is underbaked to present a comprehensive overview of the function and structure of FAK. Additionally, the latest findings on the inhibitors and PROTAC degraders of FAK from the past three years, along with their optimization strategies and anticancer activities, were summarized, which might help to provide novel insights for the development of novel targeted FAK agents with promising anticancer potential and favorable pharmacological profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Na Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yun-He Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ji Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Qiu-Ge Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jin-Bo Niu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yan Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chen-Zheng Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Sai-Yang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention &Treatment, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Jian Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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2
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Schlaepfer DD, Ojalill M, Stupack DG. Focal adhesion kinase signaling - tumor vulnerabilities and clinical opportunities. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261723. [PMID: 39034922 PMCID: PMC11298715 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261723] [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] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK; encoded by PTK2) was discovered over 30 years ago as a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase that is localized to cell adhesion sites, where it is activated by integrin receptor binding to extracellular matrix proteins. FAK is ubiquitously expressed and functions as a signaling scaffold for a variety of proteins at adhesions and in the cell cytoplasm, and with transcription factors in the nucleus. FAK expression and intrinsic activity are essential for mouse development, with molecular connections to cell motility, cell survival and gene expression. Notably, elevated FAK tyrosine phosphorylation is common in tumors, including pancreatic and ovarian cancers, where it is associated with decreased survival. Small molecule and orally available FAK inhibitors show on-target inhibition in tumor and stromal cells with effects on chemotherapy resistance, stromal fibrosis and tumor microenvironment immune function. Herein, we discuss recent insights regarding mechanisms of FAK activation and signaling, its roles as a cytoplasmic and nuclear scaffold, and the tumor-intrinsic and -extrinsic effects of FAK inhibitors. We also discuss results from ongoing and advanced clinical trials targeting FAK in low- and high-grade serous ovarian cancers, where FAK acts as a master regulator of drug resistance. Although FAK is not known to be mutationally activated, preventing FAK activity has revealed multiple tumor vulnerabilities that support expanding clinical combinatorial targeting possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D. Schlaepfer
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., La Jolla, CA 92098, USA
| | - Marjaana Ojalill
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., La Jolla, CA 92098, USA
| | - Dwayne G. Stupack
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., La Jolla, CA 92098, USA
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Zanela TMP, Zangiabadi M, Zhao Y, Underbakke ES. Molecularly imprinted nanoparticles reveal regulatory scaffolding features in Pyk2 tyrosine kinase. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:447-453. [PMID: 38725907 PMCID: PMC11078204 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00228d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pyk2 is a multi-domain non-receptor tyrosine kinase that serves dual roles as a signaling enzyme and scaffold. Pyk2 activation involves a multi-stage cascade of conformational rearrangements and protein interactions initiated by autophosphorylation of a linker site. Linker phosphorylation recruits Src kinase, and Src-mediated phosphorylation of the Pyk2 activation loop confers full activation. The regulation and accessibility of the initial Pyk2 autophosphorylation site remains unclear. We employed peptide-binding molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (MINPs) to probe the regulatory conformations controlling Pyk2 activation. MINPs differentiating local structure and phosphorylation state revealed that the Pyk2 autophosphorylation site is protected in the autoinhibited state. Activity profiling of Pyk2 variants implicated FERM and linker residues responsible for constraining the autophosphorylation site. MINPs targeting each Src docking site disrupt the higher-order kinase interactions critical for activation complex maturation. Ultimately, MINPs targeting key regulatory motifs establish a useful toolkit for probing successive activational stages in the higher-order Pyk2 signaling complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania M Palhano Zanela
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Milad Zangiabadi
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University Ames Iowa 50011 USA
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University Ames Iowa 50011 USA
| | - Eric S Underbakke
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
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Ehret T, Heißenberg T, de Buhr S, Aponte-Santamaría C, Steinem C, Gräter F. FERM domains recruit ample PI(4,5)P 2s to form extensive protein-membrane attachments. Biophys J 2023; 122:1325-1333. [PMID: 36814382 PMCID: PMC10111351 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The four-point-one ezrin-radixin-moesin homology (FERM) protein domain is a multifunctional protein-lipid binding site, constituting an integral part of numerous membrane-associated proteins. Its interaction with the lipid phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), located at the inner leaflet of eukaryotic plasma membranes, is important for localization, anchorage, and activation of FERM-containing proteins. FERM-PIP2 complexes structurally determined so far exclusively feature a 1:1 binding stoichiometry of protein and lipid, with a few basic FERM residues neutralizing the -4 charge of the bound PIP2. Whether this picture from static crystal structures also applies to the dynamic interaction of FERM domains on PIP2 membranes is unknown. We here quantified the stoichiometry of FERM-PIP2 binding in a lipid bilayer using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and experiments on solid supported membranes for the FERM domains of focal adhesion kinase and ezrin. In contrast to the structural data, we find much higher average stoichiometries of FERM-PIP2 binding, amounting to 1:3 or 1:4 ratios, respectively. In simulations, the full set of basic residues at the membrane interface, 7 and 15 residues for focal adhesion kinase and ezrin, respectively, engages in PIP2 interactions. In addition, Na ions enter the FERM-membrane binding interface, compensating negative PIP2 charges in case of high charge surpluses from bound PIP2. We propose the multivalent binding of FERM domains to PIP2 in lipid bilayers to significantly enhance the stability of FERM-membrane binding and to render the FERM-membrane linkage highly adjustable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ehret
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tim Heißenberg
- Institute of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Max Planck School Matter to Life, Heidelberg and Göttingen, Germany
| | - Svenja de Buhr
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Claudia Steinem
- Institute of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Max Planck School Matter to Life, Heidelberg and Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Frauke Gräter
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Heidelberg, Germany; Max Planck School Matter to Life, Heidelberg and Göttingen, Germany; Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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5
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Integrative Ligand-Based Pharmacophore Modeling, Virtual Screening, and Molecular Docking Simulation Approaches Identified Potential Lead Compounds against Pancreatic Cancer by Targeting FAK1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16010120. [PMID: 36678617 PMCID: PMC9912262 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a very deadly disease with a 5-year survival rate, making it one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. Focal adhesion kinase 1 (FAK1) is a ubiquitously expressed protein in pancreatic cancer. FAK, a tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed in cancer cells, is crucial for the development of tumors into malignant phenotypes. FAK functions in response to extracellular signals by triggering transmembrane receptor signaling, which enhances focal adhesion turnover, cell adhesion, cell migration, and gene expression. The ligand-based drug design approach was used to identify potential compounds against the target protein, which included molecular docking: ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion), toxicity, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and molecular mechanics generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA). Following the retrieval of twenty hits, four compounds were selected for further evaluation based on a molecular docking approach. Three newly discovered compounds, including PubChem CID24601203, CID1893370, and CID16355541, with binding scores of -10.4, -10.1, and -9.7 kcal/mol, respectively, may serve as lead compounds for the treatment of pancreatic cancer associated with FAK1. The ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) and toxicity analyses demonstrated that the compounds were effective and nontoxic. However, further wet laboratory investigations are required to evaluate the activity of the drugs against the cancer.
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Liao J, Wang Q, Wu F, Huang Z. In Silico Methods for Identification of Potential Active Sites of Therapeutic Targets. Molecules 2022; 27:7103. [PMID: 36296697 PMCID: PMC9609013 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27207103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Target identification is an important step in drug discovery, and computer-aided drug target identification methods are attracting more attention compared with traditional drug target identification methods, which are time-consuming and costly. Computer-aided drug target identification methods can greatly reduce the searching scope of experimental targets and associated costs by identifying the diseases-related targets and their binding sites and evaluating the druggability of the predicted active sites for clinical trials. In this review, we introduce the principles of computer-based active site identification methods, including the identification of binding sites and assessment of druggability. We provide some guidelines for selecting methods for the identification of binding sites and assessment of druggability. In addition, we list the databases and tools commonly used with these methods, present examples of individual and combined applications, and compare the methods and tools. Finally, we discuss the challenges and limitations of binding site identification and druggability assessment at the current stage and provide some recommendations and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Liao
- Key Laboratory of Big Data Mining and Precision Drug Design of Guangdong Medical University, Key Laboratory of Computer-Aided Drug Design of Dongguan City, Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs of Guangdong Province, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Qinyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Big Data Mining and Precision Drug Design of Guangdong Medical University, Key Laboratory of Computer-Aided Drug Design of Dongguan City, Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs of Guangdong Province, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Fengxu Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Zunnan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Big Data Mining and Precision Drug Design of Guangdong Medical University, Key Laboratory of Computer-Aided Drug Design of Dongguan City, Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs of Guangdong Province, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang 524023, China
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Shirvani P, Fassihi A. In silico design of novel FAK inhibitors using integrated molecular docking, 3D-QSAR and molecular dynamics simulation studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:5965-5982. [PMID: 33475043 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1875880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that plays a crucial role in integrin signaling that regulates essential cellular functions including growth, motility, proliferation and survival in different types of cells. Interestingly, it has also shown to be up-regulated in various types of tumors, hence it has emerged as a significant therapeutic target for the development of selective inhibitors. In present work, with the aim of achieving further insight into the structural characteristics required for the FAK inhibitory activity, a combined approach of molecular modeling studies including molecular docking, three-dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship (3D-QSAR) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation were carried out on a series of 7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine and thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine FAK inhibitors. The probable binding modes and interactions of inhibitors into the FAK active site were predicted by molecular docking. The 3D-QSAR models were developed using the comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) methods, with three ligand-based, docking-based and receptor-based alignment techniques. Both CoMFA and CoMSIA models obtained from receptor-based alignment were superior to the ones obtained by other alignment methods. However, the CoMSIA model (q2 = 0.679, r2 = 0.954 and r2pred = 0.888) depicted almost better predictive ability than the CoMFA model (q2 = 0.617, r2 = 0.932 and r2pred = 0.856). The contour map analysis revealed the relationship between the structural features and inhibitory activity. The docking results and CoMFA and CoMSIA contour maps were in good accordance. Based on the information obtained from the molecular docking and contour map analysis, a series of novel FAK inhibitors were designed that showed better predicted inhibitory activity than the most potent compound 31 in the data set. Finally, the stability of the reference molecule 31 and the designed compounds D15 and D27 were evaluated through a 30 ns of MD simulation and their binding free energies were calculated using the molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) method. The result of MD simulation and binding free energy decomposition demonstrated the important role of van der Waals interactions alongside H-bond ones that were in consistent with the docking and contour maps analysis results. In sum, the results from this study may provide a significant insight for developing more effective novel FAK inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouria Shirvani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Afshin Fassihi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran.,Bioinformatics Research Center, Isfahan university of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
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Najminejad H, Farhadihosseinabadi B, Dabaghian M, Dezhkam A, Rigi Yousofabadi E, Najminejad R, Abdollahpour-Alitappeh M, Karimi MH, Bagheri N, Mahi-Birjand M, Ghasemi N, Mazaheri M, Kalantar SM, Seifalian A, Sheikhha MH. Key Regulatory miRNAs and their Interplay with Mechanosensing and Mechanotransduction Signaling Pathways in Breast Cancer Progression. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:1113-1128. [PMID: 32430354 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-1229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
According to the WHO, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Identification of underlying mechanisms in breast cancer progression is the main concerns of researches. The mechanical forces within the tumor microenvironment, in addition to biochemical stimuli such as different growth factors and cytokines, activate signaling cascades, resulting in various changes in cancer cell physiology. Cancer cell proliferation, invasiveness, migration, and, even, resistance to cancer therapeutic agents are changed due to activation of mechanotransduction signaling. The mechanotransduction signaling is frequently dysregulated in breast cancer, indicating its important role in cancer cell features. So far, a variety of experimental investigations have been conducted to determine the main regulators of the mechanotransduction signaling. Currently, the role of miRNAs has been well-defined in the cancer process through advances in molecular-based approaches. miRNAs are small groups of RNAs (∼22 nucleotides) that contribute to various biological events in cells. The central role of miRNAs in the regulation of various mediators involved in the mechanotransduction signaling has been well clarified over the last decade. Unbalanced expression of miRNAs is associated with different pathologic conditions. Overexpression and downregulation of certain miRNAs were found to be along with dysregulation of mechanotransduction signaling effectors. This study aimed to critically review the role of miRNAs in the regulation of mediators involved in the mechanosensing pathways and clarify how the cross-talk between miRNAs and their targets affect the cell behavior and physiology of breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Najminejad
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Behrouz Farhadihosseinabadi
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Neuroscience Research Center (NRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehran Dabaghian
- Research and Development Department, Razi Vaccine and serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Asiyeh Dezhkam
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | | | - Reza Najminejad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | | | | | - Nader Bagheri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Motahareh Mahi-Birjand
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Nasrin Ghasemi
- Abortion Research Centre, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mahta Mazaheri
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Kalantar
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Alexander Seifalian
- Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine Commercialization Centre (Ltd), The London BioScience Innovation Centre, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Mohammad Hasan Sheikhha
- Genetics and Biotechnology Lab, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
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Stahl E, Nott R, Koessel K, Cance W, Marlowe T. Computational‐based discovery of FAK FERM domain chemical probes that inhibit HER2‐FAK cancer signaling. Chem Biol Drug Des 2020; 95:584-599. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erik Stahl
- University of Arizona Cancer Center ‐ Phoenix Phoenix AZ USA
| | - Rohini Nott
- University of Arizona Cancer Center ‐ Phoenix Phoenix AZ USA
| | - Karissa Koessel
- University of Arizona College of Pharmacy—Phoenix Phoenix AZ USA
| | - William Cance
- University of Arizona Cancer Center ‐ Phoenix Phoenix AZ USA
- Interdisciplinary Oncology University of Arizona College of Medicine—Phoenix Phoenix AZ USA
- Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Arizona College of Pharmacy Tucson AZ USA
| | - Timothy Marlowe
- University of Arizona Cancer Center ‐ Phoenix Phoenix AZ USA
- Interdisciplinary Oncology University of Arizona College of Medicine—Phoenix Phoenix AZ USA
- Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Arizona College of Pharmacy Tucson AZ USA
- Molecular Discovery Core University of Arizona College of Medicine—Phoenix Phoenix AZ USA
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FAK Structure and Regulation by Membrane Interactions and Force in Focal Adhesions. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020179. [PMID: 31991559 PMCID: PMC7072507 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase with key roles in the regulation of cell adhesion migration, proliferation and survival. In cancer FAK is a major driver of invasion and metastasis and its upregulation is associated with poor patient prognosis. FAK is autoinhibited in the cytosol, but activated upon localisation into a protein complex, known as focal adhesion complex. This complex forms upon cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) at the cytoplasmic side of the plasma membrane at sites of ECM attachment. FAK is anchored to the complex via multiple sites, including direct interactions with specific membrane lipids and connector proteins that attach focal adhesions to the actin cytoskeleton. In migrating cells, the contraction of actomyosin stress fibres attached to the focal adhesion complex apply a force to the complex, which is likely transmitted to the FAK protein, causing stretching of the FAK molecule. In this review we discuss the current knowledge of the FAK structure and how specific structural features are involved in the regulation of FAK signalling. We focus on two major regulatory mechanisms known to contribute to FAK activation, namely interactions with membrane lipids and stretching forces applied to FAK, and discuss how they might induce structural changes that facilitate FAK activation.
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