1
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Carrión-Estrada DA, Aguilar-Rojas A, Huerta-Yepez S, Montecillo-Aguado M, Bello M, Rojo-Domínguez A, Arechaga-Ocampo E, Briseño-Díaz P, Meraz-Ríos MA, Thompson-Bonilla MDR, Hernández-Rivas R, Vargas M. Antineoplastic effect of compounds C14 and P8 on TNBC and radioresistant TNBC cells by stabilizing the K-Ras4B G13D/PDE6δ complex. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1341766. [PMID: 38571493 PMCID: PMC10989073 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1341766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) representing one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant subtypes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antitumor potential of C14 and P8 molecules in both TNBC and radioresistant TNBC cells. These compounds were chosen for their ability to stabilize the complex formed by the overactivated form of K-Ras4BG13D and its membrane transporter (PDE6δ). Methods The antitumor potential of C14 and P8 was assessed using TNBC cell lines, MDA-MB-231, and the radioresistant derivative MDA-MB-231RR, both carrying the K-Ras4B> G13D mutation. We investigated the compounds' effects on K-Ras signaling pathways, cell viability, and tumor growth in vivo. Results Western blotting analysis determined the negative impact of C14 and P8 on the activation of mutant K-Ras signaling pathways in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-231RR cells. Proliferation assays demonstrated their efficacy as cytotoxic agents against K-RasG13D mutant cancer cells and in inducing apoptosis. Clonogenic assays proven their ability to inhibit TNBC and radioresistant TNBC cell clonogenicity. In In vivo studies, C14 and P8 inhibited tumor growth and reduced proliferation, angiogenesis, and cell cycle progression markers. Discussion These findings suggest that C14 and P8 could serve as promising adjuvant treatments for TNBC, particularly for non-responders to standard therapies. By targeting overactivated K-Ras and its membrane transporter, these compounds offer potential therapeutic benefits against TNBC, including its radioresistant form. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to validate their efficacy and safety as novel TNBC treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayan A. Carrión-Estrada
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-I.P.N.), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arturo Aguilar-Rojas
- Medical Research Unit in Reproductive Medicine, Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), High Specialty Medical Unit in Gynecology and Obstetrics No. 4 Dr. Luis Castelazo Ayala, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sara Huerta-Yepez
- Research Unit in Oncological Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mayra Montecillo-Aguado
- Research Unit in Oncological Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Martiniano Bello
- Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation, Higher School of Medicine, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arturo Rojo-Domínguez
- Department of Natural Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University Cuajimalpa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elena Arechaga-Ocampo
- Department of Natural Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University Cuajimalpa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Paola Briseño-Díaz
- Department of Biochemistry of the Faculty of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marco Antonio Meraz-Ríos
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-I.P.N.), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María del Rocío Thompson-Bonilla
- Biomedical and Transnational Research, Genomic Medicine Laboratory, Hospital 1° de Octubre, Institute of Security and Social Services of State Workers (ISSSTE), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosaura Hernández-Rivas
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-I.P.N.), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel Vargas
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-I.P.N.), Mexico City, Mexico
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2
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Briseño-Díaz P, Schnoor M, Bello-Ramirez M, Correa-Basurto J, Rojo-Domínguez A, Arregui L, Vega L, Núñez-González E, Palau-Hernández LA, Parra-Torres CG, García Córdova OM, Zepeda-Castilla E, Torices-Escalante E, Domínguez-Camacho L, Xoconostle-Cazares B, Meraz-Ríos MA, Delfín-Azuara S, Carrión-Estrada DA, Villegas-Sepúlveda N, Hernández-Rivas R, Thompson-Bonilla MDR, Vargas M. Synergistic effect of antagonists to KRas4B/PDE6 molecular complex in pancreatic cancer. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302019. [PMID: 37813486 PMCID: PMC10561825 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has the worst prognosis among all human cancers as it is highly resistant to chemotherapy. K-Ras mutations usually trigger the development and progression of PDAC. We hypothesized that compounds stabilizing the KRas4B/PDE6δ complex could serve as PDAC treatments. Using in silico approaches, we identified the small molecules C14 and P8 that reduced K-Ras activation in primary PDAC cells. Importantly, C14 and P8 significantly prevented tumor growth in patient-derived xenotransplants. Combined treatment with C14 and P8 strongly increased cytotoxicity in PDAC cell lines and primary cultures and showed strong synergistic antineoplastic effects in preclinical murine PDAC models that were superior to conventional therapeutics without causing side effects. Mechanistically, C14 and P8 reduced tumor growth by inhibiting AKT and ERK signaling downstream of K-RAS leading to apoptosis, specifically in PDAC cells. Thus, combined treatment with C14 and P8 may be a superior pharmaceutical strategy to improve the outcome of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Briseño-Díaz
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
| | - Michael Schnoor
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
| | - Martiniano Bello-Ramirez
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Design of the Higher School of Medicine, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jose Correa-Basurto
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Design of the Higher School of Medicine, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arturo Rojo-Domínguez
- Department of Natural Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leticia Arregui
- Department of Natural Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Libia Vega
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Toxicology Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Enrique Núñez-González
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Hospital 1 de Octubre, ISSSTE, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Ernesto Zepeda-Castilla
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Hospital 1 de Octubre, ISSSTE, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Torices-Escalante
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Hospital 1 de Octubre, ISSSTE, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leticia Domínguez-Camacho
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Hospital 1 de Octubre, ISSSTE, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Beatriz Xoconostle-Cazares
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Biotechnology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
| | - Marco Antonio Meraz-Ríos
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
| | - Sandra Delfín-Azuara
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
| | - Dayan Andrea Carrión-Estrada
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
| | - Nicolas Villegas-Sepúlveda
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
| | - Rosaura Hernández-Rivas
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
| | | | - Miguel Vargas
- https://ror.org/009eqmr18 Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
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3
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Liu Y, Xie B, Chen Q. RAS signaling and immune cells: a sinister crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment. J Transl Med 2023; 21:595. [PMID: 37670322 PMCID: PMC10481548 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04486-9] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The rat sarcoma virus (RAS) gene is the most commonly mutated oncogene in cancer, with about 19% of cancer patients carrying RAS mutations. Studies on the interaction between RAS mutation and tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) have been flourishing in recent years. More and more evidence has proved that RAS signals regulate immune cells' recruitment, activation, and differentiation while assisting tumor cells to evade immune surveillance. This review concluded the direct and indirect treatment strategies for RAS mutations. In addition, we updated the underlying mechanisms by which RAS signaling modulated immune infiltration and immune escape. Finally, we discussed advances in RAS-targeted immunotherapies, including cancer vaccines and adoptive cell therapies, with a particular focus on combination strategies with personalized therapy and great potential to achieve lasting clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongting Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Bin Xie
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Qiong Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
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4
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Harwood SJ, Smith CR, Lawson JD, Ketcham JM. Selected Approaches to Disrupting Protein-Protein Interactions within the MAPK/RAS Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087373. [PMID: 37108538 PMCID: PMC10139024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the MAPK/RAS pathway, there exists a plethora of protein-protein interactions (PPIs). For many years, scientists have focused efforts on drugging KRAS and its effectors in hopes to provide much needed therapies for patients with KRAS-mutant driven cancers. In this review, we focus on recent strategies to inhibit RAS-signaling via disrupting PPIs associated with SOS1, RAF, PDEδ, Grb2, and RAS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J David Lawson
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - John M Ketcham
- Mirati Therapeutics, 3545 Cray Court, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
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5
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Zheng Y, Ma H, Yan Y, Ye P, Yu W, Lin S, Chen SL. Deficiency of filamin A in smooth muscle cells protects against hypoxia‑mediated pulmonary hypertension in mice. Int J Mol Med 2023; 51:22. [PMID: 36704846 PMCID: PMC9911089 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2023.5225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamin A (FLNA) is a high molecular weight cytoskeleton protein important for cell locomotion. A relationship between FLNA mutations and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has previously been reported; however, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. The present study aimed to explore the role of FLNA in vascular smooth muscle cells during the development of PAH. Smooth muscle cell (SMC)‑specific FLNA‑deficient mice were generated and the mice were then exposed to hypoxia for 28 days to build the mouse model of PAH. Human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were also cultured and transfected with FLNA small interfering RNA or overexpression plasmids to investigate the effects of FLNA on PASMC proliferation and migration. Notably, compared with control individuals, the expression levels of FLNA were increased in lung tissues from patients with PAH, and it was obviously expressed in the PASMCs of pulmonary arterioles. FLNA deficiency in SMCs attenuated hypoxia‑induced pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular remodeling. In vitro studies suggested that absence of FLNA impaired PASMC proliferation and migration, and produced lower levels of phosphorylated (p)‑PAK‑1 and RAC1 activity. However, FLNA overexpression promoted PASMC proliferation and migration, and increased the expression levels of p‑PAK‑1 and RAC1 activity. The present study highlights the role of FLNA in pulmonary vascular remodeling; therefore, it could serve as a potential target for the treatment of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaguo Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Hong Ma
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Yufeng Yan
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Peng Ye
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Wande Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Song Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Dr Song Lin or Dr Shao-Liang Chen, Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Qinhuai, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China, E-mail: , E-mail:
| | - Shao-Liang Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Dr Song Lin or Dr Shao-Liang Chen, Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Qinhuai, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China, E-mail: , E-mail:
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6
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Wang G, Bai Y, Cui J, Zong Z, Gao Y, Zheng Z. Computer-Aided Drug Design Boosts RAS Inhibitor Discovery. Molecules 2022; 27:5710. [PMID: 36080477 PMCID: PMC9457765 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175710] [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: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rat Sarcoma (RAS) family (NRAS, HRAS, and KRAS) is endowed with GTPase activity to regulate various signaling pathways in ubiquitous animal cells. As proto-oncogenes, RAS mutations can maintain activation, leading to the growth and proliferation of abnormal cells and the development of a variety of human cancers. For the fight against tumors, the discovery of RAS-targeted drugs is of high significance. On the one hand, the structural properties of the RAS protein make it difficult to find inhibitors specifically targeted to it. On the other hand, targeting other molecules in the RAS signaling pathway often leads to severe tissue toxicities due to the lack of disease specificity. However, computer-aided drug design (CADD) can help solve the above problems. As an interdisciplinary approach that combines computational biology with medicinal chemistry, CADD has brought a variety of advances and numerous benefits to drug design, such as the rapid identification of new targets and discovery of new drugs. Based on an overview of RAS features and the history of inhibitor discovery, this review provides insight into the application of mainstream CADD methods to RAS drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Wang
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yuhao Bai
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Jiarui Cui
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Zirui Zong
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Zhen Zheng
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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7
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131I-C19 Iodide Radioisotope and Synthetic I-C19 Compounds as K-Ras4B–PDE6δ Inhibitors: A Novel Approach against Colorectal Cancer—Biological Characterization, Biokinetics and Dosimetry. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175446. [PMID: 36080216 PMCID: PMC9458062 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In 40–50% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases, K-Ras gene mutations occur, which induce the expression of the K-Ras4B oncogenic isoform. K-Ras4B is transported by phosphodiesterase-6δ (PDE6δ) to the plasma membrane, where the K-Ras4B–PDE6δ complex dissociates and K-Ras4B, coupled to the plasma membrane, activates signaling pathways that favor cancer aggressiveness. Thus, the inhibition of the K-Ras4B–PDE6δ dissociation using specific small molecules could be a new strategy for the treatment of patients with CRC. This research aimed to perform a preclinical proof-of-concept and a therapeutic potential evaluation of the synthetic I-C19 and 131I-C19 compounds as inhibitors of the K-Ras4B–PDE6δ dissociation. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to estimate the binding affinity and the anchorage sites of I-C19 in K-Ras4B–PDE6δ. K-Ras4B signaling pathways were assessed in HCT116, LoVo and SW620 colorectal cancer cells after I-C19 treatment. Two murine colorectal cancer models were used to evaluate the I-C19 therapeutic effect. The in vivo biokinetic profiles of I-C19 and 131I-C19 and the tumor radiation dose were also estimated. The K-Ras4B–PDE6δ stabilizer, 131I-C19, was highly selective and demonstrated a cytotoxic effect ten times greater than unlabeled I-C19. I-C19 prevented K-Ras4B activation and decreased its dependent signaling pathways. The in vivo administration of I-C19 (30 mg/kg) greatly reduced tumor growth in colorectal cancer. The biokinetic profile showed renal and hepatobiliary elimination, and the highest radiation absorbed dose was delivered to the tumor (52 Gy/74 MBq). The data support the idea that 131I-C19 is a novel K-Ras4B/PDE6δ stabilizer with two functionalities: as a K-Ras4B signaling inhibitor and as a compound with radiotherapeutic activity against colorectal tumors.
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8
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Pavic K, Chippalkatti R, Abankwa D. Drug targeting opportunities en route to Ras nanoclusters. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 153:63-99. [PMID: 35101236 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of the native membrane organization of Ras by the farnesyltransferase inhibitor tipifarnib in the late 1990s constituted the first indirect approach to drug target Ras. Since then, our understanding of how dynamically Ras shuttles between subcellular locations has changed significantly. Ras proteins have to arrive at the plasma membrane for efficient MAPK-signal propagation. On the plasma membrane Ras proteins are organized into isoform specific proteo-lipid assemblies called nanocluster. Recent evidence suggests that Ras nanocluster have a specific lipid composition, which supports the recruitment of effectors such as Raf. Conversely, effectors possess lipid-recognition motifs, which appear to serve as co-incidence detectors for the lipid domain of a given Ras isoform. Evidence suggests that dimeric Raf proteins then co-assemble dimeric Ras in an immobile complex, thus forming the minimal unit of an active nanocluster. Here we review established and novel trafficking chaperones and trafficking factors of Ras, along with the set of lipid and protein modulators of Ras nanoclustering. We highlight drug targeting approaches and opportunities against these determinants of functional Ras membrane organization. Finally, we reflect on implications for Ras signaling in polarized cells, such as epithelia, which are a common origin of tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Pavic
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Rohan Chippalkatti
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Daniel Abankwa
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
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9
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Yelland T, Garcia E, Parry C, Kowalczyk D, Wojnowska M, Gohlke A, Zalar M, Cameron K, Goodwin G, Yu Q, Zhu PC, ElMaghloob Y, Pugliese A, Archibald L, Jamieson A, Chen YX, McArthur D, Bower J, Ismail S. Stabilization of the RAS:PDE6D Complex Is a Novel Strategy to Inhibit RAS Signaling. J Med Chem 2022; 65:1898-1914. [PMID: 35104933 PMCID: PMC8842248 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
![]()
RAS is a major anticancer
drug target which requires membrane localization
to activate downstream signal transduction. The direct inhibition
of RAS has proven to be challenging. Here, we present a novel strategy
for targeting RAS by stabilizing its interaction with the prenyl-binding
protein PDE6D and disrupting its localization. Using rationally designed
RAS point mutations, we were able to stabilize the RAS:PDE6D complex
by increasing the affinity of RAS for PDE6D, which resulted in the
redirection of RAS to the cytoplasm and the primary cilium and inhibition
of oncogenic RAS/ERK signaling. We developed an SPR fragment screening
and identified fragments that bind at the KRAS:PDE6D interface, as
shown through cocrystal structures. Finally, we show that the stoichiometric
ratios of KRAS:PDE6D vary in different cell lines, suggesting that
the impact of this strategy might be cell-type-dependent. This study
forms the foundation from which a potential anticancer small-molecule
RAS:PDE6D complex stabilizer could be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamas Yelland
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom
| | - Esther Garcia
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Parry
- Drug Discovery Program, CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom
| | | | - Marta Wojnowska
- School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9ST, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Gohlke
- Drug Discovery Program, CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom
| | - Matja Zalar
- Drug Discovery Program, CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom.,School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth Cameron
- Drug Discovery Program, CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Goodwin
- Drug Discovery Program, CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom.,BioAscent Discovery Ltd, Biocity, Motherwell ML1 5UH, United Kingdom
| | - Qing Yu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | | | - Angelo Pugliese
- Drug Discovery Program, CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom.,BioAscent Discovery Ltd, Biocity, Motherwell ML1 5UH, United Kingdom
| | - Lewis Archibald
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Jamieson
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Yong Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Duncan McArthur
- Drug Discovery Program, CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom.,BioAscent Discovery Ltd, Biocity, Motherwell ML1 5UH, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Bower
- Drug Discovery Program, CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom
| | - Shehab Ismail
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom.,Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200G, Heverlee 3001, Belgium
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10
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Kim HJ, Lee HN, Jeong MS, Jang SB. Oncogenic KRAS: Signaling and Drug Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225599. [PMID: 34830757 PMCID: PMC8616169 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
RAS proteins play a role in many physiological signals transduction processes, including cell growth, division, and survival. The Ras protein has amino acids 188-189 and functions as GTPase. These proteins are switch molecules that cycle between inactive GDP-bound and active GTP-bound by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). KRAS is one of the Ras superfamily isoforms (N-RAS, H-RAS, and K-RAS) that frequently mutate in cancer. The mutation of KRAS is essentially performing the transformation in humans. Since most RAS proteins belong to GTPase, mutated and GTP-bound active RAS is found in many cancers. Despite KRAS being an important molecule in mostly human cancer, including pancreatic and breast, numerous efforts in years past have persisted in cancer therapy targeting KRAS mutant. This review summarizes the biological characteristics of these proteins and the recent progress in the exploration of KRAS-targeted anticancer, leading to new insight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Jin Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Korea; (H.J.K.); (H.N.L.)
| | - Han Na Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Korea; (H.J.K.); (H.N.L.)
| | - Mi Suk Jeong
- Institute for Plastic Information and Energy Materials and Sustainable Utilization of Photovoltaic Energy Research Center, Pusan National University, Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Korea
- Correspondence: (M.S.J.); (S.B.J.); Tel.: +82-51-510-2523 (S.B.J.); Fax: +82-51-581-2544 (S.B.J.)
| | - Se Bok Jang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Korea; (H.J.K.); (H.N.L.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.J.); (S.B.J.); Tel.: +82-51-510-2523 (S.B.J.); Fax: +82-51-581-2544 (S.B.J.)
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11
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Trujillo-Nolasco M, Cruz-Nova P, Ferro-Flores G, Gibbens-Bandala B, Morales-Avila E, Aranda-Lara L, Vargas M, Ocampo-García B. Development of 177Lu-DN(C19)-CXCR4 Ligand Nanosystem for Combinatorial Therapy in Pancreatic Cancer. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2021; 17:263-278. [PMID: 33785097 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is highly lethal and has a poor prognosis. The most common alteration during the formation of pancreatic tumors is the activation of KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog) oncogene. As a new therapeutic strategy, the C19 molecule ((2S)-N-(2,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-[(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-methylamine]propanamide) blocks the KRAS-membrane association in cancer cells. In addition, the chemokine receptor CXCR4 is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer. In this research, a new dendrimer-based nanoradiopharmaceutical (177Lu-DN(C19)-CXCR4L) encapsulating C19 and functionalized to target CXCR4 receptors is proposed as both, a targeted radiotherapy system (lutetium-177) and an oncotherapeutic approach by the stabilization of KRAS4b-PDESδ complex to produce dual-specific therapy in pancreatic cancer. 177The Lu-DN(C19)-CXCR4L was synthesized and characterized, C19 was encapsulated with 81% efficiency, the final nanosystem rendered a particle size of 67 nm and the specific uptake in pancreatic cell lines was demonstrated. The major cytotoxic effect was observed in the KRAS-dependent and radioresistant cell line Mia PaCa-2, which expresses a high density of CXCR4 receptors. The radiation dose of 3 Gy/Bq decreased viability to 7%, and this effect was attributed to the presence of C19. A synergistic effect (radio and chemotherapy) capable of reducing viability in pancreatic cancer cells through apoptotic mechanisms was demonstrated. Thus, 177Lu-DN(C19)-CXCR4L nanoradiopharmaceutical is efficacious in pancreatic cancer cell lines overexpressing the CXCR4 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maydelid Trujillo-Nolasco
- Departamento de Materials Radiactivos, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Carretera México-Toluca S/N, Ocoyoacac, Estado de México, 52750, Mexico
| | - Pedro Cruz-Nova
- Departamento de Materials Radiactivos, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Carretera México-Toluca S/N, Ocoyoacac, Estado de México, 52750, Mexico
| | - Guillermina Ferro-Flores
- Departamento de Materials Radiactivos, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Carretera México-Toluca S/N, Ocoyoacac, Estado de México, 52750, Mexico
| | - Brenda Gibbens-Bandala
- Departamento de Materials Radiactivos, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Carretera México-Toluca S/N, Ocoyoacac, Estado de México, 52750, Mexico
| | - Enrique Morales-Avila
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Tollocan S/N, Toluca, Estado de México, 50180, Mexico
| | - Liliana Aranda-Lara
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Toluca, 50180 Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Miguel Vargas
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular. Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Av. I.P.N., 07360, Ciudad de México
| | - Blanca Ocampo-García
- Departamento de Materials Radiactivos, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Carretera México-Toluca S/N, Ocoyoacac, Estado de México, 52750, Mexico
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12
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How to make an undruggable enzyme druggable: lessons from ras proteins. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2020. [PMID: 32951811 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Significant advances have been made toward discovering allosteric inhibitors for challenging drug targets such as the Ras family of membrane-associated signaling proteins. Malfunction of Ras proteins due to somatic mutations is associated with up to a quarter of all human cancers. Computational techniques have played critical roles in identifying and characterizing allosteric ligand-binding sites on these proteins, and to screen ligand libraries against those sites. These efforts, combined with a wide range of biophysical, structural, biochemical and cell biological experiments, are beginning to yield promising inhibitors to treat malignancies associated with mutated Ras proteins. In this chapter, we discuss some of these developments and how the lessons learned from Ras might be applied to similar other challenging drug targets.
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13
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Zhang Y, Ma JA, Zhang HX, Jiang YN, Luo WH. Cancer vaccines: Targeting KRAS-driven cancers. Expert Rev Vaccines 2020; 19:163-173. [PMID: 32174221 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2020.1733420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Mutant KRAS is a genetic driver of multiple cancers that has challenged clinical anti-cancer therapeutics in the last 3 decades. Neo-antigens encoded by KRAS mutations have been identified as tumor-specific with high immunogenicity and can be used to deliver precision cancer vaccines to promote anti-tumor immune responses. KRAS mutation-based cancer vaccines have produced encouraging preclinical and clinical results. Cancer vaccines represent a promising approach to treat KRAS-driven cancers.Areas covered: In this review, we summarize the development and progress of vaccines targeting KRAS and evaluate their potential benefits and obstacles in the current landscape of therapy for KRAS-driven cancers.Expert opinion: KRAS mutation-based cancer vaccines can induce immunogenicity in patients with KRAS-driven cancers. However, the mechanisms of tumor suppression including cellular and molecular factors within the tumor microenvironment may limit vaccine efficacy. Combining KRAS-driven therapeutic cancer vaccines with other methods and adjuvants can circumvent immunosuppression and promote therapeutic successes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jin-An Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hai-Xia Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu-Na Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Hao Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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14
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Wu HZ, Xiao JQ, Xiao SS, Cheng Y. KRAS: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Cancer Treatment. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:2081-2097. [PMID: 31486755 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190905164144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancer. The developments of many cancers depend on sustained expression and signaling of KRAS, which makes KRAS a high-priority therapeutic target. Scientists have not successfully developed drugs that target KRAS, although efforts have been made last three decades. In this review, we highlight the emerging experimental strategies of impairing KRAS membrane localization and the direct targeting of KRAS. We also conclude the combinatorial therapies and RNA interference technology for the treatment of KRAS mutant cancers. Moreover, the virtual screening approach to discover novel KRAS inhibitors and synthetic lethality interactors of KRAS are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Zhou Wu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jia-Qi Xiao
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Song-Shu Xiao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
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15
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Ye N, Xu Q, Li W, Wang P, Zhou J. Recent Advances in Developing K-Ras Plasma Membrane Localization Inhibitors. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:2114-2127. [PMID: 31475899 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190902145116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Ras proteins play an important role in cell growth, differentiation, proliferation and survival by regulating diverse signaling pathways. Oncogenic mutant K-Ras is the most frequently mutated class of Ras superfamily that is highly prevalent in many human cancers. Despite intensive efforts to combat various K-Ras-mutant-driven cancers, no effective K-Ras-specific inhibitors have yet been approved for clinical use to date. Since K-Ras proteins must be associated to the plasma membrane for their function, targeting K-Ras plasma membrane localization represents a logical and potentially tractable therapeutic approach. Here, we summarize the recent advances in the development of K-Ras plasma membrane localization inhibitors including natural product-based inhibitors achieved from high throughput screening, fragment-based drug design, virtual screening, and drug repurposing as well as hit-to-lead optimizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Ye
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.,Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, United States
| | - Qingfeng Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Wanwan Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Pingyuan Wang
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, United States
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16
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Bello M, Correa-Basurto J, Vargas-Mejía MÁ. Molecular mechanism of the association and dissociation of Deltarasin from the heterodimeric KRas4B-PDEδ complex. Biopolymers 2019; 110:e23333. [PMID: 31568570 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The formation of the KRas4B-PDEδ complex activates different signaling pathways required for the development and maintenance of cancer. Previous experimental and theoretical studies have allowed researchers to design an inhibitor of the KRas4B-PDEδ complex, "Deltarasin." This inhibitor binds to the prenyl-binding pocket of PDEδ and subsequently inhibits the proliferation of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells that depend on oncogenic KRas4B. Nevertheless, structural and energetic information about the inhibitory effects of Deltarasin on the KRas4B-PDEδ complex are not available. In this study, we explore the properties of Deltarasin in inhibiting the formation of wild-type and mutant KRas4B-PDEδ complexes present in different cell lines expressing mutant RAS genes (G12D, G12C, G12V, G13D, Q61L, and Q61R) using 1.7 μs molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in combination with the MMGBSA approach. Our results revealed the energetic and structural mechanisms that suggest a higher affinity of Deltarasin for PDEδ than the farnesylated HVR. Moreover, Deltarasin exerts another dissociative effect by binding to the protein-protein dimeric interface of wild-type KRas4B-PDEδ, whereas associative and dissociative effects were observed for mutant KRas4B-PDEδ, providing a mechanistic explanation for the inhibitory effects of Deltarasin on different cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martiniano Bello
- Laboratorio de Modelado Molecular, Bioinformática y Diseño de Fármacos de la Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México, México City, Mexico
| | - José Correa-Basurto
- Laboratorio de Modelado Molecular, Bioinformática y Diseño de Fármacos de la Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México, México City, Mexico
| | - Miguel Á Vargas-Mejía
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), México City, Mexico
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