1
|
Jungholm O, Trkulja C, Moche M, Srinivasa SP, Christakopoulou MN, Davidson M, Reymer A, Jardemark K, Fogaça RL, Ashok A, Jeffries G, Ampah-Korsah H, Strandback E, Andréll J, Nyman T, Nouairia G, Orwar O. Novel druggable space in human KRAS G13D discovered using structural bioinformatics and a P-loop targeting monoclonal antibody. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19656. [PMID: 39179604 PMCID: PMC11344056 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70217-9] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
KRAS belongs to a family of small GTPases that act as binary switches upstream of several signalling cascades, controlling proliferation and survival of cells. Mutations in KRAS drive oncogenesis, especially in pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers (CRC). Although historic attempts at targeting mutant KRAS with small molecule inhibitors have proven challenging, there are recent successes with the G12C, and G12D mutations. However, clinically important RAS mutations such as G12V, G13D, Q61L, and A146T, remain elusive drug targets, and insights to their structural landscape is of critical importance to develop novel, and effective therapeutic concepts. We present a fully open, P-loop exposing conformer of KRAS G13D by X-ray crystallography at 1.4-2.4 Å resolution in Mg2+-free phosphate and malonate buffers. The G13D conformer has the switch-I region displaced in an upright position leaving the catalytic core fully exposed. To prove that this state is druggable, we developed a P-loop-targeting monoclonal antibody (mAb). The mAb displayed high-affinity binding to G13D and was shown using high resolution fluorescence microscopy to be spontaneously taken up by G13D-mutated HCT 116 cells (human CRC derived) by macropinocytosis. The mAb inhibited KRAS signalling in phosphoproteomic and genomic studies. Taken together, the data propose novel druggable space of G13D that is reachable in the cellular context. It is our hope that these findings will stimulate attempts to drug this fully open state G13D conformer using mAbs or other modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Jungholm
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carolina Trkulja
- Oblique Therapeutics AB, 41346, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Fluicell AB, Flöjelbergsgatan 8C, 431 37, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Martin Moche
- Protein Science Facility, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sreesha P Srinivasa
- Oblique Therapeutics AB, 41346, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Manipal Center for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | | | - Max Davidson
- Oblique Therapeutics AB, 41346, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Reymer
- Oblique Therapeutics AB, 41346, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kent Jardemark
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Gavin Jeffries
- Fluicell AB, Flöjelbergsgatan 8C, 431 37, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henry Ampah-Korsah
- Protein Science Facility, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emilia Strandback
- Protein Science Facility, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juni Andréll
- Protein Science Facility, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Nyman
- Protein Science Facility, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ghada Nouairia
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Owe Orwar
- Oblique Therapeutics AB, 41346, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brueckner AC, Shields B, Kirubakaran P, Suponya A, Panda M, Posy SL, Johnson S, Lakkaraju SK. MDFit: automated molecular simulations workflow enables high throughput assessment of ligands-protein dynamics. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2024; 38:24. [PMID: 39014286 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-024-00564-2] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is a powerful tool for characterizing ligand-protein conformational dynamics and offers significant advantages over docking and other rigid structure-based computational methods. However, setting up, running, and analyzing MD simulations continues to be a multi-step process making it cumbersome to assess a library of ligands in a protein binding pocket using MD. We present an automated workflow that streamlines setting up, running, and analyzing Desmond MD simulations for protein-ligand complexes using machine learning (ML) models. The workflow takes a library of pre-docked ligands and a prepared protein structure as input, sets up and runs MD with each protein-ligand complex, and generates simulation fingerprints for each ligand. Simulation fingerprints (SimFP) capture protein-ligand compatibility, including stability of different ligand-pocket interactions and other useful metrics that enable easy rank-ordering of the ligand library for pocket optimization. SimFPs from a ligand library are used to build & deploy ML models that predict binding assay outcomes and automatically infer important interactions. Unlike relative free-energy methods that are constrained to assess ligands with high chemical similarity, ML models based on SimFPs can accommodate diverse ligand sets. We present two case studies on how SimFP helps delineate structure-activity relationship (SAR) trends and explain potency differences across matched-molecular pairs of (1) cyclic peptides targeting PD-L1 and (2) small molecule inhibitors targeting CDK9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin Shields
- Molecular Structure & Design, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, 08540, USA
| | - Palani Kirubakaran
- Biocon Bristol Myers Squibb R&D Centre, Bangalore, 560099, Karnataka, India
| | - Alexander Suponya
- Molecular Structure & Design, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, 08540, USA
| | - Manoranjan Panda
- Molecular Structure & Design, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, 08540, USA
| | - Shana L Posy
- Molecular Structure & Design, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, 08540, USA
| | - Stephen Johnson
- Molecular Structure & Design, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, 08540, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mir S, Nayak B, Aljarba NH, Kumarasamy V, Subramaniyan V, Dhara B. Exploring KRas Protein Dynamics: An Integrated Molecular Dynamics Analysis of KRas Wild and Mutant Variants. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:30665-30674. [PMID: 39035919 PMCID: PMC11256348 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c02671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
This study employs a comprehensive approach combining protein retrieval, sequence alignment, and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the structural dynamics and stability of wild-type KRas and its mutated variants (G12C, G12D, G12V, and G13D). The selected protein structures were retrieved from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and prepared by using visual molecular dynamics (VMD) software. Sequence alignment using Clustal Omega provided a detailed comparison of the amino acid sequences, focusing on key mutation sites. Molecular dynamics simulations, performed with Gromacs, revealed distinct conformational changes and stability patterns in the wild-type and mutated KRas proteins over 100 ns. Clustering analysis identified higher conformational changes in the second α-helix of the mutated variants. The root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) distribution analysis showed variant-specific conformational dynamics, with G12V and G12D exhibiting slightly higher average RMSD values. Furthermore, clustering and RMSD analyses of specific amino acid residues (12, 13, 51, and 118) highlighted their roles in maintaining overall stability and influencing structural dynamics. The results indicate that mutations at positions 12 and 13 disrupt normal cycling between wild and mutated variants, leading to the persistent activation of KRas. Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) elucidated unique conformational dynamics in mutated variants. Free energy landscape (FEL) analysis revealed alterations in the thermodynamic stability of mutated variants compared with the wild type. Overall, this study provides a detailed understanding of the structural changes associated with oncogenic mutations in KRas, offering insights crucial for targeted therapeutic strategies in KRas-driven cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Showkat
Ahmad Mir
- School
of Life Sciences, Sambalpur University, Jyotivihar, Burla, Odisha 768019, India
| | - Binata Nayak
- School
of Life Sciences, Sambalpur University, Jyotivihar, Burla, Odisha 768019, India
| | - Nada H Aljarba
- Department
of Biology, College of Science, Princess
Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vinoth Kumarasamy
- Department
of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Vetriselvan Subramaniyan
- Jeffrey
Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar
Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia
| | - Bikram Dhara
- Center
for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 602105, India
- Department
of Health Sciences, Novel Global Community
Educational Foundation, Hebersham, New South Wales 2770, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Arora N, Mu H, Liang H, Zhao W, Zhou Y. RAS G-domains allosterically contribute to the recognition of lipid headgroups and acyl chains. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202307121. [PMID: 38334958 PMCID: PMC10857904 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202307121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutant RAS are major contributors to cancer and signal primarily from nanoclusters on the plasma membrane (PM). Their C-terminal membrane anchors are main features of membrane association. However, the same RAS isoform bound to different guanine nucleotides spatially segregate. Different RAS nanoclusters all enrich a phospholipid, phosphatidylserine (PS). These findings suggest more complex membrane interactions. Our electron microscopy-spatial analysis shows that wild-types, G12V mutants, and membrane anchors of isoforms HRAS, KRAS4A, and KRAS4B prefer distinct PS species. Mechanistically, reorientation of KRAS4B G-domain exposes distinct residues, such as Arg 135 in orientation state 1 (OS1) and Arg 73/Arg 102 in OS2, to the PM and differentially facilitates the recognition of PS acyl chains. Allele-specific oncogenic mutations of KRAS4B also shift G-domain reorientation equilibrium. Indeed, KRAS4BG12V, KRAS4BG12D, KRAS4BG12C, KRAS4BG13D, and KRAS4BQ61H associate with PM lipids with headgroup and acyl chain specificities. Distribution of these KRAS4B oncogenic mutants favors different nanoscale membrane topography. Thus, RAS G-domains allosterically facilitate membrane lateral distribution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Arora
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Huanwen Mu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hong Liang
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wenting Zhao
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yong Zhou
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Program of Molecular and Translational Biology, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hu F, Wang Y, Zeng J, Deng X, Xia F, Xu X. Unveiling the State Transition Mechanisms of Ras Proteins through Enhanced Sampling and QM/MM Simulations. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:1418-1427. [PMID: 38323538 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
In cells, wild-type RasGTP complexes exist in two distinct states: active State 2 and inactive State 1. These complexes regulate their functions by transitioning between the two states. However, the mechanisms underlying this state transition have not been clearly elucidated. To address this, we conducted a detailed simulation study to characterize the energetics of the stable states involved in the state transitions of the HRasGTP complex, specifically from State 2 to State 1. This was achieved by employing multiscale quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics and enhanced sampling molecular dynamics methods. Based on the simulation results, we constructed the two-dimensional free energy landscapes that provide crucial information about the conformational changes of the HRasGTP complex from State 2 to State 1. Furthermore, we also explored the conformational changes from the intermediate state to the product state during guanosine triphosphate hydrolysis. This study on the conformational changes involved in the HRas state transitions serves as a valuable reference for understanding the corresponding events of both KRas and NRas as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangchen Hu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yiqiu Wang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Juan Zeng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Xianming Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Fei Xia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, MOE Key Laboratory of Computational Physical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Castelli M, Marchetti F, Osuna S, F. Oliveira AS, Mulholland AJ, Serapian SA, Colombo G. Decrypting Allostery in Membrane-Bound K-Ras4B Using Complementary In Silico Approaches Based on Unbiased Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:901-919. [PMID: 38116743 PMCID: PMC10785808 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c11396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Protein functions are dynamically regulated by allostery, which enables conformational communication even between faraway residues, and expresses itself in many forms, akin to different "languages": allosteric control pathways predominating in an unperturbed protein are often unintuitively reshaped whenever biochemical perturbations arise (e.g., mutations). To accurately model allostery, unbiased molecular dynamics (MD) simulations require integration with a reliable method able to, e.g., detect incipient allosteric changes or likely perturbation pathways; this is because allostery can operate at longer time scales than those accessible by plain MD. Such methods are typically applied singularly, but we here argue their joint application─as a "multilingual" approach─could work significantly better. We successfully prove this through unbiased MD simulations (∼100 μs) of the widely studied, allosterically active oncotarget K-Ras4B, solvated and embedded in a phospholipid membrane, from which we decrypt allostery using four showcase "languages": Distance Fluctuation analysis and the Shortest Path Map capture allosteric hotspots at equilibrium; Anisotropic Thermal Diffusion and Dynamical Non-Equilibrium MD simulations assess perturbations upon, respectively, either superheating or hydrolyzing the GTP that oncogenically activates K-Ras4B. Chosen "languages" work synergistically, providing an articulate, mutually coherent, experimentally consistent picture of K-Ras4B allostery, whereby distinct traits emerge at equilibrium and upon GTP cleavage. At equilibrium, combined evidence confirms prominent allosteric communication from the membrane-embedded hypervariable region, through a hub comprising helix α5 and sheet β5, and up to the active site, encompassing allosteric "switches" I and II (marginally), and two proposed pockets. Upon GTP cleavage, allosteric perturbations mostly accumulate on the switches and documented interfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Castelli
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pavia, viale T. Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Filippo Marchetti
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pavia, viale T. Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- INSTM, via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Florence, Italy
- E4
Computer Engineering, via Martiri delle libertà 66, 42019 Scandiano (RE), Italy
| | - Sílvia Osuna
- Institut
de Química Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC) and Departament
de Química, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Catalonia E-17071, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Catalonia E-08010, Spain
| | - A. Sofia F. Oliveira
- Centre for
Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, U.K.
| | - Adrian J. Mulholland
- Centre for
Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, U.K.
| | - Stefano A. Serapian
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pavia, viale T. Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Colombo
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pavia, viale T. Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ardalan B, Livingstone A, Franceschi D, Sleeman D, Azqueta J, Gonzalez R, England J. Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Downstaged to T0N0 with Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy, Confirmed by Surgical Pathology: A Case Report. Case Rep Oncol 2024; 17:803-808. [PMID: 39144240 PMCID: PMC11324202 DOI: 10.1159/000539776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive human tumor that is typically diagnosed at a later stage when surgery is not possible. Case Presentation We report the case of a 62-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a solitary hepatic lesion and a pancreatic body lesion. The pancreatic body lesion was biopsied endoscopically, and a tissue diagnosis was obtained to confirm the diagnosis of PDAC. She was then treated with 12 cycles of FOLFIRINOX with stable disease on CT. Due to the history of a hepatic lesion, she received 11 cycles of gemcitabine/Abraxane and a combination of a MEK inhibitor, Mekinist, and a BRAF inhibitor, BRAFTOVI. Subsequently, the patient underwent a liver biopsy. The biopsy result was negative, and the tumor was deemed resectable. The patient underwent a distal pancreatectomy. Surgical pathology demonstrated a 1.1-cm low-grade papillary mucinous neoplasm with negative margins and lymph nodes, staged T0N0. Adjuvant chemotherapy was not administered. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who received prolonged IV and oral chemotherapy. At the time of the operation, the pathological stage was T0N0. The patient has recently been seen 9 months after surgery with no evidence cancer recurrence. Additionally, ctDNA remains negative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bach Ardalan
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alan Livingstone
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Dido Franceschi
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Danny Sleeman
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jose Azqueta
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rosali Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan England
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tariq M, Ikeya T, Togashi N, Fairall L, Kamei S, Mayooramurugan S, Abbott LR, Hasan A, Bueno-Alejo C, Sukegawa S, Romartinez-Alonso B, Muro Campillo MA, Hudson AJ, Ito Y, Schwabe JW, Dominguez C, Tanaka K. Structural insights into the complex of oncogenic KRas4B G12V and Rgl2, a RalA/B activator. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302080. [PMID: 37833074 PMCID: PMC10576006 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
About a quarter of total human cancers carry mutations in Ras isoforms. Accumulating evidence suggests that small GTPases, RalA, and RalB, and their activators, Ral guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RalGEFs), play an essential role in oncogenic Ras-induced signalling. We studied the interaction between human KRas4B and the Ras association (RA) domain of Rgl2 (Rgl2RA), one of the RA-containing RalGEFs. We show that the G12V oncogenic KRas4B mutation changes the interaction kinetics with Rgl2RA The crystal structure of the KRas4BG12V: Rgl2RA complex shows a 2:2 heterotetramer where the switch I and switch II regions of each KRasG12V interact with both Rgl2RA molecules. This structural arrangement is highly similar to the HRasE31K:RALGDSRA crystal structure and is distinct from the well-characterised Ras:Raf complex. Interestingly, the G12V mutation was found at the dimer interface of KRas4BG12V with its partner. Our study reveals a potentially distinct mode of Ras:effector complex formation by RalGEFs and offers a possible mechanistic explanation for how the oncogenic KRas4BG12V hyperactivates the RalA/B pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mishal Tariq
- https://ror.org/04h699437 Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Teppei Ikeya
- https://ror.org/00ws30h19 Department of Chemistry, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Togashi
- https://ror.org/00ws30h19 Department of Chemistry, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Louise Fairall
- https://ror.org/04h699437 Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- https://ror.org/04h699437 Leicester Institute of Structure and Chemical Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Shun Kamei
- https://ror.org/00ws30h19 Department of Chemistry, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Sannojah Mayooramurugan
- https://ror.org/04h699437 Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Lauren R Abbott
- https://ror.org/04h699437 Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Anab Hasan
- https://ror.org/04h699437 Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Carlos Bueno-Alejo
- https://ror.org/04h699437 Leicester Institute of Structure and Chemical Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Sakura Sukegawa
- https://ror.org/00ws30h19 Department of Chemistry, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Beatriz Romartinez-Alonso
- https://ror.org/04h699437 Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- https://ror.org/04h699437 Leicester Institute of Structure and Chemical Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Miguel Angel Muro Campillo
- https://ror.org/04h699437 Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Andrew J Hudson
- https://ror.org/04h699437 Leicester Institute of Structure and Chemical Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- https://ror.org/04h699437 Department of Chemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Yutaka Ito
- https://ror.org/00ws30h19 Department of Chemistry, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Japan
| | - John Wr Schwabe
- https://ror.org/04h699437 Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- https://ror.org/04h699437 Leicester Institute of Structure and Chemical Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Cyril Dominguez
- https://ror.org/04h699437 Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- https://ror.org/04h699437 Leicester Institute of Structure and Chemical Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Kayoko Tanaka
- https://ror.org/04h699437 Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lu H, Hu Z, Faraudo J, Martí J. In silico design of a lipid-like compound targeting KRAS4B-G12D through non-covalent bonds. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:19359-19368. [PMID: 38014474 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr04513g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
One of the most common drivers in human cancer is the peripheral membrane protein KRAS4B, able to promote oncogenic signalling. To signal, oncogenic KRAS4B not only requires a sufficient nucleotide exchange, but also needs to recruit effectors by exposing its effector-binding sites while anchoring to the phospholipid bilayer where KRAS4B-mediated signalling events occur. The enzyme phosphodiesterase-δ plays an important role in sequestering KRAS4B from the cytoplasm and targeting it to cellular membranes of different cell species. In this work, we present an in silico design of a lipid-like compound that has the remarkable feature of being able to target both an oncogenic KRAS4B-G12D mutant and the phosphodiesterase-δ enzyme. This double action is accomplished by adding a lipid tail (analogous to the farnesyl group of the KRAS4B protein) to an previously known active compound (2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine, 3,4-dihydro-,1,1-dioxide). The proposed lipid-like molecule was found to lock KRAS4B-G12D in its GDP-bound state by adjusting the effector-binding domain to be blocked by the interface of the lipid bilayer. Meanwhile, it can tune GTP-bound KRAS4B-G12D to shift from the active orientation state to the inactive state. The proposed compound is also observed to stably accommodate itself in the prenyl-binding pocket of phosphodiesterase-δ, which impairs KRAS4B enrichment at the lipid bilayer, potentially reducing the proliferation of KRAS4B inside the cytoplasm and its anchoring at the bilayer. In conclusion, we report a potential inhibitor of KRAS4B-G12D with a lipid tail attached to a specific warhead, a compound which has not yet been considered for drugs targeting RAS mutants. Our work provides new ways to target KRAS4B-G12D and can also foster drug discovery efforts for the targeting of oncogenes of the RAS family and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huixia Lu
- Institut de Ciencia de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus de la UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona E-08193, Spain.
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Catalonia-Barcelona Tech, B5-209 Northern Campus, Jordi Girona 1-3, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Zheyao Hu
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Catalonia-Barcelona Tech, B5-209 Northern Campus, Jordi Girona 1-3, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Jordi Faraudo
- Institut de Ciencia de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus de la UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona E-08193, Spain.
| | - Jordi Martí
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Catalonia-Barcelona Tech, B5-209 Northern Campus, Jordi Girona 1-3, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Patil K, Wang Y, Chen Z, Suresh K, Radhakrishnan R. Activating mutations drive human MEK1 kinase using a gear-shifting mechanism. Biochem J 2023; 480:1733-1751. [PMID: 37869794 PMCID: PMC10872882 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230281] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
There is an unmet need to classify cancer-promoting kinase mutations in a mechanistically cognizant way. The challenge is to understand how mutations stabilize different kinase configurations to alter function, and how this influences pathogenic potential of the kinase and its responses to therapeutic inhibitors. This goal is made more challenging by the complexity of the mutational landscape of diseases, and is further compounded by the conformational plasticity of each variant where multiple conformations coexist. We focus here on the human MEK1 kinase, a vital component of the RAS/MAPK pathway in which mutations cause cancers and developmental disorders called RASopathies. We sought to explore how these mutations alter the human MEK1 kinase at atomic resolution by utilizing enhanced sampling simulations and free energy calculations. We computationally mapped the different conformational stabilities of individual mutated systems by delineating the free energy landscapes, and showed how this relates directly to experimentally quantified developmental transformation potentials of the mutations. We conclude that mutations leverage variations in the hydrogen bonding network associated with the conformational plasticity to progressively stabilize the active-like conformational state of the kinase while destabilizing the inactive-like state. The mutations alter residue-level internal molecular correlations by differentially prioritizing different conformational states, delineating the various modes of MEK1 activation reminiscent of a gear-shifting mechanism. We define the molecular basis of conversion of this kinase from its inactive to its active state, connecting structure, dynamics, and function by delineating the energy landscape and conformational plasticity, thus augmenting our understanding of MEK1 regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keshav Patil
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
| | - Yiming Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
| | - Zhangtao Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
| | - Krishna Suresh
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
| | - Ravi Radhakrishnan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kulkarni P, Mohanty A, Ramisetty S, Duvivier H, Khan A, Shrestha S, Tan T, Merla A, El-Hajjaoui M, Malhotra J, Singhal S, Salgia R. A Nexus between Genetic and Non-Genetic Mechanisms Guides KRAS Inhibitor Resistance in Lung Cancer. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1587. [PMID: 38002269 PMCID: PMC10668935 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111587] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies in the last few years have determined that, in contrast to the prevailing dogma that drug resistance is simply due to Darwinian evolution-the selection of mutant clones in response to drug treatment-non-genetic changes can also lead to drug resistance whereby tolerant, reversible phenotypes are eventually relinquished by resistant, irreversible phenotypes. Here, using KRAS as a paradigm, we illustrate how this nexus between genetic and non-genetic mechanisms enables cancer cells to evade the harmful effects of drug treatment. We discuss how the conformational dynamics of the KRAS molecule, that includes intrinsically disordered regions, is influenced by the binding of the targeted therapies contributing to conformational noise and how this noise impacts the interaction of KRAS with partner proteins to rewire the protein interaction network. Thus, in response to drug treatment, reversible drug-tolerant phenotypes emerge via non-genetic mechanisms that eventually enable the emergence of irreversible resistant clones via genetic mutations. Furthermore, we also discuss the recent data demonstrating how combination therapy can help alleviate KRAS drug resistance in lung cancer, and how new treatment strategies based on evolutionary principles may help minimize or even preclude the emergence of drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.M.); (S.R.); (J.M.); (S.S.)
- Department of Systems Biology, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Atish Mohanty
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.M.); (S.R.); (J.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Sravani Ramisetty
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.M.); (S.R.); (J.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Herbert Duvivier
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Atlanta, 600 Celebrate Life Parkway, Newnan, GA 30265, USA;
| | - Ajaz Khan
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Chicago, 2520 Elisha Avenue, Zion, IL 60099, USA;
| | - Sagun Shrestha
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Phoenix, 14200 West Celebrate Life Way, Goodyear, AZ 85338, USA;
| | - Tingting Tan
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Newport Beach Fashion Island, Duarte, CA 92660, USA;
| | - Amartej Merla
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope, Lancaster, CA 93534, USA;
| | - Michelle El-Hajjaoui
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Medical Center, West Covina, CA 91790, USA;
| | - Jyoti Malhotra
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.M.); (S.R.); (J.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Sharad Singhal
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.M.); (S.R.); (J.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.M.); (S.R.); (J.M.); (S.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mohanty A, Nam A, Srivastava S, Jones J, Lomenick B, Singhal SS, Guo L, Cho H, Li A, Behal A, Mirzapoiazova T, Massarelli E, Koczywas M, Arvanitis LD, Walser T, Villaflor V, Hamilton S, Mambetsariev I, Sattler M, Nasser MW, Jain M, Batra SK, Soldi R, Sharma S, Fakih M, Mohanty SK, Mainan A, Wu X, Chen Y, He Y, Chou TF, Roy S, Orban J, Kulkarni P, Salgia R. Acquired resistance to KRAS G12C small-molecule inhibitors via genetic/nongenetic mechanisms in lung cancer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade3816. [PMID: 37831779 PMCID: PMC10575592 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade3816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Inherent or acquired resistance to sotorasib poses a substantialt challenge for NSCLC treatment. Here, we demonstrate that acquired resistance to sotorasib in isogenic cells correlated with increased expression of integrin β4 (ITGB4), a component of the focal adhesion complex. Silencing ITGB4 in tolerant cells improved sotorasib sensitivity, while overexpressing ITGB4 enhanced tolerance to sotorasib by supporting AKT-mTOR bypass signaling. Chronic treatment with sotorasib induced WNT expression and activated the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. Thus, silencing both ITGB4 and β-catenin significantly improved sotorasib sensitivity in tolerant, acquired, and inherently resistant cells. In addition, the proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib (CFZ) exhibited synergism with sotorasib by down-regulating ITGB4 and β-catenin expression. Furthermore, adagrasib phenocopies the combination effect of sotorasib and CFZ by suppressing KRAS activity and inhibiting cell cycle progression in inherently resistant cells. Overall, our findings unveil previously unrecognized nongenetic mechanisms underlying resistance to sotorasib and propose a promising treatment strategy to overcome resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atish Mohanty
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Arin Nam
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Saumya Srivastava
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Jeff Jones
- Proteome Exploration Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Brett Lomenick
- Proteome Exploration Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Sharad S. Singhal
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Linlin Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Hyejin Cho
- Integrative Genomics Core, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Aimin Li
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010,USA
| | - Amita Behal
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Tamara Mirzapoiazova
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Erminia Massarelli
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Marianna Koczywas
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | | | - Tonya Walser
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Victoria Villaflor
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Stanley Hamilton
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010,USA
| | - Isa Mambetsariev
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Martin Sattler
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mohd W. Nasser
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Surinder K. Batra
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Raffaella Soldi
- Applied Cancer Research and Drug Discovery Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) of City of Hope, Phoenix, AZ 850043, USA
| | - Sunil Sharma
- Applied Cancer Research and Drug Discovery Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) of City of Hope, Phoenix, AZ 850043, USA
| | - Marwan Fakih
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Saswat Kumar Mohanty
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal 741246, India
| | - Avijit Mainan
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal 741246, India
| | - Xiwei Wu
- Integrative Genomics Core, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Yihong Chen
- W. M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Yanan He
- W. M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Tsui-Fen Chou
- Proteome Exploration Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Susmita Roy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal 741246, India
| | - John Orban
- W. M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Prakash Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ratnasinghe BD, Haque N, Wagenknecht JB, Jensen DR, Valdivia Esparza GK, Leverence EN, Milech De Assuncao T, Mathison AJ, Lomberk G, Smith BC, Volkman BF, Urrutia R, Zimmermann MT. Beyond structural bioinformatics for genomics with dynamics characterization of an expanded KRAS mutational landscape. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:4790-4803. [PMID: 37841325 PMCID: PMC10570560 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Current capabilities in genomic sequencing outpace functional interpretations. Our previous work showed that 3D protein structure calculations enhance mechanistic understanding of genetic variation in sequenced tumors and patients with rare diseases. The KRAS GTPase is among the critical genetic factors driving cancer and germline conditions. Because KRAS-altered tumors frequently harbor one of three classic hotspot mutations, nearly all studies have focused on these mutations, leaving significant functional ambiguity across the broader KRAS genomic landscape observed in cancer and non-cancer diseases. Herein, we extend structural bioinformatics with molecular simulations to study an expanded landscape of 86 KRAS mutations. We identify multiple coordinated changes strongly associated with experimentally established KRAS biophysical and biochemical properties. The patterns we observe span hotspot and non-hotspot alterations, which can all dysregulate Switch regions, producing mutation-restricted conformations with different effector binding propensities. We experimentally measured mutation thermostability and identified shared and distinct patterns with simulations. Our results indicate mutation-specific conformations, which show potential for future research into how these alterations reverberate into different molecular and cellular functions. The data we present is not predictable using current genomic tools, demonstrating the added functional information derived from molecular simulations for interpreting human genetic variation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian D. Ratnasinghe
- Bioinformatics Research and Development Laboratory, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Neshatul Haque
- Bioinformatics Research and Development Laboratory, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Jessica B. Wagenknecht
- Bioinformatics Research and Development Laboratory, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Davin R. Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Guadalupe K. Valdivia Esparza
- Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Elise N. Leverence
- Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Thiago Milech De Assuncao
- Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Angela J. Mathison
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Gwen Lomberk
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Brian C. Smith
- Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Brian F. Volkman
- Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Raul Urrutia
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Michael T. Zimmermann
- Bioinformatics Research and Development Laboratory, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hansen AL, Xiang X, Yuan C, Bruschweiler-Li L, Brüschweiler R. Excited-state observation of active K-Ras reveals differential structural dynamics of wild-type versus oncogenic G12D and G12C mutants. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:1446-1455. [PMID: 37640864 PMCID: PMC10584678 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01070-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Despite the prominent role of the K-Ras protein in many different types of human cancer, major gaps in atomic-level information severely limit our understanding of its functions in health and disease. Here, we report the quantitative backbone structural dynamics of K-Ras by solution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the active state of wild-type K-Ras bound to guanosine triphosphate (GTP) nucleotide and two of its oncogenic P-loop mutants, G12D and G12C, using a new nanoparticle-assisted spin relaxation method, relaxation dispersion and chemical exchange saturation transfer experiments covering the entire range of timescales from picoseconds to milliseconds. Our combined experiments allow detection and analysis of the functionally critical Switch I and Switch II regions, which have previously remained largely unobservable by X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Our data reveal cooperative transitions of K-Ras·GTP to a highly dynamic excited state that closely resembles the partially disordered K-Ras·GDP state. These results advance our understanding of differential GTPase activities and signaling properties of the wild type versus mutants and may thus guide new strategies for the development of therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandar L Hansen
- Campus Chemical Instrument Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xinyao Xiang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chunhua Yuan
- Campus Chemical Instrument Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lei Bruschweiler-Li
- Campus Chemical Instrument Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Rafael Brüschweiler
- Campus Chemical Instrument Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wankhede D, Bontoux C, Grover S, Hofman P. Prognostic Role of KRAS G12C Mutation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3043. [PMID: 37835787 PMCID: PMC10572143 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13193043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS G12C mutation (mKRAS G12C) is the most frequent KRAS point mutation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and has been proven to be a predictive biomarker for direct KRAS G12C inhibitors in advanced solid cancers. We sought to determine the prognostic significance of mKRAS G12C in patients with NSCLC using the meta-analytic approach. A protocol is registered at the International Prospective Register for systematic reviews (CRD42022345868). PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov.in were searched for prospective or retrospective studies reporting survival data for tumors with mKRAS G12C compared with either other KRAS mutations or wild-type KRAS (KRAS-WT). The hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) or Disease-free survival (DFS) of tumors were pooled according to fixed or random-effects models. Sixteen studies enrolling 10,153 participants were included in the final analysis. mKRAS G12C tumors had poor OS [HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.10-1.84, p = 0.007] but similar DFS [HR 2.36, 95% CI 0.64-8.16] compared to KRAS-WT tumors. Compared to other KRAS mutations, mKRAS G12C tumors had poor DFS [HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.07-2.09, p < 0.0001] but similar OS [HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.84-1.26]. Compared to other KRAS mutations, high PD-L1 expression (>50%) [OR 1.37 95% CI 1.11-1.70, p = 0.004] was associated with mKRAS G12C tumors. mKRAS G12C is a promising prognostic factor for patients with NSCLC, negatively impacting survival. Prevailing significant heterogeneity and selection bias might reduce the validity of these findings. Concomitant high PD-L1 expression in these tumors opens doors for exciting therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Durgesh Wankhede
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christophe Bontoux
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Pasteur Hospital, Centre Hospitalier, Université Côte d’Azur, 06002 Nice, France;
| | - Sandeep Grover
- Centre for Genetic Epidemiology, Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biometry, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
| | - Paul Hofman
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Pasteur Hospital, Centre Hospitalier, Université Côte d’Azur, 06002 Nice, France;
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), INSERM U1081 and UMR CNRS 7284, Team 4, 06107 Nice, France;
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank BB-0033-00025, Pasteur Hospital, 06000 Nice, France
- University Hospital Federation OncoAge, CHU de Nice, University Côte d’Azur, 06000 Nice, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Berta D, Gehrke S, Nyíri K, Vértessy BG, Rosta E. Mechanism-Based Redesign of GAP to Activate Oncogenic Ras. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:20302-20310. [PMID: 37682266 PMCID: PMC10515638 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Ras GTPases play a crucial role in cell signaling pathways. Mutations of the Ras gene occur in about one third of cancerous cell lines and are often associated with detrimental clinical prognosis. Hot spot residues Gly12, Gly13, and Gln61 cover 97% of oncogenic mutations, which impair the enzymatic activity in Ras. Using QM/MM free energy calculations, we present a two-step mechanism for the GTP hydrolysis catalyzed by the wild-type Ras.GAP complex. We found that the deprotonation of the catalytic water takes place via the Gln61 as a transient Brønsted base. We also determined the reaction profiles for key oncogenic Ras mutants G12D and G12C using QM/MM minimizations, matching the experimentally observed loss of catalytic activity, thereby validating our reaction mechanism. Using the optimized reaction paths, we devised a fast and accurate procedure to design GAP mutants that activate G12D Ras. We replaced GAP residues near the active site and determined the activation barrier for 190 single mutants. We furthermore built a machine learning for ultrafast screening, by fast prediction of the barrier heights, tested both on the single and double mutations. This work demonstrates that fast and accurate screening can be accomplished via QM/MM reaction path optimizations to design protein sequences with increased catalytic activity. Several GAP mutations are predicted to re-enable catalysis in oncogenic G12D, offering a promising avenue to overcome aberrant Ras-driven signal transduction by activating enzymatic activity instead of inhibition. The outlined computational screening protocol is readily applicable for designing ligands and cofactors analogously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dénes Berta
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University College
London, Gower Street, London WC1E
6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Gehrke
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University College
London, Gower Street, London WC1E
6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Kinga Nyíri
- Institute
of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja
2, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Department
of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budafoki út 6-8, Budapest 1111, Hungary
| | - Beáta G. Vértessy
- Institute
of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja
2, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Department
of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budafoki út 6-8, Budapest 1111, Hungary
| | - Edina Rosta
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University College
London, Gower Street, London WC1E
6BT, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sora V, Tiberti M, Beltrame L, Dogan D, Robbani SM, Rubin J, Papaleo E. PyInteraph2 and PyInKnife2 to Analyze Networks in Protein Structural Ensembles. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:4237-4245. [PMID: 37437128 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to the complex nature of noncovalent interactions and their long-range effects, analyzing protein conformations using network theory can be enlightening. Protein Structure Networks (PSNs) provide a convenient formalism to study protein structures in relation to essential properties such as key residues for structural stability, allosteric communication, and the effects of modifications of the protein. PSNs can be defined according to very different principles, and the available tools have limitations in input formats, supported models, and version control. Other outstanding problems are related to the definition of network cutoffs and the assessment of the stability of the network properties. The protein science community could benefit from a common framework to carry out these analyses and make them easier to reproduce, reuse, and evaluate. We here provide two open-source software packages, PyInteraph2 and PyInKnife2, to implement and analyze PSNs in a reproducible and documented manner. PyInteraph2 interfaces with multiple formats for protein ensembles and incorporates different network models with the possibility of integrating them into a macronetwork and performing various downstream analyses, including hubs, connected components, and several other centrality measures, and visualizes the networks or further analyzes them thanks to compatibility with Cytoscape.PyInKnife2 that supports the network models implemented in PyInteraph2. It employs a jackknife resampling approach to estimate the convergence of network properties and streamline the selection of distance cutoffs. We foresee that the modular structure of the code and the supported version control system will promote the transition to a community-driven effort, boost reproducibility, and establish common protocols in the PSN field. As developers, we will guarantee the introduction of new functionalities and maintenance, assistance, and training of new contributors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Sora
- Cancer Structural Biology, Danish Cancer Institute, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Cancer Systems Biology, Section of Bioinformatics, Department of Health and Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Matteo Tiberti
- Cancer Structural Biology, Danish Cancer Institute, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ludovica Beltrame
- Cancer Systems Biology, Section of Bioinformatics, Department of Health and Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Deniz Dogan
- Cancer Structural Biology, Danish Cancer Institute, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shahriyar Mahdi Robbani
- Cancer Structural Biology, Danish Cancer Institute, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joshua Rubin
- Cancer Structural Biology, Danish Cancer Institute, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elena Papaleo
- Cancer Structural Biology, Danish Cancer Institute, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Cancer Systems Biology, Section of Bioinformatics, Department of Health and Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ratnasinghe BD, Haque N, Wagenknecht JB, Jensen DR, Esparza GV, Leverence EN, De Assuncao TM, Mathison AJ, Lomberk G, Smith BC, Volkman BF, Urrutia R, Zimmermann MT. Beyond Structural Bioinformatics for Genomics with Dynamics Characterization of an Expanded KRAS Mutational Landscape. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.28.536249. [PMID: 37207265 PMCID: PMC10189839 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.28.536249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Current capabilities in genomic sequencing outpace functional interpretations. Our previous work showed that 3D protein structure calculations enhance mechanistic understanding of genetic variation in sequenced tumors and patients with rare diseases. The KRAS GTPase is among the critical genetic factors driving cancer and germline conditions. Because KRAS-altered tumors frequently harbor one of three classic hotspot mutations, nearly all studies have focused on these mutations, leaving significant functional ambiguity across the broader KRAS genomic landscape observed in cancer and non-cancer diseases. Herein, we extend structural bioinformatics with molecular simulations to study an expanded landscape of 86 KRAS mutations. We identify multiple coordinated changes strongly associated with experimentally established KRAS biophysical and biochemical properties. The patterns we observe span hotspot and non-hotspot alterations, which can all dysregulate Switch regions, producing mutation-restricted conformations with different effector binding propensities. We experimentally measured mutation thermostability and identified shared and distinct patterns with simulations. Our results indicate mutation-specific conformations which show potential for future research into how these alterations reverberate into different molecular and cellular functions. The data we present is not predictable using current genomic tools, demonstrating the added functional information derived from molecular simulations for interpreting human genetic variation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian D. Ratnasinghe
- Bioinformatics Research and Development Laboratory, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Neshatul Haque
- Bioinformatics Research and Development Laboratory, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Jessica B. Wagenknecht
- Bioinformatics Research and Development Laboratory, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Davin R. Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Guadalupe V. Esparza
- Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Elise N. Leverence
- Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Thiago Milech De Assuncao
- Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Angela J. Mathison
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Gwen Lomberk
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Brian C. Smith
- Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Brian F. Volkman
- Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Raul Urrutia
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Michael T. Zimmermann
- Bioinformatics Research and Development Laboratory, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pálfy G, Menyhárd DK, Ákontz‐Kiss H, Vida I, Batta G, Tőke O, Perczel A. The Importance of Mg 2+ -Free State in Nucleotide Exchange of Oncogenic K-Ras Mutants. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202201449. [PMID: 35781716 PMCID: PMC9804424 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202201449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
For efficient targeting of oncogenic K-Ras interaction sites, a mechanistic picture of the Ras-cycle is necessary. Herein, we used NMR relaxation techniques and molecular dynamics simulations to decipher the role of slow dynamics in wild-type and three oncogenic P-loop mutants of K-Ras. Our measurements reveal a dominant two-state conformational exchange on the ms timescale in both GDP- and GTP-bound K-Ras. The identified low-populated higher energy state in GDP-loaded K-Ras has a conformation reminiscent of a nucleotide-bound/Mg2+ -free state characterized by shortened β2/β3-strands and a partially released switch-I region preparing K-Ras for the interaction with the incoming nucleotide exchange factor and subsequent reactivation. By providing insight into mutation-specific differences in K-Ras structural dynamics, our systematic analysis improves our understanding of prolonged K-Ras signaling and may aid the development of allosteric inhibitors targeting nucleotide exchange in K-Ras.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gyula Pálfy
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and BiologyInstitute of ChemistryEötvös Loránd University1/a Pázmány Péter stny.Budapest1117Hungary,MTA-ELTE Protein Modeling Research GroupEötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH)1/a Pázmány Péter stny.Budapest1117Hungary
| | - Dóra K. Menyhárd
- MTA-ELTE Protein Modeling Research GroupEötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH)1/a Pázmány Péter stny.Budapest1117Hungary
| | - Hanna Ákontz‐Kiss
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and BiologyInstitute of ChemistryEötvös Loránd University1/a Pázmány Péter stny.Budapest1117Hungary,Hevesy György PhD School of ChemistryEötvös Loránd University1/a Pázmány Péter stny.Budapest1117Hungary
| | - István Vida
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and BiologyInstitute of ChemistryEötvös Loránd University1/a Pázmány Péter stny.Budapest1117Hungary,Hevesy György PhD School of ChemistryEötvös Loránd University1/a Pázmány Péter stny.Budapest1117Hungary
| | - Gyula Batta
- Structural Biology Research GroupDepartment of Organic ChemistryUniversity of Debrecen1 Egyetem térDebrecen4032Hungary
| | - Orsolya Tőke
- Laboratory for NMR SpectroscopyResearch Centre for Natural Sciences (RCNS)2 Magyar tudósok körútjaBudapest1117Hungary
| | - András Perczel
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and BiologyInstitute of ChemistryEötvös Loránd University1/a Pázmány Péter stny.Budapest1117Hungary,MTA-ELTE Protein Modeling Research GroupEötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH)1/a Pázmány Péter stny.Budapest1117Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhuang H, Fan J, Li M, Zhang H, Yang X, Lin L, Lu S, Wang Q, Liu Y. Mechanistic insights into the clinical Y96D mutation with acquired resistance to AMG510 in the KRASG12C. Front Oncol 2022; 12:915512. [PMID: 36033504 PMCID: PMC9399772 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.915512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Special oncogenic mutations in the RAS proteins lead to the aberrant activation of RAS and its downstream signaling pathways. AMG510, the first approval drug for KRAS, covalently binds to the mutated cysteine 12 of KRASG12C protein and has shown promising antitumor activity in clinical trials. Recent studies have reported that the clinically acquired Y96D mutation could severely affect the effectiveness of AMG510. However, the underlying mechanism of the drug-resistance remains unclear. To address this, we performed multiple microsecond molecular dynamics simulations on the KRASG12C−AMG510 and KRASG12C/Y96D−AMG510 complexes at the atomic level. The direct interaction between the residue 96 and AMG510 was impaired owing to the Y96D mutation. Moreover, the mutation yielded higher flexibility and more coupled motion of the switch II and α3-helix, which led to the departing motion of the switch II and α3-helix. The resulting departing motion impaired the interaction between the switch II and α3-helix and subsequently induced the opening and loosening of the AMG510 binding pocket, which further disrupted the interaction between the key residues in the pocket and AMG510 and induced an increased solvent exposure of AMG510. These findings reveal the resistance mechanism of AMG510 to KRASG12C/Y96D, which will help to offer guidance for the development of KRAS targeted drugs to overcome acquired resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiming Zhuang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jigang Fan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Zhiyuan Innovative Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyu Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuyan Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Ligen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shaoyong Lu, ; Qing Wang, ; Yaqin Liu,
| | - Qing Wang
- Oncology Department, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shaoyong Lu, ; Qing Wang, ; Yaqin Liu,
| | - Yaqin Liu
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shaoyong Lu, ; Qing Wang, ; Yaqin Liu,
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chen Q, Su L, He X, Li J, Cao Y, Wu Q, Qin J, He Z, Huang X, Yang H, Li J. Poly(beta-amino ester)-Based Nanoparticles Enable Nonviral Delivery of Base Editors for Targeted Tumor Gene Editing. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:2116-2125. [PMID: 35388688 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Base editing is an emerging genome editing technology with the advantages of precise base corrections, no double-strand DNA breaks, and no need for templates, which provides an alternative treatment option for tumors with point mutations. However, effective nonviral delivery systems for base editors (BEs) are still limited. Herein, a series of poly(beta-amino esters) (PBAEs) with varying backbones, side chains, and end caps were synthesized to deliver plasmids of BEs and sgRNA. Efficient transfection and base editing were achieved in HEK-293T-sEGFP and U87-MG-sEGFP reporter cell lines by using lead PBAEs, which were superior to PEI and lipo3k. A single intratumor injection of PBAE/pDNA nanoparticles induced the robust conversion of stopped-EGFP into EGFP in mice bearing xenograft glioma tumors, indicating successful gene editing by ABEmax-NG. Overall, these results demonstrated that PBAEs can efficiently deliver BEs for tumor gene editing both in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qimingxing Chen
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Lili Su
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xiaoyan He
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jinwei Li
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yan Cao
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qingxia Wu
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jianchao Qin
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zongxing He
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xingxu Huang
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Huiying Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jianfeng Li
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zimmermann MT. Molecular Modeling is an Enabling Approach to Complement and Enhance Channelopathy Research. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3141-3166. [PMID: 35578963 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c190047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hundreds of human membrane proteins form channels that transport necessary ions and compounds, including drugs and metabolites, yet details of their normal function or how function is altered by genetic variants to cause diseases are often unknown. Without this knowledge, researchers are less equipped to develop approaches to diagnose and treat channelopathies. High-resolution computational approaches such as molecular modeling enable researchers to investigate channelopathy protein function, facilitate detailed hypothesis generation, and produce data that is difficult to gather experimentally. Molecular modeling can be tailored to each physiologic context that a protein may act within, some of which may currently be difficult or impossible to assay experimentally. Because many genomic variants are observed in channelopathy proteins from high-throughput sequencing studies, methods with mechanistic value are needed to interpret their effects. The eminent field of structural bioinformatics integrates techniques from multiple disciplines including molecular modeling, computational chemistry, biophysics, and biochemistry, to develop mechanistic hypotheses and enhance the information available for understanding function. Molecular modeling and simulation access 3D and time-dependent information, not currently predictable from sequence. Thus, molecular modeling is valuable for increasing the resolution with which the natural function of protein channels can be investigated, and for interpreting how genomic variants alter them to produce physiologic changes that manifest as channelopathies. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3141-3166, 2022.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Zimmermann
- Bioinformatics Research and Development Laboratory, Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.,Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kulkarni P, Leite VBP, Roy S, Bhattacharyya S, Mohanty A, Achuthan S, Singh D, Appadurai R, Rangarajan G, Weninger K, Orban J, Srivastava A, Jolly MK, Onuchic JN, Uversky VN, Salgia R. Intrinsically disordered proteins: Ensembles at the limits of Anfinsen's dogma. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2022; 3:011306. [PMID: 38505224 PMCID: PMC10903413 DOI: 10.1063/5.0080512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are proteins that lack rigid 3D structure. Hence, they are often misconceived to present a challenge to Anfinsen's dogma. However, IDPs exist as ensembles that sample a quasi-continuum of rapidly interconverting conformations and, as such, may represent proteins at the extreme limit of the Anfinsen postulate. IDPs play important biological roles and are key components of the cellular protein interaction network (PIN). Many IDPs can interconvert between disordered and ordered states as they bind to appropriate partners. Conformational dynamics of IDPs contribute to conformational noise in the cell. Thus, the dysregulation of IDPs contributes to increased noise and "promiscuous" interactions. This leads to PIN rewiring to output an appropriate response underscoring the critical role of IDPs in cellular decision making. Nonetheless, IDPs are not easily tractable experimentally. Furthermore, in the absence of a reference conformation, discerning the energy landscape representation of the weakly funneled IDPs in terms of reaction coordinates is challenging. To understand conformational dynamics in real time and decipher how IDPs recognize multiple binding partners with high specificity, several sophisticated knowledge-based and physics-based in silico sampling techniques have been developed. Here, using specific examples, we highlight recent advances in energy landscape visualization and molecular dynamics simulations to discern conformational dynamics and discuss how the conformational preferences of IDPs modulate their function, especially in phenotypic switching. Finally, we discuss recent progress in identifying small molecules targeting IDPs underscoring the potential therapeutic value of IDPs. Understanding structure and function of IDPs can not only provide new insight on cellular decision making but may also help to refine and extend Anfinsen's structure/function paradigm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Vitor B. P. Leite
- Departamento de Física, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Susmita Roy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal 741246, India
| | - Supriyo Bhattacharyya
- Translational Bioinformatics, Center for Informatics, Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Atish Mohanty
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Srisairam Achuthan
- Center for Informatics, Division of Research Informatics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Divyoj Singh
- Center for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Rajeswari Appadurai
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Govindan Rangarajan
- Department of Mathematics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Keith Weninger
- Department of Physics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | | | - Anand Srivastava
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Center for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Jose N. Onuchic
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005-1892, USA
| | | | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wang X. Conformational Fluctuations in GTP-Bound K-Ras: A Metadynamics Perspective with Harmonic Linear Discriminant Analysis. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:5212-5222. [PMID: 34570515 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Biomacromolecules often undergo significant conformational rearrangements during function. In proteins, these motions typically consist in nontrivial, concerted rearrangement of multiple flexible regions. Mechanistic, thermodynamics, and kinetic predictions can be obtained via molecular dynamics simulations, provided that the simulation time is at least comparable to the relevant time scale of the process of interest. Because of the substantial computational cost, however, plain MD simulations often have difficulty in obtaining sufficient statistics for converged estimates, requiring the use of more-advanced techniques. Central in many enhanced sampling methods is the definition of a small set of relevant degrees of freedom (collective variables) that are able to describe the transitions between different metastable states of the system. The harmonic linear discriminant analysis (HLDA) has been shown to be useful for constructing low-dimensional collective variables in various complex systems. Here, we apply HLDA to study the free-energy landscape of a monomeric protein around its native state. More precisely, we study the K-Ras protein bound to GTP, focusing on two flexible loops and on the region associated with oncogenic mutations. We perform microsecond-long biased simulations on the wild type and on G12C, G12D, G12 V mutants, describe the resulting free-energy landscapes, and compare our predictions with previous experimental and computational studies. The fast interconversion between open and closed macroscopic states and their similar thermodynamic stabilities are observed. The mutation-induced effects include the alternations of the relative stabilities of different conformational states and the introduction of many microscopic metastable states. Together, our results demonstrate the applicability of the HLDA-based protocol for the conformational sampling of multiple flexible regions in folded proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Chen J, Wang L, Wang W, Sun H, Pang L, Bao H. Conformational transformation of switch domains in GDP/K-Ras induced by G13 mutants: An investigation through Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics simulations and principal component analysis. Comput Biol Med 2021; 135:104639. [PMID: 34247129 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in K-Ras are involved in a large number of all human cancers, thus, K-Ras is regarded as a promising target for anticancer drug design. Understanding the target roles of K-Ras is important for providing insights on the molecular mechanism underlying the conformational transformation of the switch domains in K-Ras due to mutations. In this study, multiple replica Gaussian accelerated molecular (MR-GaMD) simulations and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to probe the effect of G13A, G13D and G13I mutations on conformational transformations of the switch domains in GDP-associated K-Ras. The results suggest that G13A, G13D and G13I enhance the structural flexibility of the switch domains, change the correlated motion modes of the switch domains and strengthen the total motion strength of K-Ras compared with the wild-type (WT) K-Ras. Free energy landscape analyses not only show that the switch domains of the GDP-bound inactive K-Ras mainly exist as a closed state but also indicate that mutations evidently alter the free energy profile of K-Ras and affect the conformational transformation of the switch domains between the closed and open states. Analyses of hydrophobic interaction contacts and hydrogen bonding interactions show that the mutations scarcely change the interaction network of GDP with K-Ras and only disturb the interaction of GDP with the switch (SW1). In summary, two newly introduced mutations, G13A and G13I, play similar adjustment roles in the conformational transformations of two switch domains to G13D and are possibly utilized to tune the activity of K-Ras and the binding of guanine nucleotide exchange factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Chen
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan, 250357, China.
| | - Lifei Wang
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan, 250357, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan, 250357, China
| | - Haibo Sun
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan, 250357, China
| | - Laixue Pang
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan, 250357, China
| | - Huayin Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Eren M, Tuncbag N, Jang H, Nussinov R, Gursoy A, Keskin O. Normal Mode Analysis of KRas4B Reveals Partner Specific Dynamics. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:5210-5221. [PMID: 33978412 PMCID: PMC9969846 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c00891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ras GTPase interacts with its regulators and downstream effectors for its critical function in cellular signaling. Targeting the disrupted mechanisms in Ras-related human cancers requires understanding the distinct dynamics of these protein-protein interactions. We performed normal mode analysis (NMA) of KRas4B in wild-type or mutant monomeric and neurofibromin-1 (NF1), Son of Sevenless 1 (SOS1) or Raf-1 bound dimeric conformational states to reveal partner-specific dynamics of the protein. Gaussian network model (GNM) analysis showed that the known KRas4B lobes further partition into subdomains upon binding to its partners. Furthermore, KRas4B interactions with different partners suppress the flexibility in not only their binding sites but also distant residues in the allosteric lobe in a partner-specific way. The conformational changes can be driven by intrinsic residue fluctuations of the open state KRas4B-GDP, as we illustrated with anisotropic network model (ANM) analysis. The allosteric paths connecting the nucleotide binding residues to the allosteric site at α3-L7 portray differences in the inactive and active states. These findings help in understanding the partner-specific KRas4B dynamics, which could be utilized for therapeutic targeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nurcan Tuncbag
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, and School of Medicine, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
The landscape and driver potential of site-specific hotspots across cancer genomes. NPJ Genom Med 2021; 6:33. [PMID: 33986299 PMCID: PMC8119706 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-021-00197-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Large sets of whole cancer genomes make it possible to study mutation hotspots genome-wide. Here we detect, categorize, and characterize site-specific hotspots using 2279 whole cancer genomes from the Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes project and provide a resource of annotated hotspots genome-wide. We investigate the excess of hotspots in both protein-coding and gene regulatory regions and develop measures of positive selection and functional impact for individual hotspots. Using cancer allele fractions, expression aberrations, mutational signatures, and a variety of genomic features, such as potential gain or loss of transcription factor binding sites, we annotate and prioritize all highly mutated hotspots. Genome-wide we find more high-frequency SNV and indel hotspots than expected given mutational background models. Protein-coding regions are generally enriched for SNV hotspots compared to other regions. Gene regulatory hotspots show enrichment of potential same-patient second-hit missense mutations, consistent with enrichment of hotspot driver mutations compared to singletons. For protein-coding regions, splice-sites, promoters, and enhancers, we see an excess of hotspots associated with cancer genes. Interestingly, missense hotspot mutations in tumor suppressors are associated with elevated expression, suggesting localized amino-acid changes with functional impact. For individual non-coding hotspots, only a small number show clear signs of positive selection, including known sites in the TERT promoter and the 5' UTR of TP53. Most of the new candidates have few mutations and limited driver evidence. However, a hotspot in an enhancer of the oncogene POU2AF1, which may create a transcription factor binding site, presents multiple lines of driver-consistent evidence.
Collapse
|
30
|
López CA, Agarwal A, Van QN, Stephen AG, Gnanakaran S. Unveiling the Dynamics of KRAS4b on Lipid Model Membranes. J Membr Biol 2021; 254:201-216. [PMID: 33825026 PMCID: PMC8052243 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-021-00176-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Small GTPase proteins are ubiquitous and responsible for regulating several processes related to cell growth and differentiation. Mutations that stabilize their active state can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer. Although these proteins are well characterized at the cellular scale, the molecular mechanisms governing their functions are still poorly understood. In addition, there is limited information about the regulatory function of the cell membrane which supports their activity. Thus, we have studied the dynamics and conformations of the farnesylated KRAS4b in various membrane model systems, ranging from binary fluid mixtures to heterogeneous raft mimics. Our approach combines long time-scale coarse-grained (CG) simulations and Markov state models to dissect the membrane-supported dynamics of KRAS4b. Our simulations reveal that protein dynamics is mainly modulated by the presence of anionic lipids and to some extent by the nucleotide state (activation) of the protein. In addition, our results suggest that both the farnesyl and the polybasic hypervariable region (HVR) are responsible for its preferential partitioning within the liquid-disordered (Ld) domains in membranes, potentially enhancing the formation of membrane-driven signaling platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cesar A López
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA.
| | - Animesh Agarwal
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Que N Van
- National Cancer Institute RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Andrew G Stephen
- National Cancer Institute RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - S Gnanakaran
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Cook JH, Melloni GEM, Gulhan DC, Park PJ, Haigis KM. The origins and genetic interactions of KRAS mutations are allele- and tissue-specific. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1808. [PMID: 33753749 PMCID: PMC7985210 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22125-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutational activation of KRAS promotes the initiation and progression of cancers, especially in the colorectum, pancreas, lung, and blood plasma, with varying prevalence of specific activating missense mutations. Although epidemiological studies connect specific alleles to clinical outcomes, the mechanisms underlying the distinct clinical characteristics of mutant KRAS alleles are unclear. Here, we analyze 13,492 samples from these four tumor types to examine allele- and tissue-specific genetic properties associated with oncogenic KRAS mutations. The prevalence of known mutagenic mechanisms partially explains the observed spectrum of KRAS activating mutations. However, there are substantial differences between the observed and predicted frequencies for many alleles, suggesting that biological selection underlies the tissue-specific frequencies of mutant alleles. Consistent with experimental studies that have identified distinct signaling properties associated with each mutant form of KRAS, our genetic analysis reveals that each KRAS allele is associated with a distinct tissue-specific comutation network. Moreover, we identify tissue-specific genetic dependencies associated with specific mutant KRAS alleles. Overall, this analysis demonstrates that the genetic interactions of oncogenic KRAS mutations are allele- and tissue-specific, underscoring the complexity that drives their clinical consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua H Cook
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Giorgio E M Melloni
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Doga C Gulhan
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter J Park
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kevin M Haigis
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Harvard Digestive Disease Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Chen J, Zhang S, Wang W, Pang L, Zhang Q, Liu X. Mutation-Induced Impacts on the Switch Transformations of the GDP- and GTP-Bound K-Ras: Insights from Multiple Replica Gaussian Accelerated Molecular Dynamics and Free Energy Analysis. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:1954-1969. [PMID: 33739090 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c01470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mutations yield significant effect on the structural flexibility of two switch domains, SW1 and SW2, in K-Ras, which is considered as an important target of anticancer drug design. To unveil a molecular mechanism with regard to mutation-mediated tuning on the activity of K-Ras, multiple replica Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (MR-GaMD) simulations followed by analysis of free energy landscapes (FELs) are performed on the GDP- and GTP-bound wild-type (WT), G12V, and D33E K-Ras. The results suggest that G12V and D33E not only evidently change the flexibility of SW1 and SW2 but also greatly affect correlated motions of SW1 and SW2 separately relative to the P-loop and SW1, which exerts a certain tuning on the activity of K-Ras. The information stemming from the analyses of FELs reveals that the conformations of SW1 and SW2 are in high disorders in the GDP- and GTP-associated WT and mutated K-Ras, possibly producing significant effect on binding of guanine nucleotide exchange factors or effectors to K-Ras. The interaction networks of GDP and GTP with K-Ras are identified and the results uncover that the instability in hydrogen-bonding interactions of SW1 with GDP and GTP is mostly responsible for conformational disorder of SW1 and SW2 as well as tunes the activity of oncogenic K-Ras.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Chen
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, China
| | - Shaolong Zhang
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, China
| | - Laixue Pang
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, China
| | - Qinggang Zhang
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China
| | - Xinguo Liu
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mehmood A, Kaushik AC, Wang Q, Li CD, Wei DQ. Bringing Structural Implications and Deep Learning-Based Drug Identification for KRAS Mutants. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:571-586. [PMID: 33513018 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c00488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is considered one of the leading causes of death that is linked with the Kirsten Rat Sarcoma (KRAS) harboring codons 13 and 61 mutations. The objective for this study is to search for clinically important codon 61 mutations and analyze how they affect the protein structural dynamics. Additionally, a deep-learning approach is used to carry out a similarity search for potential compounds that might have a comparatively better affinity. Public databases like The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genomic Data Commons were accessed for obtaining the data regarding mutations that are associated with colon cancer. Multiple analysis such as genomic alteration landscape, survival analysis, and systems biology-based kinetic simulations were carried out to predict dynamic changes for the selected mutations. Additionally, a molecular dynamics simulation of 100 ns for all the seven shortlisted codon 61 mutations have been conducted, which revealed noticeable deviations. Finally, the deep learning-based predicted compounds were docked with the KRAS 3D conformer, showing better affinity and good docking scores as compared to the already existing drugs. Taking together the outcomes of systems biology and molecular dynamics, it is observed that the reported mutations in the SII region are highly detrimental as they have an immense impact on the protein sensitive sites' native conformation and overall stability. The drugs reported in this study show increased performance and are encouraged to be used for further evaluation regarding the situation that ascends as a result of KRAS mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aamir Mehmood
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China.,Peng Cheng Laboratory, Vanke Cloud City Phase I Building 8, Xili Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Aman Chandra Kaushik
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Li Lake Avenue, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Qiankun Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Cheng-Dong Li
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Dong-Qing Wei
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China.,Peng Cheng Laboratory, Vanke Cloud City Phase I Building 8, Xili Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have become increasingly useful in the modern drug development process. In this review, we give a broad overview of the current application possibilities of MD in drug discovery and pharmaceutical development. Starting from the target validation step of the drug development process, we give several examples of how MD studies can give important insights into the dynamics and function of identified drug targets such as sirtuins, RAS proteins, or intrinsically disordered proteins. The role of MD in antibody design is also reviewed. In the lead discovery and lead optimization phases, MD facilitates the evaluation of the binding energetics and kinetics of the ligand-receptor interactions, therefore guiding the choice of the best candidate molecules for further development. The importance of considering the biological lipid bilayer environment in the MD simulations of membrane proteins is also discussed, using G-protein coupled receptors and ion channels as well as the drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes as relevant examples. Lastly, we discuss the emerging role of MD simulations in facilitating the pharmaceutical formulation development of drugs and candidate drugs. Specifically, we look at how MD can be used in studying the crystalline and amorphous solids, the stability of amorphous drug or drug-polymer formulations, and drug solubility. Moreover, since nanoparticle drug formulations are of great interest in the field of drug delivery research, different applications of nano-particle simulations are also briefly summarized using multiple recent studies as examples. In the future, the role of MD simulations in facilitating the drug development process is likely to grow substantially with the increasing computer power and advancements in the development of force fields and enhanced MD methodologies.
Collapse
|
35
|
Pálfy G, Menyhárd DK, Perczel A. Dynamically encoded reactivity of Ras enzymes: opening new frontiers for drug discovery. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 39:1075-1089. [PMID: 32815102 PMCID: PMC7680338 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09917-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Decoding molecular flexibility in order to understand and predict biological processes-applying the principles of dynamic-structure-activity relationships (DSAR)-becomes a necessity when attempting to design selective and specific inhibitors of a protein that has overlapping interaction surfaces with its upstream and downstream partners along its signaling cascade. Ras proteins are molecular switches that meet this definition perfectly. The close-lying P-loop and the highly flexible switch I and switch II regions are the site of nucleotide-, assisting-, and effector-protein binding. Oncogenic mutations that also appear in this region do not cause easily characterized overall structural changes, due partly to the inherent conformational heterogeneity and pliability of these segments. In this review, we present an overview of the results obtained using approaches targeting Ras dynamics, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements and experiment-based modeling calculations (mostly molecular dynamics (MD) simulations). These methodologies were successfully used to decipher the mutant- and isoform-specific nature of certain transient states, far-lying allosteric sites, and the internal interaction networks, as well as the interconnectivity of the catalytic and membrane-binding regions. This opens new therapeutic potential: the discovered interaction hotspots present hitherto not targeted, selective sites for drug design efforts in diverse locations of the protein matrix.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gyula Pálfy
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, ELTE, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
- Protein Modeling Group HAS-ELTE, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, P.O.B. 32, Budapest, 1538, Hungary
| | - Dóra K Menyhárd
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, ELTE, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, 1117, Budapest, Hungary.
- Protein Modeling Group HAS-ELTE, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, P.O.B. 32, Budapest, 1538, Hungary.
| | - András Perczel
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, ELTE, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, 1117, Budapest, Hungary.
- Protein Modeling Group HAS-ELTE, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, P.O.B. 32, Budapest, 1538, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Loong HHF, Du N, Cheng C, Lin H, Guo J, Lin G, Li M, Jiang T, Shi Z, Cui Y, Jin X, Yao J, Xing Y, Yao M, Wang K, Mok TSK, Liu L. KRAS G12C mutations in Asia: a landscape analysis of 11,951 Chinese tumor samples. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2020; 9:1759-1769. [PMID: 33209599 PMCID: PMC7653137 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-20-455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Kirsten rat sarcoma vial oncogene (KRAS) is one of the most prevalent oncogenes in multiple cancer types, but the incidence is different between the Asian and non-Asian populations. The recent development of KRAS G12C targeting drug has shown great promise. It is thus important to understand the genomic landscape of KRAS G12C in a specific population. Methods Sequencing data of 11,951 tumor samples collected from 11/2016 to 7/2019 from multiple centres in China were analyzed for KRAS mutation status. Concomitant genomic aberrations were further analyzed in tumors with KRAS G12C mutations, which were sequenced with comprehensive cancer panel including over 450 cancer-related genes. Smoking status and its correlation with KRAS were analyzed in 2,235 lung cancer cases within this cohort. Results KRAS mutations were identified in 1978 (16.6%) patient samples. Specifically, KRAS G12C accounted for 14.5% (n=286) of all KRAS mutations. G12C was most commonly seen in lung cancer (4.3%), followed by colorectal cancer (2.5%) and biliary cancer (2.3%). Almost all patients (99.6%) with G12C mutations had concomitant genomic aberrations. These were most commonly associated with the RAS/RTK pathway including BRAF and PI3KCA mutations. Moreover, KRAS mutation was positively correlated with smoking status in lung adenocarcinomas. Conclusions The overall incidence of KRAS G12C mutations remains low in the Chinese population. The most common tumor types harboring KRAS G12C mutations are in patients suffering from lung, colorectal and biliary cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Ho-Fung Loong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Nan Du
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Jian Guo
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Gen Lin
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Mingjiang Li
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhihua Shi
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yanzhi Cui
- Medical Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xianfeng Jin
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Tony S K Mok
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lunxu Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wong JC, Perez-Mancera PA, Huang TQ, Kim J, Grego-Bessa J, Del Pilar Alzamora M, Kogan SC, Sharir A, Keefe SH, Morales CE, Schanze D, Castel P, Hirose K, Huang GN, Zenker M, Sheppard D, Klein OD, Tuveson DA, Braun BS, Shannon K. KrasP34R and KrasT58I mutations induce distinct RASopathy phenotypes in mice. JCI Insight 2020; 5:140495. [PMID: 32990679 PMCID: PMC7710308 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.140495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatic KRAS mutations are highly prevalent in many cancers. In addition, a distinct spectrum of germline KRAS mutations causes developmental disorders called RASopathies. The mutant proteins encoded by these germline KRAS mutations are less biochemically and functionally activated than those in cancer. We generated mice harboring conditional KrasLSL-P34Rand KrasLSL-T58I knock-in alleles and characterized the consequences of each mutation in vivo. Embryonic expression of KrasT58I resulted in craniofacial abnormalities reminiscent of those seen in RASopathy disorders, and these mice exhibited hyperplastic growth of multiple organs, modest alterations in cardiac valvulogenesis, myocardial hypertrophy, and myeloproliferation. By contrast, embryonic KrasP34R expression resulted in early perinatal lethality from respiratory failure due to defective lung sacculation, which was associated with aberrant ERK activity in lung epithelial cells. Somatic Mx1-Cre–mediated activation in the hematopoietic compartment showed that KrasP34R and KrasT58I expression had distinct signaling effects, despite causing a similar spectrum of hematologic diseases. These potentially novel strains are robust models for investigating the consequences of expressing endogenous levels of hyperactive K-Ras in different developing and adult tissues, for comparing how oncogenic and germline K-Ras proteins perturb signaling networks and cell fate decisions, and for performing preclinical therapeutic trials. Mouse models are developed to accurately recapitulate multiple features of RASopathy disorders caused by germline KRASP34R and KRAST581 mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine C Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Pedro A Perez-Mancera
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Tannie Q Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jangkyung Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Joaquim Grego-Bessa
- Intercellular Signaling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Del Pilar Alzamora
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Amnon Sharir
- Program in Craniofacial Biology and Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Susan H Keefe
- Program in Craniofacial Biology and Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Carolina E Morales
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Denny Schanze
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Pau Castel
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Kentaro Hirose
- Cardiovascular Research Institute.,Department of Physiology, and
| | - Guo N Huang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute.,Department of Physiology, and
| | - Martin Zenker
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Dean Sheppard
- Cardiovascular Research Institute.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ophir D Klein
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.,Program in Craniofacial Biology and Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - David A Tuveson
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA.,Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Benjamin S Braun
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kevin Shannon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Gebert M, Jaśkiewicz M, Moszyńska A, Collawn JF, Bartoszewski R. The Effects of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Cancer RNAi Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3119. [PMID: 33113880 PMCID: PMC7694039 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tremendous progress in RNAi delivery methods and design has allowed for the effective development of siRNA-based therapeutics that are currently under clinical investigation for various cancer treatments. This approach has the potential to revolutionize cancer therapy by providing the ability to specifically downregulate or upregulate the mRNA of any protein of interest. This exquisite specificity, unfortunately, also has a downside. Genetic variations in the human population are common because of the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). SNPs lead to synonymous and non-synonymous changes and they occur once in every 300 base pairs in both coding and non-coding regions in the human genome. Much less common are the somatic mosaicism variations associated with genetically distinct populations of cells within an individual that is derived from postzygotic mutations. These heterogeneities in the population can affect the RNAi's efficacy or more problematically, which can lead to unpredictable and sometimes adverse side effects. From a more positive viewpoint, both SNPs and somatic mosaicisms have also been implicated in human diseases, including cancer, and these specific changes could offer the ability to effectively and, more importantly, selectively target the cancer cells. In this review, we discuss how SNPs in the human population can influence the development and success of novel anticancer RNAi therapies and the importance of why SNPs should be carefully considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Gebert
- Department of Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.G.); (M.J.); (A.M.)
| | - Maciej Jaśkiewicz
- Department of Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.G.); (M.J.); (A.M.)
| | - Adrianna Moszyńska
- Department of Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.G.); (M.J.); (A.M.)
| | - James F. Collawn
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Rafał Bartoszewski
- Department of Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.G.); (M.J.); (A.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Jiang W, Li H, Liu X, Zhang J, zhang W, Li T, Liu L, Yu X. Precise and efficient silencing of mutant Kras G12D by CRISPR-CasRx controls pancreatic cancer progression. Theranostics 2020; 10:11507-11519. [PMID: 33052229 PMCID: PMC7545986 DOI: 10.7150/thno.46642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal disease with few therapeutic targets and rare effective treatments. Over 90% of PDAC tumors bear a Kras mutation, and the single-site mutation G12D (KrasG12D) is most prevalent. Methods: Here, we applied the CRISPR-CasRx system to silence the mutant KrasG12D transcript in PDAC cells. We also used a capsid-optimized adenovirus-associated virus 8 vector (AAV8) to deliver the CRISPR-CasRx system into PDAC orthotopic tumors and patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDX). Results: Our data showed that guided by a KrasG12D-specific gRNA, CasRx is able to precisely and efficiently silence the mutant KrasG12D expression in PDAC cells. The knockdown of mutant KrasG12D by CasRx abolishes the aberrant activation of downstream signaling induced by mutant KrasG12D and subsequently suppresses the tumor growth and improves the sensitivity of gemcitabine in PDAC. Additionally, delivering CasRx-gRNA via AAV8 into the orthotopic KrasG12D PDAC tumors substantially improves the survival of mice without obvious toxicity. Furthermore, targeting KrasG12D through CasRx suppresses the growth of PDAC PDXs. In conclusion, our study provides a proof-of-concept that CRISPR-CasRx can be utilized to target and silence mutant KrasG12D transcripts and therefore inhibit PDAC malignancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wang Jiang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Xiyu Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Centre, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Wuhu zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Tianjiao Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, PR China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
KRAS(G12C)-AMG 510 interaction dynamics revealed by all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11992. [PMID: 32686745 PMCID: PMC7371895 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68950-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The first KRAS(G12C) targeting inhibitor in clinical development, AMG 510, has shown promising antitumor activity in clinical trials. On the molecular level, however, the interaction dynamics of this covalently bound drug–protein complex has been undetermined. Here, we disclose the interaction dynamics of the KRAS(G12C)–AMG 510 complex by long timescale all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations (total of 75 μs). Moreover, we investigated the influence of the recently reported post-translational modification (PTM) of KRAS’ N-terminus, removal of initiator methionine (iMet1) with acetylation of Thr2, to this complex. Our results demonstrate that AMG 510 does not entrap KRAS into a single conformation, as one would expect based on the crystal structure, but rather into an ensemble of conformations. AMG 510 binding is extremely stable regardless of highly dynamic interface of KRAS’ switches. Overall, KRAS(G12C)–AMG 510 complex partially mimic the native dynamics of GDP bound KRAS; however, AMG 510 stabilizes the α3-helix region. N-terminally modified KRAS displays similar interaction dynamics with AMG 510 as when Met1 is present, but this PTM appears to stabilize β2–β3-loop. These results provide novel conformational insights on the molecular level to KRAS(G12C)–AMG 510 interactions and dynamics, providing new perspectives to RAS related drug discovery.
Collapse
|
41
|
Lee KY, Fang Z, Enomoto M, Gasmi-Seabrook G, Zheng L, Koide S, Ikura M, Marshall CB. Two Distinct Structures of Membrane-Associated Homodimers of GTP- and GDP-Bound KRAS4B Revealed by Paramagnetic Relaxation Enhancement. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:11037-11045. [PMID: 32227412 PMCID: PMC7395670 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202001758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
KRAS homo-dimerization has been implicated in the activation of RAF kinases, however, the mechanism and structural basis remain elusive. We developed a system to study KRAS dimerization on nanodiscs using paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) NMR spectroscopy, and determined distinct structures of membrane-anchored KRAS dimers in the active GTP- and inactive GDP-loaded states. Both dimerize through an α4-α5 interface, but the relative orientation of the protomers and their contacts differ substantially. Dimerization of KRAS-GTP, stabilized by electrostatic interactions between R135 and E168, favors an orientation on the membrane that promotes accessibility of the effector-binding site. Remarkably, "cross"-dimerization between GTP- and GDP-bound KRAS molecules is unfavorable. These models provide a platform to elucidate the structural basis of RAF activation by RAS and to develop inhibitors that can disrupt the KRAS dimerization. The methodology is applicable to many other farnesylated small GTPases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Young Lee
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Zhenhao Fang
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Masahiro Enomoto
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | | | - Le Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Shohei Koide
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, and Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Mitsuhiko Ikura
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Christopher B Marshall
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Lee K, Fang Z, Enomoto M, Gasmi‐Seabrook G, Zheng L, Koide S, Ikura M, Marshall CB. Two Distinct Structures of Membrane‐Associated Homodimers of GTP‐ and GDP‐Bound KRAS4B Revealed by Paramagnetic Relaxation Enhancement. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202001758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ki‐Young Lee
- Princess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health Network Toronto Ontario M5G 1L7 Canada
| | - Zhenhao Fang
- Princess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health Network Toronto Ontario M5G 1L7 Canada
| | - Masahiro Enomoto
- Princess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health Network Toronto Ontario M5G 1L7 Canada
| | | | - Le Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health Network Toronto Ontario M5G 1L7 Canada
| | - Shohei Koide
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular PharmacologyNew York University School of Medicine, and Perlmutter Cancer CenterNew York University Langone Health New York NY 10016 USA
| | - Mitsuhiko Ikura
- Princess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health Network Toronto Ontario M5G 1L7 Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Vatansever S, Erman B, Gümüş ZH. Comparative effects of oncogenic mutations G12C, G12V, G13D, and Q61H on local conformations and dynamics of K-Ras. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:1000-1011. [PMID: 32373288 PMCID: PMC7191603 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
K-Ras is the most frequently mutated protein in human cancers. However, until very recently, its oncogenic mutants were viewed as undruggable. To develop inhibitors that directly target oncogenic K-Ras mutants, we need to understand both their mutant-specific and pan-mutant dynamics and conformations. Recently, we have investigated how the most frequently observed K-Ras mutation in cancer patients, G12D, changes its local dynamics and conformations (Vatansever et al., 2019). Here, we extend our analysis to study and compare the local effects of other frequently observed oncogenic mutations, G12C, G12V, G13D and Q61H. For this purpose, we have performed Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations of each mutant when active (GTP-bound) and inactive (GDP-bound), analyzed their trajectories, and compared how each mutant changes local residue conformations, inter-protein distance distributions, local flexibility and residue pair correlated motions. Our results reveal that in the four active oncogenic mutants we have studied, the α2 helix moves closer to the C-terminal of the α3 helix. However, P-loop mutations cause α3 helix to move away from Loop7, and only G12 mutations change the local conformational state populations of the protein. Furthermore, the motions of coupled residues are mutant-specific: G12 mutations lead to new negative correlations between residue motions, while Q61H destroys them. Overall, our findings on the local conformational states and protein dynamics of oncogenic K-Ras mutants can provide insights for both mutant-selective and pan-mutant targeted inhibition efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sezen Vatansever
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, New York, NY, United States
| | - Burak Erman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep H. Gümüş
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
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: 373] [Impact Index Per Article: 93.3] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Pantsar T. The current understanding of KRAS protein structure and dynamics. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2019; 18:189-198. [PMID: 31988705 PMCID: PMC6965201 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most common drivers in human cancer is the mutant KRAS protein. Not so long ago KRAS was considered as an undruggable oncoprotein. After a long struggle, however, we finally see some light at the end of the tunnel as promising KRAS targeted therapies are in or approaching clinical trials. In recent years, together with the promising progress in RAS drug discovery, our understanding of KRAS has increased tremendously. This progress has been accompanied with a resurgence of publicly available KRAS structures, which were limited to nine structures less than ten years ago. Furthermore, the ever-increasing computational capacity has made biologically relevant timescales accessible, enabling molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the dynamics of KRAS protein in more detail at the atomistic level. In this minireview, my aim is to provide the reader an overview of the publicly available KRAS structural data, insights to conformational dynamics revealed by experiments and what we have learned from MD simulations. Also, I will discuss limitations of the current data and provide suggestions for future research related to KRAS, which would fill out the existing gaps in our knowledge and provide guidance in deciphering this enigmatic oncoprotein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatu Pantsar
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Cai D, Hu C, Li L, Deng S, Yang J, Han-Zhang H, Li M. The prevalence and prognostic value of KRAS co-mutation subtypes in Chinese advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients. Cancer Med 2019; 9:84-93. [PMID: 31709742 PMCID: PMC6943152 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective KRAS mutation plays a critical role in the initiation and development of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). KRAS‐mutant patients exhibit diverse response to chemotherapy. KRAS co‐mutation subtypes and their prognosis value in advanced Chinese NSCLC patients remain largely elusive. Methods A total of 1126 Chinese advanced NSCLC patients from Xiangya hospital were screened by capture‐based ultra‐deep sequencing for KRAS mutation between January 2015 and December 2016. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan‐Meier analysis. Results Among the patients screened, 84 cases were detected with KRAS mutation (7.5%). All of them were non‐squamous NSCLC and received pemetrexed plus platinum as the first‐line treatment. The most frequent KRAS co‐mutation genes were TP53 (29%), TP53/LKB1 (19%), and LKB1 (14%). Our data revealed that patients with KRAS co‐mutation had poorer prognosis in comparison with those harboring single KRAS mutation. Furthermore, patients with KPL (KRAS mutated with TP53 and LKB1) subtype, which was a novel subtype, had the shortest progression‐free survival (PFS) in all types of KRAS co‐mutation patients (P < .0001). The PFS and overall survival (OS) of patients with KRASG12D mutation were inferior than those with KRASG12C mutation or KRASG12Vmutation. Patients in KRASG>T type had significantly longer survival than those in KRASG>C type or KRASG>A type. Conclusion Our study revealed that concurrent genomic alterations can further stratify KRAS‐mutant lung adenocarcinoma patients into various subgroups with distinctive therapeutic responses and differential survival outcomes. The KPL is a novel and less responsive subtype among KRAS‐mutated NSCLC, and further investigation of effective treatment for this subtype is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongjing Cai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chengping Hu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shichao Deng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Han Han-Zhang
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou International Biotech Island, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Oncogenic G12D mutation alters local conformations and dynamics of K-Ras. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11730. [PMID: 31409810 PMCID: PMC6692342 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48029-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
K-Ras is the most frequently mutated oncoprotein in human cancers, and G12D is its most prevalent mutation. To understand how G12D mutation impacts K-Ras function, we need to understand how it alters the regulation of its dynamics. Here, we present local changes in K-Ras structure, conformation and dynamics upon G12D mutation, from long-timescale Molecular Dynamics simulations of active (GTP-bound) and inactive (GDP-bound) forms of wild-type and mutant K-Ras, with an integrated investigation of atomistic-level changes, local conformational shifts and correlated residue motions. Our results reveal that the local changes in K-Ras are specific to bound nucleotide (GTP or GDP), and we provide a structural basis for this. Specifically, we show that G12D mutation causes a shift in the population of local conformational states of K-Ras, especially in Switch-II (SII) and α3-helix regions, in favor of a conformation that is associated with a catalytically impaired state through structural changes; it also causes SII motions to anti-correlate with other regions. This detailed picture of G12D mutation effects on the local dynamic characteristics of both active and inactive protein helps enhance our understanding of local K-Ras dynamics, and can inform studies on the development of direct inhibitors towards the treatment of K-RasG12D-driven cancers.
Collapse
|
48
|
Buscail E, Maulat C, Muscari F, Chiche L, Cordelier P, Dabernat S, Alix-Panabières C, Buscail L. Liquid Biopsy Approach for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11060852. [PMID: 31248203 PMCID: PMC6627808 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a public health problem because of its increasing incidence, the absence of early diagnostic tools, and its aggressiveness. Despite recent progress in chemotherapy, the 5-year survival rate remains below 5%. Liquid biopsies are of particular interest from a clinical point of view because they are non-invasive biomarkers released by primary tumours and metastases, remotely reflecting disease burden. Pilot studies have been conducted in pancreatic cancer patients evaluating the detection of circulating tumour cells, cell-free circulating tumour DNA, exosomes, and tumour-educated platelets. There is heterogeneity between the methods used to isolate circulating tumour elements as well as the targets used for their identification. Performances for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer vary depending of the technique but also the stage of the disease: 30–50% of resectable tumours are positive and 50–100% are positive in locally advanced and/or metastatic cases. A significant prognostic value is demonstrated in 50–70% of clinical studies, irrespective of the type of liquid biopsy. Large prospective studies of homogeneous cohorts of patients are lacking. One way to improve diagnostic and prognostic performances would be to use a combined technological approach for the detection of circulating tumour cells, exosomes, and DNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Buscail
- INSERM U1035, Bordeaux University, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Bordeaux University Hospital, 33600 Pessac, France.
| | - Charlotte Maulat
- Université Fédérale Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, INSERM, CRCT, 31330 Toulouse, France.
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Toulouse University Hospital, 31059 Toulouse, France.
| | - Fabrice Muscari
- Université Fédérale Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, INSERM, CRCT, 31330 Toulouse, France.
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Toulouse University Hospital, 31059 Toulouse, France.
| | - Laurence Chiche
- INSERM U1035, Bordeaux University, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Bordeaux University Hospital, 33600 Pessac, France.
| | - Pierre Cordelier
- Université Fédérale Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, INSERM, CRCT, 31330 Toulouse, France.
| | | | - Catherine Alix-Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), Montpellier Hospital and University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France.
| | - Louis Buscail
- Université Fédérale Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, INSERM, CRCT, 31330 Toulouse, France.
- Department of Gastroenterology and Pancreatology, Toulouse University Hospital, 31059 Toulouse, France.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Zhang M, Jang H, Nussinov R. The structural basis for Ras activation of PI3Kα lipid kinase. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2019; 21:12021-12028. [PMID: 31135801 PMCID: PMC6556208 DOI: 10.1039/c9cp00101h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PI3Kα is a principal Ras effector that phosphorylates PIP2 to PIP3 in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. How Ras activates PI3K has been unclear: is Ras' role confined to PI3K recruitment to the membrane or does Ras activation also involve allostery? Recently, we determined the mechanism of PI3Kα activation at the atomic level. We showed the vital role and significance of conformational change in PI3Kα activation. Here, by a 'best-match for hydrogen-bonding pair' (BMHP) computational protocol and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we model the atomic structure of KRas4B in complex with the Ras binding domain (RBD) of PI3Kα, striving to understand the mechanism of PI3Kα activation by Ras. Point mutations T208D, K210E, and K227E disrupt the KRas4B-RBD interface in the models, in line with the experiments. We identify allosteric signaling pathways connecting Ras to RBD in the p110α subunit. However, the observed weak allosteric signals coupled with the detailed mechanism of PI3Kα activation make us conclude that the dominant mechanistic role of Ras is likely to be recruitment and restriction of the PI3Kα population at the membrane. Thus, RTK recruits the PI3Kα to the membrane and activates it by relieving its autoinhibition exerted by the nSH2 domain, leading to exposure of the kinase domain, which permits PIP2 binding. Ras recruitment can shift the PI3Kα ensemble toward a population where the kinase domain surface and the active site position and orientation favor PIP2 insertion. This work helps elucidate Ras-mediated PI3K activation and explores the structural basis for Ras-PI3Kα drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhen Zhang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Rozengurt E, Eibl G. Central role of Yes-associated protein and WW-domain-containing transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif in pancreatic cancer development. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:1797-1816. [PMID: 31057295 PMCID: PMC6478619 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i15.1797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a deadly disease with no efficacious treatment options. PDAC incidence is projected to increase, which may be caused at least partially by the obesity epidemic. Significantly enhanced efforts to prevent or intercept this cancer are clearly warranted. Oncogenic KRAS mutations are recognized initiating events in PDAC development, however, they are not entirely sufficient for the development of fully invasive PDAC. Additional genetic alterations and/or environmental, nutritional, and metabolic signals, as present in obesity, type-2 diabetes mellitus, and inflammation, are required for full PDAC formation. We hypothesize that oncogenic KRAS increases the intensity and duration of the growth-promoting signaling network. Recent exciting studies from different laboratories indicate that the activity of the transcriptional co-activators Yes-associated protein (YAP) and WW-domain-containing transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) play a critical role in the promotion and maintenance of PDAC operating as key downstream target of KRAS signaling. While initially thought to be primarily an effector of the tumor-suppressive Hippo pathway, more recent studies revealed that YAP/TAZ subcellular localization and co-transcriptional activity is regulated by multiple upstream signals. Overall, YAP has emerged as a central node of transcriptional convergence in growth-promoting signaling in PDAC cells. Indeed, YAP expression is an independent unfavorable prognostic marker for overall survival of PDAC. In what follows, we will review studies implicating YAP/TAZ in pancreatic cancer development and consider different approaches to target these transcriptional regulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Rozengurt
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- CURE: Digestive Diseases Research Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Guido Eibl
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- CURE: Digestive Diseases Research Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| |
Collapse
|