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Tomuleasa C, Tigu AB, Munteanu R, Moldovan CS, Kegyes D, Onaciu A, Gulei D, Ghiaur G, Einsele H, Croce CM. Therapeutic advances of targeting receptor tyrosine kinases in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:201. [PMID: 39138146 PMCID: PMC11323831 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01899-w] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), a category of transmembrane receptors, have gained significant clinical attention in oncology due to their central role in cancer pathogenesis. Genetic alterations, including mutations, amplifications, and overexpression of certain RTKs, are critical in creating environments conducive to tumor development. Following their discovery, extensive research has revealed how RTK dysregulation contributes to oncogenesis, with many cancer subtypes showing dependency on aberrant RTK signaling for their proliferation, survival and progression. These findings paved the way for targeted therapies that aim to inhibit crucial biological pathways in cancer. As a result, RTKs have emerged as primary targets in anticancer therapeutic development. Over the past two decades, this has led to the synthesis and clinical validation of numerous small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), now effectively utilized in treating various cancer types. In this manuscript we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the RTKs in the context of cancer. We explored the various alterations and overexpression of specific receptors across different malignancies, with special attention dedicated to the examination of current RTK inhibitors, highlighting their role as potential targeted therapies. By integrating the latest research findings and clinical evidence, we seek to elucidate the pivotal role of RTKs in cancer biology and the therapeutic efficacy of RTK inhibition with promising treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania.
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj Napoca, Romania.
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov 3, 050044, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Adrian-Bogdan Tigu
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov 3, 050044, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Munteanu
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov 3, 050044, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian-Silviu Moldovan
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - David Kegyes
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov 3, 050044, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Onaciu
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Gulei
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriel Ghiaur
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Department of Leukemia, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Medizinische Klinik II, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carlo M Croce
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Scardaci R, Berlinska E, Scaparone P, Vietti Michelina S, Garbo E, Novello S, Santamaria D, Ambrogio C. Novel RAF-directed approaches to overcome current clinical limits and block the RAS/RAF node. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:1355-1377. [PMID: 38362705 PMCID: PMC11161739 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway are frequent alterations in cancer and RASopathies, and while RAS oncogene activation alone affects 19% of all patients and accounts for approximately 3.4 million new cases every year, less frequent alterations in the cascade's downstream effectors are also involved in cancer etiology. RAS proteins initiate the signaling cascade by promoting the dimerization of RAF kinases, which can act as oncoproteins as well: BRAFV600E is the most common oncogenic driver, mutated in the 8% of all malignancies. Research in this field led to the development of drugs that target the BRAFV600-like mutations (Class I), which are now utilized in clinics, but cause paradoxical activation of the pathway and resistance development. Furthermore, they are ineffective against non-BRAFV600E malignancies that dimerize and could be either RTK/RAS independent or dependent (Class II and III, respectively), which are still lacking an effective treatment. This review discusses the recent advances in anti-RAF therapies, including paradox breakers, dimer-inhibitors, immunotherapies, and other novel approaches, critically evaluating their efficacy in overcoming the therapeutic limitations, and their putative role in blocking the RAS pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Scardaci
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology CenterUniversity of TorinoItaly
| | - Ewa Berlinska
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology CenterUniversity of TorinoItaly
| | - Pietro Scaparone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology CenterUniversity of TorinoItaly
| | - Sandra Vietti Michelina
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology CenterUniversity of TorinoItaly
| | - Edoardo Garbo
- Department of OncologyUniversity of Torino, San Luigi HospitalOrbassanoItaly
| | - Silvia Novello
- Department of OncologyUniversity of Torino, San Luigi HospitalOrbassanoItaly
| | - David Santamaria
- Centro de Investigación del CáncerCSIC‐Universidad de SalamancaSpain
| | - Chiara Ambrogio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology CenterUniversity of TorinoItaly
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Li R, Wu D, Hu J, Ma Y, Ba Y, Zou L, Hu Y. Polyphenol-enriched Penthorum chinense Pursh ameliorates alcohol-related liver injury through Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway: Integrating network pharmacology and experiment validation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 321:117513. [PMID: 38040131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Penthorum chinense Pursh (PCP) has acknowledged as an edible herbal medicinal plant for the prevention and treatment of alcoholic liver injury (ALI). However, only few of researches focus on the chemical material basis and potential mechanisms of PCP against ALI. AIM OF THE STUDY Herein, we explored the therapeutic effects of PCP extract against ALI based on the integration of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experiment validation. METHODS Based on the standard quality control of PCP herbs by UPLC fingerprint and quantitative determination, 80% ethanol extract fraction of PCP containing more polyphenols, compared to aqueous extract fraction of PCP, were chosen for further experiments. After oral administration of PCP ethanol extract, serum pharmacochemistry based on UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS analysis was implemented to evaluate the potential effective compounds. These absorbed prototypes in PCP were used to construct network pharmacology and predict the potential mechanisms of PCP extract against ALI. Then, the predicted targets and biological mechanisms of PCP extract were validated using animal experiments and molecular docking analysis. RESULTS Although totally 19 polyphenol compounds were identified in PCP ethanol extract by UPLC-MS analysis, only 18 absorbed prototypes were found in the serum collected from mice at 1 h post-administration with PCP extract. These candidate active compounds were further screened into 13 compounds to construct network pharmacology and 433 targets were identified as PCP targets. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the effects of PCP extract would involve in Ras signaling pathway. The animal experiments on chronic ALI model mice shown that the oral administration of PCP can alleviate ALI by attenuating hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation and down-regulating the target proteins in Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway. Molecular docking analysis revealed the good binding ability between the three polyphenols (i.e. quercetin, apigenin, thonningianin B) in PCP with the top contribution in network pharmacology, and these target proteins (Ras, Raf, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2). CONCLUSION Our results clarified that PCP ethanol extract could effectively alleviate ALI by down-regulating Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway promisingly. Quercetin, apigenin, and thonningianin B may be the active compounds of PCP, attributing to the intervention benefits of PCP against ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Dingtao Wu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jianping Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Yuqi Ma
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Yabo Ba
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Liang Zou
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Yichen Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, Sichuan, PR China.
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Selim O, Song C, Kumar A, Phelan R, Singh A, Federman N. A review of the therapeutic potential of histone deacetylase inhibitors in rhabdomyosarcoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1244035. [PMID: 37664028 PMCID: PMC10471891 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1244035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims to summarize the putative role of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and the effects of HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) on RMS by elucidating and highlighting known oncogenic pathways, mechanisms of resistance, and the synergistic potential of histone deacetylase inhibitors. We searched two databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) for the keywords "Rhabdomyosarcoma, histone deacetylase, histone deacetylase inhibitors." We excluded three publications that did not permit access to the full text to review and those that focus exclusively on pleiomorphic RMS in adults. Forty-seven papers met the inclusion criteria. This review highlights that HDACi induce cytotoxicity, cell-cycle arrest, and oxidative stress in RMS cells. Ultimately, HDACi have been shown to increase apoptosis and the cessation of embryonal and alveolar RMS proliferation in vivo and in vitro, both synergistically and on its own. HDACi contain potent therapeutic potential against RMS. This review discusses the significant findings and the biological mechanisms behind the anti-cancer effects of HDACi. Additionally, this review highlights important clinical trials assessing the efficacy of HDACi in sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Selim
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Clara Song
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Amy Kumar
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Rebecca Phelan
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Arun Singh
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Noah Federman
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Ling N, Liu H, Guo J, Liang Z, Zhang Y, Li H, Wu H, Xie T, Yuan Y, Li X, Peng M, Wei X, Liang L, Liu J, Wu W, Ye M. Generation of DNA Aptamers with Functional Activity in Mammalian Cells by Mimicking Retroviruses. Anal Chem 2023. [PMID: 37327388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
DNA aptamers are single-stranded DNA oligonucleotide sequences that bind to specific targets with high affinity. Currently, DNA aptamers can be produced only by in vitro synthesis. It is difficult for DNA aptamers to have a sustained impact on intracellular protein activity, which limits their clinical application. In this study, we developed a DNA aptamer expression system to generate DNA aptamers with functional activity in mammalian cells by mimicking retroviruses. Using this system, DNA aptamers targeting intracellular Ras (Ra1) and membrane-bound CD71 (XQ2) were successfully generated in cells. In particular, the expressed Ra1 not only specifically bound to the intracellular Ras protein but also inhibited the phosphorylation of downstream ERK1/2 and AKT. Furthermore, by inserting the DNA aptamer expression system for Ra1 into a lentivirus vector, the system can be delivered into cells and stably produce Ra1 over time, resulting in the inhibition of lung cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, our study provides a novel strategy for the intracellular generation of DNA aptamers with functional activity and opens a new avenue for the clinical application of intracellular DNA aptamers in disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neng Ling
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Huiming Liu
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Junxiao Guo
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Zhouliang Liang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yibin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Hui Li
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Hui Wu
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Tiantian Xie
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yijun Yuan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Xiahui Li
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Menglan Peng
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Xianhua Wei
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Long Liang
- Molecular Biology Research Center and Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Molecular Biology Research Center and Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Wencan Wu
- The Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Mao Ye
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
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Singh G, Thakur N, Kumar U. RAS: Circuitry and therapeutic targeting. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110505. [PMID: 36341985 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cancer has affected the lives of millions worldwide and is truly regarded as a devastating disease process. Despite advanced understanding of the genomic underpinning of cancer development and progression, therapeutic challenges are still persistent. Among all the human cancers, around 33% are attributed to mutations in RAS oncogene, a crucial component of the signaling pathways. With time, our understanding of RAS circuitry has improved and now the fact that it activates several downstream effectors, depending on the type and grades of cancer has been established. The circuitry is controlled via post-transcriptional mechanisms and frequent distortions in these mechanisms lead to important metabolic as well as immunological states that favor cancer cells' growth, survival, plasticity and metastasis. Therefore, understanding RAS circuitry can help researchers/clinicians to develop novel and potent therapeutics that, in turn, can save the lives of patients suffering from RAS-mutant cancers. There are many challenges presented by resistance and the potential strategies with a particular focus on novel combinations for overcoming these, that could move beyond transitory responses in the direction of treatment. Here in this review, we will look at how understanding the circuitry of RAS can be put to use in making strategies for developing therapeutics against RAS- driven malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Singh
- Department of Biosciences (UIBT), Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413, India
| | - Neelam Thakur
- Department of Biosciences (UIBT), Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413, India; Department of Zoology, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Government College Campus, Paddal, Kartarpur, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175001, India.
| | - Umesh Kumar
- School of Biosciences, Institute of Management Studies Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus), Adhyatmik Nagar, NH09, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201015, India.
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Nussinov R, Zhang M, Maloney R, Jang H. Ras isoform-specific expression, chromatin accessibility, and signaling. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:489-505. [PMID: 34466166 PMCID: PMC8355297 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00817-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The anchorage of Ras isoforms in the membrane and their nanocluster formations have been studied extensively, including their detailed interactions, sizes, preferred membrane environments, chemistry, and geometry. However, the staggering challenge of their epigenetics and chromatin accessibility in distinct cell states and types, which we propose is a major factor determining their specific expression, still awaits unraveling. Ras isoforms are distinguished by their C-terminal hypervariable region (HVR) which acts in intracellular transport, regulation, and membrane anchorage. Here, we review some isoform-specific activities at the plasma membrane from a structural dynamic standpoint. Inspired by physics and chemistry, we recognize that understanding functional specificity requires insight into how biomolecules can organize themselves in different cellular environments. Within this framework, we suggest that isoform-specific expression may largely be controlled by the chromatin density and physical compaction, which allow (or curb) access to "chromatinized DNA." Genes are preferentially expressed in tissues: proteins expressed in pancreatic cells may not be equally expressed in lung cells. It is the rule-not an exception, and it can be at least partly understood in terms of chromatin organization and accessibility state. Genes are expressed when they can be sufficiently exposed to the transcription machinery, and they are less so when they are persistently buried in dense chromatin. Notably, chromatin accessibility can similarly determine expression of drug resistance genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism National Cancer Institute, 1050 Boyles St, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mingzhen Zhang
- Computational Structural Biology Section Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism National Cancer Institute, 1050 Boyles St, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
| | - Ryan Maloney
- Computational Structural Biology Section Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism National Cancer Institute, 1050 Boyles St, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism National Cancer Institute, 1050 Boyles St, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
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K-Ras Peptide Mimotope Induces Antigen Specific Th1 and B-Cell Immune Responses against G12A-Mutated K-Ras Antigen in Balb/c Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9030195. [PMID: 33652552 PMCID: PMC7996567 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS G12A somatic point mutation in adenocarcinomas is categorized clinically as ineligibility criteria for anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody therapies. In this study, a modified G12A-K-ras epitope (139A) with sequence-specific modifications to improve immunogenicity was developed as a potential vaccine against G12A-mutant KRAS cancers. Additionally, coupling of the 139A epitope with a tetanus toxoid (TTD) universal T-cell epitope to improve antigenicity was also reported. To facilitate convenient oral administration, Lactococcus lactis, which possesses innate immunomodulatory properties, was chosen as a live gastrointestinal delivery vehicle. Recombinant L. lactis strains secreting a G12A mutated K-ras control and 139A with and without TTD fusion were generated for comparative immunogenicity assessment. BALB/c mice were immunized orally, and high survivability of L. lactis passage through the gastrointestinal tract was observed. Elevations in B-cell count with a concomitant titre of antigen-specific IgG and interferon-γ secreting T-cells were observed in the 139A treated mice group. Interestingly, an even higher antigen-specific IgA response and interferon-γ secreting T-cell counts were observed in 139A-TTD mice group upon re-stimulation with the G12A mutated K-ras antigen. Collectively, these results indicated that an antigen-specific immune response was successfully stimulated by 139A-TTD vaccine, and a TTD fusion was successful in further enhancing the immune responses.
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Singh S, Shukla R. Key Signaling Pathways Engaged in Cancer Management: Current Update. CURRENT CANCER THERAPY REVIEWS 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1573394714666180904122412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
<P>Background: Till today cancer is still challenging to treat and needs more active therapeutic approaches. Participation of complex multi-pathway cell propagation instrument is a noteworthy issue in creating active anticancer therapeutic methodologies. Immune evasions, metabolic modifications, imperfect apoptotic component, modification in upstream or downstream RAS signaling, altered nuclear factor kappa B actions, imbalanced autophagy design and distortedly controlled angiogenesis are distinguishing features of cancer. </P><P> Methods: On the basis of systemic research and analysis of the current online available database, we analyzed and reported about the key signaling pathway engaged with cancer development outlining the effectiveness of different therapeutic measures and targets that have been created or are being researched to obstruct the cancer development. </P><P> Results: A number of signaling pathways, for example, resistant, metabolism, apoptosis, RAS protein, nuclear factor kappa B, autophagy, and angiogenesis have been perceived as targets for drug treatment to control the advancement, development and administration of cancer. </P><P> Conclusion: A noteworthy challenge for future medication advancement is to detail a synthesis treatment influencing distinctive targets to enhance the treatment of cancer.</P>
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjiv Singh
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Education, Shree Bhawani Paper Mill Road, ITI Compound, Raebareli-229010 (U.P.), India
| | - Rahul Shukla
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Education, Shree Bhawani Paper Mill Road, ITI Compound, Raebareli-229010 (U.P.), India
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Hoo WPY, Siak PY, In LLA. Overview of Current Immunotherapies Targeting Mutated KRAS Cancers. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:2158-2175. [PMID: 31483231 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190904163524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of somatic substitution mutations of the KRAS proto-oncogene is highly prevalent in certain cancer types, which often leads to constant activation of proliferative pathways and subsequent neoplastic transformation. It is often seen as a gateway mutation in carcinogenesis and has been commonly deemed as a predictive biomarker for poor prognosis and relapse when conventional chemotherapeutics are employed. Additionally, its mutational status also renders EGFR targeted therapies ineffective owing to its downstream location. Efforts to discover new approaches targeting this menacing culprit have been ongoing for years without much success, and with incidences of KRAS positive cancer patients being on the rise, researchers are now turning towards immunotherapies as the way forward. In this scoping review, recent immunotherapeutic developments and advances in both preclinical and clinical studies targeting K-ras directly or indirectly via its downstream signal transduction machinery will be discussed. Additionally, some of the challenges and limitations of various K-ras targeting immunotherapeutic approaches such as vaccines, adoptive T cell therapies, and checkpoint inhibitors against KRAS positive cancers will be deliberated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfrey Pui Yee Hoo
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pui Yan Siak
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lionel L A In
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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