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Ash LJ, Busia-Bourdain O, Okpattah D, Kamel A, Liberchuk A, Wolfe AL. KRAS: Biology, Inhibition, and Mechanisms of Inhibitor Resistance. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:2024-2046. [PMID: 38668053 PMCID: PMC11049385 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31040150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
KRAS is a small GTPase that is among the most commonly mutated oncogenes in cancer. Here, we discuss KRAS biology, therapeutic avenues to target it, and mechanisms of resistance that tumors employ in response to KRAS inhibition. Several strategies are under investigation for inhibiting oncogenic KRAS, including small molecule compounds targeting specific KRAS mutations, pan-KRAS inhibitors, PROTACs, siRNAs, PNAs, and mutant KRAS-specific immunostimulatory strategies. A central challenge to therapeutic effectiveness is the frequent development of resistance to these treatments. Direct resistance mechanisms can involve KRAS mutations that reduce drug efficacy or copy number alterations that increase the expression of mutant KRAS. Indirect resistance mechanisms arise from mutations that can rescue mutant KRAS-dependent cells either by reactivating the same signaling or via alternative pathways. Further, non-mutational forms of resistance can take the form of epigenetic marks, transcriptional reprogramming, or alterations within the tumor microenvironment. As the possible strategies to inhibit KRAS expand, understanding the nuances of resistance mechanisms is paramount to the development of both enhanced therapeutics and innovative drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard J. Ash
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Subprogram of the Biology Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Ottavia Busia-Bourdain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Daniel Okpattah
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Avrosina Kamel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Macaulay Honors College, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ariel Liberchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Macaulay Honors College, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Andrew L. Wolfe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Subprogram of the Biology Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
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Poustforoosh A, Faramarz S, Nematollahi MH, Mahmoodi M, Azadpour M. Structure-Based Drug Design for Targeting IRE1: An in Silico Approach for Treatment of Cancer. Drug Res (Stuttg) 2024; 74:81-88. [PMID: 38134918 DOI: 10.1055/a-2211-2218] [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: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress and Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) play a key role in cancer progression. The aggregation of incorrectly folded proteins in the ER generates ER stress, which in turn activates the UPR as an adaptive mechanism to fix ER proteostasis. Inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) is the most evolutionary conserved ER stress sensor, which plays a pro-tumoral role in various cancers. Targeting its' active sites is one of the most practical approaches for the treatment of cancers. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to use the structure of 4μ8C as a template to produce newly designed compounds as IRE1 inhibitors. METHODS Various functional groups were added to the 4μ8C, and their binding affinity to the target sites was assessed by conducting a covalent molecular docking study. The potential of the designed compound for further in vitro and in vivo studies was evaluated using ADMET analysis. RESULTS Based on the obtained results, the addition of hydroxyl groups to 4μ8C enhanced the binding affinity of the designed compound to the target efficiently. Compound 17, which was constructed by the addition of one hydroxyl group to the structure of 4μ8C, can construct a strong covalent bond with Lys907. The outcomes of ADMET analysis indicated that compound 17 could be considered a drug-like molecule. CONCLUSION Our results revealed that designed compound 17 could inhibit IRE1 activity. Therefore, this designed compound is a remarkable inhibitor of IRE1 and introduces a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Poustforoosh
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sanaz Faramarz
- Applied Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hadi Nematollahi
- Applied Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mahmoodi
- Applied Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahdiyeh Azadpour
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
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Singh G, Monga V. Peptide Nucleic Acids: Recent Developments in the Synthesis and Backbone Modifications. Bioorg Chem 2023; 141:106860. [PMID: 37748328 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106860] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid represents the ideal drug candidate for protein targets that are hard to target or against which drug development is not easy. Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are synthesized by attaching modified peptide backbones generally derived from repetitive N-2-aminoethyl glycine units in place of the regular phosphodiester backbone and represent synthetic impersonator of nucleic acids that offers an exciting research field due to their fascinating spectrum of biotechnological, diagnostic and potential therapeutic applications. The semi-rigid peptide nucleic acid backbone serves as a nearly-perfect template for attaching complimentary base pairs on DNA or RNA in a sequence-dependent manner as described by Watson-Crick models. PNAs and their analogues are endowed with exceptionally high affinity and specificity for receptor sites, essentially due to their polyamide backbone's uncharged and flexible nature. The present review compiled various strategies to modify the polypeptide backbone for improving the target selectivity and stability of the PNAs in the body. The investigated biological activities carried out on PNAs have also been summarized in the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurpreet Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, GT Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Vikramdeep Monga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, VPO-Ghudda, Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India.
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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M, Allela OQB, Pecho RDC, Jayasankar N, Rao DP, Thamaraikani T, Vasanthan M, Viktor P, Lakshmaiya N, Saadh MJ, Amajd A, Abo-Zaid MA, Castillo-Acobo RY, Ismail AH, Amin AH, Akhavan-Sigari R. Progressing nanotechnology to improve targeted cancer treatment: overcoming hurdles in its clinical implementation. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:169. [PMID: 37814270 PMCID: PMC10561438 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01865-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the detection and treatment of cancer. Developments in protein engineering and materials science have led to the emergence of new nanoscale targeting techniques, which offer renewed hope for cancer patients. While several nanocarriers for medicinal purposes have been approved for human trials, only a few have been authorized for clinical use in targeting cancer cells. In this review, we analyze some of the authorized formulations and discuss the challenges of translating findings from the lab to the clinic. This study highlights the various nanocarriers and compounds that can be used for selective tumor targeting and the inherent difficulties in cancer therapy. Nanotechnology provides a promising platform for improving cancer detection and treatment in the future, but further research is needed to overcome the current limitations in clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Institute, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Institute, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran
| | | | | | - Narayanan Jayasankar
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM College Of Pharmacy, Chengalpattu District, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Devendra Pratap Rao
- Department of Chemistry, Coordination Chemistry Laboratory, Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (PG) College, Kanpur-208001, U.P, India
| | - Tamilanban Thamaraikani
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM College Of Pharmacy, Chengalpattu District, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Manimaran Vasanthan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM College Of Pharmacy, Chengalpattu District, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Patrik Viktor
- Keleti Károly Faculty of Business and Management, Óbuda University, Tavaszmező U. 15-17, 1084, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Natrayan Lakshmaiya
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mohamed J Saadh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman, 11831, Jordan
| | - Ayesha Amajd
- Faculty of Organization and Management, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, CEMMPRE, University of Coimbra, Polo II, 3030-788, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mabrouk A Abo-Zaid
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Jazan University, 82817, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ahmed H Ismail
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Jazan University, 82817, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali H Amin
- Deanship of Scientific Research, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reza Akhavan-Sigari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Health Care Management and Clinical Research, Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management University Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Thibonnier M, Ghosh S. Strategy for Pre-Clinical Development of Active Targeting MicroRNA Oligonucleotide Therapeutics for Unmet Medical Needs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087126. [PMID: 37108289 PMCID: PMC10138879 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087126] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We present here an innovative modular and outsourced model of drug research and development for microRNA oligonucleotide therapeutics (miRNA ONTs). This model is being implemented by a biotechnology company, namely AptamiR Therapeutics, in collaboration with Centers of Excellence in Academic Institutions. Our aim is to develop safe, effective and convenient active targeting miRNA ONT agents for the metabolic pandemic of obesity and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), as well as deadly ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sujoy Ghosh
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore and Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
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Hossan A, Aljohani M, Alrefaei AF, Althumayri K, Bayazeed A, Saad FA, Abumelha HM, El-Metwaly NM. Synthesis of functionalized aminopyrazole and pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives: Molecular modeling and docking as anticancer agents. ARAB J CHEM 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2023.104645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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He Q, Liu Z, Wang J. Targeting KRAS in PDAC: A New Way to Cure It? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14204982. [PMID: 36291766 PMCID: PMC9599866 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14204982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most intractable malignant tumors worldwide, and is known for its refractory nature and poor prognosis. The fatality rate of pancreatic cancer can reach over 90%. In pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC), the most common subtype of pancreatic cancer, KRAS is the most predominant mutated gene (more than 80%). In recent decades, KRAS proteins have maintained the reputation of being “undruggable” due to their special molecular structures and biological characteristics, making therapy targeting downstream genes challenging. Fortunately, the heavy rampart formed by KRAS has been broken down in recent years by the advent of KRASG12C inhibitors; the covalent inhibitors bond to the switch-II pocket of the KRASG12C protein. The KRASG12C inhibitor sotorasib has been received by the FDA for the treatment of patients suffering from KRASG12C-driven cancers. Meanwhile, researchers have paid close attention to the development of inhibitors for other KRAS mutations. Due to the high incidence of PDAC, developing KRASG12D/V inhibitors has become the focus of attention. Here, we review the clinical status of PDAC and recent research progress in targeting KRASG12D/V and discuss the potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyu He
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zuojia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400, USA
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (J.W.)
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