Direct inhibition of RAS: Quest for the Holy Grail?

Semin Cancer Biol. 2019 Feb:54:138-148. doi: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.12.005. Epub 2017 Dec 14.

Abstract

RAS GTPases (H-, K-, and N-RAS) are the most frequently mutated oncoprotein family in human cancer. However, the relatively smooth surface architecture of RAS and its picomolar affinity for nucleotide have given rise to the assumption that RAS is an "undruggable" target. Recent advancements in drug screening, molecular modeling, and a greater understanding of RAS function have led to a resurgence in efforts to pharmacologically target this challenging foe. This review focuses on the state of the art of RAS inhibition, the approaches taken to achieve this goal, and the challenges of translating these discoveries into viable therapeutics.

Keywords: Cancer; High-throughput screening; RAS biologics; RAS inhibitor; RAS monobody.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Discovery
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • High-Throughput Screening Assays
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Multigene Family
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Protein Multimerization / drug effects
  • Protein Transport / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • ras Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • ras Proteins / chemistry
  • ras Proteins / genetics
  • ras Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • ras Proteins