Rational design of small molecule RHOA inhibitors for gastric cancer

Pharmacogenomics J. 2020 Aug;20(4):601-612. doi: 10.1038/s41397-020-0153-6. Epub 2020 Feb 4.

Abstract

Previously, we identified Ras homologous A (RHOA) as a major signaling hub in gastric cancer (GC), the third most common cause of cancer death in the world, prompting us to rationally design an efficacious inhibitor of this oncogenic GTPase. Here, based on that previous work, we extend those computational analyses to further pharmacologically optimize anti-RHOA hydrazide derivatives for greater anti-GC potency. Two of these, JK-136 and JK-139, potently inhibited cell viability and migration/invasion of GC cell lines, and mouse xenografts, diversely expressing RHOA. Moreover, JK-136's binding affinity for RHOA was >140-fold greater than Rhosin, a nonclinical RHOA inhibitor. Network analysis of JK-136/-139 vs. Rhosin treatments indicated downregulation of the sphingosine-1-phosphate, as an emerging cancer metabolic pathway in cell migration and motility. We assert that identifying and targeting oncogenic signaling hubs, such as RHOA, represents an emerging strategy for the design, characterization, and translation of new antineoplastics, against gastric and other cancers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / metabolism
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Design*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, SCID
  • Molecular Docking Simulation / methods
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Stomach Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Stomach Neoplasms / pathology
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays / methods
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein / chemistry
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • RHOA protein, human
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein