Targeting a Novel KRAS Binding Site: Application of One-Component Stapling of Small (5-6-mer) Peptides

J Med Chem. 2021 Dec 9;64(23):17287-17303. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01334. Epub 2021 Nov 17.

Abstract

RAS proteins are central in the proliferation of many types of cancer, but a general approach toward the identification of pan-mutant RAS inhibitors has remained unresolved. In this work, we describe the application of a binding pharmacophore identified from analysis of known RAS binding peptides to the design of novel peptides. Using a chemically divergent approach, we generated a library of small stapled peptides from which we identified compounds with weak binding activity. Exploration of structure-activity relationships (SARs) and optimization of these early compounds led to low-micromolar binders of KRAS that block nucleotide exchange.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Binding Sites
  • Cyclization
  • Humans
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / chemistry
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / metabolism*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)