Past and Future Strategies to Inhibit Membrane Localization of the KRAS Oncogene

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Dec 7;22(24):13193. doi: 10.3390/ijms222413193.

Abstract

KRAS is one of the most studied oncogenes. It is well known that KRAS undergoes post-translational modifications at its C-terminal end. These modifications are essential for its membrane location and activity. Despite significant efforts made in the past three decades to target the mechanisms involved in its membrane localization, no therapies have been approved and taken into the clinic. However, many studies have recently reintroduced interest in the development of KRAS inhibitors, either by directly targeting KRAS or indirectly through the inhibition of critical steps involved in post-translational KRAS modifications. In this review, we summarize the approaches that have been applied over the years to inhibit the membrane localization of KRAS in cancer and propose a new anti-KRAS strategy that could be used in clinic.

Keywords: KRAS; RAS; cancer; plasma membrane.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Down-Regulation
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational / drug effects
  • Protein Transport / drug effects
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • KRAS protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)