Multi-targeting of K-Ras domains and mutations by peptide and small molecule inhibitors

PLoS Comput Biol. 2022 Apr 26;18(4):e1009962. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009962. eCollection 2022 Apr.

Abstract

K-Ras activating mutations are significantly associated with tumor progression and aggressive metastatic behavior in various human cancers including pancreatic cancer. So far, despite a large number of concerted efforts, targeting of mutant-type K-Ras has not been successful. In this regard, we aimed to target this oncogene by a combinational approach consisting of small peptide and small molecule inhibitors. Based on a comprehensive analysis of structural and physicochemical properties of predominantly K-Ras mutants, an anti-cancer peptide library and a small molecule library were screened to simultaneously target oncogenic mutations and functional domains of mutant-type K-Ras located in the P-loop, switch I, and switch II regions. The selected peptide and small molecule showed notable binding affinities to their corresponding binding sites, and hindered the growth of tumor cells carrying K-RasG12D and K-RasG12C mutations. Of note, the expression of K-Ras downstream genes (i.e., CTNNB1, CCND1) was diminished in the treated Kras-positive cells. In conclusion, our combinational platform signifies a new potential for blockade of oncogenic K-Ras and thereby prevention of tumor progression and metastasis. However, further validations are still required regarding the in vitro and in vivo efficacy and safety of this approach.

MeSH terms

  • Enzyme Inhibitors* / pharmacology
  • Genes, ras*
  • Humans
  • Mutation*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Peptides* / pharmacology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)* / genetics
  • Small Molecule Libraries*

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • KRAS protein, human
  • Peptides
  • Small Molecule Libraries
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)

Grants and funding

This study was funded by Pasteur Institute of Iran (Grant Number: 583). This fund was given to L.T.T. M.P. is supported by Alexander von Humboldt Foundation fellowship. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.