RESUMEN
KRAS mutations play a critical role in the development and progression of several cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. Despite advancements in targeted therapies, the management of KRAS-mutant tumors remains challenging. This study leverages bibliometric analysis and a comprehensive review of clinical trials to identify emerging immunotherapies and potential treatments for KRAS-related cancers. Using the Web of Science Core Collection and Citespace, we analyzed publications from January 2008 to March 2023 alongside 52 clinical trials from ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO's registry, concentrating on immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) and novel therapies. Our study highlights an increased focus on the tumor immune microenvironment and precision therapy. Clinical trials reveal the effectiveness of ICBs and the promising potential of T-cell receptor T-cell therapy and vaccines in treating KRAS-mutant cancers. ICBs, particularly in combination therapies, stand out in managing KRAS-mutant tumors. Identifying the tumor microenvironment and gene co-mutation profiles as key research areas, our findings advocate for multidisciplinary approaches to advance personalized cancer treatment. Future research should integrate genetic, immunological, and computational studies to unveil new therapeutic targets and refine treatment strategies for KRAS-mutant cancers.
Asunto(s)
Bibliometría , Inmunoterapia , Mutación , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , Humanos , Inmunoterapia/métodos , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , Microambiente Tumoral/inmunología , Microambiente Tumoral/genética , Ensayos Clínicos como Asunto , Neoplasias/terapia , Neoplasias/genética , Neoplasias/inmunología , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Inhibidores de Puntos de Control Inmunológico/uso terapéutico , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/genética , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/terapia , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/tratamiento farmacológico , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/inmunologíaRESUMEN
PURPOSE: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a highly fatal malignancy. The Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) gene profoundly impacts patient prognosis. This study aims to explore the correlation between KRAS mutation subtypes, clinical data, and the impact of these subtypes on immunotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tumor samples from 269 NSCLC patients at the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were analyzed. Patients received first- or second-line therapy without targeted therapy. Molecular and clinical data were used to analysis KRAS mutation subtypes and treatment outcomes. RESULTS: KRAS mutations predominantly included G12C, G12D, and G12V subtypes. TP53 had the highest mutation frequency among KRAS mutations, followed by MST1, STK11, and KMT2C. Gender differences were noted among KRAS mutation subtypes, with G12C and G12V mutations prevalent in males, while G12D mutations were less common among males. Smokers exhibited varied KRAS mutation subtypes, with G12C and G12V prevalent in smokers and G12D in nonsmokers. KRAS mutations were mainly in lung adenocarcinoma. TTF-1 and PD-L1 expression differed significantly among KRAS mutations. Patients with G12C and G12V mutations showed higher TMB levels and better immunotherapy outcomes compared to those without KRAS mutations. Conversely, patients with G12D mutations had poorer immunotherapy responses. CONCLUSIONS: KRAS mutation subtypes exhibit distinct clinical and molecular characteristics and varying responses to immunotherapy. G12C and G12V mutations correlate with better immunotherapy outcomes, while G12D mutations are associated with poorer responses.
Asunto(s)
Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas , Inmunoterapia , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Mutación , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , Humanos , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/genética , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/terapia , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/patología , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/inmunología , Masculino , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , Femenino , Neoplasias Pulmonares/genética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patología , Neoplasias Pulmonares/terapia , Neoplasias Pulmonares/inmunología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pronóstico , China/epidemiología , Anciano , Inmunoterapia/métodos , Adulto , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Biomarcadores de Tumor/genéticaRESUMEN
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as important participants in several biological functions, particularly their complex interactions with the KRAS pathway, which provide insights into the significant roles lncRNAs play in cancer development. The KRAS pathway, a central signaling cascade crucial for cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation, stands out as a key therapeutic target due to its aberrant activation in many human cancers. Recent investigations have unveiled a myriad of lncRNAs, such as H19, ANRIL, and MEG3, intricately modulating the KRAS pathway, influencing both its activation and repression through various mechanisms, including epigenetic modifications, transcriptional regulation, and post-transcriptional control. These lncRNAs function as fine-tuners, delicately orchestrating the balance required for normal cellular function. Their dysregulation has been linked to the development and progression of multiple malignancies, including lung, pancreatic, and colorectal carcinomas, which frequently harbor KRAS mutations. This scrutiny delves into the functional diversity of specific lncRNAs within the KRAS pathway, elucidating their molecular mechanisms and downstream effects on cancer phenotypes. Additionally, it underscores the diagnostic and prognostic potential of these lncRNAs as indicators for cancer detection and assessment. The complex regulatory network that lncRNAs construct within the context of the KRAS pathway offers important insights for the creation of focused therapeutic approaches, opening new possibilities for precision medicine in oncology. However, challenges such as the dual roles of lncRNAs in different cancer types and the difficulty in therapeutically targeting these molecules highlight the ongoing debates and need for further research. As ongoing studies unveil the complexities of lncRNA-mediated KRAS pathway modulation, the potential for innovative cancer interventions becomes increasingly promising.
Asunto(s)
Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica , Neoplasias , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , ARN Largo no Codificante , Transducción de Señal , Humanos , ARN Largo no Codificante/genética , Neoplasias/genética , Neoplasias/patología , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , Transducción de Señal/genética , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica/genéticaRESUMEN
KRAS is the most frequently altered oncogene in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, in which the aberrantly activated RAS signaling pathway plays pleiotropic roles in tumor initiation and maintenance. Nearly four decades after the discovery of the RAS oncoprotein, a multitude of pharmacologic inhibitors are now available that directly target mutant KRAS. This In Focus commentary, published simultaneously with the 2024 AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer, summarizes the current state of this rapidly changing field, including preclinical data and emerging clinical trends with respect to therapeutic efficacy, mechanisms of resistance, and potential combinations to maximize clinical benefit from this promising class of therapies.
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Carcinoma Ductal Pancreático , Neoplasias Pancreáticas , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , Humanos , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/genética , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/patología , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/antagonistas & inhibidores , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/metabolismo , Carcinoma Ductal Pancreático/tratamiento farmacológico , Carcinoma Ductal Pancreático/genética , Carcinoma Ductal Pancreático/patología , Carcinoma Ductal Pancreático/metabolismo , Mutación , Terapia Molecular Dirigida/métodos , Animales , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos/efectos de los fármacos , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/uso terapéuticoAsunto(s)
Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas , ADN Tumoral Circulante , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Mutación , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , Humanos , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/genética , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/tratamiento farmacológico , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/sangre , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/patología , Neoplasias Pulmonares/genética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patología , Neoplasias Pulmonares/sangre , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , ADN Tumoral Circulante/genética , ADN Tumoral Circulante/sangre , Piridinas/uso terapéutico , Piperazinas , PirimidinasAsunto(s)
Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas , ADN Tumoral Circulante , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Mutación , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , Humanos , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/genética , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/tratamiento farmacológico , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/sangre , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/patología , Neoplasias Pulmonares/genética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patología , Neoplasias Pulmonares/sangre , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , ADN Tumoral Circulante/genética , ADN Tumoral Circulante/sangre , Piridinas/uso terapéutico , Piperazinas , PirimidinasRESUMEN
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a disease characterized by spatiotemporal heterogeneity of tumor clones. Different genetic aberrations can be observed simultaneously in tumor cells from different loci, and as the disease progresses, new subclones may appear. The role of liquid biopsy, which is based on the analysis of tumor DNA circulating in the blood plasma, continues to be explored in MM. Here, we present an analysis of the STR profiles and mutation status of the KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF genes, evaluated in plasma free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), CD138+ bone marrow cells, and plasmacytomas. The prospective single-center study included 97 patients, with a median age of 55 years. Of these, 94 had newly diagnosed symptomatic MM, and three had primary plasma cell leukemia. It should be noted that if mutations were detected only in ctDNA, "non-classical" codons were more often affected. A variety of adverse laboratory and clinical factors have been associated with the detection of rare KRAS or NRAS gene mutations in bone marrow or ctDNA, suggesting that these mutations may be factors of an unfavorable prognosis for MM. Liquid biopsy studies provide undeniable fundamental information about tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution in MM. Moreover, we focus on using liquid biopsy to identify new high-risk factors for MM.
Asunto(s)
Mieloma Múltiple , Mutación , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , Humanos , Mieloma Múltiple/genética , Mieloma Múltiple/patología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Femenino , Masculino , Anciano , Adulto , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas B-raf/genética , ADN Tumoral Circulante/genética , ADN Tumoral Circulante/sangre , GTP Fosfohidrolasas/genética , Sistema de Señalización de MAP Quinasas/genética , Proteínas de la Membrana/genética , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Estudios Prospectivos , Biopsia Líquida/métodosRESUMEN
The KRAS oncogene drives many common and highly fatal malignancies. These include pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancer, where various activating KRAS mutations have made the development of KRAS inhibitors difficult. Here we identify the scaffold protein SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domain 3 (SHANK3) as a RAS interactor that binds active KRAS, including mutant forms, competes with RAF and limits oncogenic KRAS downstream signalling, maintaining mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) activity at an optimal level. SHANK3 depletion breaches this threshold, triggering MAPK/ERK signalling hyperactivation and MAPK/ERK-dependent cell death in KRAS-mutant cancers. Targeting this vulnerability through RNA interference or nanobody-mediated disruption of the SHANK3-KRAS interaction constrains tumour growth in vivo in female mice. Thus, inhibition of SHANK3-KRAS interaction represents an alternative strategy for selective killing of KRAS-mutant cancer cells through excessive signalling.
Asunto(s)
Sistema de Señalización de MAP Quinasas , Mutación , Proteínas del Tejido Nervioso , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , Animales , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/metabolismo , Humanos , Ratones , Línea Celular Tumoral , Femenino , Proteínas del Tejido Nervioso/metabolismo , Proteínas del Tejido Nervioso/genética , Sistema de Señalización de MAP Quinasas/genética , Muerte Celular/genética , Neoplasias/genética , Neoplasias/metabolismo , Neoplasias/patología , Quinasas MAP Reguladas por Señal Extracelular/metabolismo , Ratones Desnudos , Proteínas de MicrofilamentosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND/AIM: Despite therapeutic advancements, metastatic colorectal cancer is usually fatal, necessitating novel approaches based on the molecular pathogenesis to improve outcomes. Some colorectal cancers have no mutations in the extended RAS panel (KRAS, NRAS, BRAF) genes and represent a special subset, which deserves particular therapeutic considerations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The genomic landscape of colorectal cancers from publicly available genomic series was interrogated, using the cBioportal platform. Colorectal cancer cohorts with cancers devoid of KRAS/NRAS or BRAF mutations were evaluated for the presence of mutations in the catalytic sub-unit alpha of kinase PI3K, encoded by the gene PIK3CA. RESULTS: PIK3CA mutations in the absence of KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutations were observed in 3.7% to 7.6% of colorectal cancers in the different series examined. Patients with all four genes in wildtype configuration (quadruple wild type) represented 32.2% to 39.9% of cases in the different series examined. Compared with quadruple wild type cancers, triple (KRAS/NRAS/BRAF) wild type/PIK3CA mutated cancers had a higher prevalence of high TMB cases and additional mutations in colorectal cancer associated genes except for mutations in TP53. Mutations in genes encoding for epigenetic modifiers and the DNA damage response (DDR) were also more frequent in triple wild type/PIK3CA mutated cancers. The prognosis of the two groups was comparable. CONCLUSION: Colorectal cancers with PIK3CA mutations in the absence of KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutations have frequently mutations in epigenetic modifiers and DDR response genes, which may provide opportunities for targeting. These mutations are present in a smaller subset of quadruple wild type cancers.
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Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasa Clase I , Neoplasias Colorrectales , Epigénesis Genética , Mutación , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas B-raf , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , Humanos , Neoplasias Colorrectales/genética , Neoplasias Colorrectales/patología , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasa Clase I/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas B-raf/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , Daño del ADN , Femenino , GTP Fosfohidrolasas/genética , Masculino , Proteínas de la Membrana/genética , Anciano , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
Senescent cells are characterized by multiple features such as increased expression of senescence-associated ß-galactosidase activity (SA ß-gal) and cell cycle inhibitors such as p21 or p16. They accumulate with tissue damage and dysregulate tissue homeostasis. In the context of skeletal muscle, it is known that agents used for chemotherapy such as Doxorubicin (Doxo) cause buildup of senescent cells, leading to the inhibition of tissue regeneration. Senescent cells influence the neighboring cells via numerous secreted factors which form the senescence-associated secreted phenotype (SASP). Lipids are emerging as a key component of SASP that can control tissue homeostasis. Arachidonic acid-derived lipids have been shown to accumulate within senescent cells, specifically 15d-PGJ2, which is an electrophilic lipid produced by the non-enzymatic dehydration of the prostaglandin PGD2. This study shows that 15d-PGJ2 is also released by Doxo-induced senescent cells as an SASP factor. Treatment of skeletal muscle myoblasts with the conditioned medium from these senescent cells inhibits myoblast fusion during differentiation. Inhibition of L-PTGDS, the enzyme that synthesizes PGD2, diminishes the release of 15d-PGJ2 by senescent cells and restores muscle differentiation. We further show that this lipid post-translationally modifies Cys184 of HRas in C2C12 mouse skeletal myoblasts, causing a reduction in the localization of HRas to the Golgi, increased HRas binding to Ras Binding Domain (RBD) of RAF Kinase (RAF-RBD), and activation of cellular Mitogen Activated Protein (MAP) kinase-Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase (Erk) signaling (but not the Akt signaling). Mutating C184 of HRas prevents the ability of 15d-PGJ2 to inhibit the differentiation of muscle cells and control the activity of HRas. This work shows that 15d-PGJ2 released from senescent cells could be targeted to restore muscle homeostasis after chemotherapy.
Asunto(s)
Diferenciación Celular , Senescencia Celular , Mioblastos , Prostaglandina D2 , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , Animales , Ratones , Prostaglandina D2/análogos & derivados , Prostaglandina D2/metabolismo , Prostaglandina D2/farmacología , Senescencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Mioblastos/metabolismo , Mioblastos/efectos de los fármacos , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , Diferenciación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Fenotipo Secretor Asociado a la Senescencia , Línea Celular , Doxorrubicina/farmacologíaRESUMEN
Mutational activation of KRAS occurs commonly in lung carcinogenesis and, with the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of covalent inhibitors of KRASG12C such as sotorasib or adagrasib, KRAS oncoproteins are important pharmacological targets in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, not all KRASG12C-driven NSCLCs respond to these inhibitors, and the emergence of drug resistance in those patients who do respond can be rapid and pleiotropic. Hence, based on a backbone of covalent inhibition of KRASG12C, efforts are underway to develop effective combination therapies. Here, we report that the inhibition of KRASG12C signaling increases autophagy in KRASG12C-expressing lung cancer cells. Moreover, the combination of DCC-3116, a selective ULK1/2 inhibitor, plus sotorasib displays cooperative/synergistic suppression of human KRASG12C-driven lung cancer cell proliferation in vitro and superior tumor control in vivo. Additionally, in genetically engineered mouse models of KRASG12C-driven NSCLC, inhibition of either KRASG12C or ULK1/2 decreases tumor burden and increases mouse survival. Consequently, these data suggest that ULK1/2-mediated autophagy is a pharmacologically actionable cytoprotective stress response to inhibition of KRASG12C in lung cancer.
Asunto(s)
Homólogo de la Proteína 1 Relacionada con la Autofagia , Proliferación Celular , Péptidos y Proteínas de Señalización Intracelular , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , Animales , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Ratones , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Autofagia/efectos de los fármacos , Homólogo de la Proteína 1 Relacionada con la Autofagia/metabolismo , Homólogo de la Proteína 1 Relacionada con la Autofagia/genética , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/tratamiento farmacológico , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/patología , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/genética , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/metabolismo , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Péptidos y Proteínas de Señalización Intracelular/metabolismo , Péptidos y Proteínas de Señalización Intracelular/genética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/genética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patología , Neoplasias Pulmonares/metabolismo , Piperazinas , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinasas/metabolismo , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinasas/genética , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinasas/antagonistas & inhibidores , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/metabolismo , Piridinas , Pirimidinas/farmacologíaRESUMEN
Selective KRASG12C inhibitors have been developed to covalently lock the oncogene in the inactive GDP-bound state. Two of these molecules, sotorasib and adagrasib, are approved for the treatment of adult patients with KRASG12C-mutated previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Drug treatment imposes selective pressures leading to the outgrowth of drug-resistant variants. Mass sequencing from patients' biopsies identified a number of acquired KRAS mutations -both in cis and in trans- in resistant tumors. We demonstrate here that disease progression in vivo can also occur due to adaptive mechanisms and increased KRAS-GTP loading. Using the preclinical tool tri-complex KRASG12C-selective covalent inhibitor, RMC-4998 (also known as RM-029), that targets the active GTP-bound (ON) state of the oncogene, we provide a proof-of-concept that the clinical stage KRASG12C(ON) inhibitor RMC-6291 alone or in combination with KRASG12C(OFF) drugs can be an alternative potential therapeutic strategy to circumvent resistance due to increased KRAS-GTP loading.
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Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , Humanos , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/antagonistas & inhibidores , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/metabolismo , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos/genética , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/tratamiento farmacológico , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/genética , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/metabolismo , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/patología , Ratones , Línea Celular Tumoral , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/genética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patología , Mutación , Femenino , Ensayos Antitumor por Modelo de Xenoinjerto , Guanosina Trifosfato/metabolismo , Acetonitrilos , Piperazinas , Piridinas , PirimidinasRESUMEN
The major driver oncogenes MYC, mutant KRAS, and mutant TP53 often coexist and cooperate to promote human neoplasia, which results in anticancer therapeutic opportunities within their downstream molecular programs. However, little research has been conducted on whether redundancy and competition among oncogenes affect their programs and ability to drive neoplasia. By CRISPRâCas9-mediated downregulation we evaluated the downstream proteomics and transcriptomics programs of MYC, mutant KRAS, and mutant TP53 in a panel of cell lines with either one or three of these oncogenes activated, in cancers of the lung, colon and pancreas. Using RNAi screening of the commonly activated molecular programs, we found a signature of three proteins - RUVBL1, HSPA9, and XPO1, which could be efficiently targeted by novel drug combinations in the studied cancer types. Interestingly, the signature was controlled by the oncoproteins in a redundant or competitive manner rather than by cooperation. Each oncoprotein individually upregulated the target genes, while upon oncogene co-expression each target was controlled preferably by a dominant oncoprotein which reduced the influence of the others. This interplay was mediated by redundant routes of target gene activation - as in the case of mutant KRAS signaling to c-Jun/GLI2 transcription factors bypassing c-Myc activation, and by competition - as in the case of mutant p53 and c-Myc competing for binding to target promoters. The global transcriptomics data from the cell lines and patient samples indicate that the redundancy and competition of oncogenic programs are broad phenomena, that may constitute even a majority of the genes dependent on oncoproteins, as shown for mutant p53 in colon and lung cancer cell lines. Nevertheless, we demonstrated that redundant oncogene programs harbor targets for efficient anticancer drug combinations, bypassing the limitations for direct oncoprotein inhibition.
Asunto(s)
Mutación , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-myc , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , Proteína p53 Supresora de Tumor , Humanos , Proteína p53 Supresora de Tumor/metabolismo , Proteína p53 Supresora de Tumor/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-myc/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-myc/genética , Línea Celular Tumoral , Mutación/genética , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Oncogenes/genética , Neoplasias/genética , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias/patología , Neoplasias/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Proteínas HSP70 de Choque Térmico , Proteínas MitocondrialesRESUMEN
As many as 30% of the patients with non-small cell lung cancer harbor oncogenic KRAS mutations, which leads to extensive remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment. Although co-mutations in several genes have prognostic relevance in KRAS-mutated patients, their effect on tumor immunogenicity are poorly understood. In the present study, a total of 189 patients with non-small cell lung cancer underwent a standardized analysis including IHC, whole-exome DNA sequencing, and whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing. Patients with activating KRAS mutations demonstrated a significant increase in PDL1 expression and CD8+ T-cell infiltration. Both were increased in the presence of a co-occurring TP53 mutation and lost with STK11 co-mutation. Subsequent genomic analysis demonstrated that KRAS/TP53 co-mutated tumors had a significant decrease in the expression of glycolysis-associated genes and an increase in several genes involved in lipid metabolism, notably lipoprotein lipase, low-density lipoprotein receptor, and LDLRAD4. Conversely, in the immune-excluded KRAS/STK11 co-mutated group, we observed diminished lipid metabolism and no change in anaerobic glycolysis. Interestingly, in patients with low expression of lipoprotein lipase, low-density lipoprotein receptor, or LDLRAD4, KRAS mutations had no effect on tumor immunogenicity. However, in patients with robust expression of these genes, KRAS mutations were associated with increased immunogenicity and associated with improved overall survival. Our data further suggest that the loss of STK11 may function as a metabolic switch, suppressing lipid metabolism in favor of glycolysis, thereby negating KRAS-induced immunogenicity. Hence, this concept warrants continued exploration, both as a predictive biomarker and potential target for therapy in patients receiving ICI-based immunotherapy. SIGNIFICANCE: In patients with lung cancer, we demonstrate that KRAS mutations increase tumor immunogenicity; however, KRAS/STK11 co-mutated patients display an immune-excluded phenotype. KRAS/STK11 co-mutated patients also demonstrated significant downregulation of several key lipid metabolism genes, many of which were associated with increased immunogenicity and improved overall survival in KRAS-mutated patients. Hence, alteration to lipid metabolism warrants further study as a potential biomarker and target for therapy in patients with KRAS-mutated lung cancer.
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Quinasas de la Proteína-Quinasa Activada por el AMP , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas , Metabolismo de los Lípidos , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Mutación , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinasas , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , Humanos , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/genética , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/inmunología , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/patología , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinasas/genética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/genética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/inmunología , Metabolismo de los Lípidos/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , Masculino , Femenino , Microambiente Tumoral/inmunología , Microambiente Tumoral/genética , Anciano , Persona de Mediana Edad , Antígeno B7-H1/genética , Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/inmunología , Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/metabolismo , Pronóstico , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica , Proteína p53 Supresora de Tumor/genética , Proteína p53 Supresora de Tumor/metabolismoRESUMEN
Digital PCR (dPCR) is a powerful method for highly sensitive and precise quantification of nucleic acids. However, designing and optimizing new multiplex dPCR assays using target sequence specific probes remains cumbersome, since fluorescent signals must be optimized for every new target panel. As a solution, we established a generic fluorogenic 6-plex reporter set, based on mediator probe technology, that decouples target detection from signal generation. This generic reporter set is compatible with different target panels and thus provides already optimized fluorescence signals from the start of new assay development. Generic reporters showed high population separability in a colorimetric 6-plex mediator probe dPCR, due to their tailored fluorophore and quencher selection. These reporters were further tested using different KRAS, NRAS and BRAF single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), which are frequent point mutation targets in liquid biopsy. We specifically quantified SNP targets in our multiplex approach down to 0.4 copies per microliter (cp/µL) reaction mix, equaling 10 copies per reaction, on a wild-type background of 400 cp/µL for each, equaling 0.1% variant allele frequencies. We also demonstrated the design of an alternative generic reporter set from scratch in order to give detailed step-by-step guidance on how to systematically establish and optimize novel generic reporter sets. Those generic reporter sets can be customized for various digital PCR platforms or target panels with different degrees of multiplexing.
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Colorimetría , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple , Humanos , Colorimetría/métodos , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa Multiplex/métodos , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas B-raf/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , Proteínas de la Membrana/genética , GTP FosfohidrolasasRESUMEN
Cancer cells can escape death and surveillance by the host immune system in various ways. Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a transmembrane protein that is expressed by most cell types, including cancer cells, and can provide an inhibitory signal to its receptor PD-1, which is expressed on the surface of activated T cells, impairing the immune response. PD-L1/PD-1-mediated immune evasion is observed in several KRAS-mutated cancers. In the current study, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to knock down PD-L1 and KRAS in adenocarcinoma lung cells (A549 and H1975). Knockdown of PD-L1 was validated by qPCR and coculture with lymphocytes. The cells were functionally analyzed for cell cycle, migration and apoptosis. In addition, the effects of PD-L1 and KRAS downregulation on chemotherapy sensitivity and expression of inflammatory markers were investigated. Suppression of PD-L1 and KRAS led to a slowdown of the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase and reduced migration, increased sensitivity to chemotherapy and triggered apoptosis of cancer cells. In addition, the conditioned medium of the modulated cells significantly affected the native cancer cells and reduced their viability and drug resistance. Our study suggests that dual silencing of PD-L1 and KRAS by CRISPR/Cas9 may be a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of lung cancer.
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Apoptosis , Antígeno B7-H1 , Sistemas CRISPR-Cas , Técnicas de Silenciamiento del Gen , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , Humanos , Antígeno B7-H1/metabolismo , Antígeno B7-H1/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pulmonares/genética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patología , Apoptosis/genética , Línea Celular Tumoral , Células A549 , Movimiento Celular/genética , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica , Ciclo Celular/genéticaRESUMEN
Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a rare and highly aggressive cancer in humans and dogs. In dogs, it has a high prevalence in certain breeds, such as Bernese mountain dogs (BMDs) and flat-coated retrievers. Hemophagocytic histiocytic sarcoma (HHS) is a unique form of HS that presents with erythrophagocytosis. Due to its rareness, the study of HHS is very limited, and mutations in canine HHS patients have not been studied to date. In previous work, our research group identified two major PTPN11/SHP2 driver mutations, E76K and G503V, in HS in dogs. Here, we report additional mutations located in exon 3 of PTPN11/SHP2 in both HS and HHS cases, further supporting that this area is a mutational hotspot in dogs and that mutations in tumors and liquid biopsies should be evaluated utilizing comprehensive methods such as Sanger and NextGen sequencing. The overall prevalence of PTPN11/SHP2 mutations was 55.8% in HS and 46.2% in HHS. In addition, we identified mutations in KRAS, in about 3% of HS and 4% of HHS cases. These findings point to the shared molecular pathology of activation of the MAPK pathway in HS and HHS cases. We evaluated the efficacy of the highly specific MEK inhibitor, cobimetinib, in canine HS and HHS cell lines. We found that the IC50 values ranged from 74 to 372 nM, which are within the achievable and tolerable ranges for cobimetinib. This finding positions cobimetinib as a promising potential candidate for future canine clinical trials and enhances our understanding of the molecular defects in these challenging cancers.
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Azetidinas , Sarcoma Histiocítico , Mutación , Piperidinas , Proteína Tirosina Fosfatasa no Receptora Tipo 11 , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , Proteína Tirosina Fosfatasa no Receptora Tipo 11/genética , Piperidinas/farmacología , Perros , Animales , Sarcoma Histiocítico/tratamiento farmacológico , Sarcoma Histiocítico/genética , Sarcoma Histiocítico/veterinaria , Sarcoma Histiocítico/patología , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , Azetidinas/farmacología , Enfermedades de los Perros/genética , Enfermedades de los Perros/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades de los Perros/patología , Inhibidores de Proteínas Quinasas/farmacología , Línea Celular TumoralRESUMEN
While KRAS mutation is the leading cause of low survival rates in lung cancer bone metastasis patients, effective treatments are still lacking. Here, we identified homeobox C10 (HOXC10) as a lynchpin in pan-KRAS-mutant lung cancer bone metastasis. Through RNA-seq approach and patient tissue studies, we demonstrated that HOXC10 expression was dramatically increased. Genetic depletion of HOXC10 preferentially impeded cell proliferation and migration in vitro. The bioluminescence imaging and micro-CT results demonstrated that inhibition of HOXC10 significantly reduced bone metastasis of KRAS-mutant lung cancer in vivo. Mechanistically, the transcription factor HOXC10 activated NOD1/ERK signaling pathway to reprogram epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and bone microenvironment by activating the NOD1 promoter. Strikingly, inhibition of HOXC10 in combination with STAT3 inhibitor was effective against KRAS-mutant lung cancer bone metastasis by triggering ferroptosis. Taken together, these findings reveal that HOXC10 effectively alleviates pan-KRAS-mutant lung cancer with bone metastasis in the NOD1/ERK axis-dependent manner, and support further development of an effective combinatorial strategy for this kind of disease.
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Neoplasias Óseas , Proteínas de Homeodominio , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Mutación , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , Neoplasias Pulmonares/secundario , Neoplasias Pulmonares/genética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patología , Neoplasias Pulmonares/metabolismo , Humanos , Proteínas de Homeodominio/genética , Proteínas de Homeodominio/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/metabolismo , Neoplasias Óseas/secundario , Neoplasias Óseas/genética , Neoplasias Óseas/metabolismo , Neoplasias Óseas/patología , Animales , Ratones , Línea Celular Tumoral , Sistema de Señalización de MAP Quinasas/genética , Osteólisis/genética , Osteólisis/patología , Transición Epitelial-Mesenquimal/genética , FemeninoRESUMEN
Kirsten Rat Sarcoma (KRAS) is the most commonly mutated oncogene in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). We have previously reported the interactions between microsatellite instability (MSI), DNA promoter methylation, and gene expression. In this study, we looked for associations between KRAS mutation, gene expression, and methylation that may help with precision medicine. Genome-wide gene expression and DNA methylation were done in paired CRC tumor and surrounding healthy tissues. The results suggested that (a) the magnitude of dysregulation of many major gene pathways in CRC was significantly greater in patients with the KRAS mutation, (b) the up- and down-regulation of these dysregulated gene pathways could be correlated with the corresponding hypo- and hyper-methylation, and (c) the up-regulation of CDKN2A was more pronounced in tumors with the KRAS mutation. A recent cell line study showed that there were higher CDKN2A levels in 5-FU-resistant CRC cells and that these could be down-regulated by Villosol. Our findings suggest the possibility of a better response to anti-CDKN2A therapy with Villosol in KRAS-mutant CRC. Also, the more marked up-regulation of genes in the proteasome pathway in CRC tissue, especially with the KRAS mutation and MSI, may suggest a potential role of a proteasome inhibitor (bortezomib, carfilzomib, or ixazomib) in selected CRC patients if necessary.
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Neoplasias Colorrectales , Metilación de ADN , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica , Mutación , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras) , Transcriptoma , Humanos , Neoplasias Colorrectales/genética , Neoplasias Colorrectales/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Colorrectales/patología , Neoplasias Colorrectales/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas p21(ras)/genética , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Inestabilidad de Microsatélites , Epigenoma , Inhibidor p16 de la Quinasa Dependiente de Ciclina/genética , Inhibidor p16 de la Quinasa Dependiente de Ciclina/metabolismoRESUMEN
RAS GTPases associate with the biological membrane where they function as molecular switches to regulate cell growth. Recent studies indicate that RAS proteins oligomerize on membranes, and disrupting these assemblies represents an alternative therapeutic strategy. However, conflicting reports on RAS assemblies, ranging in size from dimers to nanoclusters, have brought to the fore key questions regarding the stoichiometry and parameters that influence oligomerization. Here, we probe three isoforms of RAS [Kirsten Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS), Harvey Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene (HRAS), and Neuroblastoma oncogene (NRAS)] directly from membranes using mass spectrometry. We show that KRAS on membranes in the inactive state (GDP-bound) is monomeric but forms dimers in the active state (GTP-bound). We demonstrate that the small molecule BI2852 can induce dimerization of KRAS, whereas the binding of effector proteins disrupts dimerization. We also show that RAS dimerization is dependent on lipid composition and reveal that oligomerization of NRAS is regulated by palmitoylation. By monitoring the intrinsic GTPase activity of RAS, we capture the emergence of a dimer containing either mixed nucleotides or GDP on membranes. We find that the interaction of RAS with the catalytic domain of Son of Sevenless (SOScat) is influenced by membrane composition. We also capture the activation and monomer to dimer conversion of KRAS by SOScat. These results not only reveal the stoichiometry of RAS assemblies on membranes but also uncover the impact of critical factors on oligomerization, encompassing regulation by nucleotides, lipids, and palmitoylation.