Selective cytotoxicity of a bicyclic Ras inhibitor in cancer cells expressing K-Ras(G13D)

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2009 Sep 4;386(4):593-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.06.069. Epub 2009 Jun 18.

Abstract

Mutation of RAS genes is a critical event in the pathogenesis of different human tumors and in some developmental disorders. Here we present an arabinose-derived bicyclic compound displaying selective cytotoxicity in human colorectal cancer cells expressing K-Ras(G13D), that shows high intrinsic nucleotide exchange rate. We characterize binding of bicyclic compounds by docking and NMR experiments and their inhibitory activity on GEF-mediated nucleotide exchange on wild-type and mutant Ras proteins. We demonstrate that the in vitro inhibition of Ras nucleotide exchange depends on the molar ratio between Ras and its GEF activator, suggesting that the observed in vivo selective effect may depend on biochemical parameters and actual intracellular concentration of the Ras protein and its regulators.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds / chemistry
  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Molecular Structure
  • Mutation
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / biosynthesis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / genetics
  • ras-GRF1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • ras-GRF1 / genetics
  • ras-GRF1 / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds
  • ras-GRF1
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)