Selective Inhibition of Oncogenic KRAS Output with Small Molecules Targeting the Inactive State.
Patricelli, M.P., Janes, M.R., Li, L.S., Hansen, R., Peters, U., Kessler, L.V., Chen, Y., Kucharski, J.M., Feng, J., Ely, T., Chen, J.H., Firdaus, S.J., Babbar, A., Ren, P., Liu, Y.(2016) Cancer Discov 6: 316-329
- PubMed: 26739882 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1158/2159-8290.CD-15-1105
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
5F2E - PubMed Abstract: 
KRAS gain-of-function mutations occur in approximately 30% of all human cancers. Despite more than 30 years of KRAS-focused research and development efforts, no targeted therapy has been discovered for cancers with KRAS mutations. Here, we describe ARS-853, a selective, covalent inhibitor of KRAS(G12C) that inhibits mutant KRAS-driven signaling by binding to the GDP-bound oncoprotein and preventing activation. Based on the rates of engagement and inhibition observed for ARS-853, along with a mutant-specific mass spectrometry-based assay for assessing KRAS activation status, we show that the nucleotide state of KRAS(G12C) is in a state of dynamic flux that can be modulated by upstream signaling factors. These studies provide convincing evidence that the KRAS(G12C) mutation generates a "hyperexcitable" rather than a "statically active" state and that targeting the inactive, GDP-bound form is a promising approach for generating novel anti-RAS therapeutics. A cell-active, mutant-specific, covalent inhibitor of KRAS(G12C) is described that targets the GDP-bound, inactive state and prevents subsequent activation. Using this novel compound, we demonstrate that KRAS(G12C) oncoprotein rapidly cycles bound nucleotide and responds to upstream signaling inputs to maintain a highly active state.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Wellspring Biosciences, La Jolla, California.