An In Vivo Kras Allelic Series Reveals Distinct Phenotypes of Common Oncogenic Variants
CANCER DISCOVERY
Authors: Zafra, Maria Paz; Parsons, Marie J.; Kim, Jangkyung; Alonso-Curbelo, Direna; Goswami, Sukanya; Schatoff, Emma M.; Han, Teng; Katti, Alyna; Fernandez, Maria Teresa Calvo; Wilkinson, John E.; Piskounova, Elena; Dow, Lukas E.
Abstract
KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in cancer, yet there is little under- standing of how specific KRAS amino acid changes affect tumor initiation, progression, or therapy response. Using high-fidelity CRISPR-based engineering, we created an allelic series of new LSL-Kras mutant mice, reflecting codon 12 and 13 mutations that are highly prevalent in lung (KRAS(G1)(2C)), pancreas (KRAS(G12R)), and colon (KRAS(G13D)) cancers. Induction of each allele in either the murine colon or pancreas revealed striking quantitative and qualitative differences between KRAS mutants in driving the early stages of transformation. Furthermore, using pancreatic organoid models, we show that KRAS(G13D) mutants are sensitive to EGFR inhibition, whereas KRAS(G12C)-mutant organoids are selectively responsive to covalent G12C inhibitors only when EGFR is suppressed. Together, these new mouse strains provide an ideal platform for investigating KRAS biology in vivo and for developing preclinical precision oncology models of KRAS-mutant pancreas, colon, and lung cancers. SIGNIFICANCE: KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene. Here, we describe new preclinical models that mimic tissue-selective KRAS mutations and show that each mutation has distinct cellular consequences in vivo and carries differential sensitivity to targeted therapeutic agents.
Network Pharmacology Identifies the Mechanisms of Sang-Xing-Zhi-Ke-Fang against Pharyngitis
EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Authors: Deng, Yinhe; Li, Quanjiang; Li, Menglin; Han, Tiantian; Li, Guixian; Liu, Qiong
Abstract
Background. Sang-Xing-Zhi-Ke-Fang (SXZKF) demonstrates good therapeutic effect against pharyngitis. Nevertheless, the pharmacological mechanism underlying its effectiveness is still unclear. Objective. To investigate the underlying mechanisms of SXZKF against pharyngitis using network pharmacology method. Methods. Bioactive ingredients of SXZKF were collected and screened using published literature and two public databases. Using four public databases, the overlapping genes between these bioactive compound-related and pharyngitis-related genes were identified by Venn diagram. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) was obtained using "Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING)" database. "Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery ver. 6.8 (DAVID 6.8)" was used to perform Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis to explore the molecular mechanisms of SXZKF against pharyngitis. Finally, Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct and visualize the networks. Result. A total of 102 bioactive compounds were identified. Among them, 886 compounds-related and 6258 pharyngitis-related genes were identified, including 387 overlapping genes. Sixty-three core targets were obtained, including ALB, PPAR gamma, MAPK3, EGF, and PTGS2. Signaling pathways closely related to mechanisms of SXZKF for pharyngitis were identified, including serotonergic synapse, VEGF signaling pathway, Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and influenza A. Conclusion. This is the first identification of in-depth study of SXZKF against pharyngitis using network pharmacology. This new evidence could be informative in providing new support on the clinical effects of SXZKF on pharyngitis and for the development of personalized medicine for pharyngitis.