Elucidation of Ras homologous A: Systematic approach to identify potential signaling in gastric cancer

Previously, we identified Ras homologous A (RHOA) as a major signalling hub in gastric cancer (GC), the third-most common cause of cancer death in the world, prompting us to rationally design an efficacious inhibitor of this oncogenic GTPase. Here, based on that previous work, we extend those computational analyses, and in silico modeling approaches, to further pharmacologically optimize anti-RHOA hydrazide derivatives for greater anti-GC potency. Two of these, JK-136 and JK-139, potently inhibited cell viability and migration/invasion of GC cell lines, and mouse xenografts, diversely expressing RHOA. Moreover, JK-136’s binding affinity for RHOA was >140-fold greater than Rhosin, a nonclinical RHOA inhibitor. Network analysis of JK-136/139-associated transcriptomes showed different functional contexts, compared to those following treatment with Rhosin. We strongly assert that identifying and targeting oncogenic signalling hubs, such as RHOA, represents an emerging strategy for the design, characterization, and translation of new antineoplastics, against gastric and other cancers.

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Kim JH, Park S, Lim SM, Eom HJ, Balch C, Lee J, Kim GJ, Jeong JH, Nam S, Kim YH