Download MendeleyRational design of ASCT2 inhibitors using an integrated experimental-computational approach.
Garibsingh, R.A., Ndaru, E., Garaeva, A.A., Shi, Y., Zielewicz, L., Zakrepine, P., Bonomi, M., Slotboom, D.J., Paulino, C., Grewer, C., Schlessinger, A.(2021) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 118
- PubMed: 34507995
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2104093118
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
7BCQ, 7BCS, 7BCT - PubMed Abstract:
ASCT2 (SLC1A5) is a sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter that controls amino acid homeostasis in peripheral tissues. In cancer, ASCT2 is up-regulated where it modulates intracellular glutamine levels, fueling cell proliferation. Nutrient deprivation via ASCT2 inhibition provides a potential strategy for cancer therapy. Here, we rationally designed stereospecific inhibitors exploiting specific subpockets in the substrate binding site using computational modeling and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The final structures combined with molecular dynamics simulations reveal multiple pharmacologically relevant conformations in the ASCT2 binding site as well as a previously unknown mechanism of stereospecific inhibition. Furthermore, this integrated analysis guided the design of a series of unique ASCT2 inhibitors. Our results provide a framework for future development of cancer therapeutics targeting nutrient transport via ASCT2, as well as demonstrate the utility of combining computational modeling and cryo-EM for solute carrier ligand discovery.
Organizational Affiliation:
Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029.
