CANCER RESEARCH UK scientists have created the first complete model of a molecule which captains a key cell signalling network to prevent cancer – and exposed the secret of how a highly selective drug can intervene to control its activity, according to a study published in PLoS Biology*.
Scientists based at Cancer Research UK’s London Research Institute used a combination of an imaging technique** and modelling to create a 3D interactive model of the enzyme protein kinase B (PKB), and observed how it functions in cells.
PKB is a chief regulator of the signalling pathways that control how cells behave. Disruption to this network is one route to cancer and excessive activation of PKB is observed in tumours. Understanding more about how PKB functions, will help scientists find out how existing drugs work to switch PKB off so that it behaves as it should in normal cells. This will help scientists develop more effective drugs to target PKB and knock out cancer.
The moving interactive model exposed a secret cavity*** in the enzyme’s structure which was shown by the scientists to be the point where it interacts with regulatory drugs. They demonstrated that an inhibitor molecule could bind to this cavity area to lock the enzyme into an inactive state.
Scientists already know that a family of ‘allosteric’ drugs**** can switch off this enzyme but until now no-one knew how they worked. Currently the drugs are not suitable for use in people. This discovery will pave the way to the development of similar drugs that are safe and effective in cancer patients.
Lead author, Professor Banafshe Larijani, head of the Cell Biophysics Laboratory at Cancer Research UK’s London Research Institute, said: “An overactive form of PKB is observed in tumours, so finding a way to switch this enzyme off lets us, in effect, put up road blocks along routes by which cancer can develop.
“Our team has deduced for the first time the model structure of this critical protein and how it interacts with other molecules in the cell. This means we now understand how existing drugs keep it in check, giving us the information we need to develop better ones.”
Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: “We have recognised the important role this protein can have in driving cancer development and now we know its full structure, the coast is clear to develop new therapies which will help in our fight to beat cancer.”
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References
Veronique Calleja et al. Role of a Novel PH-Kinase Domain Interface in PKB/Akt Regulation: Structural Mechanism for Allosteric Inhibition. PLoS Biology 21 January 2009.
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*Veronique Calleja et al. Role of a Novel PH-Kinase Domain Interface in PKB/Akt Regulation: Structural Mechanism for Allosteric Inhibition. PLoS Biology 21 January 2009.
**The scientists created the model of PKB by constructing a purpose-built machine which uses the emission of light photons as rulers to measure molecular interactions, through a technique called two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). This was alongside standard biochemical techniques including molecular modelling and assays. The team found links between the structure of PKB and its function, the cell location of PKB, how it binds to other molecules and how its activity is regulated.
***The team deduced the special organisation of different regions of the protein in its inactive state and discovered an unknown cavity at an interface of two distinct functional regions of the inactive form. The team also proved that this area was responsible for regulating the inactive form of the protein.
They determined the mechanism of action of a specific PKB inhibitor named AKT inhibitor VIII and showed that the binding of this inhibitor to the cavity connecting these two active regions, locks PKB into an inactive form. This prevents other regulatory proteins having an effect on the activity of PKB.
****Allosteric drugs
These are drugs which regulate a protein by binding to a site, which causes the protein to change shape and alter its function.
About the London Research Institute
The Cancer Research UK London Research Institute (LRI) conducts innovative basic biological research to improve our understanding of cancer. The LRI has 550 staff and students and houses 46 research groups based at two locations: Lincoln’s Inn Fields laboratories in central London, and Clare Hall laboratories on London’s outskirts at South Mimms, Hertfordshire. For more information visit the LRI homepage.
About Cancer Research UK
- Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK’s vision is to beat cancer.
- Cancer Research UK carries out world-class research to improve understanding of the disease and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer.
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