7bcs

Publication Abstract from PubMed

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.

Rational design of ASCT2 inhibitors using an integrated experimental-computational approach.,Garibsingh RA, Ndaru E, Garaeva AA, Shi Y, Zielewicz L, Zakrepine P, Bonomi M, Slotboom DJ, Paulino C, Grewer C, Schlessinger A Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021 Sep 14;118(37). pii: 2104093118. doi:, 10.1073/pnas.2104093118. PMID:34507995^[1]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.