From Undruggable to Unstoppable: A Revolutionary Cancer Cure Target Unveiled | UC San Francisco
For decades, a quarter of all cancerous tumors remained a formidable challenge due to mutations in the KRAS gene, which drives cell growth. But a groundbreaking discovery by UC San Francisco Professor Kevan Shokat and his team has shattered this belief. They’ve developed the world’s first drugs that target KRAS, a breakthrough that could redefine cancer treatment.
The KRAS Gene: A Master Regulator
The KRAS gene is ubiquitous, encoding the K-Ras protein, which orchestrates cell division and growth. Certain mutations in KRAS cause K-Ras to stay in the ‘on’ position, leading to uncontrolled cell division and the formation of cancerous tumors. These mutations are linked to some of the deadliest cancers, including lung, pancreatic, and colorectal.
Uncovering the Achilles’ Heel
In 2013, Shokat’s team made a pivotal discovery: a tiny ‘pocket’ on the surface of the mutated K-Ras protein. This pocket became the key to unlocking a new treatment approach. By developing drugs that fit into this pocket and bind to the protein, they weakened and ultimately killed cancerous cells.
A Turning Point in Cancer Treatment
Shokat’s research proved that K-Ras was ‘druggable’, paving the way for the development of sotorasib and adagrasib, the first KRAS-targeting cancer treatments approved by the FDA. This breakthrough has sparked a new era in cancer therapy, with similar treatments in late-stage clinical trials. Moreover, it has inspired scientists to explore novel ways of targeting enzymes associated with Parkinson’s and other diseases.
The Impact of Scientific Discovery
UC San Francisco’s research not only leads to life-saving treatments but also fosters innovation, creates jobs, and strengthens America’s healthcare system. Explore the impact of our scientific endeavors at [https://www.ucsf.edu/saving-lives-with-science].