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Assessing Cellular Target Engagement by SHP2 PTPN11 Phosphatase Inhibitors
Published on: July 17, 2020
Alpha-Based Multiplexed Assay for Identifying SH2 Domain Antagonists
Akira Asai1, Kazuyuki Takakuma2,3
1Center for Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8526, Japan. aasai@u-shizuoka-ken.ac.jp.
Abstract:
Constitutive activation of STAT3/5b frequently occurs in various human malignancies. STAT3/5b activation involves dimerization via intermolecular pTyr-SH2 binding; therefore, antagonizing this interaction is a feasible approach to inhibit STAT3/5b activation for cancer therapy. We have developed a multiplexed assay to assess STAT3- and STAT5b-SH2 binding in a single well by combining AlphaLISA and AlphaScreen beads. In this chapter, we describe application of the method for the purpose of identifying new STAT3 and STAT5b antagonists.
Insights
Researchers developed a new assay to find drugs that block Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) 3 and 5b protein interactions, a key step in many cancers. This method aids in discovering novel cancer therapeutics targeting STAT activation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Constitutive activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) 3 and STAT5b is common in human cancers.
- STAT3/5b activation relies on dimerization through intermolecular pTyr-SH2 binding.
- Inhibiting this interaction presents a viable strategy for cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel multiplexed assay for assessing STAT3- and STAT5b-SH2 binding.
- To demonstrate the application of this assay for identifying STAT3 and STAT5b antagonists.
Main Methods:
- Development of a multiplexed assay combining AlphaLISA and AlphaScreen bead technologies.
- The assay enables simultaneous assessment of STAT3-SH2 and STAT5b-SH2 binding in a single well.
Main Results:
- The described assay successfully measures STAT3- and STAT5b-SH2 interactions.
- The method is applicable for high-throughput screening to identify potential therapeutic agents.
Conclusions:
- A novel, efficient multiplexed assay has been established for STAT3 and STAT5b antagonist discovery.
- This assay provides a valuable tool for developing targeted cancer therapies by inhibiting STAT protein activation.

