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Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Structural debilitation of mutation G322D associated with MSH2 and their role in triple negative breast cancer
Ramireddy Sriroopreddy1, P Raghuraman1, C Sudandiradoss1
1Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India.
Abstract:
The missense mutation in the mismatch repair gene MSH2 underlies in several hereditary cancers. In this study, we have detailed the disruptive mutation of G322D that overtly pathogenic and clinically relevant to the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) on the basis of structural aspect to untangle the unknown factors. We systematically evaluated the conformational changes that undergo upon mutation from the annotation of intra-residual contacts, secondary structural arrangements and fold recognition through molecular dynamics simulation. At first, we interpreted the total of 88 intra-molecular interaction which is required minimally to maintain the native structural architecture. Adequately, the molecular dynamics approach is well contributed toward structural modification that takes places in C-terminal linking 290-294(L20), 339-347(L23-T16- α9-T17) and 373-395(α12-T19-20-L26-T21-L27-T22) in contrast to native 290-294(β8), 339-347(T20-α9-T21-α10), 373-395(α12-T19-20-L26-T21-L27-T22) provides a straightforward evidence that is underpinning destabilization and protein misfolding. Eventually, we have highlighted the structural debilitation of G322D in the core region of 303-309 L23-T18-α6 - L21- α8, and 326-330 α7-T19-L25 -α9 notably the connecting elements of secondary structural propensity (loop-helix) in folding pack were completely abrupted which helps to keep native form. Essentially, the information gained in our study on residual interaction and conformational transitions in the structure of mutant MSH2 provides valuable insights to understand the clues of functional behavior and also pave the way to frame suitable and improved therapeutical targets.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Insights
A missense mutation in the mismatch repair gene MSH2 (G322D) disrupts its structure, leading to protein misfolding relevant to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This study reveals key structural changes and offers insights for targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
- Cancer Genetics
Background:
- The mismatch repair gene MSH2 is crucial in hereditary cancers.
- Missense mutations in MSH2 can lead to pathogenic effects.
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with limited therapeutic options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural impact of the G322D missense mutation in MSH2.
- To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying MSH2 dysfunction in TNBC.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets based on structural insights.
Main Methods:
- Detailed analysis of intra-residual contacts and secondary structural arrangements.
- Molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate conformational changes upon mutation.
- Fold recognition to assess protein structural stability.
Main Results:
- The G322D mutation causes significant destabilization and protein misfolding.
- Conformational changes were observed in specific C-terminal regions (290-294, 339-347, 373-395) compared to the native structure.
- Structural debilitation in core regions (303-309, 326-330) disrupts loop-helix connections essential for native protein folding.
Conclusions:
- The G322D mutation in MSH2 leads to profound structural alterations, contributing to its pathogenicity in TNBC.
- Understanding these conformational transitions provides valuable insights into MSH2 functional behavior.
- The findings pave the way for developing improved therapeutic strategies targeting MSH2-related cancers.
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