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Published on: May 30, 2025
KRAS regulation by small non-coding RNAs and SNARE proteins
Yonglu Che1,2, Zurab Siprashvili1,2, Joanna R Kovalski1,2
1Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
Small nucleolar RNAs SNORD50A/B inhibit KRAS tumorigenic action by controlling its plasma membrane localization. These RNAs antagonize SNARE proteins, impacting KRAS signaling and offering a potential cancer therapy target.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- KRAS is a key signaling protein at the plasma membrane, transmitting growth factor signals.
- SNORD50A/B RNAs were recently identified to bind KRAS and inhibit its tumorigenic activity through unknown mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism by which SNORD50A/B RNAs inhibit KRAS tumorigenic action.
- To investigate the role of SNORD50A/B RNAs in regulating KRAS localization and signaling.
Main Methods:
- KRAS proximity protein labeling in SNORD50A/B wild-type and knockout cells.
- Analysis of protein composition proximal to KRAS.
- Investigating the role of SNARE proteins in KRAS trafficking.
Main Results:
- SNORD50A/B RNAs alter the protein composition near KRAS, reducing its proximity to SNARE proteins (SNAP23, SNAP29, VAMP3).
- SNARE proteins are crucial for KRAS localization to the plasma membrane.
- SNORD50A/B RNAs antagonize SNARE-mediated KRAS plasma membrane enrichment.
Conclusions:
- SNORD50A/B RNAs and SNARE proteins have an antagonistic relationship that controls KRAS localization and signaling.
- Disrupting SNARE-mediated KRAS function presents a potential therapeutic strategy for KRAS-driven cancers.
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