RESEARCH: CANCER
FOLDING PROJECT #18042 PROFILE

Scientists are studying how a protein called KRas works in cancer cells. KRas is like a switch that controls cell growth, and when it's broken, it can cause cancer to grow out of control. The project uses computer simulations to understand how drugs work against KRas and hopes to develop new treatments.

Note: This TLDR is a simplication and may not be 100% accurate.

We are simulating publicly available protein and small molecule structures of the currently very hot cancer target KRas, see https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/amgen-s-lumakras-becomes-first-fda-approved-kras-inhibitor-for-lung-cancer-patients for recent developments.

Folding@home has previously looked at this protein (in project 10490), and the following part of the description is copied from there: This project is "studying a small protein called KRAS, which forms a key link in growth signaling and cancer.

This gene is something like a molecular switch with a timer.

When it is bound to a molecule called GDP, it is off, and does not signal that the cell should grow.

However, other proteins can cause it to swap its GDP for a GTP, turning KRAS on.

In the on state, it signals that the cell should grow and divide.

Normally, after some time, KRAS, with the aid of some partners, will chemically convert its GTP to GDP and return to its inactive state. In many cancers, this protein becomes mutated, and cannot return to its off state.

The result? The cells continue to divide without limit.

What’s worse, cancers with this protein mutated tend to have much poorer prognoses.

As a result, scientists have been trying to target this protein for decades." We are investigating the dynamic behavior of KRas with these publicly disclosed inhibitors so that we can apply this knowledge to our own drug design.

At the same time, we are further testing the adaptive sampling methodology.

All data is being made publicly available at https://console.cloud.google.com/storage/browser/stxfah-bucket, and insights from methodology developments will be shared.

This is a project run by Roivant Sciences (formerly Silicon Therapeutics) as was officially announced in this press release: https://foldingathome.org/2021/04/20/maximizing-the-impact-of-foldinghome-by-engaging-industry-collaborators/ All data is being made publicly available as soon as it is received at https://console.cloud.google.com/storage/browser/stxfah-bucket.

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KRas

Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog

KRas is a protein that plays a crucial role in cell growth and division. When mutated, it can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, a hallmark of cancer. Scientists are actively researching ways to target KRas for cancer treatment.

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GDP

Guanosine Diphosphate

GDP is a molecule that binds to KRas, keeping it in an inactive state. When GDP is replaced with GTP, KRas becomes active and signals for cell growth.

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GTP

Guanosine Triphosphate

GTP is a molecule that activates KRas, triggering cell growth and division signals. When GTP is converted back to GDP, KRas returns to its inactive state.

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Inhibitor

A substance that blocks or reduces the activity of a specific target, such as a protein.

Inhibitors are used to block the activity of proteins involved in disease processes. In cancer treatment, inhibitors aim to stop the growth and spread of tumor cells.

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Lumakras

A drug that inhibits KRas activity, approved for treating certain types of lung cancer.

Lumakras is a new medication used to treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer. It works by blocking the activity of the KRas protein, which drives uncontrolled cell growth in this type of cancer.

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Folding@home

A distributed computing project that harnesses the power of volunteers' computers to simulate protein folding and other biological processes.

Folding@home is a collaborative research effort where individuals donate their computer processing power to help scientists understand how proteins fold and interact. This knowledge is crucial for developing new drugs and treatments.

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Roivant Sciences

A biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing new drugs for various diseases.

Roivant Sciences is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to bringing innovative treatments to patients. They specialize in drug discovery and development, particularly in areas like oncology and rare diseases.

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Amgen

A biotechnology company that develops and manufactures biologic medicines.

Amgen is a leading pharmaceutical company known for its expertise in developing and manufacturing biologics, a type of medicine derived from living organisms. Their portfolio includes treatments for various conditions, including cancer, inflammatory diseases, and bone disorders.