RESEARCH: CANCER
FOLDING PROJECT #18107 PROFILE

This project studies KRas, a protein that controls cell growth. It can become mutated in cancer, causing uncontrolled cell division. Scientists are using simulations to understand how KRas works with inhibitors (drugs) so they can design better cancer treatments. All data will be publicly available.

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, 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/.

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KRas

A protein that plays a role in cell growth and division.

KRas is a protein that acts like a switch controlling cell growth. When it's active, cells divide. In many cancers, KRas malfunctions, constantly sending signals for cell division, leading to uncontrolled tumor growth. Scientists are developing drugs to target KRas and stop its harmful activity.

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GDP

Guanosine diphosphate

GDP is a molecule that binds to KRas, keeping it in an inactive state. Think of it like a 'off' switch for cell growth.

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GTP

Guanosine triphosphate

GTP is a molecule that binds to KRas, activating it and triggering cell growth. It's like the 'on' switch for cell division.

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Inhibitors

Substances that block the action of a protein or enzyme.

Inhibitors are molecules designed to prevent KRas from working properly. Scientists hope they can use inhibitors to stop cancer cells from dividing.

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Prognosis

The likely course or outcome of a disease.

Prognosis refers to the expected outcome for a patient with a particular illness. A poor prognosis means the disease is likely to worsen over time.

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Folding@home

A distributed computing project that uses volunteer computer power to simulate protein folding.

Folding@home is a global effort where people donate their computer's processing power to help scientists understand how proteins fold and function. This research can lead to new treatments for diseases like cancer.

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Roivant Sciences

A biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing new medicines.

Roivant Sciences is a pharmaceutical company that researches and develops new drugs. They are working with Folding@home to study KRas and develop potential cancer treatments.

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Silicon Therapeutics

A former name for Roivant Sciences.

Silicon Therapeutics was the original name for Roivant Sciences before it rebranded.