Abstract B190: Allosteric modulation of Src family kinases via SH3 domain displacement

The Src family of non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinases (SFKs) plays a crucial role in cancer progression by affecting multiple signaling pathways linked to tumor cell adhesion, invasion and survival. Recent work from our group and others has shown that individual Src-family members may have unique and in some cases opposing roles in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. Discovery and development of SFK isoform-selective inhibitors and agonists is therefore essential for the most effective therapeutic targeting of this ubiquitous kinase family. Current SFK inhibitors target the ATP-binding site of the kinase domain or an allosteric pocket nearby. However, the highly conserved nature of the active site across the Src kinase family limits identification of isoform-selective compounds. One possible solution to this problem involves small molecule modulation of SFK activity via the regulatory SH3 and SH2 domains. SFK activity is tightly regulated by intramolecular interactions of the SH3 domain with the SH2:kinase linker and the SH2 domain with the phosphorylated C-terminal tail. Small molecules that either enhance or disrupt these interactions are anticipated to result in kinase inhibition or activation, respectively. Recently, we reported that binding of a short proline-rich peptide to the SH3 domains of several Src-family members is sufficient to induce kinase activation in vitro. This peptide, known as VSL12 (VSLARRPLPLP), was postulated to disrupt the regulatory SH3:linker interaction in the downregulated kinase. In the present study, we used VSL12 as probe to better understand the structural basis of kinase activation by SH3 displacement. We first compared the affinity and kinetics of the VSL12 peptide interaction with SFK SH3 domains vs. the near full-length kinase proteins using surface plasmon resonance. We found that VSL12 bound to the isolated SH3 domains of Src, Hck, Lyn and Fyn with similar micromolar potencies. Surprisingly, the KD values for VSL12 binding to the corresponding near-full-length kinases were in the low nanomolar range, suggesting that the peptide makes additional contacts with residues outside of the SH3 domain that result in the stable, active complex. This idea was tested further using differential scanning fluorimetry to explore the thermal stability of the protein:peptide complexes. Addition of VSL12 enhanced the thermal stability of a recombinant Src SH3-SH2-linker protein, consistent with increased molecular order. However, VSL12 decreased the thermal stability of near full-length c-Src, which may reflect conformational changes in the kinase domain that accompany kinase activation. Addition of the kinase domain inhibitor dasatinib restored thermal stability of the Src:VSL12 complex. Complexes of the Src SH3-SH2-linker protein with the VSL12 peptide readily formed crystals that diffract X-rays to 2.6 A resolution, providing further support for the stabilization of the complex by VSL12 binding. Determining the structures of the Src SH3-SH2-linker protein and the near-full-length kinase in complex with VSL12 will provide fresh insight as to the mechanism of c-Src activation by SH3 domain displacement and aid in the design of potent and selective non-peptide allosteric modulators. Citation Format: Heather L. Rust, Jamie A. Moroco, John J. Alvarado, John J. Engen, Thomas E. Smithgall. Allosteric modulation of Src family kinases via SH3 domain displacement. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr B190.