Structure of SHOC2-KRAS-PP1C complex reveals RAS isoform-specific determinants and insights into targeting complex assembly by RAS inhibitors.

ABSTRACT: RAF activation is essential for MAPK signaling and is mediated by RAS binding and the dephosphorylation of a conserved phosphoserine by the SHOC2-RAS-PP1C complex. MRAS forms a high-affinity SHOC2-MRAS-PP1C (SMP) complex, while canonical RAS isoforms (KRAS, HRAS, NRAS) form analogous but lower-affinity assemblies. Yet, cancers driven by oncogenic KRAS, HRAS, or NRAS remain strongly SHOC2-dependent, suggesting that these weaker complexes contribute to tumorigenesis. To elucidate how canonical RAS proteins form lower-affinity ternary complexes, the cryo-EM structure of the SHOC2-KRAS-PP1C (SKP) complex stabilized by Noonan syndrome mutations is described. The SKP architecture is similar to the SMP complex but forms fewer contacts and buries less surface area due to the absence of MRAS-specif

SUBMITTER: Bonsor DA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12905138 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature