Profiling Complex RAS-Effector Interactions Using NMR Spectroscopy

Abstract

Knowledge of how effectors interact with RAS GTPases is key to understanding how these switch-like proteins function in cells. Effectors bind specifically to GTP-loaded RAS using RAS association (RA) or RAS binding domains (RBDs) that show wide-ranging affinities and thermodynamic characteristics. Both normal development and RAS-induced tumorigenesis depend on multiple distinct effector proteins that are frequently co-expressed and co-localized, suggesting an antagonistic nature to signaling whereby multiple proteins compete for a limited pool of activated GTPase. NMR spectroscopy offers a powerful approach to multiplex effectors and/or regulatory enzymes and quantifies their interaction with RAS, expanding our biophysical and systems-level understanding of RAS signaling in a more integrated and physiologically relevant setting. Here we describe a method to directly quantitate GTPase binding to competing effectors, using wild-type KRAS complex with ARAF and PLCε1 as a model. Unlabeled RBD/RA domains are added simultaneously to isotopically labeled RAS, and peak intensities at chemical shifts characteristic of individually bound domains provide quantitation. Similar competition-based assays can be run with small molecule interactors, GEF/GAP domains, or regulatory enzymes that drive posttranslational modifications. Such efforts bring in vitro interaction experiments in line with more complex cellular environments.