# A collaborative structural hub to promote Cancer Center science and drug design

> **NIH NIH R50** · SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE · 2020 · $145,562

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The goal of this project is to provide a collaborative structural "hub" to promote SBPMDI Cancer Center
science, drug discovery, structure-based drug design and inhibitory mechanism. To understand the
mechanism of a discovered probe/lead compound and/or to enhance its potency, a co-crystal structure of the
probe with a target protein is required. This type of work typically requires troubleshooting and optimization,
because compounds obtained by screening often bind with unknown affinity, have solubility issues which
complicate co-crystallization and/or bind at unknown allosteric sites. I have already succeeded on six project
fronts in collaboration with Principal Investigators at the SBPMDI Cancer Center. Four of these projects have
NCI funding (RXRα ligand binding domain, Hif2α PASB domain, PLEKHA7 PH domain, FAS TE domain) and
two are part of NCI applications currently under review (TAO3 kinase domain and ALDOA). The RXRα work
revealed distinct inhibitory mechanisms between very similar lead compounds. The Hif2α PASB work
demonstrated the structural basis of tight inhbition. The PLEKHA7 PH and TAO3 kinase domains are novel
crystal structures with bound ligand; in the first case, revealing a structural basis for substrate specificity and in
the second case, pointing to a pathway to enhance inhibitor specificity. The ALDOA project has revealed the
structural basis of novel allosteric covalent inhibitors, as well as potential S-nitrosylation sites that may
determine subcellular localization. All six targets are novel (PLEKHA7, TAO3 and ALDOA), or established
(RXRα, Hif2α and FAS TE) cancer targets, and I plan to continue collaborations on their further development
from hit-to-lead. I have also added to the list the PH domain of CNK1, a KRas-linked cancer target with unique
properties. Based on my varied experiences, I have developed a cost efficient methodology with a high
likelihood of success, employing biophysical analysis, NMR, high-throughput crystallization and fine-focus
synchrotron radiation. I also encourage and provide training to postdocs, students, staff scientists and
technicians, who wish to participate in structural studies. The NCI R50 award will allow me a firm financial
basis on which to extend current studies and initiate new collaborations to include investigators with newly
discovered targets or probes but who currently lack the funding to support my collaborative work.
Understanding structural and mechanistic aspects of new drug candidates is required to move hit compounds
toward leads and a clinical testing funnel, and aid Principal Investigators in obtaining funding for their research,
thereby expediting the movement of basic science discoveries from "bench to bedside".

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10003971
- **Project number:** 5R50CA211440-05
- **Recipient organization:** SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE
- **Principal Investigator:** Alexander Aleshin
- **Activity code:** R50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $145,562
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-09-15 → 2021-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10003971

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10003971, A collaborative structural hub to promote Cancer Center science and drug design (5R50CA211440-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10003971. Licensed CC0.

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