Systematic discovery of mutation-directed neo-protein-protein interactions in cancer

Abstract

Comprehensive sequencing of patient tumors reveals numerous genomic mutations across tumor types that enable tumorigenesis and progression. A subset of oncogenic driver mutations results in neomorphic activity where the mutant protein mediates functions not engaged by the parental molecule. Here, we identify prevalent variant-enabled neomorph-protein-protein interactions (neoPPI) with a quantitative High Throughput differential Screening (qHT-dS) platform. Coupling of highly sensitive BRET biosensors with miniaturized co-expression in an ultra-HTS format allows large-scale monitoring of interactions of wild-type and mutant variant counterparts with a library of cancer-associated proteins in live cells. Screening of 13,392 interactions with 1,474,560 data points revealed a landscape of gain-of-interactions encompassing both oncogenic and tumor suppressor mutations. For example, the recurrent BRAF V600E lesion mediates KEAP1 neoPPI, rewiring a BRAFV600E-KEAP1 signaling axis and creating collateral vulnerability to NQO1 substrates, offering a combination therapeutic strategy. Thus, cancer genomic alterations can create neo-interactions, informing variant-directed therapeutic approaches for precision medicine.