1
|
Roozitalab G, Abedi B, Imani S, Farghadani R, Jabbarzadeh Kaboli P. Comprehensive assessment of TECENTRIQ® and OPDIVO®: analyzing immunotherapy indications withdrawn in triple-negative breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10174-x. [PMID: 38409546 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10174-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Atezolizumab (TECENTRIQ®) and nivolumab (OPDIVO®) are both immunotherapeutic indications targeting programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), respectively. These inhibitors hold promise as therapies for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and have demonstrated encouraging results in reducing the progression and spread of tumors. However, due to their adverse effects and low response rates, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has withdrawn the approval of atezolizumab in TNBC and nivolumab in HCC treatment. The withdrawals of atezolizumab and nivolumab have raised concerns regarding their effectiveness and the ability to predict treatment responses. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the immunotherapy withdrawal of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, specifically atezolizumab for TNBC and nivolumab for HCC. This study will examine both the structural and clinical aspects. This review provides detailed insights into the structure of the PD-1 receptor and its ligands, the interactions between PD-1 and PD-L1, and their interactions with the withdrawn antibodies (atezolizumab and nivolumab) as well as PD-1 and PD-L1 modifications. In addition, this review further assesses these antibodies in the context of TNBC and HCC. It seeks to elucidate the factors that contribute to diverse responses to PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in different types of cancer and propose approaches for predicting responses, mitigating the potential risks linked to therapy withdrawals, and optimizing patient outcomes. By better understanding the mechanisms underlying responses to PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and developing strategies to predict these responses, it is possible to create more efficient treatments for TNBC and HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaal Roozitalab
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Behnaz Abedi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saber Imani
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Reyhaneh Farghadani
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
| | - Parham Jabbarzadeh Kaboli
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Research Center for Cancer Biology, Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, and Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 406, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Oleinikovas V, Gainza P, Ryckmans T, Fasching B, Thomä NH. From Thalidomide to Rational Molecular Glue Design for Targeted Protein Degradation. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 64:291-312. [PMID: 37585660 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-022123-104147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Thalidomide and its derivatives are powerful cancer therapeutics that are among the best-understood molecular glue degraders (MGDs). These drugs selectively reprogram the E3 ubiquitin ligase cereblon (CRBN) to commit target proteins for degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. MGDs create novel recognition interfaces on the surface of the E3 ligase that engage in induced protein-protein interactions with neosubstrates. Molecular insight into their mechanism of action opens exciting opportunities to engage a plethora of targets through a specific recognition motif, the G-loop. Our analysis shows that current CRBN-based MGDs can in principle recognize over 2,500 proteins in the human proteome that contain a G-loop. We review recent advances in tuning the specificity between CRBN and its MGD-induced neosubstrates and deduce a set of simple rules that govern these interactions. We conclude that rational MGD design efforts will enable selective degradation of many more proteins, expanding this therapeutic modality to more disease areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Nicolas H Thomä
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang Z, Shaabani S, Gao X, Ng YLD, Sapozhnikova V, Mertins P, Krönke J, Dömling A. Direct-to-biology, automated, nano-scale synthesis, and phenotypic screening-enabled E3 ligase modulator discovery. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8437. [PMID: 38114468 PMCID: PMC10730884 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43614-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalidomide and its analogs are molecular glues (MGs) that lead to targeted ubiquitination and degradation of key cancer proteins via the cereblon (CRBN) E3 ligase. Here, we develop a direct-to-biology (D2B) approach for accelerated discovery of MGs. In this platform, automated, high throughput, and nano scale synthesis of hundreds of pomalidomide-based MGs was combined with rapid phenotypic screening, enabling an unprecedented fast identification of potent CRBN-acting MGs. The small molecules were further validated by degradation profiling and anti-cancer activity. This revealed E14 as a potent MG degrader targeting IKZF1/3, GSPT1 and 2 with profound effects on a panel of cancer cells. In a more generalized view, integration of automated, nanoscale synthesis with phenotypic assays has the potential to accelerate MGs discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zefeng Wang
- University of Groningen, Department of Drug Design, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Shabnam Shaabani
- University of Groningen, Department of Drug Design, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Yuen Lam Dora Ng
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Valeriia Sapozhnikova
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Berlin and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Mertins
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Krönke
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Berlin and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Alexander Dömling
- University of Groningen, Department of Drug Design, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palackӯ University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen J, Feng H, Wang Y, Bai X, Sheng S, Li H, Huang M, Chu X, Lei Z. The involvement of E3 ubiquitin ligases in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:458. [PMID: 38104139 PMCID: PMC10725464 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01760-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, colorectal cancer (CRC) still has limited therapeutic efficacy and poor prognosis and there is an urgent need for novel targets to improve the outcome of CRC patients. The highly conserved ubiquitination modification mediated by E3 ubiquitin ligases is an important mechanism to regulate the expression and function of tumor promoters or suppressors in CRC. In this review, we provide an overview of E3 ligases in modulating various biological processes in CRC, including proliferation, migration, stemness, metabolism, cell death, differentiation and immune response of CRC cells, emphasizing the pluripotency of E3 ubiquitin ligases. We further focus on the role of E3 ligases in regulating vital cellular signal pathways in CRC, such as Wnt/β-catenin pathway and NF-κB pathway. Additionally, considering the potential of E3 ligases as novel targets in the treatment of CRC, we discuss what aspects of E3 ligases can be utilized and exploited for efficient therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haimei Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yiting Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoming Bai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Siqi Sheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Huiyu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Mengxi Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Xiaoyuan Chu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical university, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Zengjie Lei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical university, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang SH, Zeng N, Sun JX, Liu CQ, Xu JZ, Xu MY, An Y, Zhong XY, Ma SY, He HD, Xia QD, Hu J, Wang SG. Pan-cancer analysis reveals the prognostic and immunologic roles of cereblon and its significance for PROTAC design. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16644. [PMID: 37303568 PMCID: PMC10248115 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cereblon (CRBN) has emerged as a vital E3 ubiquitin ligase for Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) design. However, few studies focus on the physiological mechanism of CRBN, and more studies are needed to explore the influence of CRBN on tumorigenesis. This pan-cancer analysis aims to explore the prognostic and immunologic roles of CRBN, and provide new insight for CRBN into cancer treatment and PROTAC design. Methods The TCGA database, TIMER 2.0 database, and TISIDB database were used to analyze the role of CRBN in pan-cancer. Multiple bioinformatic methods (ssGSEA, Kaplan-Meier, univariate cox regression, ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT) were applied to investigate the CRBN expression status, gene activity, prognostic values, and its correlation with immune scores, immune infiltration, immune-related functions, HALLMARKs functions, and response to immunotherapy in pan-cancer. Results In most cancer types, the expression and activity of CRBN in tumor groups were lower compared with normal groups. Upregulated CRBN expression may indicate a better prognosis for cancer patients. The Immune score, stromal score, and tumor purity varied greatly among different cancer types. GSEA analysis showed that high CRBN expression was correlated with the downregulation of tumor-promoting signaling pathways. The level of CRBN was associated with Tumor mutation burden (TMB), Microsatellite instability (MSI), objective response rate (ORR), and immune cell infiltration in a few cancer types. Conclusion Pan-cancer analysis reveals the potential role of CRBN as a prognostic biomarker and versatile immunologic roles in different cancer types. Upregulated expression of CRBN may be beneficial to CRBN-related immunotherapy and PROTAC design.
Collapse
|
6
|
Nowak RP, Che J, Ferrao S, Kong NR, Liu H, Zerfas BL, Jones LH. Structural rationalization of GSPT1 and IKZF1 degradation by thalidomide molecular glue derivatives. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:501-506. [PMID: 36970148 PMCID: PMC10034078 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00347c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalidomide and its derivatives are molecular glues that bind cereblon (CRBN), a component of an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, and mediate protein interactions with neosubstrates resulting in their polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. The structural features of neosubstrate binding have been elucidated that highlight key interactions with a β-hairpin degron containing a glycine, which is present in a wide-range of proteins, including zinc-finger transcription factors such as IKZF1, and the translation termination factor GSPT1. Here, we profile 14 closely-related thalidomide derivatives in CRBN occupancy, and IKZF1 and GSPT1 degradation cell-based assays, and use crystal structures, computational docking and molecular dynamics to delineate subtle structure-activity relationships. Our findings will enable the rational design of CRBN modulators in the future, and help avoid the degradation of GSPT1 which is broadly cytotoxic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radosław P Nowak
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 360 Longwood Avenue Boston MA USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Jianwei Che
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 360 Longwood Avenue Boston MA USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Silas Ferrao
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 360 Longwood Avenue Boston MA USA
| | - Nikki R Kong
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 360 Longwood Avenue Boston MA USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Hu Liu
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 360 Longwood Avenue Boston MA USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Breanna L Zerfas
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 360 Longwood Avenue Boston MA USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Lyn H Jones
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 360 Longwood Avenue Boston MA USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li M, Zhi Y, Liu B, Yao Q. Advancing Strategies for Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera Design. J Med Chem 2023; 66:2308-2329. [PMID: 36788245 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have shown great therapeutic potential by degrading various disease-causing proteins, particularly those related to tumors. Therefore, the introduction of PROTACs has ushered in a new chapter of antitumor drug development, marked by significant advances over recent years. Herein, we describe recent developments in PROTAC technology, focusing on design strategy, development workflow, and future outlooks. We also discuss potential opportunities and challenges for PROTAC research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minglei Li
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Bo Liu
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Qingqiang Yao
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhao HY, Xin M, Zhang SQ. Progress of small molecules for targeted protein degradation: PROTACs and other technologies. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:337-394. [PMID: 36606428 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed the rapid development of targeted protein degradation (TPD), especially proteolysis targeting chimeras. These degraders have manifested many advantages over small molecule inhibitors. To date, a huge number of degraders have been excavated against over 70 disease-related targets. In particular, degraders against estrogen receptor and androgen receptor have crowded into phase II clinical trial. TPD technologies largely expand the scope of druggable targets, and provide powerful tools for addressing intractable problems that can not be tackled by traditional small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we mainly focus on the structures and biological activities of small molecule degraders as well as the elucidation of mechanisms of emerging TPD technologies. We also propose the challenges that exist in the TPD field at present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yi Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minhang Xin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Targeting CSC-related transcription factors by E3 ubiquitin ligases for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:84-97. [PMID: 36371028 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Evidence has revealed that transcription factors play essential roles in regulation of multiple cellular processes, including cell proliferation, metastasis, EMT, cancer stem cells and chemoresistance. Dysregulated expression levels of transcription factors contribute to tumorigenesis and malignant progression. The expression of transcription factors is tightly governed by several signaling pathways, noncoding RNAs and E3 ubiquitin ligases. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been validated in regulation of tumor metastasis, reoccurrence and chemoresistance in human cancer. Transcription factors have been verified to participate in regulation of CSC formation, including Oct4, SOX2, KLF4, c-Myc, Nanog, GATA, SALL4, Bmi-1, OLIG2, POU3F2 and FOX proteins. In this review article, we will describe the critical role of CSC-related transcription factors. We will further discuss which E3 ligases regulate the degradation of these CSC-related transcription factors and their underlying mechanisms. We also mentioned the functions and mechanisms of EMT-associated transcription factors such as ZEB1, ZEB2, Snail, Slug, Twist1 and Twist2. Furthermore, we highlight the therapeutic potential via targeting E3 ubiquitin ligases for modulation of these transcription factors.
Collapse
|
10
|
Structure-activity relationship analysis of novel GSPT1 degraders based on benzotriazinone scaffold and its antitumor effect on xenograft mouse model. Bioorg Chem 2022; 127:105923. [PMID: 35717803 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Molecular glue degraders, such as lenalidomide and pomalidomide, bind to cereblon (CRBN) E3 ligase and subsequently recruit neosubstrate proteins, Ikaros (IKZF1) and Aiolos (IKZF3), for the ubiquitination-proteasomal degradation process. In this study, we explored structure-activity relationship analysis for novel GSPT1 degraders utilizing a benzotriazinone scaffold previously discovered as a novel CRBN binder. In particular, we focused on the position of the ureido group on the benzotriazinone scaffold, substituent effect on the phenylureido group, and methyl substitution on the benzylic position of benzotriazinone. As a result, we identified 34f (TD-522), which exhibits strong anti-proliferative effects in both KG-1 (EC50 = 0.5 nM) and TMD-8 (EC50 = 5.2 nM) cell lines. Compound 34f effectively induced GSPT1 degradation with a DC50 of 0.269 nM and Dmax of >95 % at 10 nM concentration in KG-1 cells. An in vivo xenograft study showed that compound 34f effectively suppressed TMD8-driven tumor growth, suggesting a potential role in the development of novel GSPT1 degraders.
Collapse
|
11
|
He M, Cao C, Ni Z, Liu Y, Song P, Hao S, He Y, Sun X, Rao Y. PROTACs: great opportunities for academia and industry (an update from 2020 to 2021). Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:181. [PMID: 35680848 PMCID: PMC9178337 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00999-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) technology is a new protein-degradation strategy that has emerged in recent years. It uses bifunctional small molecules to induce the ubiquitination and degradation of target proteins through the ubiquitin–proteasome system. PROTACs can not only be used as potential clinical treatments for diseases such as cancer, immune disorders, viral infections, and neurodegenerative diseases, but also provide unique chemical knockdown tools for biological research in a catalytic, reversible, and rapid manner. In 2019, our group published a review article “PROTACs: great opportunities for academia and industry” in the journal, summarizing the representative compounds of PROTACs reported before the end of 2019. In the past 2 years, the entire field of protein degradation has experienced rapid development, including not only a large increase in the number of research papers on protein-degradation technology but also a rapid increase in the number of small-molecule degraders that have entered the clinical and will enter the clinical stage. In addition to PROTAC and molecular glue technology, other new degradation technologies are also developing rapidly. In this article, we mainly summarize and review the representative PROTACs of related targets published in 2020–2021 to present to researchers the exciting developments in the field of protein degradation. The problems that need to be solved in this field will also be briefly introduced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming He
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Chaoguo Cao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhihao Ni
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yongbo Liu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Peilu Song
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Hao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yuna He
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiuyun Sun
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yu Rao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China. .,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 450001, Zhengzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sosič I, Bricelj A, Steinebach C. E3 ligase ligand chemistries: from building blocks to protein degraders. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:3487-3534. [PMID: 35393989 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00148a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), capable of achieving targeted protein degradation, have proven their great therapeutic potential and usefulness as molecular biology tools. These heterobifunctional compounds are comprised of a protein-targeting ligand, an appropriate linker, and a ligand binding to the E3 ligase of choice. A successful PROTAC induces the formation of a ternary complex, leading to the E3 ligase-mediated ubiquitination of the targeted protein and its proteasomal degradation. In over 20 years since the concept was first demonstrated, the field has grown substantially, mainly due to the advancements in the discovery of non-peptidic E3 ligase ligands. Development of small-molecule E3 binders with favourable physicochemical profiles aided the design of PROTACs, which are known for breaking the rules of established guidelines for discovering small molecules. Synthetic accessibility of the ligands and numerous successful applications led to the prevalent use of cereblon and von Hippel-Lindau as the hijacked E3 ligase. However, the pool of over 600 human E3 ligases is full of untapped potential, which is why expanding the artillery of E3 ligands could contribute to broadening the scope of targeted protein degradation. In this comprehensive review, we focus on the chemistry aspect of the PROTAC design process by providing an overview of liganded E3 ligases, their chemistries, appropriate derivatisation, and synthetic approaches towards their incorporation into heterobifunctional degraders. By covering syntheses of both established and underexploited E3 ligases, this review can serve as a chemistry blueprint for PROTAC researchers during their future ventures into the complex field of targeted protein degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izidor Sosič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleša Bricelj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Christian Steinebach
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|