Targeted protein degradation might present a novel therapeutic approach in the fight against African trypanosomiasis

Advancements in Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras for Targeted Therapeutic Strategies in Alzheimer's Disease

The presence of hyperphosphorylated Tau proteins, which mislocalize and form neurofibrillary tangles, and the accumulation of amyloid-β plaques are hallmark features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). These toxic protein aggregates contribute to synaptic impairment and neuronal dysfunction, underscoring the need for strategies aimed at effectively clearing or reducing these aggregates in the treatment of AD. In recent years, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology has emerged as a promising approach for selectively degrading dysfunctional proteins rather than merely inhibiting their function. This approach holds great potential for developing more effective interventions that could slow AD progression and improve patient outcomes. In this review, we first examine the pathological mechanisms underlying AD, focusing on abnormal protein degradation and accumulation. We then explore the evolution of PROTAC technology, its mechanisms of action, and the current status of drug development. Finally, we discuss the latest findings regarding the application of PROTACs in AD therapy, highlighting the potential benefits and limitations of this technology. Although promising, further clinical research is necessary to fully assess the safety and efficacy of PROTAC-based therapies for AD treatment.

[Exploring protein degradation pathways as therapeutic innovations]

The disruption of proteostasis provides a favourable context for the emergence of therapeutic innovations, in particular by exploiting technologies such as the PROTAC (Proteolysis Targeting Chimera) approach. These technologies aim to selectively target proteins involved in various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, by inducing their specific degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The PROTAC approach opens new opportunities for restoring altered protein homeostasis and modulating the pathological consequences of proteostasis deregulation. In addition, by targeting proteins that are resistant to conventional therapeutic approaches, this new strategy offers a hope of treatment. By degrading target proteins, regardless of their structure or of mutations, the PROTAC approach opens the way to reaching previously inaccessible targets and reducing resistance to treatment.

Trauma diagnostic-related target proteins and their detection techniques

Trauma is a significant health issue that not only leads to immediate death in many cases but also causes severe complications, such as sepsis, thrombosis, haemorrhage, acute respiratory distress syndrome and traumatic brain injury, among trauma patients. Target protein identification technology is a vital technique in the field of biomedical research, enabling the study of biomolecular interactions, drug discovery and disease treatment. It plays a crucial role in identifying key protein targets associated with specific diseases or biological processes, facilitating further research, drug design and the development of treatment strategies. The application of target protein technology in biomarker detection enables the timely identification of newly emerging infections and complications in trauma patients, facilitating expeditious medical interventions and leading to reduced post-trauma mortality rates and improved patient prognoses. This review provides an overview of the current applications of target protein identification technology in trauma-related complications and provides a brief overview of the current target protein identification technology, with the aim of reducing post-trauma mortality, improving diagnostic efficiency and prognostic outcomes for patients.

Molecular glue degraders: exciting opportunities for novel drug discovery

INTRODUCTION

Molecular Glue Degraders (MGDs) is a concept that refers to a class of compounds that facilitate the interaction between two proteins or molecules within a cell. These compounds act as bridge that enhances specific Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs). Over the past decade, this technology has gained attention as a potential strategy to target proteins that were traditionally considered undruggable using small molecules.

AREAS COVERED

This review presents the concept of cellular homeostasis and the balance between protein synthesis and protein degradation. The concept of protein degradation is concerned with molecular glues, which form part of the broader field of Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD). Next, pharmacochemical strategies for the rational design of MGDs are detailed and illustrated by examples of Ligand-Based (LBDD), Structure-Based (SBDD) and Fragment-Based Drug Design (FBDD).

EXPERT OPINION

Expanding the scope of what can be effectively targeted in the development of treatments for diseases that are incurable or resistant to conventional therapies offers new therapeutic options. The treatment of microbial infections and neurodegenerative diseases is a major societal challenge, and the discovery of MGDs appears to be a promising avenue. Combining different approaches to discover and exploit a variety of innovative therapeutic agents will create opportunities to treat diseases that are still incurable.

Unraveling Psychedelic Responses: Targeted Protein Degradation and Genetic Diversity

This Viewpoint discusses the intersection of targeted protein degradation (TPD) technologies and psychedelic research. The resurgence in interest in psychedelics for treating mental disorders and the known genetic variability in responses require new strategies. TPD technologies might address this variability, modulating protein expressions based on genetic profiles. The discussion includes potential challenges in implementing TPD technologies in psychedelic research and potential strategies to address these issues. It considers lessons from COVID-19 research on genetic variability, proposing integration of TPD technologies into psychedelic research as a promising field despite these challenges, possibly leading to personalized treatments and improved patient outcomes.