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Colley A, Brauns T, Sluder AE, Poznansky MC, Gemechu Y. Immunomodulatory drugs: a promising clinical ally for cancer immunotherapy. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:765-780. [PMID: 38821771 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
While immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs) have been authorised for treatment of haematological cancers for over two decades, the appreciation of their ability to stimulate antitumour T cell and natural killer (NK) cell responses is relatively recent. Clinical trial data increasingly show that targeted immunotherapies, such as antibodies, T cells, and vaccines, improve outcomes when delivered in combination with the IMiD derivatives lenalidomide or pomalidomide. Here, we review these clinical data to highlight the relevance of IMiDs in combinatorial immunotherapy for both haematological and solid tumours. Further research into the molecular mechanisms of IMiDs and an increased understanding of their immunomodulatory effects may refine the specific applications of IMiDs and improve the design of future clinical trials, moving IMiDs to the forefront of combinatorial cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Colley
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Timothy Brauns
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ann E Sluder
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark C Poznansky
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yohannes Gemechu
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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2
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Chen Y, Xue H, Jin J. Applications of protein ubiquitylation and deubiquitylation in drug discovery. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107264. [PMID: 38582446 PMCID: PMC11087986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome system (UPS) is the major machinery mediating specific protein turnover in eukaryotic cells. By ubiquitylating unwanted, damaged, or harmful proteins and driving their degradation, UPS is involved in many important cellular processes. Several new UPS-based technologies, including molecular glue degraders and PROTACs (proteolysis-targeting chimeras) to promote protein degradation, and DUBTACs (deubiquitinase-targeting chimeras) to increase protein stability, have been developed. By specifically inducing the interactions between different Ub ligases and targeted proteins that are not otherwise related, molecular glue degraders and PROTACs degrade targeted proteins via the UPS; in contrast, by inducing the proximity of targeted proteins to deubiquitinases, DUBTACs are created to clear degradable poly-Ub chains to stabilize targeted proteins. In this review, we summarize the recent research progress in molecular glue degraders, PROTACs, and DUBTACs and their applications. We discuss immunomodulatory drugs, sulfonamides, cyclin-dependent kinase-targeting molecular glue degraders, and new development of PROTACs. We also introduce the principle of DUBTAC and its applications. Finally, we propose a few future directions of these three technologies related to targeted protein homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Chen
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haoan Xue
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Jianping Jin
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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3
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An J, Zhang X. Crbn-based molecular Glues: Breakthroughs and perspectives. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 104:117683. [PMID: 38552596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
CRBN is a substrate receptor for the Cullin Ring E3 ubiquitin ligase 4 (CRL4) complex. It has been observed that CRBN can be exploited by small molecules to facilitate the recruitment and ubiquitination of non-natural CRL4 substrates, resulting in the degradation of neosubstrate through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This phenomenon, known as molecular glue-induced protein degradation, has emerged as an innovative therapeutic approach in contrast to traditional small-molecule drugs. One key advantage of molecular glues, in comparison to conventional small-molecule drugs adhering to Lipinski's Rule of Five, is their ability to operate without the necessity for specific binding pockets on target proteins. This unique characteristic empowers molecular glues to interact with conventionally intractable protein targets, such as transcription factors and scaffold proteins. The ability to induce the degradation of these previously elusive targets by hijacking the ubiquitin-proteasome system presents a promising avenue for the treatment of recalcitrant diseases. Nevertheless, the rational design of molecular glues remains a formidable challenge due to the limited understanding of their mechanisms and actions. This review offers an overview of recent advances and breakthroughs in the field of CRBN-based molecular glues, while also exploring the prospects for a systematic approach to designing these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juzeng An
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
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4
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Nicolas H Thomä
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland;
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5
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Ye Z, Yang J, Jiang H, Zhan X. The roles of protein ubiquitination in tumorigenesis and targeted drug discovery in lung cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1220108. [PMID: 37795365 PMCID: PMC10546409 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1220108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The malignant lung cancer has a high morbidity rate and very poor 5-year survival rate. About 80% - 90% of protein degradation in human cells is occurred through the ubiquitination enzyme pathway. Ubiquitin ligase (E3) with high specificity plays a crucial role in the ubiquitination process of the target protein, which usually occurs at a lysine residue in a substrate protein. Different ubiquitination forms have different effects on the target proteins. Multiple short chains of ubiquitination residues modify substrate proteins, which are favorable signals for protein degradation. The dynamic balance adapted to physiological needs between ubiquitination and deubiquitination of intracellular proteins is beneficial to the health of the organism. Ubiquitination of proteins has an impact on many biological pathways, and imbalances in these pathways lead to diseases including lung cancer. Ubiquitination of tumor suppressor protein factors or deubiquitination of tumor carcinogen protein factors often lead to the progression of lung cancer. Ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is a treasure house for research and development of new cancer drugs for lung cancer, especially targeting proteasome and E3s. The ubiquitination and degradation of oncogene proteins with precise targeting may provide a bright prospect for drug development in lung cancer; Especially proteolytic targeted chimerism (PROTAC)-induced protein degradation technology will offer a new strategy in the discovery and development of new drugs for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Ye
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jingru Yang
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hanming Jiang
- School of Clinical and Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xianquan Zhan
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
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6
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Kurakula H, Vaishnavi S, Sharif MY, Ellipilli S. Emergence of Small Interfering RNA-Based Gene Drugs for Various Diseases. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:20234-20250. [PMID: 37323391 PMCID: PMC10268023 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Small molecule, peptide, and protein-based drugs have been developed over decades to treat various diseases. The importance of gene therapy as an alternative to traditional drugs has increased after the discovery of gene-based drugs such as Gendicine for cancer and Neovasculgen for peripheral artery disease. Since then, the pharma sector is focusing on developing gene-based drugs for various diseases. After the discovery of the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism, the development of siRNA-based gene therapy has been accelerated immensely. siRNA-based treatment for hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (hATTR) using Onpattro and acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) by Givlaari and three more FDA-approved siRNA drugs has set up a milestone and further improved the confidence for the development of gene therapeutics for a spectrum of diseases. siRNA-based gene drugs have more advantages over other gene therapies and are under study to treat different types of diseases such as viral infections, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and many more. However, there are a few bottlenecks to realizing the full potential of siRNA-based gene therapy. They include chemical instability, nontargeted biodistribution, undesirable innate immune responses, and off-target effects. This review provides a comprehensive view of siRNA-based gene drugs: challenges associated with siRNA delivery, their potential, and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshini Kurakula
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh 522240, India
| | - Swetha Vaishnavi
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh 522240, India
| | - Mohammed Yaseen Sharif
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh 522240, India
| | - Satheesh Ellipilli
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh 522240, India
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7
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Hope I, Endicott JA, Watt JE. Emerging approaches to CDK inhibitor development, a structural perspective. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:146-164. [PMID: 36794018 PMCID: PMC9906319 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00201a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activity of the cyclin-dependent kinase family is frequently noted in a number of diseases identifying them as potential targets for drug development. However, current CDK inhibitors lack specificity owing to the high sequence and structural conservation of the ATP binding cleft across family members, highlighting the necessity of finding novel modes of CDK inhibition. The wealth of structural information regarding CDK assemblies and inhibitor complexes derived from X-ray crystallographic studies has been recently complemented through the use of cryo-electron microscopy. These recent advances have provided insights into the functional roles and regulatory mechanisms of CDKs and their interaction partners. This review explores the conformational malleability of the CDK subunit, the importance of SLiM recognition sites in CDK complexes, the progress made in chemically induced CDK degradation and how these studies can contribute to CDK inhibitor design. Additionally, fragment-based drug discovery can be utilised to identify small molecules that bind to allosteric sites on the CDK surface employing interactions which mimic those of native protein-protein interactions. These recent structural advances in CDK inhibitor mechanisms and in chemical probes which do not occupy the orthosteric ATP binding site can provide important insights for targeted CDK therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Hope
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Paul O'Gorman Building, Framlington Place Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH UK
| | - Jane A Endicott
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Paul O'Gorman Building, Framlington Place Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH UK
| | - Jessica E Watt
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Paul O'Gorman Building, Framlington Place Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH UK
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8
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Sharma S, Sindhu J, Kumar P. QSAR study of tetrahydropteridin derivatives as polo-like kinase 1(PLK1) Inhibitors with molecular docking and dynamics study. SAR AND QSAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 34:91-116. [PMID: 36744430 DOI: 10.1080/1062936x.2023.2167860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
PLK1 is the key target for dealing with different cancer because it plays an important role in cell proliferation. According to the regulation of OECD, a QSAR model was developed from a dataset of 68 tetrahydropteridin derivatives. Three descriptors (maxHaaCH, ATSC7i, AATS7m) were considered for the development of the QSAR model. The reliability and predictability of the developed QSAR model were evaluated by various statistical parameters (r2 = 0.8213, r2ext = 0.8771 and CCCext = 0.9364). The maxHaaCH descriptor is positively correlated to pIC50 whereas, the ATSC7i and AATS7m are negatively correlated with pIC50. The QSAR model explains all the structural features and shows a good correlation with the activity. Based on molecular modelling techniques, five compounds (D1-D5) were designed. Molecular docking and dynamics studies of the most active compound were performed with PDB ID: 2RKU. The results of the present investigation may be employed to identify and develop effective inhibitors for the treatment of PLK1-related pathophysiological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, School of Applied Sciences, Om Sterling Global University, Hisar, India
| | - J Sindhu
- Department of Chemistry, COBS&H, CCS HAU, Hisar, India
| | - P Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India
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9
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Kotb AR, Abdallah AE, Elkady H, Eissa IH, Taghour MS, Bakhotmah DA, Abdelghany TM, El-Zahabi MA. Design, synthesis, anticancer evaluation, and in silico ADMET analysis of novel thalidomide analogs as promising immunomodulatory agents †. RSC Adv 2023; 13:10488-10502. [PMID: 37021105 PMCID: PMC10069230 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra00066d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunomodulatory medications like thalidomide and its analogs prevent the production of some proinflammatory cytokines linked to cancer. A new series of thalidomide analogs were designed and synthesized in order to develop potential antitumor immunomodulatory agents. The antiproliferative activities of the new candidates against a panel of three human cancer cell lines (HepG-2, PC3 and MCF-7) were assessed in comparison to thalidomide as a positive control. The obtained results showed the relative significant potency of 18f (IC50 = 11.91 ± 0.9, 9.27 ± 0.7, and 18.62 ± 1.5 μM) and 21b (IC50 = 10.48 ± 0.8, 22.56 ± 1.6, and 16.39 ± 1.4 μM) against the mentioned cell lines, respectively. These results were comparable to thalidomide (IC50 = 11.26 ± 0.54, 14.58 ± 0.57, and 16.87 ± 0.7 μM, respectively). To see to what extent the biological properties of the new candidates are relative to those of thalidomide, the effects of 18f and 21b on the expression levels of TNF-α, CASP8, VEGF, and NF-κB P65 were evaluated. Significant reductions in the proinflammatory TNF-α, VEGF, and NF-κB P65 levels in HepG-2 cells were observed after exposure to compounds 18f and 21b. Furthermore, a sharp increase in CASP8 levels was detected. The obtained results revealed that 21b is of greater significance than thalidomide in TNF-α and NF-κB P65 inhibition. The in silico ADMET and toxicity studies showed that most of tested candidates have a good profile of drug-likeness and low toxicity potential. Novel thalidomide analogs as anticancer immunomodulatory agents.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Anas Ramadan Kotb
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar UniversityCairo11884Egypt
| | - Abdallah E. Abdallah
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar UniversityCairo11884Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar UniversityCairo11884Egypt
| | - Ibrahim H. Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar UniversityCairo11884Egypt
| | - Mohammed S. Taghour
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar UniversityCairo11884Egypt
| | - Dina Abed Bakhotmah
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz UniversityJeddahSaudi Arabia
| | - Tamer M. Abdelghany
- Department of Pharmacology& Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar UniversityCairoEgypt
- Department of Pharmacology& Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University for Sustainable DevelopmentCairoEgypt
| | - Mohamed Ayman El-Zahabi
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar UniversityCairo11884Egypt
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10
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Guo H, Yang J, Wang H, Liu X, Liu Y, Zhou K. Reshaping the tumor microenvironment: The versatility of immunomodulatory drugs in B-cell neoplasms. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1017990. [PMID: 36311747 PMCID: PMC9596992 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1017990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) such as thalidomide, lenalidomide and pomalidomide are antitumor compounds that have direct tumoricidal activity and indirect effects mediated by multiple types of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). IMiDs have shown remarkable therapeutic efficacy in a set of B-cell neoplasms including multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. More recently, the advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of these B-cell neoplasms. However, the success of immunotherapy is restrained by immunosuppressive signals and dysfunctional immune cells in the TME. Due to the pleiotropic immunobiological properties, IMiDs have shown to generate synergetic effects in preclinical models when combined with monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors or CAR-T cell therapy, some of which were successfully translated to the clinic and lead to improved responses for both first-line and relapsed/refractory settings. Mechanistically, despite cereblon (CRBN), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is considered as considered as the major molecular target responsible for the antineoplastic activities of IMiDs, the exact mechanisms of action for IMiDs-based TME re-education remain largely unknown. This review presents an overview of IMiDs in regulation of immune cell function and their utilization in potentiating efficacy of immunotherapies across multiple types of B-cell neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Keshu Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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CRL4 CRBN E3 Ligase Complex as a Therapeutic Target in Multiple Myeloma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184492. [PMID: 36139651 PMCID: PMC9496858 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are effective in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) and other hematological malignancies. Cereblon (CRBN), a target of IMiDs, forms the CRL4 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex (CRL4CRBN) with DDB1, CUL4A and RBX1. The insight into the molecular mechanism of IMiDs action has advanced dramatically since the identification of cereblon (CRBN) as their direct target. Targeting CRBN by IMiDs modifies CRL4CRBN substrate specificity towards non-physiological protein targets which are subsequently ubiquitinated and degraded by the proteasome. To date, IMiDs are the only known group of protein degraders used in clinical practice. This review provides the current state of knowledge about thalidomide and its derivatives’ mechanisms of action, and highlights the future perspectives for targeted protein degraders. Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy with a recurrent clinical course. The introduction of immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) was one of the milestones in MM therapy leading to a significant improvement in patients’ prognosis. Currently, IMiDs are the backbone of MM therapy in newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory settings. It is now known that IMiDs exert their anti-myeloma activity mainly by binding cereblon (CRBN), the substrate receptor protein of the CRL4 E3 ubiquitin ligase (CRL4CRBN) complex. By binding CRBN, IMiDs alter its substrate specificity, leading to ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of proteins essential for MM cell survival. Following the success of IMiDs, it is not surprising that the possibility of using the CRL4CRBN complex’s activity to treat MM is being further explored. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge about novel players in the MM therapeutic landscape, namely the CRBN E3 ligase modulators (CELMoDs), the next generation of IMiDs with broader biological activity. In addition, we discuss a new strategy of tailored proteolysis called proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) using the CRL4CRBN to degrade typically undruggable proteins, which may have relevance for the treatment of MM and other malignancies in the future.
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12
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Shen C, Nayak A, Neitzel LR, Yang F, Li B, Williams CH, Hong CC, Ahmed Y, Lee E, Robbins DJ. The Casein kinase 1α agonist pyrvinium attenuates Wnt-mediated CK1α degradation via interaction with the E3 ubiquitin ligase component Cereblon. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102227. [PMID: 35780831 PMCID: PMC9352546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cullin-RING ligase 4 E3 ubiquitin ligase component Cereblon (CRBN) is a well-established target for a class of small molecules termed immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs). These drugs drive CRBN to modulate the degradation of a number of neosubstrates required for the growth of multiple cancers. Whereas the mechanism underlying the activation of CRBN by IMiDs is well described, the normal physiological regulation of CRBN is poorly understood. We recently showed that CRBN is activated following exposure to Wnt ligands and subsequently mediates the degradation of a subset of physiological substrates. Among the Wnt-dependent substrates of CRBN is Casein kinase 1α (CK1α), a known negative regulator of Wnt signaling. Wnt-mediated degradation of CK1α occurs via its association with CRBN at a known IMiD binding pocket. Herein, we demonstrate that a small-molecule CK1α agonist, pyrvinium, directly prevents the Wnt-dependent interaction of CRBN with CK1α, attenuating the consequent CK1α degradation. We further show that pyrvinium disrupts the ability of CRBN to interact with CK1α at the IMiD binding pocket within the CRBN-CK1α complex. Of note, this function of pyrvinium is independent of its previously reported ability to enhance CK1α kinase activity. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that pyrvinium attenuates CRBN-induced Wnt pathway activation in vivo. Collectively, these results reveal a novel dual mechanism through which pyrvinium inhibits Wnt signaling by both attenuating the CRBN-mediated destabilization of CK1α and activating CK1α kinase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Shen
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Anmada Nayak
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Leif R Neitzel
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Bin Li
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Charles H Williams
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Charles C Hong
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yashi Ahmed
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Ethan Lee
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - David J Robbins
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
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13
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Discovery of potential novel CRBN modulators by virtual screening and bioassay. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 236:114355. [PMID: 35413617 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of malignant tumor with high mortality is increasing yearly. CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase was proved to be an antitumor target. It was found that thalidomide and its analogs could bind to CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase and modulate CRBN. CRBN modulators could promote the binding of CRBN to specific target proteins or block the binding of CRBN to some endogenous proteins. In this way, CRBN modulators suppress various tumor cells by modulating the interactions between CRBN and various antitumor target proteins. However, almost all CRBN modulators reported include glutarimide scaffold. Therefore, the aim of this study is to developed novel CRBN modulators. Virtual screening methods and bioassay methods, including structural similarity search, molecular docking, substructure search, antitumor evaluation and apoptosis assay were used to search novel potential CRBN modulators in Specs database. Finally, 15 compounds exhibited strong inhibition activity against A549 cells. Among these active compounds, The IC50 value against A549 of AG6033 was 0.853 ± 0.030 μM. Apoptosis assay demonstrated that AG6033 could promote apoptosis of A549 cells. Further mechanism studies suggested that AG6033 caused remarkable decrease of GSPT1 and IKZF1, the substrates of CRBN, and AG6033 induced cytotoxic effects was CRBN-dependent.
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A review on the treatment of multiple myeloma with small molecular agents in the past five years. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 229:114053. [PMID: 34974338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma is currently incurable, and the incidence rate is increasing year by year worldwide. Although in recent years the combined treatment plan based on proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs has greatly improved the treatment effect of multiple myeloma, most patients still relapse and become resistant to current treatments. To solve this problem, scientists are committed to developing drugs with higher specificity, such as iberdomide, which is highly specific to ikaros and aiolos. This review aims to focus on the small molecular agents that are being researched/clinically used for the treatment of multiple myeloma, including the target mechanism, structure-activity relationship and application prospects of small molecular agents.
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15
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Lier S, Sellmer A, Orben F, Heinzlmeir S, Krauß L, Schneeweis C, Hassan Z, Schneider C, Patricia Gloria Schäfer A, Pongratz H, Engleitner T, Öllinger R, Kuisl A, Bassermann F, Schlag C, Kong B, Dove S, Kuster B, Rad R, Reichert M, Wirth M, Saur D, Mahboobi S, Schneider G. A novel Cereblon E3 ligase modulator with antitumor activity in gastrointestinal cancer. Bioorg Chem 2022; 119:105505. [PMID: 34838332 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation offers new opportunities to inactivate cancer drivers and has successfully entered the clinic. Ways to induce selective protein degradation include proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology and immunomodulatory (IMiDs) / next-generation Cereblon (CRBN) E3 ligase modulating drugs (CELMoDs). Here, we aimed to develop a MYC PROTAC based on the MYC-MAX dimerization inhibitor 10058-F4 derivative 28RH and Thalidomide, called MDEG-541. We show that a subgroup of gastrointestinal cancer cell lines and primary patient-derived organoids are MDEG-541 sensitive. Although MYC expression was regulated in a CRBN-, proteasome- and ubiquitin-dependent manner, we provide evidence that MDEG-541 induced the degradation of CRBN neosubstrates, including G1 to S phase transition 1/2 (GSPT1/2) and the Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). In sum, we have established a CRBN-dependent degrader of relevant cancer targets with activity in gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Lier
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Sellmer
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Felix Orben
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Lukas Krauß
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Schneeweis
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Zonera Hassan
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Carolin Schneider
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Herwig Pongratz
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Engleitner
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, MRI, TU Munich, Germany
| | - Rupert Öllinger
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, MRI, TU Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Kuisl
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic III, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Bassermann
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic III, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schlag
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Bo Kong
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; Department of General Surgery, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefan Dove
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Kuster
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, TU Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry (BayBioMS), TU Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Roland Rad
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, MRI, TU Munich, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Reichert
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA), Technische Universität München, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Matthias Wirth
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Translational Cancer Research and Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, Germany
| | - Siavosh Mahboobi
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Günter Schneider
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; University Medical Center Göttingen, Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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Su S, Chhabra G, Singh CK, Ndiaye MA, Ahmad N. PLK1 inhibition-based combination therapies for cancer management. Transl Oncol 2022; 16:101332. [PMID: 34973570 PMCID: PMC8728518 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase I (PLK1), a cell cycle regulating kinase, has been shown to have oncogenic function in several cancers. Although PLK1 inhibitors, such as BI2536, BI6727 (volasertib) and NMS-1286937 (onvansertib) are generally well-tolerated with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, clinical successes are limited due to partial responses in cancer patients, especially those in advanced stages. Recently, combination therapies targeting multiple pathways are being tested for cancer management. In this review, we first discuss structure and function of PLK1, role of PLK1 in cancers, PLK1 specific inhibitors, and advantages of using combination therapy versus monotherapy followed by a critical account on PLK1-based combination therapies in cancer treatments, especially highlighting recent advancements and challenges. PLK1 inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy drugs and targeted small molecules have shown superior effects against cancer both in vitro and in vivo. PLK1-based combination therapies have shown increased apoptosis, disrupted cell cycle, and potential to overcome resistance in cancer cells/tissues over monotherapies. Further, with successes in preclinical experiments, researchers are validating such approaches in clinical trials. Although PLK1-based combination therapies have achieved initial success in clinical studies, there are examples where they have failed to improve patient survival. Therefore, further research is needed to identify and validate novel biologically informed co-targets for PLK1-based combinatorial therapies. Employing a network-based analysis, we identified potential PLK1 co-targets that could be examined further. In addition, understanding the mechanisms of synergism between PLK1 inhibitors and other agents may lead to a better approach on which agents to pair with PLK1 inhibition for optimum cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengqin Su
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7045, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Gagan Chhabra
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7045, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Chandra K Singh
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7045, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Mary A Ndiaye
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7045, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Nihal Ahmad
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7045, Madison, WI 53705, USA; William S. Middleton VA Medical Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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17
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Chang Y, Min J, Jarusiewicz JA, Actis M, Yu-Chen Bradford S, Mayasundari A, Yang L, Chepyala D, Alcock LJ, Roberts KG, Nithianantham S, Maxwell D, Rowland L, Larsen R, Seth A, Goto H, Imamura T, Akahane K, Hansen BS, Pruett-Miller SM, Paietta EM, Litzow MR, Qu C, Yang JJ, Fischer M, Rankovic Z, Mullighan CG. Degradation of Janus kinases in CRLF2-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Blood 2021; 138:2313-2326. [PMID: 34110416 PMCID: PMC8662068 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020006846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
CRLF2-rearranged (CRLF2r) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) accounts for more than half of Philadelphia chromosome-like (Ph-like) ALL and is associated with a poor outcome in children and adults. Overexpression of CRLF2 results in activation of Janus kinase (JAK)-STAT and parallel signaling pathways in experimental models, but existing small molecule inhibitors of JAKs show variable and limited efficacy. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) directed against JAKs. Solving the structure of type I JAK inhibitors ruxolitinib and baricitinib bound to the JAK2 tyrosine kinase domain enabled the rational design and optimization of a series of cereblon (CRBN)-directed JAK PROTACs utilizing derivatives of JAK inhibitors, linkers, and CRBN-specific molecular glues. The resulting JAK PROTACs were evaluated for target degradation, and activity was tested in a panel of leukemia/lymphoma cell lines and xenograft models of kinase-driven ALL. Multiple PROTACs were developed that degraded JAKs and potently killed CRLF2r cell lines, the most active of which also degraded the known CRBN neosubstrate GSPT1 and suppressed proliferation of CRLF2r ALL in vivo, e.g. compound 7 (SJ988497). Although dual JAK/GSPT1-degrading PROTACs were the most potent, the development and evaluation of multiple PROTACs in an extended panel of xenografts identified a potent JAK2-degrading, GSPT1-sparing PROTAC that demonstrated efficacy in the majority of kinase-driven xenografts that were otherwise unresponsive to type I JAK inhibitors, e.g. compound 8 (SJ1008030). Together, these data show the potential of JAK-directed protein degradation as a therapeutic approach in JAK-STAT-driven ALL and highlight the interplay of JAK and GSPT1 degradation activity in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaeki Min
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics
| | | | | | | | | | - Lei Yang
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Randolph Larsen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | | | - Hiroaki Goto
- Division of Hemato-Oncology/Regenerative Medicine, Kanagawa Children's Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Imamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koshi Akahane
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Baranda S Hansen
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | | | - Elisabeth M Paietta
- Cancer Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Mark R Litzow
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; and
| | | | - Jun J Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and
- Hematological Malignancies Program, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Marcus Fischer
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics
- Department of Structural Biology
- Cancer Biology Program, and
| | - Zoran Rankovic
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics
- Cancer Biology Program, and
| | - Charles G Mullighan
- Department of Pathology
- Hematological Malignancies Program, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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18
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Kim HK, Seol JE, Ahn SW, Jeon S, Park CS, Han J. Cereblon: promise and challenges for combating human diseases. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1695-1711. [PMID: 34553266 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02624-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cereblon (CRBN) is a substrate recognition protein in the E3-ligase ubiquitin complex. The binding target of CRBN varies according to tissues and cells, and the protein regulates various biological functions by regulating tissue-specific targets. As new endogenous targets of CRBN have been identified over the past decade, the physiological and pathological functions of CRBN and its potential as a therapeutic target in various diseases have greatly expanded. For this purpose, in this review article, we introduce the basic principle of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, the regulation of physiological/pathological functions related to the endogenous substrate of CRBN, and the discovery of immunomodulatory imide drug-mediated neo-substrates of CRBN. In addition, the development of CRBN-based proteolysis-targeting chimeras, which has been actively researched recently, and strategies for developing therapeutic agents using them are introduced. These recent updates on CRBN will be useful in the establishment of strategies for disease treatment and utilization of CRBNs in biomedical engineering and clinical medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyoung Kyu Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Graduate School, Inje University, 47392, Busan, Korea
| | - Jung Eun Seol
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Graduate School, Inje University, 47392, Busan, Korea
- Department of Dermatology, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University, 47392, Busan, Korea
| | - Sang Woo Ahn
- Department of Dermatology, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University, 47392, Busan, Korea
| | - Seungje Jeon
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Graduate School, Inje University, 47392, Busan, Korea
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea
| | - Chul-Seung Park
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jin Han
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Graduate School, Inje University, 47392, Busan, Korea.
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19
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Márquez-Cantudo L, Ramos A, Coderch C, de Pascual-Teresa B. Proteasomal Degradation of Zn-Dependent Hdacs: The E3-Ligases Implicated and the Designed Protacs That Enable Degradation. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26185606. [PMID: 34577077 PMCID: PMC8467390 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein degradation by the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System is one of the main mechanisms of the regulation of cellular proteostasis, and the E3 ligases are the key effectors for the protein recognition and degradation. Many E3 ligases have key roles in cell cycle regulation, acting as checkpoints and checkpoint regulators. One of the many important proteins involved in the regulation of the cell cycle are the members of the Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) family. The importance of zinc dependent HDACs in the regulation of chromatin packing and, therefore, gene expression, has made them targets for the design and synthesis of HDAC inhibitors. However, achieving potency and selectivity has proven to be a challenge due to the homology between the zinc dependent HDACs. PROteolysis TArgeting Chimaera (PROTAC) design has been demonstrated to be a useful strategy to inhibit and selectively degrade protein targets. In this review, we attempt to summarize the E3 ligases that naturally ubiquitinate HDACs, analyze their structure, and list the known ligands that can bind to these E3 ligases and be used for PROTAC design, as well as the already described HDAC-targeted PROTACs.
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20
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Kozicka Z, Thomä NH. Haven't got a glue: Protein surface variation for the design of molecular glue degraders. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:1032-1047. [PMID: 33930325 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Molecular glue degraders are small, drug-like compounds that induce interactions between an E3 ubiquitin ligase and a target, which result in ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of the recruited protein. In recent years, serendipitous discoveries revealed that some preclinical and clinical compounds already work as molecular glue degraders, with many more postulated to destabilize their targets through indirect or yet unresolved mechanisms. Here we review strategies by which E3 ubiquitin ligases can be reprogrammed by monovalent degraders, with a focus on molecular glues hijacking cullin-RING ubiquitin ligases. We argue that such drugs exploit the intrinsic property of proteins to form higher-order assemblies, a phenomenon previously seen with disease-causing sequence variations. Modifications of the protein surface by a bound small molecule can change the interactome of the target protein. By inducing interactions between a ligase and a substrate, molecular glue degraders offer an exciting path for the development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Kozicka
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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21
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Zhao M, Hu M, Chen Y, Liu H, Chen Y, Liu B, Fang B. Cereblon modulator CC-885 induces CRBN-dependent ubiquitination and degradation of CDK4 in multiple myeloma. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 549:150-156. [PMID: 33676183 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.02.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Molecular glue degraders that hijack cellular E3 ubiquitin ligases to target disease-driven proteins for proteosome-dependent degradation are emerging as a promising treatment. Immunomodulatory drugs are classical molecular glue that bind to cereblon (CRBN) to repurpose the function of the CRL4(CRBN) E3 ubiquitin ligase and developed to treat various hematological malignancies. Recently, a novel cereblon modulator CC-885 was developed to elicit broad antitumor activity. Although the degradation of GSPT1 is essential for the broad in vitro antitumor activity of CC-885, it is unclear whether other neosubstrates also contribute to the pharmacological effects of CC-885, especially in multiple myeloma (MM). Here, we show that CC-885 treatment caused growth retardant of MM cells via impairment of cell cycle progression and cell death both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, CC-885 selectively induced the ubiquitination and degradation of CDK4 in MM cells in a CRBN-dependent manner. CC-885-mediated CDK4 destruction decreased the phosphorylation of the tumor suppressor retinoblastoma (RB) and prevented the expression of E2F downstream genes. Importantly, genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of CDK4 enhances CC-885-induced cytotoxicity in MM cells, suggesting CDK4 destruction contributed to the cytotoxicity of CC-885 in MM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Henan Institute of Haematology, Henan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, PR China
| | - Min Hu
- Hubei Key Laboratory for Kidney Disease Pathogenesis and Intervention, Hubei Polytechnic University School of Medicine, Huangshi, 435003, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yong Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory for Kidney Disease Pathogenesis and Intervention, Hubei Polytechnic University School of Medicine, Huangshi, 435003, Hubei, PR China
| | - Heyi Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory for Kidney Disease Pathogenesis and Intervention, Hubei Polytechnic University School of Medicine, Huangshi, 435003, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yulu Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory for Kidney Disease Pathogenesis and Intervention, Hubei Polytechnic University School of Medicine, Huangshi, 435003, Hubei, PR China
| | - Bin Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory for Kidney Disease Pathogenesis and Intervention, Hubei Polytechnic University School of Medicine, Huangshi, 435003, Hubei, PR China.
| | - Baijun Fang
- Department of Hematology, Henan Institute of Haematology, Henan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, PR China.
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22
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Wan J, Liu S, Sun W, Yu H, Tang W, Liu W, Ji J, Liu B. Ring finger protein 152-dependent degradation of TSPAN12 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:122. [PMID: 33602225 PMCID: PMC7890835 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01806-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third cause of cancer death in the world, and few molecularly targeted anticancer therapies have been developed to treat it. The E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF152 has been reported to regulate the activity of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), induce autophagy and apoptosis. However, the relationship between RNF152 and HCC is unclear. METHODS Transcriptome RNA-sequencing data of HCC samples and normal tissues were used to detect the mRNA expression of RNF152. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to determine the transcriptional regulation of RNF152 in HCC by FoxO1. RNAi, cell proliferation, colony formation and transwell assays were used to determine the in vitro functions of RNF152. Mouse xenograft models were used to study the in vivo effects of RNF152. The immunoprecipitation assay was used to determine the interaction between RNF152 and TSPAN12. The in vivo ubiquitination assay was performed to determine the regulation of TSPAN12 by RNF152. RESULTS We found that RNF152 is significantly down-regulated in clinic HCC samples, and its down-regulation is associated with pool overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in HCC patients. The transcription factor FoxO1 was significantly positively correlated RNF152 expression in HCC tissues. FoxO1 recognizes a classic insulin response element (IRE) on the RNF152 promoter to regulate its expression in HCC. RNF152 suppressed HCC cell proliferation, clonogenic survival, invasion in vitro, and tumorigenesis in vivo. Mechanistically, RNF152 interacted with TSPAN12 and targeted it for ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, thereby inhibiting TSPAN12-dependent CXCL6 expression and HCC progression. CONCLUSION Collectively, our data revealed a tumor suppressor role of RNF152 and a connection between RNF152 and FoxO1 in HCC. Our results support an important role of the FoxO1-RNF152-TSPAN12 axis in the development of HCC. Therapeutic targeting this axis may be an effective means of treating HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wan
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201299, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening, College of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China
| | - Shunfang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Road 1095, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanju Sun
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201299, China
| | - Haiyi Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening, College of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China
| | - Wenlian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening, College of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening, College of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China
| | - Jing Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening, College of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China.
| | - Bin Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening, College of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China.
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23
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Guo J, Mu D, Han Y. [Research Progress on the Mechanism and Clinical Data of Cereblon
in Reversing the Resistance of Lung Cancer to PD-1 Antibody by T cells]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2021; 24:49-55. [PMID: 33478191 PMCID: PMC7849032 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2020.102.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) is a membrance-spanning protein mostly expressed in the T cell, and combines with programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in the targeting cell. When binding to the ligand on tumor cells, PD-1 as an immunosuppressive molecule, can inhibit the immune function of T cells, thus tumor immune escape. For example, depletion of peripheral effector T cell and accelerate the transformation of effector T cells into regulator T cells. To solve this problem, PD-1 antibody is used to bind to PD-1 on T cells to inhibit the interaction between PD-1 on the T cells and PD-L1 on the tumor cells so that it can restore the function of T cells to kill tumor cell. PD-1 antibodies, such as Nivolumab and Pembrolizumb, are approved as a first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cell cancer. However, due to the interaction of tumor cells, T cells and cytokines, some patients developed drug resistance which reduces the efficacy of immunotherapy. Hence, how to overcome resistance has become a urgent problem. Cereblon (CRBN), a substrate receptor of the DDB1-cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase complex and the only known molecular receptor of immunoregulatory drugs, has been found to reverse PD-1 antibody resistance by binding to CRBN regulatory agents (CMS), exert T cell immune function by regulating proliferation, activation and metabolism of T cell. In this paper, the mechanism of down-regulation of T cells leading to resistance of PD-1 antibody in lung cancer, the mechanism of CRBN regulating T cells, and research progress of CRBN regulator in the treatment of lung cancer were reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Guo
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin Medicial University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Di Mu
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin Medicial University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Ying Han
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin Medicial University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China.,Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medicial University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China
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