1
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Yang M, Xiang H, Luo G. Targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) for cancer therapy: FAK inhibitors, FAK-based dual-target inhibitors and PROTAC degraders. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 224:116246. [PMID: 38685282 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116246] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, plays an essential role in regulating cell proliferation, migration and invasion through both kinase-dependent enzymatic function and kinase-independent scaffolding function. The overexpression and activation of FAK is commonly observed in various cancers and some drug-resistant settings. Therefore, targeted disruption of FAK has been identified as an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. To date, numerous structurally diverse inhibitors targeting distinct domains of FAK have been developed, encompassing kinase domain inhibitors, FERM domain inhibitors, and FAT domain inhibitors, with several FAK inhibitors advanced to clinical trials. Moreover, given the critical role of FAK scaffolding function in signal transduction, FAK-targeted PROTACs have also been developed. Although no current FAK-targeted therapeutics have been approved for the market, the combination of FAK inhibitors with other anticancer drugs has shown considerable promise in the clinic. This review provides an overview of current drug discovery strategies targeting FAK, including the development of FAK inhibitors, FAK-based dual-target inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) in both literature and patent applications. Accordingly, their design and optimization process, mechanisms of action and biological activities are discussed to offer insights into future directions of FAK-targeting drug discovery in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Hua Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
| | - Guoshun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
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2
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Stevens R, Thompson JDF, Fournier JCL, Burley GA, Battersby DJ, Miah AH. Innovative, combinatorial and high-throughput approaches to degrader synthesis. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:4838-4861. [PMID: 38596888 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs01127e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degraders such as PROTACs and molecular glues are a rapidly emerging therapeutic modality within industry and academia. Degraders possess unique mechanisms of action that lead to the removal of specific proteins by co-opting the cell's natural degradation mechanisms via induced proximity. Their optimisation thus far has often been largely empirical, requiring the synthesis and screening of a large number of analogues. In addition, the synthesis and development of degraders is often challenging, leading to lengthy optimisation campaigns to deliver candidate-quality compounds. This review highlights how the synthesis of degraders has evolved in recent years, in particular focusing on means of applying high-throughput chemistry and screening approaches to expedite these timelines, which we anticipate to be valuable in shaping the future of degrader optimisation campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Stevens
- Medicinal Chemistry, GSK, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK.
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XQ, UK
| | | | | | - Glenn A Burley
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XQ, UK
| | | | - Afjal H Miah
- Medicinal Chemistry, GSK, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK.
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3
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Hu B, Chen S. The role of UBR5 in tumor proliferation and oncotherapy. Gene 2024; 906:148258. [PMID: 38331119 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148258] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Ubiquitin (Ub) protein ligase E3 component n-recognin 5 (UBR5), as a crucial Ub ligase, plays a pivotal role in the field of cell biology, attracting significant attention for its functions in regulating protein degradation and signaling pathways. This review delves into the fundamental characteristics and structure of UBR5. UBR5, through ubiquitination, regulates various key proteins, directly or indirectly participating in cell cycle control, thereby exerting a direct impact on the proliferation of tumor cells. Meanwhile, we comprehensively review the expression levels of UBR5 in different types of tumors and its relationship with tumor development, providing key clues for the role of UBR5 in cancer. Furthermore, we summarize the current research status of UBR5 in cancer treatment. Through literature review, we find that UBR5 may play a crucial role in the sensitivity of tumor cells to radiotherapy chemotherapy, and other anti-tumor treatment, providing new insights for optimizing cancer treatment strategies. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced by UBR5 in cancer treatment, and looks forward to the future research directions. With the continuous breakthroughs in technology and in-depth research, we hope to further study the biological functions of UBR5 and lay the foundation for its anti-tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Hu
- Department of Geriatrics, Beilun District People's Hospital, Ningbo 315800, China
| | - Shiyuan Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Beilun District People's Hospital, Ningbo 315800, China.
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4
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Yan KN, Nie YQ, Wang JY, Yin GL, Liu Q, Hu H, Sun X, Chen XH. Accelerating PROTACs Discovery Through a Direct-to-Biology Platform Enabled by Modular Photoclick Chemistry. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2400594. [PMID: 38689503 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as a promising strategy for drug discovery and exploring protein functions, offering a revolutionary therapeutic modality. Currently, the predominant approach to PROTACs discovery mainly relies on an empirical design-synthesis-evaluation process involving numerous cycles of labor-intensive synthesis-purification and bioassay data collection. Therefore, the development of innovative methods to expedite PROTAC synthesis and exploration of chemical space remains highly desired. Here, a direct-to-biology strategy is reported to streamline the synthesis of PROTAC libraries on plates, enabling the seamless transfer of reaction products to cell-based bioassays without the need for additional purification. By integrating amide coupling and light-induced primary amines and o-nitrobenzyl alcohols cyclization (PANAC) photoclick chemistry into a plate-based synthetic process, this strategy produces PROTAC libraries with high efficiency and structural diversity. Moreover, by employing this platform for PROTACs screening, we smoothly found potent PROTACs effectively inhibit triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell growth and induce rapid, selective targeted degradation of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9). The study introduces a versatile platform for assembling PROTACs on plates, followed by direct biological evaluation. This approach provides a promising opportunity for high-throughput synthesis of PROTAC libraries, thereby enhancing the efficiency of exploring chemical space and accelerating the discovery of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Nian Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Nie
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China
| | - Jia-Yu Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Guang-Liang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qia Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Hao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiaoxia Sun
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
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5
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Tracy W, Davies GHM, Grant LN, Ganley JM, Moreno J, Cherney EC, Davies HML. Anhydrous and Stereoretentive Fluoride-Enhanced Suzuki-Miyaura Coupling of Immunomodulatory Imide Drug Derivatives. J Org Chem 2024; 89:4595-4606. [PMID: 38452367 PMCID: PMC11002932 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c02873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Immunomodulatory imide drugs form the core of many pharmaceutically relevant structures, but Csp2-Csp2 bond formation via metal-catalyzed cross coupling is difficult due to the sensitivity of the glutarimide ring ubiquitous in these structures. We report that replacement of the traditional alkali base with a fluoride source enhances a previously challenging Suzuki-Miyaura coupling on glutarimide-containing compounds with trifluoroborates. These enabling conditions are reactive enough to generate these derivatives in high yields but mild enough to preserve both the glutarimide and its sensitive stereocenter. Experimental and computational data suggest a mechanistically distinct process of π-coordination of the trifluoroborate enabled by these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- William
F. Tracy
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Geraint H. M. Davies
- Small
Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Lauren N. Grant
- Chemical
Process Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903, United States
| | - Jacob M. Ganley
- Chemical
Process Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903, United States
| | - Jesus Moreno
- Small
Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Emily C. Cherney
- Small
Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, United States
| | - Huw M. L. Davies
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
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6
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Guo Y, Li X, Xie Y, Wang Y. What influences the activity of Degrader-Antibody conjugates (DACs). Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116216. [PMID: 38387330 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116216] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The targeted protein degradation (TPD) technology employing proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) has been widely applied in drug chemistry and chemical biology for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. PROTACs have demonstrated significant advantages in targeting undruggable targets and overcoming drug resistance. However, despite the efficient degradation of targeted proteins achieved by PROTACs, they still face challenges related to selectivity between normal and cancer cells, as well as issues with poor membrane permeability due to their substantial molecular weight. Additionally, the noteworthy toxicity resulting from off-target effects also needs to be addressed. To solve these issues, Degrader-Antibody Conjugates (DACs) have been developed, leveraging the targeting and internalization capabilities of antibodies. In this review, we elucidates the characteristics and distinctions between DACs, and traditional Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Meanwhile, we emphasizes the significance of DACs in facilitating the delivery of PROTACs and delves into the impact of various components on DAC activity. These components include antibody targets, drug-antibody ratio (DAR), linker types, PROTACs targets, PROTACs connections, and E3 ligase ligands. The review also explores the suitability of different targets (antibody targets or PROTACs targets) for DACs, providing insights to guide the design of PROTACs better suited for antibody conjugation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaolin Guo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoxue Li
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Xie
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, Sichuan, China.
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7
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Zhu W, Zhang W, Chen J, Tong Y, Xu F, Pang J. Discovery of Effective Dual PROTAC Degraders for Neurodegenerative Disease-Associated Aggregates. J Med Chem 2024; 67:3448-3466. [PMID: 38356330 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The aggregation of specific proteins is a histopathological hallmark in various neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), among which Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) and tau have received increased attention. The targeted protein degradation (TPD) strategy has been studied in the treatment of NDs, but multitarget bifunctional molecules have been ignored. Herein, a series of effective dual PROTAC degraders were developed, which could degrade α-Syn aggregates and total tau simultaneously. The degradation effects were evaluated in vitro, and the results showed that T3 could significantly knockdown α-Syn aggregates and total tau in the degradation efficiency with DC50 of 1.57 ± 0.55 and 4.09 ± 0.90 μM, respectively. Further mechanistic exploration showed that the degradation effect was mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Additionally, the therapeutic efficacy of T3 was confirmed in an MPTP-induced PD mouse model. Our results suggest that these dual PROTACs may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Zhu
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenqian Zhang
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jian Chen
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yichen Tong
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Fang Xu
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization & Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE) & Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jiyan Pang
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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8
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Xie H, Zhang C. Potential of the nanoplatform and PROTAC interface to achieve targeted protein degradation through the Ubiquitin-Proteasome system. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116168. [PMID: 38310686 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116168] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a crucial role in selectively breaking down specific proteins. The ability of the UPS to target proteins effectively and expedite their removal has significantly contributed to the evolution of UPS-based targeted protein degradation (TPD) strategies. In particular, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are an immensely promising tool due to their high efficiency, extensive target range, and negligible drug resistance. This breakthrough has overcome the limitations posed by traditionally "non-druggable" proteins. However, their high molecular weight and constrained solubility impede the delivery of PROTACs. Fortunately, the field of nanomedicine has experienced significant growth, enabling the delivery of PROTACs through nanoscale drug-delivery systems, which effectively improves the stability, solubility, drug distribution, tissue-specific accumulation, and stimulus-responsive release of PROTACs. This article reviews the mechanism of action attributed to PROTACs and their potential implications for clinical applications. Moreover, we present strategies involving nanoplatforms for the effective delivery of PROTACs and evaluate recent advances in targeting nanoplatforms to the UPS. Ultimately, an assessment is conducted to determine the feasibility of utilizing PROTACs and nanoplatforms for UPS-based TPD. The primary aim of this review is to provide innovative, reliable solutions to overcome the current challenges obstructing the effective use of PROTACs in the management of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, this is a promising technology for improving the treatment status of major diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanshu Xie
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China.
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9
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Rinaldi L, Chiuso F, Senatore E, Borzacchiello D, Lignitto L, Iannucci R, Donne RD, Fuggi M, Reale C, Russo F, Russo NA, Giurato G, Rizzo F, Sellitto A, Santangelo M, De Biase D, Paciello O, D'Ambrosio C, Amente S, Garbi C, Dalla E, Scaloni A, Weisz A, Ambrosino C, Insabato L, Feliciello A. Downregulation of praja2 restrains endocytosis and boosts tyrosine kinase receptors in kidney cancer. Commun Biol 2024; 7:208. [PMID: 38379085 PMCID: PMC10879500 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05823-4] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common kidney cancer in the adult population. Late diagnosis, resistance to therapeutics and recurrence of metastatic lesions account for the highest mortality rate among kidney cancer patients. Identifying novel biomarkers for early cancer detection and elucidating the mechanisms underlying ccRCC will provide clues to treat this aggressive malignant tumor. Here, we report that the ubiquitin ligase praja2 forms a complex with-and ubiquitylates the AP2 adapter complex, contributing to receptor endocytosis and clearance. In human RCC tissues and cells, downregulation of praja2 by oncogenic miRNAs (oncomiRs) and the proteasome markedly impairs endocytosis and clearance of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and amplifies downstream mitogenic and proliferative signaling. Restoring praja2 levels in RCC cells downregulates EGFR, rewires cancer cell metabolism and ultimately inhibits tumor cell growth and metastasis. Accordingly, genetic ablation of praja2 in mice upregulates RTKs (i.e. EGFR and VEGFR) and induces epithelial and vascular alterations in the kidney tissue.In summary, our findings identify a regulatory loop between oncomiRs and the ubiquitin proteasome system that finely controls RTKs endocytosis and clearance, positively impacting mitogenic signaling and kidney cancer growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiuso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Senatore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenica Borzacchiello
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Lignitto
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), CNRS, Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Rosa Iannucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rossella Delle Donne
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariano Fuggi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University Hospital Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Reale
- Biogem, Biology and Molecular Genetics Institute, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Filomena Russo
- Biogem, Biology and Molecular Genetics Institute, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Giurato
- Genome Research Center for Health, Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry SMS, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Francesca Rizzo
- Genome Research Center for Health, Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry SMS, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Assunta Sellitto
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry SMS, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Michele Santangelo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University Hospital Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide De Biase
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Orlando Paciello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Pathology Unit, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara D'Ambrosio
- Proteomics, Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, Portici (Naples), Italy
| | - Stefano Amente
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Corrado Garbi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Emiliano Dalla
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Andrea Scaloni
- Proteomics, Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, Portici (Naples), Italy
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Genome Research Center for Health, Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry SMS, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Concetta Ambrosino
- Biogem, Biology and Molecular Genetics Institute, Ariano Irpino, Italy
- Department of Science and Technology University of Sannio, Sannio, Italy
| | - Luigi Insabato
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University Hospital Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Feliciello
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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10
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Setia N, Almuqdadi HTA, Abid M. Journey of Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ligase in PROTACs design: From VHL ligands to VHL-based degraders. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116041. [PMID: 38199162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116041] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The scientific community has shown considerable interest in proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) in the last decade, indicating their remarkable potential as a means of achieving targeted protein degradation (TPD). Not only are PROTACs seen as valuable tools in molecular biology but their emergence as a modality for drug discovery has also garnered significant attention. PROTACs bind to E3 ligases and target proteins through respective ligands connected via a linker to induce proteasome-mediated protein degradation. The discovery of small molecule ligands for E3 ligases has led to the prevalent use of various E3 ligases in PROTAC design. Furthermore, the incorporation of different types of linkers has proven beneficial in enhancing the efficacy of PROTACs. By far more than 3300 PROTACs have been reported in the literature. Notably, Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)-based PROTACs have surfaced as a propitious strategy for targeting proteins, even encompassing those that were previously considered non-druggable. VHL is extensively utilized as an E3 ligase in the advancement of PROTACs owing to its widespread expression in various tissues and well-documented binders. Here, we review the discovery of VHL ligands, the types of linkers employed to develop VHL-based PROTACs, and their subsequent modulation to design advanced non-conventional degraders to target various disease-causing proteins. Furthermore, we provide an overview of other E3 ligases recruited in the field of PROTAC technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Setia
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | | | - Mohammad Abid
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India.
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11
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Zhou SQ, Feng P, Ye ML, Huang SY, He SW, Zhu XH, Chen J, Zhang Q, Li YQ. The E3 ligase NEURL3 suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by promoting vimentin degradation. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:14. [PMID: 38191501 PMCID: PMC10775674 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02945-9] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis has emerged as the major reason of treatment failure and mortality in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Growing evidence links abnormal DNA methylation to the initiation and progression of NPC. However, the precise regulatory mechanism behind these processes remains poorly understood. METHODS Bisulfite pyrosequencing, RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to test the methylation and expression level of NEURL3 and its clinical significance. The biological function of NEURL3 was examined both in vitro and in vivo. Mass spectrometry, co-immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and ubiquitin assays were performed to explore the regulatory mechanism of NEURL3. RESULTS The promoter region of NEURL3, encoding an E3 ubiquitin ligase, was obviously hypermethylated, leading to its downregulated expression in NPC. Clinically, NPC patients with a low NEURL3 expression indicated an unfavorable prognosis and were prone to develop distant metastasis. Overexpression of NEURL3 could suppress the epithelial mesenchymal transition and metastasis of NPC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, NEURL3 promoted Vimentin degradation by increasing its K48-linked polyubiquitination at lysine 97. Specifically, the restoration of Vimentin expression could fully reverse the tumor suppressive effect of NEURL3 overexpression in NPC cells. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our study uncovers a novel mechanism by which NEURL3 inhibits NPC metastasis, thereby providing a promising therapeutic target for NPC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Qing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
- Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Ping Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Liang Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Yan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Wei He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun-Hua Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying-Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Zhang R, Shen Y, Zhang Q, Feng X, Liu X, Huo X, Sun J, Hao J. TRIM21-mediated Sohlh2 ubiquitination suppresses M2 macrophage polarization and progression of triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:850. [PMID: 38123542 PMCID: PMC10733312 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06383-x] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Lung metastasis is the major cause of death in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent the M2-like phenotype with potent immunosuppressive activity, and play a pro-tumor role in TNBC lung metastasis. Sohlh2 belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor family. However, its role in macrophages polarization remains unknown, especially in TNBC progression. Here we demonstrated that Sohlh2 overexpression promoted M2 macrophage polarization. Moreover, high expression of Sohlh2 in M2-like macrophage enhanced TNBC cell growth, migration and lung metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, we revealed that Sohlh2 functioned through up-regulating LXRα, ABCA1, ABCG1 expression and disturbing the lipid homeostasis on the membrane of macrophages. Sohlh2 could directly bind to the promoter of LXRα and promote its transcription activity. E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM21 promoted Sohlh2 ubiquitination and degradation, and suppressed M2 macrophage polarization and TNBC progression. Collectively, our findings suggested that Sohlh2 in macrophage could be a novel therapeutic target for TNBC metastatic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of The Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Key Laboratory of The Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of The Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Xiaoning Feng
- Key Laboratory of The Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Xuyue Liu
- Key Laboratory of The Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Xiaoning Huo
- Key Laboratory of The Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Jinhao Sun
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Jing Hao
- Key Laboratory of The Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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13
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Brownsey DK, Gafuik CJ, Kim DS, O'Sullivan L, Gorobets E, Krukowski S, Turk M, Jenne CN, Mahoney DJ, Derksen DJ. Utilising the intrinsic fluorescence of pomalidomide for imaging applications. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:14532-14535. [PMID: 38019727 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc04314b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Optimisation of protein degraders requires balancing multiple factors including potency, cell permeability and solubility. Here we show that the fluorescence of pomalidomide can be used in high-throughput screening assays to rapidly assess cellular penetration of degrader candidates. In addition, this technique can be paired with endocytosis inhibitors to gain insight into potential mechanisms of candidates entering a target cell. A model library of pomalidomide conjugates was synthesised and evaluated using high-throughput fluorescence microscopy. This technique based on intrinsic fluorescence can be used to guide rational design of pomalidomide conjugates without the need for additional labels or tags.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan K Brownsey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Health Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christopher J Gafuik
- Alberta Children's Health Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dae-Sun Kim
- Alberta Children's Health Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Leonie O'Sullivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Health Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Evgueni Gorobets
- Department of Chemistry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Health Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Samuel Krukowski
- Department of Chemistry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Health Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Madison Turk
- Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Calvin, Phoebe, and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Craig N Jenne
- Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Calvin, Phoebe, and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Douglas J Mahoney
- Alberta Children's Health Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Darren J Derksen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Health Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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14
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Steinebach C, Bricelj A, Murgai A, Sosič I, Bischof L, Ng YLD, Heim C, Maiwald S, Proj M, Voget R, Feller F, Košmrlj J, Sapozhnikova V, Schmidt A, Zuleeg MR, Lemnitzer P, Mertins P, Hansen FK, Gütschow M, Krönke J, Hartmann MD. Leveraging Ligand Affinity and Properties: Discovery of Novel Benzamide-Type Cereblon Binders for the Design of PROTACs. J Med Chem 2023; 66:14513-14543. [PMID: 37902300 PMCID: PMC10641816 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs) such as thalidomide, pomalidomide, and lenalidomide are the most common cereblon (CRBN) recruiters in proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) design. However, these CRBN ligands induce the degradation of IMiD neosubstrates and are inherently unstable, degrading hydrolytically under moderate conditions. In this work, we simultaneously optimized physiochemical properties, stability, on-target affinity, and off-target neosubstrate modulation features to develop novel nonphthalimide CRBN binders. These efforts led to the discovery of conformationally locked benzamide-type derivatives that replicate the interactions of the natural CRBN degron, exhibit enhanced chemical stability, and display a favorable selectivity profile in terms of neosubstrate recruitment. The utility of the most potent ligands was demonstrated by their transformation into potent degraders of BRD4 and HDAC6 that outperform previously described reference PROTACs. Together with their significantly decreased neomorphic ligase activity on IKZF1/3 and SALL4, these ligands provide opportunities for the design of highly selective and potent chemically inert proximity-inducing compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aleša Bricelj
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Arunima Murgai
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Luca Bischof
- Max
Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yuen Lam Dora Ng
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christopher Heim
- Max
Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Samuel Maiwald
- Max
Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matic Proj
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rabea Voget
- Pharmaceutical
Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Felix Feller
- Pharmaceutical
Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Janez Košmrlj
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University
of Ljubljana, SI 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Valeriia Sapozhnikova
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
- Max
Delbrück
Center for Molecular Medicine, D-13125 Berlin, Germany
- German
Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, DKFZ, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annika Schmidt
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maximilian Rudolf Zuleeg
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Patricia Lemnitzer
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Mertins
- Max
Delbrück
Center for Molecular Medicine, D-13125 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin
Institute of Health, D-10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Finn K. Hansen
- Pharmaceutical
Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical
Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan Krönke
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
- German
Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, DKFZ, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcus D. Hartmann
- Max
Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Interfaculty
Institute of Biochemistry, University of
Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
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15
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Almodóvar-Rivera CM, Zhang Z, Li J, Xie H, Zhao Y, Guo L, Mannhardt MG, Tang W. A Modular Chemistry Platform for the Development of a Cereblon E3 Ligase-Based Partial PROTAC Library. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300482. [PMID: 37418320 PMCID: PMC10591699 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are a promising therapeutic strategy to selectively promote the degradation of protein targets by exploiting the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Among the limited number of E3 ligase ligands discovered for the PROTAC technology, ligands of cereblon (CRBN) E3 ligase, such as pomalidomide, thalidomide, or lenalidomide, are the most frequently used for the development of PROTACs. Our group previously reported that a phenyl group could be tolerated on the C4-position of lenalidomide as the ligand of CRBN to develop PROTACs. Herein, we report a modular chemistry platform for the efficient attachment of various ortho-, meta-, and para-substituted phenyls to the C4-position of the lenalidomide via Suzuki cross-coupling reaction, which allows the systematic investigation of the linker effect for the development of PROTACs against any target. We examined the substrate scope by preparing twelve lenalidomide-derived CRBN E3 ligase ligands with different linkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsi M Almodóvar-Rivera
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Jingyao Li
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Haibo Xie
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Yu Zhao
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Le Guo
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Marissa G Mannhardt
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Weiping Tang
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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16
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Zhao C, Chen S, Chen D, Río-Bergé C, Zhang J, Van Der Wouden PE, Daemen T, Dekker FJ. Histone Deacetylase 3-Directed PROTACs Have Anti-inflammatory Potential by Blocking Polarization of M0-like into M1-like Macrophages. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202310059. [PMID: 37638390 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202310059] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Macrophage polarization plays a crucial role in inflammatory processes. The histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) has a deacetylase-independent function that can activate pro-inflammatory gene expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated M1-like macrophages and cannot be blocked by traditional small-molecule HDAC3 inhibitors. Here we employed the proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology to target the deacetylase-independent function of HDAC3. We developed a potent and selective HDAC3-directed PROTAC, P7, which induces nearly complete HDAC3 degradation at low micromolar concentrations in both THP-1 cells and human primary macrophages. P7 increases the anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion in THP-1-derived M1-like macrophages. Importantly, P7 decreases the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in M1-like macrophages derived from human primary macrophages. This can be explained by the observed inhibition of macrophage polarization from M0-like into M1-like macrophage. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the HDAC3-directed PROTAC P7 has anti-inflammatory activity and blocks macrophage polarization, demonstrating that this molecular mechanism can be targeted with small molecule therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlong Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen, Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Shipeng Chen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Tumor Virology and Cancer Immunotherapy, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Deng Chen
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen, Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Clàudia Río-Bergé
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Tumor Virology and Cancer Immunotherapy, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jianqiu Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen, Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Petra E Van Der Wouden
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen, Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Toos Daemen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Tumor Virology and Cancer Immunotherapy, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J Dekker
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen, Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
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17
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Hales LT, Thompson PE. Solid-Phase Synthesis of PROTACs and SNIPERs on Backbone Amide Linked (BAL) Resin. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202301975. [PMID: 37526498 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202301975] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Developing straightforward but flexible approaches to PROTAC synthesis that can incorporate the structural elements of emerging designs can improve the quality and efficiency of PROTAC development. Solid-phase approaches could offer many advantages over conventional PROTAC synthesis if diverse chemistries and topographies can be incorporated. We have exploited the backbone-amide-linked (BAL) resin to employ an array of solid-phase organic reactions, providing access to VHL- and IAP-targeting degraders using the BRD4-targeting JQ1 conjugates as examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Thomas Hales
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Philip Evan Thompson
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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18
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Vu LP, Diehl CJ, Casement R, Bond AG, Steinebach C, Strašek N, Bricelj A, Perdih A, Schnakenburg G, Sosič I, Ciulli A, Gütschow M. Expanding the Structural Diversity at the Phenylene Core of Ligands for the von Hippel-Lindau E3 Ubiquitin Ligase: Development of Highly Potent Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Stabilizers. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12776-12811. [PMID: 37708384 PMCID: PMC10544018 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) constitutes the principal mediator of cellular adaptation to hypoxia in humans. The HIF-1α protein level and activity are tightly regulated by the ubiquitin E3 ligase von Hippel-Lindau (VHL). Here, we performed a structure-guided and bioactivity-driven design of new VHL inhibitors. Our iterative and combinatorial strategy focused on chemical variability at the phenylene unit and encompassed further points of diversity. The exploitation of tailored phenylene fragments and the stereoselective installation of the benzylic methyl group provided potent VHL ligands. Three high-resolution structures of VHL-ligand complexes were determined, and bioactive conformations of these ligands were explored. The most potent inhibitor (30) exhibited dissociation constants lower than 40 nM, independently determined by fluorescence polarization and surface plasmon resonance and an enhanced cellular potency, as evidenced by its superior ability to induce HIF-1α transcriptional activity. Our work is anticipated to inspire future efforts toward HIF-1α stabilizers and new ligands for proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Phuong Vu
- Pharmaceutical
Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
- Centre
for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, 1 James Lindsay Place, Dundee, Scotland DD1 5JJ, U.K.
| | - Claudia J. Diehl
- Centre
for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, 1 James Lindsay Place, Dundee, Scotland DD1 5JJ, U.K.
| | - Ryan Casement
- Centre
for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, 1 James Lindsay Place, Dundee, Scotland DD1 5JJ, U.K.
| | - Adam G. Bond
- Centre
for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, 1 James Lindsay Place, Dundee, Scotland DD1 5JJ, U.K.
| | - Christian Steinebach
- Pharmaceutical
Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nika Strašek
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleša Bricelj
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrej Perdih
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- National
Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Schnakenburg
- Institute
of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alessio Ciulli
- Centre
for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, 1 James Lindsay Place, Dundee, Scotland DD1 5JJ, U.K.
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical
Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
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19
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Wang C, Zhang M, Liu Y, Cui D, Gao L, Jiang Y. CircRNF10 triggers a positive feedback loop to facilitate progression of glioblastoma via redeploying the ferroptosis defense in GSCs. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:242. [PMID: 37723588 PMCID: PMC10507871 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02816-9] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioma exhibit heterogeneous susceptibility for targeted ferroptosis. How circRNAs alterations in glioma promote iron metabolism and ferroptosis defense remains unclarified. METHODS The highly enriched circRNAs in glioblastoma (GBM) were obtained through analysis of sequencing datasets. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the expression of circRNF10 in glioma and normal brain tissue. Both gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies were used to assess the effects of circRNF10 on ferroptosis using in vitro and in vivo assays. The hypothesis that ZBTB48 promotes ferroptosis defense was established using bioinformatics analysis and functional assays. RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were performed to examine the interaction between circRNF10 and target proteins including ZBTB48, MKRN3 and IGF2BP3. The posttranslational modification mechanism of ZBTB48 was verified using coimmunoprecipitation (co-IP) and ubiquitination assays. The transcription activation of HSPB1 and IGF2BP3 by ZBTB48 was confirmed through luciferase reporter gene and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. The stabilizing effect of IGF2BP3 on circRNF10 was explored by actinomycin D assay. Finally, a series of in vivo experiments were performed to explore the influences of circRNF10 on the glioma progression. RESULTS A novel circular RNA, hsa_circ_0028912 (named circRNF10), which is significantly upregulated in glioblastoma tissues and correlated with patients' poor prognosis. Through integrated analysis of the circRNA-proteins interaction datasets and sequencing results, we reveal ZBTB48 as a transcriptional factor binding with circRNF10, notably promoting upregulation of HSPB1 and IGF2BP3 expression to remodel iron metabolism and facilitates the launch of a circRNF10/ZBTB48/IGF2BP3 positive feedback loop in GSCs. Additionally, circRNF10 can competitively bind to MKRN3 and block E3 ubiquitin ligase activity to enhance ZBTB48 expression. Consequently, circRNF10-overexpressed glioma stem cells (GSCs) display lower Fe2+ accumulation, selectively priming tumors for ferroptosis evading. CONCLUSION Our research presents abnormal circRNAs expression causing a molecular and metabolic change of glioma, which we leverage to discover a therapeutically exploitable vulnerability to target ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengbin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Minjie Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Yingliang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Daming Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Liang Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Yang Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China.
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20
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Jiang Y, Feng Y, Huang J, Huang Z, Tan R, Li T, Chen Z, Tang X, Qiu J, Li C, Chen H, Yang Z. LAD1 promotes malignant progression by diminishing ubiquitin-dependent degradation of vimentin in gastric cancer. J Transl Med 2023; 21:632. [PMID: 37718450 PMCID: PMC10506284 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04401-2] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ladinin-1 (LAD1), an anchoring filament protein, has been associated with several cancer types, including cancers of the colon, lungs, and breast. However, it is still unclear how and why LAD1 causes gastric cancer (GC). METHODS Multiple in vitro and in vivo, functional gains and loss experiments were carried out in the current study to confirm the function of LAD1. Mass spectrometry was used to find the proteins that interact with LAD1. Immunoprecipitation analyses revealed the mechanism of LAD1 involved in promoting aggressiveness. RESULTS The results revealed that the LAD1 was overexpressed in GC tissues, and participants with increased LAD1 expression exhibited poorer disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Functionally, LAD1 promotes cellular invasion, migration, proliferation, and chemoresistance in vivo and in vitro in the subcutaneous patient-and cell-derived xenograft (PDX and CDX) tumor models. Mechanistically, LAD1 competitively bound to Vimentin, preventing it from interacting with the E3 ubiquitin ligase macrophage erythroblast attacher (MAEA), which led to a reduction in K48-linked ubiquitination of Vimentin and an increase in Vimentin protein levels in GC cells. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the current investigation indicated that LAD1 has been predicted as a possible prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for GC due to its ability to suppress Vimentin-MAEA interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingming Jiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510655, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastric Surgery Section 2, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510655, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Department of Thyroid Hernia Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanchun Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510655, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Thyroid Hernia Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, China
| | - Jintuan Huang
- Department of Gastric Surgery Section 2, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510655, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Department of Thyroid Hernia Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenze Huang
- Department of Gastric Surgery Section 2, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510655, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Department of Thyroid Hernia Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, China
| | - Rongchang Tan
- Department of Gastric Surgery Section 2, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510655, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Department of Thyroid Hernia Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, China
| | - Tuoyang Li
- Department of Gastric Surgery Section 2, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510655, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Department of Thyroid Hernia Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, China
| | - Zijian Chen
- Department of Gastric Surgery Section 2, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510655, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Department of Thyroid Hernia Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaocheng Tang
- Department of Gastric Surgery Section 2, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510655, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Department of Thyroid Hernia Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Qiu
- Department of Gastric Surgery Section 2, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510655, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
- Department of Thyroid Hernia Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, China
| | - Chujun Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510655, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
- Department of Thyroid Hernia Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, China.
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Gastric Surgery Section 2, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510655, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
- Department of Thyroid Hernia Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zuli Yang
- Department of Gastric Surgery Section 2, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510655, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
- Department of Thyroid Hernia Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, China.
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21
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Wurnig S, Vogt M, Hogenkamp J, Dienstbier N, Borkhardt A, Bhatia S, Hansen FK. Development of the first geldanamycin-based HSP90 degraders. Front Chem 2023; 11:1219883. [PMID: 37448856 PMCID: PMC10336212 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1219883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the early clinical promise, adverse events such as acquired resistance and dose-limiting toxicities have barred the widespread use of HSP90 inhibitors as anticancer drugs. A new approach involving proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) to degrade the protein instead of inhibiting it may overcome these problems. In this work, we describe the design, synthesis, and evaluation of cereblon-recruiting geldanamycin-based HSP90 degraders based on the PROTAC technology. Our best degrader, 3a, effectively decreased HSP90α and HSP90β levels in cells utilizing the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silas Wurnig
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Cell Biological Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Melina Vogt
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julian Hogenkamp
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Niklas Dienstbier
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Arndt Borkhardt
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sanil Bhatia
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Finn K. Hansen
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Cell Biological Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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22
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Liang J, Wu Y, Lan K, Dong C, Wu S, Li S, Zhou HB. Antiviral PROTACs: Opportunity borne with challenge. CELL INSIGHT 2023; 2:100092. [PMID: 37398636 PMCID: PMC10308200 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2023.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degradation of pathogenic proteins by hijacking of the ubiquitin-proteasome-system has become a promising strategy in drug design. The overwhelming advantages of PROTAC technology have ensured a rapid and wide usage, and multiple PROTACs have entered clinical trials. Several antiviral PROTACs have been developed with promising bioactivities against various pathogenic viruses. However, the number of reported antiviral PROTACs is far less than that of other diseases, e.g., cancers, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, possibly because of the common deficiencies of PROTAC technology (e.g., limited available ligands and poor membrane permeability) plus the complex mechanism involved and the high tendency of viral mutation during transmission and replication, which may challenge the successful development of effective antiviral PROTACs. This review highlights the important advances in this rapidly growing field and critical limitations encountered in developing antiviral PROTACs by analyzing the current status and representative examples of antiviral PROTACs and other PROTAC-like antiviral agents. We also summarize and analyze the general principles and strategies for antiviral PROTAC design and optimization with the intent of indicating the potential strategic directions for future progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsen Liang
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yihe Wu
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ke Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Chune Dong
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shuwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Shu Li
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
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23
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Zografou-Barredo NA, Hallatt AJ, Goujon-Ricci J, Cano C. A beginner's guide to current synthetic linker strategies towards VHL-recruiting PROTACs. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 88-89:117334. [PMID: 37224698 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Over the last two decades, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have been revolutionary in drug development rendering targeted protein degradation (TPD) as an emerging therapeutic modality. These heterobifunctional molecules are comprised of three units: a ligand for the protein of interest (POI), a ligand for an E3 ubiquitin ligase, and a linker that tethers the two motifs together. Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) is one of the most widely employed E3 ligases in PROTACs development due to its prevalent expression across tissue types and well-characterised ligands. Linker composition and length has proven to play an important role in determining the physicochemical properties and spatial orientation of the POI-PROTAC-E3 ternary complex, thus influencing the bioactivity of degraders. Numerous articles and reports have been published showcasing the medicinal chemistry aspects of the linker design, but few have focused on the chemistry around tethering linkers to E3 ligase ligands. In this review, we focus on the current synthetic linker strategies employed in the assembly of VHL-recruiting PROTACs. We aim to cover a range of fundamental chemistries used to incorporate linkers of varying length, composition and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikol A Zografou-Barredo
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Alex J Hallatt
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jennyfer Goujon-Ricci
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Céline Cano
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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24
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Wang J, Ehehalt LE, Huang Z, Beleh OM, Guzei IA, Weix DJ. Formation of C(sp 2)-C(sp 3) Bonds Instead of Amide C-N Bonds from Carboxylic Acid and Amine Substrate Pools by Decarbonylative Cross-Electrophile Coupling. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:9951-9958. [PMID: 37126234 PMCID: PMC10175239 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c11552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Carbon-heteroatom bonds, most often amide and ester bonds, are the standard method to link together two complex fragments because carboxylic acids, amines, and alcohols are ubiquitous and the reactions are reliable. However, C-N and C-O linkages are often a metabolic liability because they are prone to hydrolysis. While C(sp2)-C(sp3) linkages are preferable in many cases, methods to make them require different starting materials or are less functional-group-compatible. We show here a new, decarbonylative reaction that forms C(sp2)-C(sp3) bonds from the reaction of activated carboxylic acids (via 2-pyridyl esters) with activated alkyl groups derived from amines (via N-alkyl pyridinium salts) and alcohols (via alkyl halides). Key to this process is a remarkably fast, reversible oxidative addition/decarbonylation sequence enabled by pyridone and bipyridine ligands that, under reaction conditions that purge CO(g), lead to a selective reaction. The conditions are mild enough to allow coupling of more complex fragments, such as those used in drug development, and this is demonstrated in the coupling of a typical Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) anchor with common linkers via C-C linkages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhidao Huang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Omar M. Beleh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Ilia A. Guzei
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Daniel J. Weix
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
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25
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Mi D, Li Y, Gu H, Li Y, Chen Y. Current advances of small molecule E3 ligands for proteolysis-targeting chimeras design. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115444. [PMID: 37178483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) as an emerging drug discovery modality has been extensively concerned in recent years. Over 20 years development, accumulated studies have demonstrated that PROTACs show unique advantages over traditional therapy in operable target scope, efficacy, and overcoming drug resistance. However, only limited E3 ligases, the essential elements of PROTACs, have been harnessed for PROTACs design. The optimization of novel ligands for well-established E3 ligases and the employment of additional E3 ligases remain urgent challenges for investigators. Here, we systematically summarize the current status of E3 ligases and corresponding ligands for PROTACs design with a focus on their discovery history, design principles, application benefits, and potential defects. Meanwhile, the prospects and future directions for this field are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dazhao Mi
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yuzhan Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Haijun Gu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yan Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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26
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Chen Y, Li W, Kwon S, Wang Y, Li Z, Hu Q. Small-Molecule Ferritin Degrader as a Pyroptosis Inducer. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:9815-9824. [PMID: 37094179 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c01852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Exploring the response of malignant cells to intracellular metabolic stress is critical for understanding pathologic processes and developing anticancer therapies. Herein, we developed ferritin-targeting proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) to establish the iron excess stress inside cancer cells and investigated subsequent cellular behaviors. We conjugated oleic acid that binds to the ferritin dimer to the ligand of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ligase through an alkyl linker. The screened chimera, DeFer-2, degraded ferritin and then rapidly elevated the free iron content, thereby initiating the caspase 3-GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in cancer cells rather than typical ferroptosis that is always associated with iron ion overload. According to its structural and physicochemical characteristics, DeFer-2 was loaded into a tailored albumin-based nano-formulation, which substantially inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival time of mice bearing B16F10 subcutaneous tumors with negligible adverse effects. This study developed a ferritin-targeting PROTAC for iron overload stress, revealed iron metabolic dysregulation-mediated pyroptosis, and provided a PROTAC-based pyroptosis inducer for anticancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Wen Li
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Song Kwon
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Yixin Wang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Zhaoting Li
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Quanyin Hu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
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27
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Zhao C, Chen D, Suo F, Setroikromo R, Quax WJ, Dekker FJ. Discovery of highly potent HDAC8 PROTACs with anti-tumor activity. Bioorg Chem 2023; 136:106546. [PMID: 37098288 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106546] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Various diseases are deeply associated with aberrations in HDAC8 functions. These aberrations can be assigned to either structural functions or catalytic functions of HDAC8. Therefore, development of HDAC8 degradation inducers might be more promising than HDAC8 inhibitors. We employed the proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) strategy to develop a selective and potent HDAC8 degradation inducer CT-4 with single-digit nanomolar DC50 values and over 95% Dmax in both triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and T-cell leukemia cells. Notably, CT-4 demonstrated potent anti-migration activity and limited anti-proliferative activity in MDA-MB-231 cells. In contrast, CT-4 effectively induced apototic cell death in Jurkat cells, as assessed by a caspase 3/7 activity assay and flow cytometry. Our findings suggest that the development of HDAC8 degradation inducers holds great potential for the treatment of HDAC8-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlong Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Deng Chen
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Fengzhi Suo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rita Setroikromo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim J Quax
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J Dekker
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
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28
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Xue Y, Bolinger AA, Zhou J. Novel approaches to targeted protein degradation technologies in drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:467-483. [PMID: 36895136 PMCID: PMC11089573 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2187777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Target protein degradation (TPD) provides a novel therapeutic modality, other than inhibition, through the direct depletion of target proteins. Two primary human protein homeostasis mechanisms are exploited: the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and the lysosomal system. TPD technologies based on these two systems are progressing at an impressive pace. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on the TPD strategies based on UPS and lysosomal system, mainly classified into three types: Molecular Glue (MG), PROteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC), and lysosome-mediated TPD. Starting with a brief background introduction of each strategy, exciting examples and perspectives on these novel approaches are provided. EXPERT OPINION MGs and PROTACs are two major UPS-based TPD strategies that have been extensively investigated in the past decade. Despite some clinical trials, several critical issues remain, among which is emphasized by the limitation of targets. Recently developed lysosomal system-based approaches provide alternative solutions for TPD beyond UPS' capability. The newly emerging novel approaches may partially address issues that have long plagued researchers, such as low potency, poor cell permeability, on-/off-target toxicity, and delivery efficiency. Comprehensive considerations for the rational design of protein degraders and continuous efforts to seek effective solutions are imperative to advance these strategies into clinical medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xue
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Andrew A. Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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29
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Kuchta R, Heim C, Herrmann A, Maiwald S, Ng YLD, Sosič I, Keuler T, Krönke J, Gütschow M, Hartmann MD, Steinebach C. Accessing three-branched high-affinity cereblon ligands for molecular glue and protein degrader design. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:229-234. [PMID: 36908700 PMCID: PMC9994103 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00223j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Petasis borono-Mannich reaction was employed for an alternative entry towards three-branched cereblon ligands. Such compounds are capabable of making multiple interactions with the protein surface and possess a suitable linker exit vector. The high-affinity ligands were used to assemble prototypic new molecular glues and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) targeting BRD4 for degradation. Our results highlight the importance of multicomponent reactions (MCRs) in drug discovery and add new insights into the rapidly growing field of protein degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kuchta
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn An der Immenburg 4 Bonn D-53121 Germany
| | - Christopher Heim
- Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen Tübingen D-72076 Germany .,Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen Tübingen 72076 Germany
| | | | - Samuel Maiwald
- Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen Tübingen D-72076 Germany
| | - Yuen Lam Dora Ng
- Charité, Department of Internal Medicine with Focus on Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology Berlin D-12203 Germany
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana Ljubljana SI-1000 Slovenia
| | - Tim Keuler
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn An der Immenburg 4 Bonn D-53121 Germany
| | - Jan Krönke
- Charité, Department of Internal Medicine with Focus on Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology Berlin D-12203 Germany
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn An der Immenburg 4 Bonn D-53121 Germany
| | - Marcus D Hartmann
- Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen Tübingen D-72076 Germany .,Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen Tübingen 72076 Germany
| | - Christian Steinebach
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn An der Immenburg 4 Bonn D-53121 Germany
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30
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Rao Z, Li K, Hong J, Chen D, Ding B, Jiang L, Qi X, Hu J, Yang B, He Q, Dong X, Cao J, Zhu CL. A practical "preTACs-cytoblot" platform accelerates the streamlined development of PROTAC-based protein degraders. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 251:115248. [PMID: 36905918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115248] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
With the growing importance of PROTAC-mediated protein degradation in drug discovery, robust synthetic methodologies and rapid screening assays are urgently needed. By harnessing the improved alkene hydroazidation reaction, we developed a novel strategy to introduce azido groups into the linker-E3 ligand conjugates and effectively created a range of prepacked terminal azide-labeled "preTACs" as PROTAC toolkit building blocks. Moreover, we demonstrated that preTACs are ready to conjugate to ligands targeting a protein of interest to generate libraries of chimeric degraders, which are subsequently screened for effective protein degradation directly from cultured cells with a cytoblot assay. Our study exemplifies that this practical "preTACs-cytoblot" platform allows efficient PROTAC assembly and rapid activity assessments. It may help industrial and academic investigators to accelerate their streamlined development of PROTAC-based protein degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Rao
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Kailin Li
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Ju Hong
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Danni Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Baoli Ding
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Li Jiang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Xuxin Qi
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Jiawen Hu
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China; Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Centre for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of ZJU, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China; Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Cancer Centre, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Xiaowu Dong
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China; Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Cancer Centre, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Ji Cao
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China; Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Cancer Centre, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Innovative Anticancer Drugs, Ministry of Education, China.
| | - Cheng-Liang Zhu
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Centre for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of ZJU, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China; Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Innovative Anticancer Drugs, Ministry of Education, China.
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31
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Si R, Zhu H, Wang J, Zhang Q, Li Y, Pan X, Zhang J. Discovery of Novel Protein Degraders Based on Bioorthogonal Reaction-Driven Intracellular Self-Assembly Strategy. Bioorg Chem 2023; 135:106497. [PMID: 37003135 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) is a promising therapeutic modality capable of degrading undruggable proteins and overcoming the shortcomings of traditional inhibitors. However, the molecular weight and pharmaceutical properties of PROTACs fall outside of a reasonable range. To overcome the inherent poor druggability of PROTACs, an intracellular self-assembly strategy based on bio-orthogonal reaction was proposed and applied in this study. Herein, two novel classes of intracellular precursors that can self-assemble into protein degraders through bio-orthogonal reactions were explored, including a novel class of E3 ubiquitin ligase ligands bearing tetrazine (E3L-Tz) and target protein ligands incorporated with norbornene (TPL-Nb). These two types of precursors could spontaneously undergo bio-orthogonal reactions in living cells, affording novel PROTACs. Among these precursors, the biological activities of PROTACs formed by target protein ligand with norbornene group (S4N-1) were more potent than others and degrade VEGFR-2, PDGFR-β and EphB4. The results demonstrated that a highly specific bio-orthogonal reaction driven intracellular self-assembly strategy in living cells could be utilized to improve the degradation activity of PROTACs.
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32
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Heim C, Spring AK, Kirchgäßner S, Schwarzer D, Hartmann MD. Cereblon neo-substrate binding mimics the recognition of the cyclic imide degron. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 646:30-35. [PMID: 36701892 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.01.051] [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: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In targeted protein degradation, immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) or cereblon (CRBN) E3 ligase modulatory drugs (CELMoDs) recruit neo-substrate proteins to the E3 ubiquitin ligase receptor CRBN for ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation. While the structural basis of this mechanism is generally understood, we have only recently described the recognition mode of the natural CRBN degron. In this communication, we reveal that the IMiD- or CELMoD-mediated binding of neo-substrates closely mimics the recognition of natural degrons. In crystal structures, we identify a conserved binding mode for natural degron peptides with an elaborate hydrogen bonding network involving the backbone of each of the six C-terminal degron residues, without the involvement of side chains. In a structural comparison, we show that neo-substrates recruited by IMiDs or CELMoDs emulate every single hydrogen bond of this network and thereby explain the origins of the largely sequence-independent recognition of neo-substrates. Our results imply that the V388I substitution in CRBN does not impair natural degron recognition and complete the structural basis for the rational design of CRBN effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Heim
- Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany; Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; NanoTemper Technologies GmbH, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Sören Kirchgäßner
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dirk Schwarzer
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marcus D Hartmann
- Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany; Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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33
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Xie H, Li C, Tang H, Tandon I, Liao J, Roberts BL, Zhao Y, Tang W. Development of Substituted Phenyl Dihydrouracil as the Novel Achiral Cereblon Ligands for Targeted Protein Degradation. J Med Chem 2023; 66:2904-2917. [PMID: 36749666 PMCID: PMC10398712 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glutarimides such as thalidomide, pomalidomide, and lenalidomide are the most frequently used ligands to recruit E3 ubiquitin ligase cereblon (CRBN) for the development of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs). Due to the rapid and spontaneous racemization of glutarimides, most CRBN-recruiting PROTACs are synthesized as a mixture of racemates or diastereomers. Since the (S)-enantiomer is primarily responsible for binding to CRBN, the existence of the largely inactive (R)-enantiomer complicates the drug development process. Herein, we report that substituted achiral phenyl dihydrouracil (PDHU) can be used as a novel class of CRBN ligands for the development of PROTACs. Although the parent PDHU has a minimal binding affinity to CRBN, we found that some substituted PDHUs had a comparable binding affinity to lenalidomide. Structural modeling provided a further understanding of the molecular interactions between PDHU ligands and CRBN. PDHUs also have greater stability than lenalidomide. Finally, potent BRD4 degraders were developed by employing trisubstituted PDHUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Xie
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 (USA)
| | - Chunrong Li
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 (USA)
| | - Hua Tang
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 (USA)
| | - Ira Tandon
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 (USA)
| | - Junzhuo Liao
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 (USA)
| | - Brett L. Roberts
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 (USA)
| | - Yu Zhao
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 (USA)
| | - Weiping Tang
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 (USA)
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706 (USA)
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34
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Carton B, Röth S, Macartney TJ, Sapkota GP. Harnessing nanobodies for target protein degradation through the Affinity-directed PROtein Missile (AdPROM) system. Methods Enzymol 2023; 681:61-79. [PMID: 36764764 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is a useful approach in dissecting protein function and therapeutics. Technologies such as RNA interference or gene knockout that are routinely used rely on protein turnover. However, RNA interference takes a long time to deplete target proteins and is not suitable for long-lived proteins, while a genetic knockout is irreversible, takes a long time to achieve and is not suitable for essential genes. TPD has the potential to overcome the limitations of RNA interference and gene editing approaches. We have established the Affinity directed PROtein Missile (AdPROM) system, which harnesses nanobodies or binders of target proteins to redirect E3 ubiquitin ligase activity to the target protein to induce TPD through the ubiquitin proteasome system. Here we provide a step-by-step protocol for using the AdPROM system for targeted proteolysis of endogenously GFP-tagged K-RAS through an anti-GFP nanobody. This protocol can be amended to target a wide range of different proteins of interest (POIs) either by replacing the anti-GFP nanobody with a nanobody recognising the POI or by endogenously tagging the POI with GFP through CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bill Carton
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Röth
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J Macartney
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Gopal P Sapkota
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom.
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35
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Jia X, Han X. Targeting androgen receptor degradation with PROTACs from bench to bedside. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114112. [PMID: 36508999 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114112] [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: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of androgen receptor (AR) has been extensively investigated to treat prostate cancer. Resistance mechanisms such as increased levels of androgen production, increased AR gene, enhancer expression and AR point mutations always reduce the clinical efficacy. Design and discovery of small-molecule PROTAC AR degraders have been pursued as a new therapeutic strategy to overcome common resistance mechanisms developed during prostate cancer treatment. In the last two decades, potent and efficacious PROTAC AR degraders have been gotten rapid development and several such compounds have been advanced into preclinical phase and phase I/II trials for the treatment of human prostate cancers. Especially, the first PROTAC to enter the clinic, ARV-110, has shown good clinical effects in patients with mCRPC. This fully demonstrates the high clinical value of PROTAC strategy in treatment of human diseases. Here, we summarized the recent advances in the development of these potential clinical-stage PROTAC AR degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Jia
- The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xin Han
- The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.; Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China..
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36
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Ming H, Li B, Jiang J, Qin S, Nice EC, He W, Lang T, Huang C. Protein degradation: expanding the toolbox to restrain cancer drug resistance. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:6. [PMID: 36694209 PMCID: PMC9872387 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01398-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in clinical management, drug resistance remains a major obstacle. Recent research based on protein degradation to restrain drug resistance has attracted wide attention, and several therapeutic strategies such as inhibition of proteasome with bortezomib and proteolysis-targeting chimeric have been developed. Compared with intervention at the transcriptional level, targeting the degradation process seems to be a more rapid and direct strategy. Proteasomal proteolysis and lysosomal proteolysis are the most critical quality control systems responsible for the degradation of proteins or organelles. Although proteasomal and lysosomal inhibitors (e.g., bortezomib and chloroquine) have achieved certain improvements in some clinical application scenarios, their routine application in practice is still a long way off, which is due to the lack of precise targeting capabilities and inevitable side effects. In-depth studies on the regulatory mechanism of critical protein degradation regulators, including E3 ubiquitin ligases, deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs), and chaperones, are expected to provide precise clues for developing targeting strategies and reducing side effects. Here, we discuss the underlying mechanisms of protein degradation in regulating drug efflux, drug metabolism, DNA repair, drug target alteration, downstream bypass signaling, sustaining of stemness, and tumor microenvironment remodeling to delineate the functional roles of protein degradation in drug resistance. We also highlight specific E3 ligases, DUBs, and chaperones, discussing possible strategies modulating protein degradation to target cancer drug resistance. A systematic summary of the molecular basis by which protein degradation regulates tumor drug resistance will help facilitate the development of appropriate clinical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ming
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Bowen Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Jiang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Weifeng He
- Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Chongqing Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Tingyuan Lang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital & Chongqing Cancer Institute & Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, People's Republic of China. .,Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, People's Republic of China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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37
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Si R, Liu N, Wang J, Zhang Q, Li Y, Pan X, Zhang J. Discovery of selective platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFR-β) bifunctional small-molecule degraders. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 77:117115. [PMID: 36508995 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117115] [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: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) is a promising strategy for treatment of various diseases by degrading of disease-related proteins in recent years. Up to now, most PROTAC molecules are mainly aimed at the degradation of intracellular proteins, but many disease-related proteins are membrane or extracellular proteins. The targeted degradation of membrane proteins would be an attractive and general strategy for discovery of novel PROTACs. Herein, we report the development of multi-targeted kinase inhibitor sorafenib-based PROTACs, they can selectively degrade platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-β). We provide a method that can be used to degrade cell membrane proteins. To our knowledge, this study also is the first report of PROTAC induced PDGFR-β degradation in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Si
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Nanxin Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yanchen Li
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xiaoyan Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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38
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Shen F, Zheng G, Setegne M, Tenglin K, Izadi M, Xie H, Zhai L, Orkin SH, Dassama LMK. A Cell-Permeant Nanobody-Based Degrader That Induces Fetal Hemoglobin. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2022; 8:1695-1703. [PMID: 36589886 PMCID: PMC9801508 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c00998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Proximity-based strategies to degrade proteins have enormous therapeutic potential in medicine, but the technologies are limited to proteins for which small molecule ligands exist. The identification of such ligands for therapeutically relevant but "undruggable" proteins remains challenging. Herein, we employed yeast surface display of synthetic nanobodies to identify a protein ligand selective for BCL11A, a critical repressor of fetal globin gene transcription. Fusion of the nanobody to a cell-permeant miniature protein and an E3 adaptor creates a degrader that depletes cellular BCL11A in differentiated primary erythroid precursor cells, thereby inducing the expression of fetal hemoglobin, a modifier of clinical severity of sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia. Our strategy provides a means of fetal hemoglobin induction through reversible, temporal modulation of BCL11A. Additionally, it establishes a new paradigm for the targeted degradation of previously intractable proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Shen
- Department
of Chemistry and Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford
University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Ge Zheng
- Dana
Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center
and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department
of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Mekedlawit Setegne
- Department
of Chemistry and Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford
University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Karin Tenglin
- Dana
Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center
and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department
of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Manizheh Izadi
- Dana
Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center
and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Henry Xie
- Dana
Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center
and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department
of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Liting Zhai
- Department
of Chemistry and Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford
University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Stuart H. Orkin
- Dana
Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center
and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department
of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Laura M. K. Dassama
- Department
of Chemistry and Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford
University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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39
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Sun B, Liu X, Ji T, Zhan X, Mao L, Deng P, Shi L. Design, synthesis, and biological activity of novel pomalidomide linked with diphenylcarbamide derivatives. HETEROCYCL COMMUN 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/hc-2022-0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Based on 2-(2,6-dioxopiperidin-3-yl)-4-fluoroisoindoline-1,3-dione as a raw material, a series of novel pomalidomide linked with diphenylcarbamide derivatives were synthesized through several step reactions of substitution, click reaction, and addition reaction. The structures of these compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and MS. We discovered that some of the compounds are capable of suppressing indoleamine pyrrole-2,3-dioxygenase-1 activities in in vitro experiments, in which the inhibitory activity of 5b reached the level of benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Sun
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clean Production of Fine Chemicals, Shandong Normal University, 88 East Wenhua Road , Jinan 250014 , PR China
| | - Xiaofei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing Technology of Shandong Province, Key Laboratory of Novel Food Resources Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Jinan 250100 , China
- Jinan Asia Pharma Tech Co. Ltd , Jinan 250101 , China
| | - Tao Ji
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing Technology of Shandong Province, Key Laboratory of Novel Food Resources Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Jinan 250100 , China
- Jinan Asia Pharma Tech Co. Ltd , Jinan 250101 , China
| | - Xiaoguang Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing Technology of Shandong Province, Key Laboratory of Novel Food Resources Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Jinan 250100 , China
- Jinan Asia Pharma Tech Co. Ltd , Jinan 250101 , China
| | - Longfei Mao
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing Technology of Shandong Province, Key Laboratory of Novel Food Resources Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Jinan 250100 , China
- Jinan Asia Pharma Tech Co. Ltd , Jinan 250101 , China
| | - Peng Deng
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing Technology of Shandong Province, Key Laboratory of Novel Food Resources Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Jinan 250100 , China
| | - Lin Shi
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis and Treatment Department, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University , Jinan 250021 , China
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Nayek U, Basheer Ahamed SI, Mansoor Hussain UH, Unnikrishnan MK, Abdul Salam AA. Computational investigations of indanedione and indanone derivatives in drug discovery: Indanone derivatives inhibits cereblon, an E3 ubiquitin ligase component. Comput Biol Chem 2022; 101:107776. [PMID: 36252444 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2022.107776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cereblon, an extensively studied multifunctional protein, is a Cullin 4-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase complex component. Cereblon is a well-known target of thalidomide and its derivatives. Cereblon is involved in multiple myeloma cell apoptosis. When ligands such as thalidomide and lenalidomide bind to cereblon, it recognizes various neosubstrates based on the ligand shape and properties. We have identified novel CRBN inhibitors, namely DHFO and its analogs, with structural features that are slightly different from thalidomide but stronger cereblon-binding affinity. We selected indanedione and indanone derivatives from the literature to understand and compare their cereblon-mediated substrate recognition potential. METHODS Computational investigations of possible CRBN inhibitors were investigated by molecular docking with Autodock Vina and DockThor programs. The properties of the compounds' ADME/T and drug-likeness were investigated. A molecular dynamics study was carried out for four selected molecules, and the molecular interactions were analyzed using PCA-based FEL methods. The binding affinity was calculated using the MM/PBSA method. RESULTS We conducted computational investigations on 68 indanedione and indanone derivatives binding with cereblon. Ten molecules showed better CRBN binding affinity than thalidomide. We studied the drug-likeness properties of the selected ten molecules, and four of the most promising molecules (DHFO, THOH, DIMS, and DTIN) were chosen for molecular dynamics studies. The MM/PBSA calculations showed that the DHFO, already shown to be a 5-LOX/COX2 inhibitor, has the highest binding affinity of - 163.16 kJ/mol with cereblon. CONCLUSION The selected CRBN inhibitor DHFO has demonstrated the highest binding affinity with cereblon protein compared to other molecules. Thalidomide and its derivatives have a new substitute in the form of DHFO, which produces an interaction hotspot on the surface of the cereblon. Ease of chemical synthesis, low toxicity, versatile therapeutic options, and pleiotropism of DHFO analogs provide an opportunity for exploring clinical alternatives with versatile therapeutic potential for a new category of indanedione molecules as novel modulators of E3 ubiquitin ligases.
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Heim C, Spring AK, Kirchgäßner S, Schwarzer D, Hartmann MD. Identification and structural basis of C-terminal cyclic imides as natural degrons for cereblon. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 637:66-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Liu G, Chen T, Zhang X, Ma X, Shi H. Small molecule inhibitors targeting the cancers. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e181. [PMID: 36254250 PMCID: PMC9560750 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared with traditional therapies, targeted therapy has merits in selectivity, efficacy, and tolerability. Small molecule inhibitors are one of the primary targeted therapies for cancer. Due to their advantages in a wide range of targets, convenient medication, and the ability to penetrate into the central nervous system, many efforts have been devoted to developing more small molecule inhibitors. To date, 88 small molecule inhibitors have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat cancers. Despite remarkable progress, small molecule inhibitors in cancer treatment still face many obstacles, such as low response rate, short duration of response, toxicity, biomarkers, and resistance. To better promote the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting cancers, we comprehensively reviewed small molecule inhibitors involved in all the approved agents and pivotal drug candidates in clinical trials arranged by the signaling pathways and the classification of small molecule inhibitors. We discussed lessons learned from the development of these agents, the proper strategies to overcome resistance arising from different mechanisms, and combination therapies concerned with small molecule inhibitors. Through our review, we hoped to provide insights and perspectives for the research and development of small molecule inhibitors in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui‐Hong Liu
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyCancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyCancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xue‐Lei Ma
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyCancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Hua‐Shan Shi
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyCancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Keuler T, König B, Bückreiß N, Kraft FB, König P, Schäker-Hübner L, Steinebach C, Bendas G, Gütschow M, Hansen FK. Development of the first non-hydroxamate selective HDAC6 degraders. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:11087-11090. [PMID: 36098075 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc03712b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The targeted degradation of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) by heterobifunctional degraders constitutes a promising approach to treat HDAC6-driven diseases. Previous HDAC6 selective degraders utilised a hydroxamic acid as a zinc-binding group (ZBG) which features mutagenic and genotoxic potential. Here we report the development of a new class of selective HDAC6 degraders based on a difluoromethyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole warhead as ZBG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Keuler
- Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Beate König
- Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Nico Bückreiß
- Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Fabian B Kraft
- Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Philipp König
- Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Linda Schäker-Hübner
- Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Christian Steinebach
- Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Gerd Bendas
- Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Finn K Hansen
- Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Germany.
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Zhao C, Dekker FJ. Novel Design Strategies to Enhance the Efficiency of Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:710-723. [PMID: 36110375 PMCID: PMC9469497 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00089] [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: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite the success of drug discovery over the past decades, many potential drug targets still remain intractable for small molecule modulation. The development of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that trigger degradation of the target proteins provides a conceptually novel approach to address drug targets that remained previously elusive. Currently, the main challenge of PROTAC development is the identification of efficient, tissue- and cell-selective PROTAC molecules with good drug-likeness and favorable safety profiles. This review focuses on strategies to enhance the effectiveness and selectivity of PROTACs. We provide a comprehensive summary of recently reported PROTAC design strategies and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these strategies. Future perspectives for PROTAC design will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlong Zhao
- Department of Chemical and
Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J. Dekker
- Department of Chemical and
Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
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Liu Z, Zhang Y, Xiang Y, Kang X. Small-Molecule PROTACs for Cancer Immunotherapy. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175439. [PMID: 36080223 PMCID: PMC9458232 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Unsatisfactory physicochemical properties of macromolecular drugs seriously hinder their application in tumor immunotherapy. However, these problems can be effectively solved by small-molecule compounds. In the promising field of small-molecule drug development, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) offers a novel mode of action in the interactions between small molecules and therapeutic targets (mainly proteins). This revolutionary technology has shown considerable impact on several proteins related to tumor survival but is rarely exploited in proteins associated with immuno-oncology up until now. This review attempts to comprehensively summarize the well-studied and less-developed immunological targets available for PROTAC technology, as well as some targets to be explored, aiming to provide more options and opportunities for the development of small-molecule-based tumor immunotherapy. In addition, some novel directions that can magnify and broaden the protein degradation efficiency are mentioned to improve PROTAC design in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xin Kang
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-19138939183
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Cao C, He M, Wang L, He Y, Rao Y. Chemistries of bifunctional PROTAC degraders. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:7066-7114. [PMID: 35916511 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00220e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) technology is a novel and promising therapeutic strategy using small molecules to induce ubiquitin-dependent degradation of proteins. It has received extensive attention from both academia and industry as it can potentially access previously inaccessible targets. However, the design and optimization of PROTACs present big challenges for researchers, and the general strategy for its development and optimization is a lot of trial and error based on experience. This review highlights the important advances in this rapidly growing field and critical limitations of the traditional trial-and-error approach to developing PROTACs by analyzing numerous representative examples of PROTACs development. We summarize and analyze the general principles and strategies for PROTACs design and optimization from the perspective of chemical structure design, and propose potential future pathways to facilitate the development of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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, Beijing 100084, P. R. China. .,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - 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, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
| | - Liguo Wang
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, 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, Beijing 100084, 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, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
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Murgai A, Sosič I, Gobec M, Lemnitzer P, Proj M, Wittenburg S, Voget R, Gütschow M, Krönke J, Steinebach C. Targeting the deubiquitinase USP7 for degradation with PROTACs. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:8858-8861. [PMID: 35852517 PMCID: PMC9710854 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc02094g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Targeting deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in several human cancers and other diseases. DUB inhibitors are exciting pharmacological tools but often exhibit limited cellular potency. Here we report PROTACs based on a ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) inhibitor scaffold to degrade USP7. By investigating several linker and E3 ligand types, including novel cereblon recruiters, we discovered a highly selective USP7 degrader tool compound that induced apoptosis of USP7-dependent cancer cells. This work represents one of the first DUB degraders and unlocks a new drug target class for protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunima Murgai
- 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
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martina Gobec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Patricia Lemnitzer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Matic Proj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sophie Wittenburg
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Rabea Voget
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121, Bonn, 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
| | - Christian Steinebach
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121, Bonn, Germany.
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