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Wang C, Wang M, Wang Y, Rej RK, Aguilar A, Xu T, Bai L, Tošović J, McEachern D, Li Q, Sarkari F, Wen B, Sun D, Wang S. Discovery of CW-3308 as a Potent, Selective, and Orally Efficacious PROTAC Degrader of BRD9. J Med Chem 2024; 67:14125-14154. [PMID: 39132814 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00971] [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: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
The bromodomain-containing protein BRD9 has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target. In the present study, we successfully identified a number of highly potent BRD9 degraders by using two different cereblon ligands developed in our laboratory. Further optimization led to the discovery of CW-3308 as a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable BRD9 degrader. It displayed degradation potency (DC50) < 10 nM and efficiency (Dmax) > 90% against BRD9 in the G401 rhabdoid tumor and HS-SY-II synovial sarcoma cell lines and had a high degradation selectivity over BRD7 and BRD4 proteins. CW-3308 achieved 91% of oral bioavailability in mice. A single oral dose efficiently reduced the BRD9 protein by >90% in the synovial sarcoma HS-SY-II xenograft tumor tissue. Oral administration effectively inhibited HS-SY-II xenograft tumor growth in mice. CW-3308 is a promising lead compound for further optimization and extensive evaluation for the treatment of synovial sarcoma, rhabdoid tumor, and other BRD9-dependent human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changwei Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Mi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Rohan Kalyan Rej
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Angelo Aguilar
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Tianfeng Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Longchuan Bai
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jelena Tošović
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Donna McEachern
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Qiuxia Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Farzad Sarkari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bo Wen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Duxin Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy,, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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Trejo-Villegas OA, Heijink IH, Ávila-Moreno F. Preclinical evidence in the assembly of mammalian SWI/SNF complexes: Epigenetic insights and clinical perspectives in human lung disease therapy. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2470-2488. [PMID: 38910326 PMCID: PMC11405180 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The SWI/SNF complex, also known as the BRG1/BRM-associated factor (BAF) complex, represents a critical regulator of chromatin remodeling mechanisms in mammals. It is alternatively referred to as mSWI/SNF and has been suggested to be imbalanced in human disease compared with human health. Three types of BAF assemblies associated with it have been described, including (1) canonical BAF (cBAF), (2) polybromo-associated BAF (PBAF), and (3) non-canonical BAF (ncBAF) complexes. Each of these BAF assemblies plays a role, either functional or dysfunctional, in governing gene expression patterns, cellular processes, epigenetic mechanisms, and biological processes. Recent evidence increasingly links the dysregulation of mSWI/SNF complexes to various human non-malignant lung chronic disorders and lung malignant diseases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive general state-of-the-art and a profound examination of the current understanding of mSWI/SNF assembly processes, as well as the structural and functional organization of mSWI/SNF complexes and their subunits. In addition, it explores their intricate functional connections with potentially dysregulated transcription factors, placing particular emphasis on molecular and cellular pathogenic processes in lung diseases. These processes are reflected in human epigenome aberrations that impact clinical and therapeutic levels, suggesting novel perspectives on the diagnosis and molecular therapies for human respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavio A Trejo-Villegas
- Lung Diseases and Functional Epigenomics Laboratory (LUDIFE), Biomedicine Research Unit (UBIMED), Facultad de Estudios Superiores-Iztacala (FES-Iztacala), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Avenida de los Barrios #1, Colonia Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla de Baz, 54090, Estado de México, México
| | - Irene H Heijink
- Departments of Pathology & Medical Biology and Pulmonology, GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Federico Ávila-Moreno
- Lung Diseases and Functional Epigenomics Laboratory (LUDIFE), Biomedicine Research Unit (UBIMED), Facultad de Estudios Superiores-Iztacala (FES-Iztacala), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Avenida de los Barrios #1, Colonia Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla de Baz, 54090, Estado de México, México; Research Unit, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER), Ismael Cosío Villegas, 14080, Ciudad de México, México; Research Tower, Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), 14080, Ciudad de México, México.
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De Cock L, Paternostro F, Vanleeuw U, Wyns K, Laenen A, Lee CJ, Sciot R, Wozniak A, Schöffski P. Potentially actionable targets in synovial sarcoma: A tissue microarray study. Transl Oncol 2024; 48:102057. [PMID: 39029378 PMCID: PMC11305002 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102057] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synovial sarcoma (SynSa) is one of the most common translocation-related soft tissue sarcomas. Patients with metastatic SynSa have limited treatment options and a very poor prognosis. Several novel experimental therapies are currently being explored in clinical trials, including T cell-based therapies targeting cancer testis antigens such as New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1 (NY-ESO-1) or melanoma-associated antigen A4 (MAGE-A4), and degraders targeting bromodomain-containing protein 9 (BRD9). Preclinical studies investigate inhibitors of Yes associated protein 1 (YAP1), transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) and inhibitors of chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). METHODS We explored the immunohistochemical expression of these targets using a tissue microarray (TMA) constructed from 91 clinical SynSa samples and correlated these findings with corresponding clinicopathological data. RESULTS Expression of MAGE-A4 and NY-ESO-1 was found in 69 % and 56 % of the samples, respectively. NY-ESO-1 was statistically higher expressed in samples from metastatic lesions as compared to samples from primary tumors. Nuclear expression of YAP1 and TAZ was observed in 92 % and 51 % of the samples, respectively. CXCR4 was expressed in the majority of the samples (82 %). BRD9 was highly expressed in all specimens. No prognostic role could be identified for any of the investigated proteins. CONCLUSION This study is a comprehensive study providing real-world data on the expression of several actionable proteins in a large proportion of SynSa samples. All evaluated markers were expressed in a clinically meaningful proportion of cases represented in our TMA, supporting the relevance of ongoing preclinical and clinical research with novel agents directed against these targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lore De Cock
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven Cancer Institute, Leuven, Belgium; Department of General Medical Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven Cancer Institute, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Flavia Paternostro
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven Cancer Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ulla Vanleeuw
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven Cancer Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karo Wyns
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven Cancer Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annouschka Laenen
- Department of Biostatistics, KU Leuven, Leuven Cancer Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Che-Jui Lee
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven Cancer Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Raf Sciot
- Department of Pathology, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven Cancer Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Agnieszka Wozniak
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven Cancer Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Schöffski
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven Cancer Institute, Leuven, Belgium; Department of General Medical Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven Cancer Institute, Leuven, Belgium
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Duan H, Zhang J, Gui R, Lu Y, Pang A, Chen B, Shen L, Yu H, Li J, Xu T, Wang Y, Yao X, Zhang B, Lin N, Dong X, Zhou Y, Che J. Discovery of a Highly Potent and Selective BRD9 PROTAC Degrader Based on E3 Binder Investigation for the Treatment of Hematological Tumors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11326-11353. [PMID: 38913763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00883] [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: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
BRD9 is a pivotal epigenetic factor involved in cancers and inflammatory diseases. Still, the limited selectivity and poor phenotypic activity of targeted agents make it an atypically undruggable target. PROTAC offers an alternative strategy for overcoming the issue. In this study, we explored diverse E3 ligase ligands for the contribution of BRD9 PROTAC degradation. Through molecular docking, binding affinity analysis, and structure-activity relationship study, we identified a highly potent PROTAC E5, with excellent BRD9 degradation (DC50 = 16 pM) and antiproliferation in MV4-11 cells (IC50 = 0.27 nM) and OCI-LY10 cells (IC50 = 1.04 nM). E5 can selectively degrade BRD9 and induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, the therapeutic efficacy of E5 was confirmed in xenograft tumor models, accompanied by further RNA-seq analysis. Therefore, these results may pave the way and provide the reference for the discovery and investigation of highly effective PROTAC degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiting Duan
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Jingyu Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hangzhou Geriatric Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P. R. China
| | - Renzhao Gui
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsuihang New District, Zhongshan, Guangdong 528400, P. R. China
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, P. R. China
| | - Yang Lu
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Ao Pang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Beijing Chen
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsuihang New District, Zhongshan, Guangdong 528400, P. R. China
| | - Liteng Shen
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Hengyuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Jia Li
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsuihang New District, Zhongshan, Guangdong 528400, P. R. China
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, P. R. China
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, P. R. China
| | - Tengfei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yuwei Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712000, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence Driven Drug Discovery, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao 999078, P. R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hangzhou Geriatric Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P. R. China
| | - Nengming Lin
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hangzhou Geriatric Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P. R. China
| | - Xiaowu Dong
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yubo Zhou
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsuihang New District, Zhongshan, Guangdong 528400, P. R. China
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, P. R. China
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Jinxin Che
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
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5
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Wang S, Feng Z, Qu C, Yu S, Zhang H, Deng R, Luo D, Pu C, Zhang Y, Li R. Novel Amphiphilic PROTAC with Enhanced Pharmacokinetic Properties for ALK Protein Degradation. J Med Chem 2024; 67:9842-9856. [PMID: 38839424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02340] [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: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in anticancer strategies spotlight proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, yet it is hindered by poor water solubility and bioavailability. This study introduces a novel amphiphilic PROTAC, B1-PEG, synthesized through PEGylation of an optimized PROTAC molecule, B1, to enhance its properties. B1-PEG is engineered to self-organize into micelles in water and releases its active form in response to the tumor-specific high GSH environment. Comparative pharmacokinetic analysis revealed B1-PEG's superior bioavailability at 84.8%, outperforming the unmodified PROTAC molecule B1. When tested in a H3122 xenograft mouse model, B1-PEG significantly regressed tumors, underscoring its potential as a formidable candidate in targeted cancer therapy. Our findings offer a promising direction for overcoming bioavailability limitations in PROTAC drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirui Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhanzhan Feng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Can Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Su Yu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hongjia Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rui Deng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Chunlan Pu
- Medical Research Center, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Lung Cancer Center/Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Mabe NW, Perry JA, Malone CF, Stegmaier K. Pharmacological targeting of the cancer epigenome. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:844-865. [PMID: 38937652 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation is increasingly appreciated as a hallmark of cancer, including disease initiation, maintenance and therapy resistance. As a result, there have been advances in the development and evaluation of epigenetic therapies for cancer, revealing substantial promise but also challenges. Three epigenetic inhibitor classes are approved in the USA, and many more are currently undergoing clinical investigation. In this Review, we discuss recent developments for each epigenetic drug class and their implications for therapy, as well as highlight new insights into the role of epigenetics in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel W Mabe
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Perry
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Clare F Malone
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly Stegmaier
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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Wang J, Rong Q, Ye L, Fang B, Zhao Y, Sun Y, Zhou H, Wang D, He J, Cui Z, Zhang Q, Kang D, Hu L. Discovery of a Novel Orally Bioavailable FLT3-PROTAC Degrader for Efficient Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Overcoming Resistance of FLT3 Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38655686 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Fms-like tyrosine receptor kinase 3 (FLT3) proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) represent a promising approach to eliminate the resistance of FLT3 inhibitors. However, due to the poor druggability of PROTACs, the development of orally bioavailable FLT3-PROTACs faces great challenges. Herein, a novel orally bioavailable FLT3-ITD degrader A20 with excellent pharmacokinetic properties was discovered through reasonable design. A20 selectively inhibited the proliferation of FLT3-ITD mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and potently induced FLT3-ITD degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Notably, oral administration of A20 resulted in complete tumor regression on subcutaneous AML xenograft models. Furthermore, on systemic AML xenograft models, A20 could completely eliminate the CD45+CD33+ human leukemic cells in murine and significantly prolonged the survival time of mice. Most importantly, A20 exerted significantly improved antiproliferative activity against drug-resistant AML cells compared to existing FLT3 inhibitors. These findings suggested that A20 could serve as a promising drug candidate for relapsed or refractory AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Quanjin Rong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Lei Ye
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Bingqian Fang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yu Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Haikun Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Dan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Jinting He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Zhenzhen Cui
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Qijian Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Di Kang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Lihong Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
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8
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Rej RK, Allu SR, Roy J, Acharyya RK, Kiran INC, Addepalli Y, Dhamodharan V. Orally Bioavailable Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras: An Innovative Approach in the Golden Era of Discovering Small-Molecule Cancer Drugs. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:494. [PMID: 38675453 PMCID: PMC11054475 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040494] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are an emerging therapeutic modality that show promise to open a target space not accessible to conventional small molecules via a degradation-based mechanism. PROTAC degraders, due to their bifunctional nature, which is categorized as 'beyond the Rule of Five', have gained attention as a distinctive therapeutic approach for oral administration in clinical settings. However, the development of PROTACs with adequate oral bioavailability remains a significant hurdle, largely due to their large size and less than ideal physical and chemical properties. This review encapsulates the latest advancements in orally delivered PROTACs that have entered clinical evaluation as well as developments highlighted in recent scholarly articles. The insights and methodologies elaborated upon in this review could be instrumental in supporting the discovery and refinement of novel PROTAC degraders aimed at the treatment of various human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Kalyan Rej
- Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.R.A.); (R.K.A.)
| | - Srinivasa Rao Allu
- Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.R.A.); (R.K.A.)
| | - Joyeeta Roy
- Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Ranjan Kumar Acharyya
- Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.R.A.); (R.K.A.)
| | - I. N. Chaithanya Kiran
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Yesu Addepalli
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - V. Dhamodharan
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Center for Nanosystems Chemistry, University of Wuerzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;
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9
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Dreier MR, Walia J, de la Serna IL. Targeting SWI/SNF Complexes in Cancer: Pharmacological Approaches and Implications. EPIGENOMES 2024; 8:7. [PMID: 38390898 PMCID: PMC10885108 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes8010007] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
SWI/SNF enzymes are heterogeneous multi-subunit complexes that utilize the energy from ATP hydrolysis to remodel chromatin structure, facilitating transcription, DNA replication, and repair. In mammalian cells, distinct sub-complexes, including cBAF, ncBAF, and PBAF exhibit varying subunit compositions and have different genomic functions. Alterations in the SWI/SNF complex and sub-complex functions are a prominent feature in cancer, making them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Current strategies in cancer therapeutics involve the use of pharmacological agents designed to bind and disrupt the activity of SWI/SNF complexes or specific sub-complexes. Inhibitors targeting the catalytic subunits, SMARCA4/2, and small molecules binding SWI/SNF bromodomains are the primary approaches for suppressing SWI/SNF function. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) were generated by the covalent linkage of the bromodomain or ATPase-binding ligand to an E3 ligase-binding moiety. This engineered connection promotes the degradation of specific SWI/SNF subunits, enhancing and extending the impact of this pharmacological intervention in some cases. Extensive preclinical studies have underscored the therapeutic potential of these drugs across diverse cancer types. Encouragingly, some of these agents have progressed from preclinical research to clinical trials, indicating a promising stride toward the development of effective cancer therapeutics targeting SWI/SNF complex and sub-complex functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Dreier
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave, Toledo 43614, OH, USA
| | - Jasmine Walia
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave, Toledo 43614, OH, USA
| | - Ivana L de la Serna
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave, Toledo 43614, OH, USA
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10
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Zeng S, Ye Y, Xia H, Min J, Xu J, Wang Z, Pan Y, Zhou X, Huang W. Current advances and development strategies of orally bioavailable PROTACs. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115793. [PMID: 37708797 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have been an area of intensive research with the potential to extend drug space not target to traditional molecules. In the last half decade, we have witnessed several PROTACs initiated phase I/II/III clinical trials, which inspired us a lot. However, the structure of PROTACs beyond "rule of 5" resulted in developing PROTACs with acceptable oral pharmacokinetic (PK) properties remain one of the biggest bottleneck tasks. Many reports have demonstrated that it is possible to access orally bioavailable PROTACs through rational ligand and linker modifications. In this review, we systematically reviewed and highlighted the most recent advances in orally bioavailable PROTACs development, especially focused on the medicinal chemistry campaign of discovery process and in vivo oral PK properties. Moreover, the constructive strategies for developing oral PROTACs were proposed comprehensively. Collectively, we believe that the strategies summarized here may provide references for further development of oral PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenxin Zeng
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China.
| | - Yingqiao Ye
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Heye Xia
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Jingli Min
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Jiamei Xu
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Zunyuan Wang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Youlu Pan
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Xinglu Zhou
- HealZen Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China.
| | - Wenhai Huang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China.
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11
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Ferrari A, Berlanga P, Gatz SA, Schoot RA, van Noesel MM, Hovsepyan S, Chiaravalli S, Bergamaschi L, Minard-Colin V, Corradini N, Alaggio R, Gasparini P, Brennan B, Casanova M, Pasquali S, Orbach D. Treatment at Relapse for Synovial Sarcoma of Children, Adolescents and Young Adults: From the State of Art to Future Clinical Perspectives. Cancer Manag Res 2023; 15:1183-1196. [PMID: 37920695 PMCID: PMC10618684 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s404371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
While the overall prognosis is generally quite satisfactory in children, adolescents and young adults with localised synovial sarcoma at first diagnosis, the outcome remains poor for patients after relapse. Conversely to the front-line standardised treatment options, patients with relapse generally have an individualised approach and to date, there is still a lack of consensus regarding standard treatment approaches. Studies on relapsed synovial sarcoma were able to identify some prognostic variables that influence post-relapse survival, in order to plan risk-adapted salvage protocols. Treatment proposals must consider previous first-line treatments, potential toxicities, and the possibility of achieving an adequate local treatment by new surgery and/or re-irradiation. Effective second-line drug therapies are urgently needed. Notably, experimental treatments such as adoptive engineered TCR-T cell immunotherapy seem promising in adults and are currently under validation also in paediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ferrari
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Pablo Berlanga
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Susanne Andrea Gatz
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Reineke A Schoot
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Max M van Noesel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Division Imaging & Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Shushan Hovsepyan
- Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Stefano Chiaravalli
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Bergamaschi
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronique Minard-Colin
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Nadege Corradini
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology-IHOPe, Léon Bérard Center, Lyon, France
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Pathology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gasparini
- Tumor Genomics Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Bernadette Brennan
- Pediatric Oncology, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Michela Casanova
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Sandro Pasquali
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
- Sarcoma Service, Department of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniel Orbach
- SIREDO Oncology Center(Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer), Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France
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12
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Lanzi C, Arrighetti N, Pasquali S, Cassinelli G. Targeting EZH2 in SMARCB1-deficient sarcomas: Advances and opportunities to potentiate the efficacy of EZH2 inhibitors. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115727. [PMID: 37541451 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115727] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are rare mesechymal malignancies characterized by distintive molecular, histological and clinical features. Many STSs are considered as predominatly epigenetic diseases due to underlying chromatin deregulation. Discovery of deregulated functional antagonism between the chromatin remodeling BRG1/BRM-associated (BAFs) and the histone modifying Polycomb repressor complexes (PRCs) has provided novel actionable targets. In epithelioid sarcoma (ES), extracranial, extrarenal malignant rhabdoid tumors (eMRTs) and synovial sarcoma (SS), the total or partial loss of the BAF core subunit SMARCB1, driven by different alterations, is associated with PRC2 deregulation and dependency on its enzymatic subunit, EZH2. In these SMARCB1-deficient STSs, aberrant EZH2 expression and/or activity emerged as a druggable vulnerability. Although preclinical investigation supported EZH2 targeting as a promising therapeutic option, clinical studies demonstrated a variable response to EZH2 inhibitors. Actually, whereas the clinical benefit recorded in ES patients prompted the FDA approval of the EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat, the modest and sporadic responses observed in eMRT and SS patients highlighted the need to deepen mechanistic as well as pharmacological investigations to improve drug effectiveness. We summarize the current knowledge of different mechanisms driving SMARCB1 deficiency and EZH2 deregulation in ES, eMRT and SS along with preclinical and clinical studies of EZH2-targeting agents. Possible implication of the PRC2- and enzymatic-independent functions of EZH2 and of its homolog, EZH1, in the response to anti-EZH2 agents will be discussed together with combinatorial strategies under investigation to improve the efficacy of EZH2 targeting in these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Lanzi
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Noemi Arrighetti
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Sandro Pasquali
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana Cassinelli
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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13
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Li Q, Zhou L, Qin S, Huang Z, Li B, Liu R, Yang M, Nice EC, Zhu H, Huang C. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras in biotherapeutics: Current trends and future applications. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115447. [PMID: 37229829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The success of inhibitor-based therapeutics is largely constrained by the acquisition of therapeutic resistance, which is partially driven by the undruggable proteome. The emergence of proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, designed for degrading proteins involved in specific biological processes, might provide a novel framework for solving the above constraint. A heterobifunctional PROTAC molecule could structurally connect an E3 ubiquitin ligase ligand with a protein of interest (POI)-binding ligand by chemical linkers. Such technology would result in the degradation of the targeted protein via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), opening up a novel way of selectively inhibiting undruggable proteins. Herein, we will highlight the advantages of PROTAC technology and summarize the current understanding of the potential mechanisms involved in biotherapeutics, with a particular focus on its application and development where therapeutic benefits over classical small-molecule inhibitors have been achieved. Finally, we discuss how this technology can contribute to developing biotherapeutic drugs, such as antivirals against infectious diseases, for use in clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Zhao Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Bowen Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Ruolan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Mei Yang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Huili Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China.
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14
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Chirnomas D, Hornberger KR, Crews CM. Protein degraders enter the clinic - a new approach to cancer therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:265-278. [PMID: 36781982 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00736-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 145.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Heterobifunctional protein degraders, such as PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) protein degraders, constitute a novel therapeutic modality that harnesses the cell's natural protein-degradation machinery - that is, the ubiquitin-proteasome system - to selectively target proteins involved in disease pathogenesis for elimination. Protein degraders have several potential advantages over small-molecule inhibitors that have traditionally been used for cancer treatment, including their event-driven (rather than occupancy-driven) pharmacology, which permits sub-stoichiometric drug concentrations for activity, their capacity to act iteratively and target multiple copies of a protein of interest, and their potential to target nonenzymatic proteins that were previously considered 'undruggable'. Following numerous innovations in protein degrader design and rigorous evaluation in preclinical models, protein degraders entered clinical testing in 2019. Currently, 18 protein degraders are in phase I or phase I/II clinical trials that involve patients with various tumour types, with a phase III trial of one initiated in 2022. The first safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetic data from these studies are now materializing and, although considerably more evidence is needed, protein degraders are showing promising activity as cancer therapies. Herein, we review advances in protein degrader development, the preclinical research that supported their entry into clinical studies, the available data for protein degraders in patients and future directions for this new class of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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15
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Fuchs JW, Schulte BC, Fuchs JR, Agulnik M. Targeted therapies for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1122508. [PMID: 36969064 PMCID: PMC10034045 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1122508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas are rare malignant tumors derived from mesenchymal cells that have a high morbidity and mortality related to frequent occurrence of advanced and metastatic disease. Over the past two decades there have been significant advances in the use of targeted therapies for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma. The ability to study various cellular markers and pathways related to sarcomagenesis has led to the creation and approval of multiple novel therapies. Herein, we describe the current landscape of targeted medications used in the management of advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcomas, excluding GIST. We distinguish three categories: targeted therapies that have current US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treatment of soft tissue sarcoma, non-FDA approved targeted therapies, and medications in development for treatment of patients with soft tissue sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W. Fuchs
- Department of Medicine, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Brian C. Schulte
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Joseph R. Fuchs
- Department of Medicine, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mark Agulnik
- Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Mark Agulnik,
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16
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Fuchs JR, Schulte BC, Fuchs JW, Agulnik M. Emerging targeted and cellular therapies in the treatment of advanced and metastatic synovial sarcoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1123464. [PMID: 36761952 PMCID: PMC9905840 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1123464] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Synovial sarcoma is a soft tissue sarcoma accounting for approximately 1,000 cases per year in the United States. Currently, standard treatment of advanced and metastatic synovial sarcoma is anthracycline-based chemotherapy. While advanced synovial sarcoma is more responsive to chemotherapy compared to other soft tissue sarcomas, survival rates are poor, with a median survival time of less than 18 months. Enhanced understanding of tumor antigen expression and molecular mechanisms behind synovial sarcoma provide potential targets for treatment. Adoptive Cell Transfer using engineered T-cell receptors is in clinical trials for treatment of synovial sarcoma, specifically targeting New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma-1 (NY-ESO-1), preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME), and melanoma antigen-A4 (MAGE-A4). In this review, we explore the opportunities and challenges of these treatments. We also describe artificial adjuvant vector cells (aAVCs) and BRD9 inhibitors, two additional potential targets for treatment of advanced synovial sarcoma. This review demonstrates the progress that has been made in treatment of synovial sarcoma and highlights the future study and qualification needed to implement these technologies as standard of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R. Fuchs
- Department of Medicine, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Brian C. Schulte
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey W. Fuchs
- Department of Medicine, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mark Agulnik
- Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Mark Agulnik,
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17
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Landuzzi L, Ruzzi F, Lollini PL, Scotlandi K. Synovial Sarcoma Preclinical Modeling: Integrating Transgenic Mouse Models and Patient-Derived Models for Translational Research. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030588. [PMID: 36765545 PMCID: PMC9913760 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030588] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Synovial sarcomas (SyS) are rare malignant tumors predominantly affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. The genetic hallmark of SyS is the t(X;18) translocation encoding the SS18-SSX fusion gene. The fusion protein interacts with both the BAF enhancer and polycomb repressor complexes, and either activates or represses target gene transcription, resulting in genome-wide epigenetic perturbations and altered gene expression. Several experimental in in vivo models, including conditional transgenic mouse models expressing the SS18-SSX fusion protein and spontaneously developing SyS, are available. In addition, patient-derived xenografts have been estab-lished in immunodeficient mice, faithfully reproducing the complex clinical heterogeneity. This review focuses on the main molecular features of SyS and the related preclinical in vivo and in vitro models. We will analyze the different conditional SyS mouse models that, after combination with some of the few other recurrent alterations, such as gains in BCL2, Wnt-β-catenin signaling, FGFR family, or loss of PTEN and SMARCB1, have provided additional insight into the mechanisms of synovial sarcomagenesis. The recent advancements in the understanding of SyS biology and improvements in preclinical modeling pave the way to the development of new epigenetic drugs and immunotherapeutic approaches conducive to new treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Landuzzi
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.L.); (P.-L.L.); Tel.: +39-051-2094796 (L.L.); +39-051-2094786 (P.-L.L.)
| | - Francesca Ruzzi
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastasis, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Pier-Luigi Lollini
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastasis, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.L.); (P.-L.L.); Tel.: +39-051-2094796 (L.L.); +39-051-2094786 (P.-L.L.)
| | - Katia Scotlandi
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
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18
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Jiang H, Xiong H, Gu SX, Wang M. E3 ligase ligand optimization of Clinical PROTACs. Front Chem 2023; 11:1098331. [PMID: 36733714 PMCID: PMC9886873 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1098331] [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: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) technology can realize the development of drugs for non-druggable targets that are difficult to achieve with traditional small molecules, and therefore has attracted extensive attention from both academia and industry. Up to now, there are more than 600 known E3 ubiquitin ligases with different structures and functions, but only a few have developed corresponding E3 ubiquitin ligase ligands, and the ligands used to design PROTAC molecules are limited to a few types such as VHL (Von-Hippel-Lindau), CRBN (Cereblon), MDM2 (Mouse Doubleminute 2 homolog), IAP (Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins), etc. Most of the PROTAC molecules that have entered clinical trials were developed based on CRBN ligands, and only DT2216 was based on VHL ligand. Obviously, the structural optimization of E3 ubiquitin ligase ligands plays an instrumental role in PROTAC technology from bench to bedside. In this review, we review the structure optimization process of E3 ubiquitin ligase ligands currently entering clinical trials on PROTAC molecules, summarize some characteristics of these ligands in terms of druggability, and provide some preliminary insights into their structural optimization. We hope that this review will help medicinal chemists to develop more druggable molecules into clinical studies and to realize the greater therapeutic potential of PROTAC technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanrui Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering & Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China,Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China
| | - Huan Xiong
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang-Xi Gu
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering & Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Shuang-Xi Gu, ; Mingliang Wang,
| | - Mingliang Wang
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Shuang-Xi Gu, ; Mingliang Wang,
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19
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Zhang T, Liu C, Li W, Kuang J, Qiu XY, Min L, Zhu L. Targeted protein degradation in mammalian cells: A Promising Avenue toward Future. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:5477-5489. [PMID: 36249565 PMCID: PMC9535385 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In the eukaryotic cellular milieu, proteins are continuously synthesized and degraded effectively via endogenous protein degradation machineries such as the ubiquitin–proteasome and lysosome pathways. By reengineering and repurposing these natural protein regulatory mechanisms, the targeted protein degradation (TPD) strategies are presenting biologists with powerful tools to manipulate the abundance of proteins of interest directly, precisely, and reversibly at the post-translational level. In recent years, TPD is gaining massive attention and is recognized as a paradigm shift both in basic research, application-oriented synthetic biology, and pioneering clinical work. In this review, we summarize the updated information, especially the engineering efforts and developmental route, of current state-of-the-art TPD technology such as Trim-Away, LYTACs, and AUTACs. Besides, the general design principle, benefits, problems, and opportunities to be addressed were further analyzed, with the aim of providing guidelines for exploration, discovery, and further application of novel TPD tools in the future.
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