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Li Y, Qu J, Jiang L, Peng X, Wu K, Chen M, Peng Y, Cao X. Application and challenges of nitrogen heterocycles in PROTAC linker. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 273:116520. [PMID: 38788299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116520] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The absence of effective active pockets makes traditional molecularly targeted drug strategies ineffective against 80 % of human disease-related proteins. The PROTAC technology effectively makes up for the deficiency of traditional molecular targeted drugs, which produces drug activity by degrading rather than inhibiting the target protein. The degradation of PROTAC is not only affected by POI ligand and E3 ligand, but by the selection of suitable linker which can play an important role in the efficiency and selectivity of the degradation. In the early exploring stage of the PROTAC, flexible chains were priorly applied as the linker of PROTAC. Although PROTAC with flexible chains as linkers sometimes perform well in vitro bioactivity evaluations, the introduction of lipophilic flexible chains reduces the hydrophilicity of these molecules, resulting in generally poor pharmacokinetic characteristics and pharmacological activities in vivo. In addition, recent reports have also shown that some PROTAC with flexible chains have some risks to causing hemolysis in vivo. Therefore, PROTAC with flexible chains show less druggability and large difficulty to entering the clinical trial stage. On the other hand, the application of nitrogen heterocycles in the design of PROTAC linkers has been widely reported in recent years. More and more reports have shown that the introduction of nitrogen heterocycles in the linker not only can effectively improves the metabolism of PROTAC in vivo, but also can enhance the degradation efficiency and selectivity of PROTAC. These PROTAC with nitrogen heterocycle linkers have attracted much attention of pharmaceutical chemists. The introduction of nitrogen heterocycles in the linker deserves priority consideration in the primary design of the PROTAC based on various druggabilities including pharmacokinetic characteristics and pharmacological activity. In this work, we summarized the optimization process and progress of nitrogen heterocyclic rings as the PROTAC linker in recent years. However, there were still limited understanding of how to discover, design and optimize PROTAC. For example, the selection of the types of nitrogen heterocycles and the optimization sites of this linker are challenges for researchers, choosing between four to six-membered nitrogen heterocycles, selecting from saturated to unsaturated ones, and even optimizing the length and extension angle of the linker. There is a truly need for theoretical explanation and elucidation of the PROTAC to guide the developing of more effective and valuable PROTAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, College of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Junfeng Qu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, College of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Lizhi Jiang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, College of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Xiaoyu Peng
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, College of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Kaiyue Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Ezhou Central Hospital, Ezhou, Hubei, China
| | - Miaojia Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People's Hospital, Pingjiang, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Peng
- School of Electrical and Automation Engineering, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Xuan Cao
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, College of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
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2
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Brodermann MH, Henderson EK, Sellar RS. The emerging role of targeted protein degradation to treat and study cancer. J Pathol 2024. [PMID: 38886898 DOI: 10.1002/path.6301] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of cancer treatment has provided increasingly targeted strategies both in the upfront and relapsed disease settings. Small-molecule inhibitors and immunotherapy have risen to prominence with chimeric antigen receptor T-cells, checkpoint inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibody therapies being deployed across a range of solid organ and haematological malignancies. However, novel approaches are required to target transcription factors and oncogenic fusion proteins that are central to cancer biology and have generally eluded successful drug development. Thalidomide analogues causing protein degradation have been a cornerstone of treatment in multiple myeloma, but a lack of in-depth mechanistic understanding initially limited progress in the field. When the protein cereblon (CRBN) was found to mediate thalidomide analogues' action and CRBN's neo-targets were identified, existing and novel drug development accelerated, with applications outside multiple myeloma, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and acute leukaemias. Critically, transcription factors were the first canonical targets described. In addition to broadening the application of protein-degrading drugs, resistance mechanisms are being overcome and targeted protein degradation is widening the scope of druggable proteins against which existing approaches have been ineffective. Examples of targeted protein degraders include molecular glues and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs): heterobifunctional molecules that bind to proteins of interest and cause proximity-induced ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation via a linked E3 ligase. Twenty years since their inception, PROTACs have begun progressing through clinical trials, with early success in targeting the oestrogen receptor and androgen receptor in breast and prostate cancer respectively. This review explores important developments in targeted protein degradation to both treat and study cancer. It also considers the potential advantages and challenges in the translational aspects of developing new treatments. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth K Henderson
- Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rob S Sellar
- Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
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3
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Song Y, Dong QQ, Ni YK, Xu XL, Chen CX, Chen W. Nano-Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (Nano-PROTACs) in Cancer Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:5739-5761. [PMID: 38882545 PMCID: PMC11180470 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s448684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional molecules that have the capability to induce specific protein degradation. While playing a revolutionary role in effectively degrading the protein of interest (POI), PROTACs encounter certain limitations that impede their clinical translation. These limitations encompass off-target effects, inadequate cell membrane permeability, and the hook effect. The advent of nanotechnology presents a promising avenue to surmount the challenges associated with conventional PROTACs. The utilization of nano-proteolysis targeting chimeras (nano-PROTACs) holds the potential to enhance specific tissue accumulation, augment membrane permeability, and enable controlled release. Consequently, this approach has the capacity to significantly enhance the controllable degradation of target proteins. Additionally, they enable a synergistic effect by combining with other therapeutic strategies. This review comprehensively summarizes the structural basis, advantages, and limitations of PROTACs. Furthermore, it highlights the latest advancements in nanosystems engineered for delivering PROTACs, as well as the development of nano-sized PROTACs employing nanocarriers as linkers. Moreover, it delves into the underlying principles of nanotechnology tailored specifically for PROTACs, alongside the current prospects of clinical research. In conclusion, the integration of nanotechnology into PROTACs harbors vast potential in enhancing the anti-tumor treatment response and expediting clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Song
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Qing Dong
- ICU, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ke Ni
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310015, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ling Xu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310015, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao-Xiang Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310015, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Chen
- ICU, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
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4
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Ma B, Liu D, Wang Z, Zhang D, Jian Y, Zhang K, Zhou T, Gao Y, Fan Y, Ma J, Gao Y, Chen Y, Chen S, Liu J, Li X, Li L. A Top-Down Design Approach for Generating a Peptide PROTAC Drug Targeting Androgen Receptor for Androgenetic Alopecia Therapy. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38836467 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
While large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) models for protein structure prediction and design are advancing rapidly, the translation of deep learning models for practical macromolecular drug development remains limited. This investigation aims to bridge this gap by combining cutting-edge methodologies to create a novel peptide-based PROTAC drug development paradigm. Using ProteinMPNN and RFdiffusion, we identified binding peptides for androgen receptor (AR) and Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL), followed by computational modeling with Alphafold2-multimer and ZDOCK to predict spatial interrelationships. Experimental validation confirmed the designed peptide's binding ability to AR and VHL. Transdermal microneedle patching technology was seamlessly integrated for the peptide PROTAC drug delivery in androgenic alopecia treatment. In summary, our approach provides a generic method for generating peptide PROTACs and offers a practical application for designing potential therapeutic drugs for androgenetic alopecia. This showcases the potential of interdisciplinary approaches in advancing drug development and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Ma
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Donghua Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Institute of Bioengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
| | - Dize Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yanlin Jian
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Tianyang Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yizeng Fan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Jian Ma
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yule Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Si Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, 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. [PMID: 38839424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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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Lehmann T, Schneider H, Tonillo J, Schanz J, Schwarz D, Schröter C, Jäger S, Kolmar H, Hecht S, Anderl J, Rasche N, Rieker M, Dickgiesser S. Welding PROxAb Shuttles: A Modular Approach for Generating Bispecific Antibodies via Site-Specific Protein-Protein Conjugation. Bioconjug Chem 2024. [PMID: 38809610 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is an innovative therapeutic strategy to selectively eliminate disease-causing proteins. Exemplified by proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), they have shown promise in overcoming drug resistance and targeting previously undruggable proteins. However, PROTACs face challenges, such as low oral bioavailability and limited selectivity. The recently published PROxAb Shuttle technology offers a solution enabling the targeted delivery of PROTACs using antibodies fused with PROTAC-binding domains derived from camelid single-domain antibodies (VHHs). Here, a modular approach to quickly generate PROxAb Shuttles by enzymatically coupling PROTAC-binding VHHs to off-the-shelf antibodies was developed. The resulting conjugates retained their target binding and internalization properties, and incubation with BRD4-targeting PROTACs resulted in formation of defined PROxAb-PROTAC complexes. These complexes selectively induced degradation of the BRD4 protein, resulting in cytotoxicity specifically to cells expressing the antibody's target. The chemoenzymatic approach described herein provides a versatile and efficient solution for generating antibody-VHH conjugates for targeted protein degradation applications, but it could also be used to combine antibodies and VHH binders to generate bispecific antibodies for further applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Lehmann
- Clemens-Schöpf-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Hendrik Schneider
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Jason Tonillo
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Jennifer Schanz
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Daniel Schwarz
- Discovery Pharmacology, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Sebastian Jäger
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Clemens-Schöpf-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Hecht
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Jan Anderl
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Nicolas Rasche
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Marcel Rieker
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
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7
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Sun Y, Wang H, Li Y, Li Z, Mao Z, Zhang M, Shao Y, Ye J, Li D, Shan L. The design, synthesis and bioactivity evaluation of novel androgen receptor degraders based on hydrophobic tagging. Bioorg Chem 2024; 146:107309. [PMID: 38537338 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107309] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Prostate Cancer (PCa) easily progress to metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) that remains a significant cause of cancer-related death. Androgen receptor (AR)-dependent transcription is a major driver of prostate tumor cell proliferation. Proteolysis-targeting chimaera (PROTAC) technology based on Hydrophobic Tagging (HyT) represents an intriguing strategy to regulate the function of therapeutically androgen receptor proteins. In the present study, we have designed, synthesized, and evaluated a series of PROTAC-HyT AR degraders using AR antagonists, RU59063, which were connected with adamantane-based hydrophobic moieties by different alkyl chains. Compound D-4-6 exhibited significant AR protein degradation activity, with a degradation rate of 57 % at 5 μM and nearly 90 % at 20 μM in 24 h, and inhibited the proliferation of LNCaP cells significantly with an IC50 value of 4.77 ± 0.26 μM in a time-concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, the present study lays the foundation for the development of a completely new class of therapeutic agents for the treatment of mCRPC, and further design and synthesis of AR-targeting degraders are currently in progress for better degradation rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Huating Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Yaru Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhaoxiang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhihui Mao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Mengyao Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yixian Shao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jiaqi Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Dan Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Lihong Shan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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8
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Slootbeek PHJ, Tolmeijer SH, Mehra N, Schalken JA. Therapeutic biomarkers in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: does the state matter? Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2024; 61:178-204. [PMID: 37882463 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2023.2266482] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) has been fundamentally transformed by our greater understanding of its complex biological mechanisms and its entrance into the era of precision oncology. A broad aim is to use the extreme heterogeneity of mCRPC by matching already approved or new targeted therapies to the correct tumor genotype. To achieve this, tumor DNA must be obtained, sequenced, and correctly interpreted, with individual aberrations explored for their druggability, taking into account the hierarchy of driving molecular pathways. Although tumor tissue sequencing is the gold standard, tumor tissue can be challenging to obtain, and a biopsy from one metastatic site or primary tumor may not provide an accurate representation of the current genetic underpinning. Sequencing of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) might catalyze precision oncology in mCRPC, as it enables real-time observation of genomic changes in tumors and allows for monitoring of treatment response and identification of resistance mechanisms. Moreover, ctDNA can be used to identify mutations that may not be detected in solitary metastatic lesions and can provide a more in-depth understanding of inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity. Finally, ctDNA abundance can serve as a prognostic biomarker in patients with mCRPC.The androgen receptor (AR)-axis is a well-established therapeutical target for prostate cancer, and through ctDNA sequencing, insights have been obtained in (temporal) resistance mechanisms that develop through castration resistance. New third-generation AR-axis inhibitors are being developed to overcome some of these resistance mechanisms. The druggability of defects in the DNA damage repair machinery has impacted the treatment landscape of mCRPC in recent years. For patients with deleterious gene aberrations in genes linked to homologous recombination, particularly BRCA1 or BRCA2, PARP inhibitors have shown efficacy compared to the standard of care armamentarium, but platinum-based chemotherapy may be equally effective. A hierarchy exists in genes associated with homologous recombination, where, besides the canonical genes in this pathway, not every other gene aberration predicts the same likelihood of response. Moreover, evidence is emerging on cross-resistance between therapies such as PARP inhibitors, platinum-based chemotherapy and even radioligand therapy that target this genotype. Mismatch repair-deficient patients can experience a beneficial response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Activation of other cellular signaling pathways such as PI3K, cell cycle, and MAPK have shown limited success with monotherapy, but there is potential in co-targeting these pathways with combination therapy, either already witnessed or anticipated. This review outlines precision medicine in mCRPC, zooming in on the role of ctDNA, to identify genomic biomarkers that may be used to tailor molecularly targeted therapies. The most common druggable pathways and outcomes of therapies matched to these pathways are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter H J Slootbeek
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherland
| | - Sofie H Tolmeijer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherland
| | - Niven Mehra
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherland
| | - Jack A Schalken
- Department of Experimental Urology, Research Institute of Medical Innovation, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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9
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Tsai JM, Nowak RP, Ebert BL, Fischer ES. Targeted protein degradation: from mechanisms to clinic. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41580-024-00729-9. [PMID: 38684868 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00729-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation refers to the use of small molecules to induce the selective degradation of proteins. In its most common form, this degradation is achieved through ligand-mediated neo-interactions between ubiquitin E3 ligases - the principal waste disposal machines of a cell - and the protein targets of interest, resulting in ubiquitylation and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Notable advances have been made in biological and mechanistic understanding of serendipitously discovered degraders. This improved understanding and novel chemistry has not only provided clinical proof of concept for targeted protein degradation but has also led to rapid growth of the field, with dozens of investigational drugs in active clinical trials. Two distinct classes of protein degradation therapeutics are being widely explored: bifunctional PROTACs and molecular glue degraders, both of which have their unique advantages and challenges. Here, we review the current landscape of targeted protein degradation approaches and how they have parallels in biological processes. We also outline the ongoing clinical exploration of novel degraders and provide some perspectives on the directions the field might take.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Tsai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Radosław P Nowak
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute of Structural Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Benjamin L Ebert
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Eric S Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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10
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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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11
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He S, Fang Y, Zhu Y, Ma Z, Dong G, Sheng C. Drugtamer-PROTAC Conjugation Strategy for Targeted PROTAC Delivery and Synergistic Antitumor Therapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2401623. [PMID: 38639391 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as a promising strategy for targeted protein degradation and drug discovery. To overcome the inherent limitations of conventional PROTACs, an innovative drugtamer-PROTAC conjugation approach is developed to enhance tumor targeting and antitumor potency. Specifically, a smart prodrug is designed by conjugating "drugtamer" to a nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) PROTAC using a tumor microenvironment responsible linker. The "drugtamer" consists of fluorouridine nucleotide and DNA-like oligomer. Compared to NAMPT PROTAC and the combination of PROTAC + fluorouracil, the designed prodrug AS-2F-NP demonstrates superior tumor targeting, efficient cellular uptake, improved in vivo potency and reduced side effects. This study provides a promising strategy for the precise delivery of PROTAC and synergistic antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng He
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Yuxin Fang
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Yaojin Zhu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Ziyang Ma
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
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12
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Rutherford KA, McManus KJ. PROTACs: Current and Future Potential as a Precision Medicine Strategy to Combat Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:454-463. [PMID: 38205881 PMCID: PMC10985480 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) are an emerging precision medicine strategy, which targets key proteins for proteolytic degradation to ultimately induce cancer cell killing. These hetero-bifunctional molecules hijack the ubiquitin proteasome system to selectively add polyubiquitin chains onto a specific protein target to induce proteolytic degradation. Importantly, PROTACs have the capacity to target virtually any intracellular and transmembrane protein for degradation, including oncoproteins previously considered undruggable, which strategically positions PROTACs at the crossroads of multiple cancer research areas. In this review, we present normal functions of the ubiquitin regulation proteins and describe the application of PROTACs to improve the efficacy of current broad-spectrum therapeutics. We subsequently present the potential for PROTACs to exploit specific cancer vulnerabilities through synthetic genetic approaches, which may expedite the development, translation, and utility of novel synthetic genetic therapies in cancer. Finally, we describe the challenges associated with PROTACs and the ongoing efforts to overcome these issues to streamline clinical translation. Ultimately, these efforts may lead to their routine clinical use, which is expected to revolutionize cancer treatment strategies, delay familial cancer onset, and ultimately improve the lives and outcomes of those living with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailee A. Rutherford
- Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciencs, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kirk J. McManus
- Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciencs, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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13
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Cao X, Yan Z, Chen Z, Ge Y, Hu X, Peng F, Huang W, Zhang P, Sun R, Chen J, Ding M, Zong D, He X. The Emerging Role of Deubiquitinases in Radiosensitivity. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 118:1347-1370. [PMID: 38092257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Radiation therapy is a primary treatment for cancer, but radioresistance remains a significant challenge in improving efficacy and reducing toxicity. Accumulating evidence suggests that deubiquitinases (DUBs) play a crucial role in regulating cell sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Traditional small-molecule DUB inhibitors have demonstrated radiosensitization effects, and novel deubiquitinase-targeting chimeras (DUBTACs) provide a promising strategy for radiosensitizer development by harnessing the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This review highlights the mechanisms by which DUBs regulate radiosensitivity, including DNA damage repair, the cell cycle, cell death, and hypoxia. Progress on DUB inhibitors and DUBTACs is summarized, and their potential radiosensitization effects are discussed. Developing drugs targeting DUBs appears to be a promising alternative approach to overcoming radioresistance, warranting further research into their mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Cao
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenyu Yan
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zihan Chen
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yizhi Ge
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyu Hu
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fanyu Peng
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenxuan Huang
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pingchuan Zhang
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruozhou Sun
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiazhen Chen
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingjun Ding
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dan Zong
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xia He
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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14
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Apprato G, Poongavanam V, Garcia Jimenez D, Atilaw Y, Erdelyi M, Ermondi G, Caron G, Kihlberg J. Exploring the chemical space of orally bioavailable PROTACs. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103917. [PMID: 38360147 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
A principal challenge in the discovery of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) as oral medications is their bioavailability. To facilitate drug design, it is therefore essential to identify the chemical space where orally bioavailable PROTACs are more likely to be situated. To this aim, we extracted structure-bioavailability insights from published data using traditional 2D descriptors, thereby shedding light on their potential and limitations as drug design tools. Subsequently, we describe cutting-edge experimental, computational and hybrid design strategies based on 3D descriptors, which show promise for enhancing the probability of discovering PROTACs with high oral bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Apprato
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Piazza Nizza 44bis, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | | | - Diego Garcia Jimenez
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Piazza Nizza 44bis, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Yoseph Atilaw
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, SE-75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mate Erdelyi
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, SE-75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Giuseppe Ermondi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Piazza Nizza 44bis, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Caron
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Piazza Nizza 44bis, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Jan Kihlberg
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, SE-75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
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15
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Bouvier C, Lawrence R, Cavallo F, Xolalpa W, Jordan A, Hjerpe R, Rodriguez MS. Breaking Bad Proteins-Discovery Approaches and the Road to Clinic for Degraders. Cells 2024; 13:578. [PMID: 38607017 PMCID: PMC11011670 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070578] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) describe compounds that bind to and induce degradation of a target by simultaneously binding to a ubiquitin ligase. More generally referred to as bifunctional degraders, PROTACs have led the way in the field of targeted protein degradation (TPD), with several compounds currently undergoing clinical testing. Alongside bifunctional degraders, single-moiety compounds, or molecular glue degraders (MGDs), are increasingly being considered as a viable approach for development of therapeutics, driven by advances in rational discovery approaches. This review focuses on drug discovery with respect to bifunctional and molecular glue degraders within the ubiquitin proteasome system, including analysis of mechanistic concepts and discovery approaches, with an overview of current clinical and pre-clinical degrader status in oncology, neurodegenerative and inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corentin Bouvier
- Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination LCC-UPR 8241-CNRS, 31077 Toulouse, France; (C.B.); (M.S.R.)
| | - Rachel Lawrence
- Sygnature Discovery, Bio City, Pennyfoot St., Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK (F.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Francesca Cavallo
- Sygnature Discovery, Bio City, Pennyfoot St., Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK (F.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Wendy Xolalpa
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62209, Morelos, Mexico;
| | - Allan Jordan
- Sygnature Discovery, Bio City, Pennyfoot St., Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK (F.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Roland Hjerpe
- Sygnature Discovery, Bio City, Pennyfoot St., Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK (F.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Manuel S. Rodriguez
- Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination LCC-UPR 8241-CNRS, 31077 Toulouse, France; (C.B.); (M.S.R.)
- Pharmadev, UMR 152, Université de Toulouse, IRD, UT3, 31400 Toulouse, France
- B Molecular, Centre Pierre Potier, Canceropôle, 31106 Toulouse, France
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16
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Lu X, Chandravanshi M, Sabbasani VR, Gaikwad S, Hughitt VK, Gyabaah-Kessie N, Scroggins BT, Das S, Myint W, Clapp ME, Schwieters CD, Dyba MA, Bolhuis DL, Koscielniak JW, Andresson T, Emanuele MJ, Brown NG, Matsuo H, Chari R, Citrin DE, Mock BA, Swenson RE, Walters KJ. A structure-based designed small molecule depletes hRpn13 Pru and a select group of KEN box proteins. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2485. [PMID: 38509117 PMCID: PMC10954691 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46644-7] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteasome subunit hRpn13 is partially proteolyzed in certain cancer cell types to generate hRpn13Pru by degradation of its UCHL5/Uch37-binding DEUBAD domain and retention of an intact proteasome- and ubiquitin-binding Pru domain. By using structure-guided virtual screening, we identify an hRpn13 binder (XL44) and solve its structure ligated to hRpn13 Pru by integrated X-ray crystallography and NMR to reveal its targeting mechanism. Surprisingly, hRpn13Pru is depleted in myeloma cells following treatment with XL44. TMT-MS experiments reveal a select group of off-targets, including PCNA clamp-associated factor PCLAF and ribonucleoside-diphosphate reductase subunit M2 (RRM2), that are similarly depleted by XL44 treatment. XL44 induces hRpn13-dependent apoptosis and also restricts cell viability by a PCLAF-dependent mechanism. A KEN box, but not ubiquitination, is required for XL44-induced depletion of PCLAF. Here, we show that XL44 induces ubiquitin-dependent loss of hRpn13Pru and ubiquitin-independent loss of select KEN box containing proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Lu
- Protein Processing Section, Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Monika Chandravanshi
- Protein Processing Section, Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Venkata R Sabbasani
- Chemistry and Synthesis Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Snehal Gaikwad
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - V Keith Hughitt
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nana Gyabaah-Kessie
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bradley T Scroggins
- Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sudipto Das
- Protein Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Wazo Myint
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Michelle E Clapp
- Genome Modification Core, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Charles D Schwieters
- Computational Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance Core, Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marzena A Dyba
- Biophysics Resource, Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Derek L Bolhuis
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Janusz W Koscielniak
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., NMR Facility for Biological Research, Center for Structural Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Thorkell Andresson
- Protein Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Michael J Emanuele
- Department of Pharmacology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas G Brown
- Department of Pharmacology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hiroshi Matsuo
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Raj Chari
- Genome Modification Core, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Deborah E Citrin
- Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Beverly A Mock
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rolf E Swenson
- Chemistry and Synthesis Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kylie J Walters
- Protein Processing Section, Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA.
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17
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Yang C, Tripathi R, Wang B. Click chemistry in the development of PROTACs. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:189-197. [PMID: 38456041 PMCID: PMC10915971 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00199g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras or PROTACs are hetero-bifunctional molecules designed to mediate the disposal of a target protein via recruitment of the ubiquitination-proteasome degradation machinery. Because of the chimeric nature of such molecules, their synthesis requires a key step of "assembling" whether in the lab or in situ. Furthermore, targeted PROTACs often are hetero-trifunctional and require a second "assembling" step. Click chemistry has the unique advantages of tethering two or more molecular entities of choice under near physiological conditions and therefore has been applied to the development of PROTACs in various ways. This review provides a succinct summary of this field with a critical analysis of various factors that need to be considered for optimal results. Specifically, we examine issues including applications of click chemistry in in situ assembly for improved delivery, conjugation with a targeting group for selectivity, rapid synthesis for linker optimization, and lysosomal degradation of extracellular and membrane-associated proteins. We also examine reaction kinetics issues whenever possible or warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ce Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University Atlanta Georgia 30303 USA
| | - Ravi Tripathi
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University Atlanta Georgia 30303 USA
| | - Binghe Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University Atlanta Georgia 30303 USA
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18
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Wang X, Xin L, Deng X, Dong C, Hu G, Zhou HB. Fluorescence theranostic PROTACs for real-time visualization of ERα degradation. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116184. [PMID: 38320426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, a groundbreaking strategy for degradation of pathogenic proteins by hijacking of the ubiquitin-proteasome-system has become a promising strategy in drug design. However, the real-time monitoring and visualization of protein degradation processes have been long-standing challenges in the realm of drug development. In this research, we sought to amalgamate the highly efficient protein-degrading capabilities of PROTAC technology with the visualization attributes of fluorescent probes, with the potential to pave the path for the design and development of a novel class of visual PROTACs. These novel PROTACs uniquely possess both fluorescence imaging and therapeutic characteristics, all with the goal of enabling real-time observations of protein degradation processes. Our approach involved the utilization of a high ER-targeting fluorescent probe, previously reported in our laboratory, which served as a warhead that specifically binds to the protein of interest (POI). Additionally, a VHL ligand for recruiting E3 ligase and linkers of various lengths were incorporated to synthesize a series of novel ER-inherent fluorescence PROTACs. Among them, compound A3 demonstrated remarkable efficiency in degrading ERα proteins (DC50 = 0.12 μM) and displaying exceptional anti-proliferative activity against MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 0.051 μM). Furthermore, it exhibited impressive fluorescence imaging performance, boasting an emission wavelength of up to 582 nm, a Stokes shift of 116 nm, and consistent optical properties. These attributes make it especially suitable for the real-time, in situ tracking of ERα protein degradation processes, thus may serve as a privileged visual theranostic PROTAC for ERα+ breast cancer. This study not only broadens the application spectrum of PROTAC technology but also introduces a novel approach for real-time visualization of protein degradation processes, ultimately enhancing the diagnostic and treatment efficacy of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Wang
- School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, China; College of Life Sciences, Wuchang University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430223, China
| | - Lilan Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xiaofei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Chune Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Guoyuan Hu
- School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, China.
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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19
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Azuaga Moreso M, Bertrand C, Duffrene J, Dumont M, Lecouffe A, Muller C, Arrighi N, Onesto C. [PROTAC technology: a promising approach in oncology]. Med Sci (Paris) 2024; 40:304-307. [PMID: 38520111 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2024020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Azuaga Moreso
- Polytech Nice Sophia, Spécialité Génie biologique 5e année, Pharmacologie et Biotechnologies, Université Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Claire Bertrand
- Polytech Nice Sophia, Spécialité Génie biologique 5e année, Pharmacologie et Biotechnologies, Université Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Joanna Duffrene
- Polytech Nice Sophia, Spécialité Génie biologique 5e année, Pharmacologie et Biotechnologies, Université Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Marine Dumont
- Polytech Nice Sophia, Spécialité Génie biologique 5e année, Pharmacologie et Biotechnologies, Université Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Aurane Lecouffe
- Polytech Nice Sophia, Spécialité Génie biologique 5e année, Pharmacologie et Biotechnologies, Université Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Charlotte Muller
- Polytech Nice Sophia, Spécialité Génie biologique 5e année, Pharmacologie et Biotechnologies, Université Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Nicole Arrighi
- Polytech'Nice Sophia, Département Génie Biologique, Université Côte d'Azur - Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, INSERM U1065 - UCA, Nice, France
| | - Cercina Onesto
- Polytech'Nice Sophia, Département Génie Biologique, Université Côte d'Azur - Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing, Nice (IRCAN), UMR CNRS 7284 INSERM U1081 UCA, Nice, France
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20
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Cicala CM, Olivares-Rivas I, Aguirre-Carrillo JA, Serrano C. KIT/PDGFRA inhibitors for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: getting to the gist of the problem. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:159-170. [PMID: 38344849 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2318317] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approximately 90% of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are driven by activating mutations in receptor tyrosine-kinases KIT or PDGFRA. Despite the outstanding results of first-line imatinib in advanced GIST, resistance ultimately occurs mainly through secondary mutations in KIT/PDGFRA. Other tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) with a broader spectrum of activity against these mutations are approved after imatinib failure. However, response rates and progression-free survival are drastically lower compared to imatinib. Notably, imatinib also triggers early tolerance adaptation mechanisms, which precede the occurrence of secondary mutations. AREAS COVERED In this review, we outline the current landscape of KIT inhibitors, discuss the novel agents, and present additional biological pathways that may be therapeutically exploitable. EXPERT OPINION The development of broad-spectrum and highly selective TKIs able to induce a sustained KIT/PDGFRA inhibition is the pillar of preclinical and clinical investigation in GIST. However, it is now recognized that the situation is more intricate, with various factors interacting with KIT and PDGFRA, playing a crucial role in the response and resistance to treatments. Future strategies in the management of advanced GIST should integrate driver inhibition with the blockade of other molecules to enhance cell death and establish enduring responses in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo María Cicala
- Sarcoma Translational Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iván Olivares-Rivas
- Sarcoma Translational Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - César Serrano
- Sarcoma Translational Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
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21
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Yang W, Saboo S, Zhou L, Askin S, Bak A. Early evaluation of opportunities in oral delivery of PROTACs to overcome their molecular challenges. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103865. [PMID: 38154757 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103865] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) offer new opportunities in modern medicine by targeting proteins that are intractable to classic inhibitors. Heterobifunctional in nature, PROTACs are small molecules that offer a unique mechanism of protein degradation by hijacking the ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation pathway, known as the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Herein, we present an analysis on the structural characteristics of this novel chemical modality. Furthermore, we review and discuss the formulation opportunities to overcome the oral delivery challenges of PROTACs in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhan Yang
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, USA.
| | - Sugandha Saboo
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, USA
| | - Liping Zhou
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, USA
| | - Sean Askin
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Annette Bak
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, USA
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22
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Reese TC, Devineni A, Smith T, Lalami I, Ahn JM, Raj GV. Evaluating physiochemical properties of FDA-approved orally administered drugs. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:225-238. [PMID: 37921049 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2275617] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Analyses of orally administered FDA-approved drugs from 1990 to 1993 enabled the identification of a set of physiochemical properties known as Lipinski's Rule of Five (Ro5). The original Ro5 and extended versions still remain the reference criteria for drug development programs. Since many bioactive compounds do not conform to the Ro5, we validated the relevance of and adherence to these rulesets in a contemporary cohort of FDA-approved drugs. AREAS COVERED The authors noted that a significant proportion of FDA-approved orally administered parent compounds from 2011 to 2022 deviate from the original Ro5 criteria (~38%) or the Ro5 with extensions (~53%). They then evaluated if a contemporary Ro5 criteria (cRo5) could be devised to better predict oral bioavailability. Furthermore, they discuss many case studies showcasing the need for and benefit of increasing the size of certain compounds and cover several evolving strategies for improving oral bioavailability. EXPERT OPINION Despite many revisions to the Ro5, the authors find that no single proposed physiochemical rule has universal concordance with absolute oral bioavailability. Innovations in drug delivery and formulation have dramatically expanded the range of physicochemical properties and the chemical diversity for oral administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanner C Reese
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA
| | - Anvita Devineni
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA
| | - Tristan Smith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, USA
| | - Ismail Lalami
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, USA
| | - Jung-Mo Ahn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, USA
| | - Ganesh V Raj
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA
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23
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Wang S, He F, Tian C, Sun A. From PROTAC to TPD: Advances and Opportunities in Targeted Protein Degradation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:100. [PMID: 38256933 PMCID: PMC10818447 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010100] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
PROTAC is a rapidly developing engineering technology for targeted protein degradation using the ubiquitin-proteasome system, which has promising applications for inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and malignant tumors. This paper gives a brief overview of the development and design principles of PROTAC, with a special focus on PROTAC-based explorations in recent years aimed at achieving controlled protein degradation and improving the bioavailability of PROTAC, as well as TPD technologies that use other pathways such as autophagy and lysosomes to achieve targeted protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China; (S.W.); (F.H.)
| | - Fuchu He
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China; (S.W.); (F.H.)
- Research Unit of Proteomics Dirven Cancer Precision Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Chunyan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China; (S.W.); (F.H.)
| | - Aihua Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China; (S.W.); (F.H.)
- Research Unit of Proteomics Dirven Cancer Precision Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
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24
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Daniels VA, Luo J, Paller CJ, Kanayama M. Therapeutic Approaches to Targeting Androgen Receptor Splice Variants. Cells 2024; 13:104. [PMID: 38201308 PMCID: PMC10778271 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010104] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic options for advanced prostate cancer have vastly expanded over the last decade and will continue to expand in the future. Drugs targeting the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway, i.e., androgen receptor targeting agents (ARTAs), remain the mainstream treatments that are increasingly transforming the disease into one that can be controlled for an extended period of time. Prostate cancer is inherently addicted to AR. Under the treatment pressure of ARTA, molecular alterations occur, leading to the clonal expansion of resistant cells in a disease state broadly categorized as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). One castration resistance mechanism involves AR splice variants (AR-Vs) lacking the ligand-binding domain. Some AR-Vs have been identified as constitutively active, capable of activating AR signaling pathways without androgenic ligands. Among these variants, AR-V7 is the most extensively studied and may be measured non-invasively using validated circulating tumor cell (CTC) tests. In the context of the evolving prostate cancer treatment landscape, novel agents are developed and evaluated for their efficacy in targeting AR-V7. In patients with metastatic CRPC (mCRPC), the availability of the AR-V7 tests will make it possible to determine whether the treatments are effective for CTC AR-V7-positive disease, even though the treatments may not be specifically designed to target AR-V7. In this review, we will first outline the current prostate cancer treatment landscape, followed by an in-depth review of relatively newer prostate cancer therapeutics, focusing on AR-targeting agents under clinical development. These drugs are categorized from the standpoint of their activities against AR-V7 through direct or indirect mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violet A. Daniels
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (V.A.D.); (J.L.)
| | - Jun Luo
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (V.A.D.); (J.L.)
- Departments of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Channing J. Paller
- Departments of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Mayuko Kanayama
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (V.A.D.); (J.L.)
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25
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Gao X. Targeting Androgen Receptor Mutations in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer with a Novel Androgen Biosynthesis Inhibitor. NEJM EVIDENCE 2024; 3:EVIDe2300298. [PMID: 38320519 DOI: 10.1056/evide2300298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Multiple therapeutic advances in recent years have significantly improved outcomes for patients with metastatic prostate cancer, including utilization of combination androgen receptor (AR) pathway inhibitors and/or taxane chemotherapy in earlier, hormone-sensitive disease.1 Unfortunately, patients typically still develop metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), the lethal form of disease with limited prognosis. Despite castration resistance, the majority of patients with mCRPC continue to have AR-dependent disease through a variety of mechanisms, including emergence of AR mutations, amplifications, splice variants, and persistent AR activation via alternative pathways of androgen production.2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Gao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston
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26
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Khan AF, Karami S, Peidl AS, Waiters KD, Babajide MF, Bawa-Khalfe T. Androgen Receptor in Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:476. [PMID: 38203649 PMCID: PMC10779387 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010476] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer subtypes expressing hormone receptors (HR+ BCa) have a good prognosis and respond to first-line endocrine therapy (ET). However, the majority of HR+ BCa patients exhibit intrinsic or acquired ET resistance (ET-R) and rapid onset of incurable metastatic BCa. With the failure of conventional ET, limited targeted therapy exists for ET-R HR+ BCa patients. The androgen receptor (AR) in HR-negative BCa subtypes is emerging as an attractive alternative target for therapy. The AR drives Luminal AR (LAR) triple-negative breast cancer progression, and LAR patients consistently exhibit positive clinical benefits with AR antagonists in clinical trials. In contrast, the function of the AR in HR+ BCa is more conflicting. AR in HR+ BCa correlates with a favorable prognosis, and yet, the AR supports the development of ET-R BCa. While AR antagonists were ineffective, ongoing clinical trials with a selective AR modulator have shown promise for HR+ BCa patients. To understand the incongruent actions of ARs in HR+ BCa, the current review discusses how the structure and post-translational modification impact AR function. Additionally, completed and ongoing clinical trials with FDA-approved AR-targeting agents for BCa are presented. Finally, we identify promising investigational small molecules and chimera drugs for future HR+ BCa therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tasneem Bawa-Khalfe
- Center for Nuclear Receptors & Cell Signaling, Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Houston, 3517 Cullen Blvd, SERC Bldg., Rm 3010, Houston, TX 77204-5056, USA (K.D.W.)
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27
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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: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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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28
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Ackerman L, Acloque G, Bacchelli S, Schwartz H, Feinstein BJ, La Stella P, Alavi A, Gollerkeri A, Davis J, Campbell V, McDonald A, Agarwal S, Karnik R, Shi K, Mishkin A, Culbertson J, Klaus C, Enerson B, Massa V, Kuhn E, Sharma K, Keaney E, Barnes R, Chen D, Zheng X, Rong H, Sabesan V, Ho C, Mainolfi N, Slavin A, Gollob JA. IRAK4 degrader in hidradenitis suppurativa and atopic dermatitis: a phase 1 trial. Nat Med 2023; 29:3127-3136. [PMID: 37957373 PMCID: PMC10719089 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02635-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptor-driven and interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor-driven inflammation mediated by IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) is involved in the pathophysiology of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and atopic dermatitis (AD). KT-474 (SAR444656), an IRAK4 degrader, was studied in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 trial where the primary objective was safety and tolerability. Secondary objectives included pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and clinical activity in patients with moderate to severe HS and in patients with moderate to severe AD. KT-474 was administered as a single dose and then daily for 14 d in 105 healthy volunteers (HVs), followed by dosing for 28 d in an open-label cohort of 21 patients. Degradation of IRAK4 was observed in HV blood, with mean reductions after a single dose of ≥93% at 600-1,600 mg and after 14 daily doses of ≥95% at 50-200 mg. In patients, similar IRAK4 degradation was achieved in blood, and IRAK4 was normalized in skin lesions where it was overexpressed relative to HVs. Reduction of disease-relevant inflammatory biomarkers was demonstrated in the blood and skin of patients with HS and patients with AD and was associated with improvement in skin lesions and symptoms. There were no drug-related infections. These results, from what, to our knowledge, is the first published clinical trial using a heterobifunctional degrader, provide initial proof of concept for KT-474 in HS and AD to be further confirmed in larger trials. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04772885 .
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kelvin Shi
- Kymera Therapeutics, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Eric Kuhn
- Kymera Therapeutics, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | | | - Erin Keaney
- Kymera Therapeutics, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | | | - Dapeng Chen
- Kymera Therapeutics, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Chris Ho
- Kymera Therapeutics, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
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29
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von Amsberg G, Todenhöfer T. [Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer-emerging trends in therapy]. UROLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 62:1289-1294. [PMID: 37955661 DOI: 10.1007/s00120-023-02223-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing understanding of the cellular processes involved in growth, metastasis and development of resistance enable the development of new treatment strategies for advanced prostate cancer. OBJECTIVES Using selected examples, the aim of this report is to present current developments to the reader and to give an outlook on possible upcoming changes in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Narrative report based on expert consensus, supported by a literature search in PubMed (MEDLINE) and the abstract databases of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO). Examples were selected to illustrate current developments without claiming completeness. RESULTS The androgen receptor (AR) signal transduction pathway remains a focus of scientific interest. Androgen synthesis inhibitors and AR degraders are promising new approaches to overcome resistance mediated by AR mutations or splice variants. Inhibition of key switch sites of alternative signaling pathways such as AKT or CDK4/6 provide additional treatment options, including combinational strategies through a tight linkage with the AR signaling pathway. A better understanding of tumor microenvironment and immune response is required for novel immunotherapeutic strategies using bispecific T‑cell engagers (BiTEs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. CONCLUSION New treatment strategies give hope that we will be able to intervene even more effectively in the course of disease of advanced prostate cancer in the future. However, a major challenge, especially for the implementation of targeted treatment approaches, is likely to be the heterogeneity of tumor progression not only inter- but also intrapersonally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunhild von Amsberg
- II. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf, 20246, Martinstraße 52, Hamburg, Deutschland
- Martini Klinik, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Tilman Todenhöfer
- Studienpraxis Urologie, Steinengrabenstr. 17, 72622, Nürtingen, Deutschland.
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Deutschland.
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30
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Sharma D, Hager CG, Shang L, Tran L, Zhu Y, Ma A, Magnuson B, Lesko MW, Wicha MS, Burness ML. The BET degrader ZBC260 suppresses stemness and tumorigenesis and promotes differentiation in triple-negative breast cancer by disrupting inflammatory signaling. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:144. [PMID: 37968653 PMCID: PMC10648675 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01715-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are resistant to standard therapies, facilitate tumor dissemination, and contribute to relapse and progression. Super-enhancers are regulators of stemness, and BET proteins, which are critical for super-enhancer function, are a potential therapeutic target. Here, we investigated the effects of BET proteins on the regulation of breast cancer stemness using the pan-BET degrader ZBC260. METHODS We evaluated the effect of ZBC260 on CSCs in TNBC cell lines. We assessed the effect of ZBC260 on cellular viability and tumor growth and measured its effects on cancer stemness. We used RNA sequencing and stemness index to determine the global transcriptomic changes in CSCs and bulk cells and further validated our findings by qPCR, western blot, and ELISA. RESULTS ZBC260 potently inhibited TNBC growth both in vitro and in vivo. ZBC260 reduced stemness as measured by cell surface marker expression, ALDH activity, tumorsphere number, and stemness index while increasing differentiated cells. GSEA analysis indicated preferential downregulation of stemness-associated and inflammatory genes by ZBC260 in ALDH+ CSCs. CONCLUSIONS The BET degrader ZBC260 is an efficient degrader of BET proteins that suppresses tumor progression and decreases CSCs through the downregulation of inflammatory genes and pathways. Our findings support the further development of BET degraders alone and in combination with other therapeutics as CSC targeting agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeksha Sharma
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Cody G Hager
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Li Shang
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lam Tran
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, NCRC 26-319S, SPC 2800, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yongyou Zhu
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Elevate Bio, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Aihui Ma
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Brian Magnuson
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthew W Lesko
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Max S Wicha
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Monika L Burness
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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31
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Pereira GP, Jiménez-García B, Pellarin R, Launay G, Wu S, Martin J, Souza PCT. Rational Prediction of PROTAC-Compatible Protein-Protein Interfaces by Molecular Docking. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:6823-6833. [PMID: 37877240 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional ligands that mediate the interaction between a protein target and an E3 ligase, resulting in a ternary complex, whose interaction with the ubiquitination machinery leads to target degradation. This technology is emerging as an exciting new avenue for therapeutic development, with several PROTACs currently undergoing clinical trials targeting cancer. Here, we describe a general and computationally efficient methodology combining restraint-based docking, energy-based rescoring, and a filter based on the minimal solvent-accessible surface distance to produce PROTAC-compatible PPIs suitable for when there is no a priori known PROTAC ligand. In a benchmark employing a manually curated data set of 13 ternary complex crystals, we achieved an accuracy of 92% when starting from bound structures and 77% when starting from unbound structures, respectively. Our method only requires that the ligand-bound structures of the monomeric forms of the E3 ligase and target proteins be given to run, making it general, accurate, and highly efficient, with the ability to impact early-stage PROTAC-based drug design campaigns where no structural information about the ternary complex structure is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto P Pereira
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, CNRS UMR 5086 and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 7 Passage du Vercors, 69007 Lyon, France
- Laboratory of Biology and Modeling of the Cell, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5239 and Inserm U1293, 46 Allée d'Italie, 69007 Lyon, France
| | | | - Riccardo Pellarin
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, CNRS UMR 5086 and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 7 Passage du Vercors, 69007 Lyon, France
- Laboratory of Biology and Modeling of the Cell, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5239 and Inserm U1293, 46 Allée d'Italie, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Guillaume Launay
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, CNRS UMR 5086 and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 7 Passage du Vercors, 69007 Lyon, France
- Laboratory of Biology and Modeling of the Cell, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5239 and Inserm U1293, 46 Allée d'Italie, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Sangwook Wu
- PharmCADD, Busan 48792, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physics, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Juliette Martin
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, CNRS UMR 5086 and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 7 Passage du Vercors, 69007 Lyon, France
- Laboratory of Biology and Modeling of the Cell, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5239 and Inserm U1293, 46 Allée d'Italie, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Paulo C T Souza
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, CNRS UMR 5086 and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 7 Passage du Vercors, 69007 Lyon, France
- Laboratory of Biology and Modeling of the Cell, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5239 and Inserm U1293, 46 Allée d'Italie, 69007 Lyon, France
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Etersque JM, Lee IK, Sharma N, Xu K, Ruff A, Northrup JD, Sarkar S, Nguyen T, Lauman R, Burslem GM, Sellmyer MA. Regulation of eDHFR-tagged proteins with trimethoprim PROTACs. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7071. [PMID: 37923771 PMCID: PMC10624689 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42820-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Temporal control of protein levels in cells and living animals can be used to improve our understanding of protein function. In addition, control of engineered proteins could be used in therapeutic applications. PRoteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as a small-molecule-driven strategy to achieve rapid, post-translational regulation of protein abundance via recruitment of an E3 ligase to the target protein of interest. Here, we develop several PROTAC molecules by covalently linking the antibiotic trimethoprim (TMP) to pomalidomide, a ligand for the E3 ligase, Cereblon. These molecules induce degradation of proteins of interest (POIs) genetically fused to a small protein domain, E. coli dihydrofolate reductase (eDHFR), the molecular target of TMP. We show that various eDHFR-tagged proteins can be robustly degraded to 95% of maximum expression with PROTAC molecule 7c. Moreover, TMP-based PROTACs minimally affect the expression of immunomodulatory imide drug (IMiD)-sensitive neosubstrates using proteomic and biochemical assays. Finally, we show multiplexed regulation with another known degron-PROTAC pair, as well as reversible protein regulation in a rodent model of metastatic cancer, demonstrating the formidable strength of this system. Altogether, TMP PROTACs are a robust approach for selective and reversible degradation of eDHFR-tagged proteins in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean M Etersque
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Iris K Lee
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nitika Sharma
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kexiang Xu
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrew Ruff
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Justin D Northrup
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Swarbhanu Sarkar
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tommy Nguyen
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard Lauman
- The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - George M Burslem
- The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- The Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mark A Sellmyer
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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33
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Xia D, Zhu X, Wang Y, Gong P, Su HS, Xu X. Implications of ubiquitination and the maintenance of replication fork stability in cancer therapy. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20222591. [PMID: 37728310 PMCID: PMC10550789 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20222591] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA replication forks are subject to intricate surveillance and strict regulation by sophisticated cellular machinery. Such close regulation is necessary to ensure the accurate duplication of genetic information and to tackle the diverse endogenous and exogenous stresses that impede this process. Stalled replication forks are vulnerable to collapse, which is a major cause of genomic instability and carcinogenesis. Replication stress responses, which are organized via a series of coordinated molecular events, stabilize stalled replication forks and carry out fork reversal and restoration. DNA damage tolerance and repair pathways such as homologous recombination and Fanconi anemia also contribute to replication fork stabilization. The signaling network that mediates the transduction and interplay of these pathways is regulated by a series of post-translational modifications, including ubiquitination, which affects the activity, stability, and interactome of substrates. In particular, the ubiquitination of replication protein A and proliferating cell nuclear antigen at stalled replication forks promotes the recruitment of downstream regulators. In this review, we describe the ubiquitination-mediated signaling cascades that regulate replication fork progression and stabilization. In addition, we discuss the targeting of replication fork stability and ubiquitination system components as a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghui Xia
- Shenzhen University General Hospital-Dehua Hospital Joint Research Center on Precision Medicine (sgh-dhhCPM), Dehua Hospital, Dehua, Quanzhou 362500, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Disease Prevention, Carson International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Agro-biotechnology and MOA Key Laboratory of Soil Microbiology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuefei Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors and Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agro-biotechnology and MOA Key Laboratory of Soil Microbiology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Gong
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors and Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Hong-Shu Su
- Shenzhen University General Hospital-Dehua Hospital Joint Research Center on Precision Medicine (sgh-dhhCPM), Dehua Hospital, Dehua, Quanzhou 362500, China
| | - Xingzhi Xu
- Shenzhen University General Hospital-Dehua Hospital Joint Research Center on Precision Medicine (sgh-dhhCPM), Dehua Hospital, Dehua, Quanzhou 362500, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Disease Prevention, Carson International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
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Song C, Jiao Z, Hou Z, Wang R, Lian C, Xing Y, Luo Q, An Y, Yang F, Wang Y, Sha X, Ruan Z, Ye Y, Liu Z, Li Z, Yin F. Selective Protein of Interest Degradation through the Split-and-Mix Liposome Proteolysis Targeting Chimera Approach. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:21860-21870. [PMID: 37708462 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) technology represents a promising new approach for target protein degradation using a cellular ubiquitin-proteasome system. Recently, we developed a split-and-mix nanoplatform based on peptide self-assembly, which could serve as a self-adjustable platform for multifunctional applications. However, the lower drug efficacy limits further biomedical applications of peptide-based SM-PROTAC. In this study, we develop a novel split-and-mix PROTAC system based on liposome self-assembly (LipoSM-PROTAC), concurrent with modification of FA (folate) to enhance its tumor-targeting capabilities. Estrogen receptors (ERα) were chosen as the protein of interest (POI) to validate the efficacy of Lipo degraders. Results demonstrate that this PROTAC can be efficiently and selectively taken up into the cells by FA receptor-positive cells (FR+) and degrade the POI with significantly reduced concentration. Compared to the peptide-based SM-PROTACs, our designed LipoSM-PROTAC system could achieve therapeutic efficacy with a lower concentration and provide opportunities for clinical translational potential. Overall, the LipoSM-based platform shows a higher drug efficacy, which offers promising potential applications for PROTAC and other biomolecule regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunli Song
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zijun Jiao
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu 610212, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhanfeng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Chenshan Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yun Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Qinhong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital (Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine), Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yuhao An
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Fenfang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuechen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xinrui Sha
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Zhijun Ruan
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Yuxin Ye
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Zhihong Liu
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Zigang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu 610212, Sichuan, China
| | - Feng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
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Mostofian B, Martin HJ, Razavi A, Patel S, Allen B, Sherman W, Izaguirre JA. Targeted Protein Degradation: Advances, Challenges, and Prospects for Computational Methods. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:5408-5432. [PMID: 37602861 PMCID: PMC10498452 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic approach of targeted protein degradation (TPD) is gaining momentum due to its potentially superior effects compared with protein inhibition. Recent advancements in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors have led to the development of compounds that are currently in human trials, with some showing promising clinical results. However, the use of computational tools in TPD is still limited, as it has distinct characteristics compared with traditional computational drug design methods. TPD involves creating a ternary structure (protein-degrader-ligase) responsible for the biological function, such as ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation, which depends on the spatial orientation of the protein of interest (POI) relative to E2-loaded ubiquitin. Modeling this structure necessitates a unique blend of tools initially developed for small molecules (e.g., docking) and biologics (e.g., protein-protein interaction modeling). Additionally, degrader molecules, particularly heterobifunctional degraders, are generally larger than conventional small molecule drugs, leading to challenges in determining drug-like properties like solubility and permeability. Furthermore, the catalytic nature of TPD makes occupancy-based modeling insufficient. TPD consists of multiple interconnected yet distinct steps, such as POI binding, E3 ligase binding, ternary structure interactions, ubiquitination, and degradation, along with traditional small molecule properties. A comprehensive set of tools is needed to address the dynamic nature of the induced proximity ternary complex and its implications for ubiquitination. In this Perspective, we discuss the current state of computational tools for TPD. We start by describing the series of steps involved in the degradation process and the experimental methods used to characterize them. Then, we delve into a detailed analysis of the computational tools employed in TPD. We also present an integrative approach that has proven successful for degrader design and its impact on project decisions. Finally, we examine the future prospects of computational methods in TPD and the areas with the greatest potential for impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barmak Mostofian
- OpenEye, Cadence Molecular Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts 02114 United States
| | - Holli-Joi Martin
- Laboratory
for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal
Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 United States
| | - Asghar Razavi
- ENKO
Chem, Inc, Mystic, Connecticut 06355 United States
| | - Shivam Patel
- Psivant
Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 United States
| | - Bryce Allen
- Differentiated
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92056 United States
| | - Woody Sherman
- Psivant
Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 United States
| | - Jesus A Izaguirre
- Differentiated
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92056 United States
- Atommap
Corporation, New York, New York 10013 United States
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36
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Dai C, Dehm SM, Sharifi N. Targeting the Androgen Signaling Axis in Prostate Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:4267-4278. [PMID: 37429011 PMCID: PMC10852396 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the androgen receptor (AR) and AR-driven transcriptional programs is central to the pathophysiology of prostate cancer. Despite successful translational efforts in targeting AR, therapeutic resistance often occurs as a result of molecular alterations in the androgen signaling axis. The efficacy of next-generation AR-directed therapies for castration-resistant prostate cancer has provided crucial clinical validation for the continued dependence on AR signaling and introduced a range of new treatment options for men with both castration-resistant and castration-sensitive disease. Despite this, however, metastatic prostate cancer largely remains an incurable disease, highlighting the need to better understand the diverse mechanisms by which tumors thwart AR-directed therapies, which may inform new therapeutic avenues. In this review, we revisit concepts in AR signaling and current understandings of AR signaling-dependent resistance mechanisms as well as the next frontier of AR targeting in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Dai
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Scott M. Dehm
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Nima Sharifi
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
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37
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Fettke H, Dai C, Kwan EM, Zheng T, Du P, Ng N, Bukczynska P, Docanto M, Kostos L, Foroughi S, Brown S, Graham LJK, Mahon K, Horvath LG, Jia S, Kohli M, Azad AA. BRCA-deficient metastatic prostate cancer has an adverse prognosis and distinct genomic phenotype. EBioMedicine 2023; 95:104738. [PMID: 37549632 PMCID: PMC10412463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104738] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic alterations in DNA damage response (DDR) genes are common in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Understanding how these genomic events impact prognosis and/or treatment response is vital for optimising clinical outcomes. METHODS Targeted sequencing was performed on 407 plasma samples from 375 men with mCRPC. Using the CLIA-certified PredicineCARE™ cell-free DNA (cfDNA) assay, pathogenic alterations in 152 key genes (including 27 DDR-related genes) were assessed, as was the presence and mechanisms of biallelic loss in BRCA2. FINDINGS At least one DDR alteration was present in 34.5% (129/375) of patients (including monoallelic alterations). The most frequently altered DDR genes were BRCA2 (19%), ATM (13%), FANCA (5%), CHEK2 (5%) and BRCA1 (3%). Patients with BRCA alterations, especially BRCA2, had significantly worse progression-free survival (PFS) (Hazard ratio (HR) 3.3 [95% CI 1.9-6.0]; Cox regression p < 0.001), overall survival (HR 2.2 [95% CI 1.1-4.5]; Cox regression p = 0.02) and PSA response rates to androgen receptor (AR) pathway inhibitors (32% vs 60%, chi-square p = 0.02). BRCA-deficient tumours were also enriched for alterations within multiple genes including in the AR and PI3K pathways. Zygosity of BRCA2 alterations had no discernible impact on clinical outcomes, with similarly poor PFS for monoallelic vs biallelic loss (median 3.9 months vs 3.4 months vs copy neutral 9.8 months). INTERPRETATION These data emphasise that the BRCA genes, in particular BRCA2, are key prognostic biomarkers in mCRPC. The clinical utility of BRCA2 as a marker of poor outcomes may, at least in cfDNA assays, be independent of the zygosity state detected. Enrichment of actionable genomic alterations in cfDNA from BRCA-deficient mCRPC may support rational co-targeting strategies in future clinical trials. FUNDING Several funding sources have supported this study. A full list is provided in the Acknowledgments. No funding was received from Predicine, Inc. during the conduct of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Fettke
- Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Chao Dai
- Predicine Inc., Hayward, CA, USA
| | - Edmond M Kwan
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Pan Du
- Predicine Inc., Hayward, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Ng
- Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Maria Docanto
- Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louise Kostos
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Siavash Foroughi
- Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Personalized Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen Brown
- Medical Oncology, Ballarat Base Hospital, Ballarat, Australia
| | | | - Kate Mahon
- Medical Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, Australia; University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Australia
| | - Lisa G Horvath
- Medical Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, Australia; University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia
| | | | - Manish Kohli
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Arun A Azad
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
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38
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Hasan AMM, Cremaschi P, Wetterskog D, Jayaram A, Wong SQ, Williams S, Pasam A, Trigos A, Trujillo B, Grist E, Friedrich S, Vainauskas O, Parry M, Ismail M, Devlies W, Wingate A, Linch M, Naceur-Lombardelli C, Swanton C, Jamal-Hanjani M, Lise S, Sandhu S, Attard G. Copy number architectures define treatment-mediated selection of lethal prostate cancer clones. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4823. [PMID: 37563129 PMCID: PMC10415299 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40315-9] [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: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite initial responses to hormone treatment, metastatic prostate cancer invariably evolves to a lethal state. To characterize the intra-patient evolutionary relationships of metastases that evade treatment, we perform genome-wide copy number profiling and bespoke approaches targeting the androgen receptor (AR) on 167 metastatic regions from 11 organs harvested post-mortem from 10 men who died from prostate cancer. We identify diverse and patient-unique alterations clustering around the AR in metastases from every patient with evidence of independent acquisition of related genomic changes within an individual and, in some patients, the co-existence of AR-neutral clones. Using the genomic boundaries of pan-autosome copy number changes, we confirm a common clone of origin across metastases and diagnostic biopsies, and identified in individual patients, clusters of metastases occupied by dominant clones with diverged autosomal copy number alterations. These autosome-defined clusters are characterized by cluster-specific AR gene architectures, and in two index cases are topologically more congruent than by chance (p-values 3.07 × 10-8 and 6.4 × 10-4). Integration with anatomical sites suggests patterns of spread and points of genomic divergence. Here, we show that copy number boundaries identify treatment-selected clones with putatively distinct lethal trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anuradha Jayaram
- University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Stephen Q Wong
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Scott Williams
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anupama Pasam
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anna Trigos
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Blanca Trujillo
- University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Emily Grist
- University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | | | | | - Marina Parry
- University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Wout Devlies
- University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Anna Wingate
- University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Mark Linch
- University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | | | - Charles Swanton
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Mariam Jamal-Hanjani
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
- Cancer Metastasis Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Stefano Lise
- University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Gerhardt Attard
- University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK.
- University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
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Han X, Zhao L, Xiang W, Wang M, Miao B, Qin C, McEachern D, Lu J, Wang Y, Metwally H, Kirchhoff P, Wang L, Matvekas A, Takyi-Williams J, Wen B, Sun D, Ator M, Mckean R, Wang S. Discovery of ARD-2051 as a Potent and Orally Efficacious Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) Degrader of Androgen Receptor for the Treatment of Advanced Prostate Cancer. J Med Chem 2023; 66:8822-8843. [PMID: 37382562 PMCID: PMC10568492 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
We report the discovery of ARD-2051 as a potent and orally efficacious androgen receptor (AR) proteolysis-targeting chimera degrader. ARD-2051 achieves DC50 values of 0.6 nM and Dmax >90% in inducing AR protein degradation in both the LNCaP and VCaP prostate cancer cell lines, potently and effectively suppresses AR-regulated genes, and inhibits cancer cell growth. ARD-2051 achieves a good oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profile in mouse, rat, and dog. A single oral dose of ARD-2051 strongly reduces AR protein and suppresses AR-regulated gene expression in the VCaP xenograft tumor tissue in mice. Oral administration of ARD-2051 effectively inhibits VCaP tumor growth and causes no signs of toxicity in mice. ARD-2051 is a promising AR degrader for advanced preclinical development for the treatment of AR+ human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Han
- The Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Lijie Zhao
- The Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Weiguo Xiang
- The Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- 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
| | - Bukeyan Miao
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Chong Qin
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Donna McEachern
- The Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jianfeng Lu
- The Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Yu Wang
- The Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Hoda Metwally
- The Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Paul Kirchhoff
- The Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Aleksas Matvekas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - John Takyi-Williams
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bo Wen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Duxin Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Mark Ator
- Oncopia Therapeutics Inc, 2 West Liberty Blvd. Malvern, PA 19355 USA
| | - Robert Mckean
- Oncopia Therapeutics Inc, 2 West Liberty Blvd. Malvern, PA 19355 USA
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- The Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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Li P, Li B, Yang N, Xu T, Zheng Z. The next generation of EGFR inhibitors: a patenting perspective of PROTACs based EGFR degraders. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:477-492. [PMID: 37873645 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2262176] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Abnormal expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) contributes to tumor development, especially in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although multiple inhibitors have been developed to target diverse EGFR mutations and several have been approved, the inevitable drug resistance and side effect remain a challenge, which motivates novel strategies. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have been gaining momentum for their potential as novel therapeutics for human diseases by triggering protein degradation. To date, various potent and specific EGFR PROTACs have been discovered and some of them have entered clinical trials. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of EGFR degraders in patents from 2016 to 2022. It provides an update of the discovery strategies, chemical structures, and molecular profiling of all available EGFR PROTACs. SciFinder, PubMed, Web of Science, EPO, and CNIPA databases were used for searching the literature and patents for EGFR PROTACs. EXPERT OPINION By employing the PROTAC technology, highly potent and selective EGFR degraders based on four generation EGFR inhibitors have been developed, which offer a new strategy to target EGFR mutations and overcome the drug resistance. Despite the satisfactory result in vitro and in vivo studies, their therapeutic value awaits more rigorous preclinical testing and clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyun Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Bingkun Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhibing Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
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41
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Jang A, Lanka SM, Ruan HT, Kumar HLS, Jia AY, Garcia JA, Mian OY, Barata PC. Novel therapies for metastatic prostate cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2023; 23:1251-1263. [PMID: 38030394 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2023.2290197] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with metastatic prostate cancer, especially in the castrate-resistant setting, have a poor prognosis. Many agents have been approved for metastatic prostate cancer, such as androgen receptor pathway inhibitors, taxane-based chemotherapy, radiopharmaceuticals, and immunotherapy. However, prostate cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in nonsmoking men. Fortunately, many more novel agents are under investigation. AREAS COVERED We provide an overview of the broad group of novel therapies for metastatic prostate cancer, with an emphasis on active and recruiting clinical trials that have been recently published and/or presented at national or international meetings. EXPERT OPINION The future for patients with metastatic prostate cancer is promising, with further development of novel therapies such as radiopharmaceuticals. Based on a growing understanding of prostate cancer biology, novel agents are being designed to overcome resistance to approved therapies. There are many trials using novel agents either as monotherapy or in combination with already approved agents with potential to further improve outcomes for men with advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Jang
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sree M Lanka
- Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Hui Ting Ruan
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Hamsa L S Kumar
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Angela Y Jia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jorge A Garcia
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Omar Y Mian
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Pedro C Barata
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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42
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Tsujimura H, Naganuma M, Ohoka N, Inoue T, Naito M, Tsuji G, Demizu Y. Development of DNA Aptamer-Based PROTACs That Degrade the Estrogen Receptor. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:827-832. [PMID: 37312841 PMCID: PMC10258903 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD), using chimeric molecules such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), has attracted attention as a strategy for selective degradation of intracellular proteins by hijacking the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). However, it is often difficult to develop such degraders due to the absence of appropriate ligands for target proteins. In targeting proteins for degradation, the application of nucleic acid aptamers is considered to be effective because these can be explored using systematic evolution of ligand by exponential enrichment (SELEX) methods. In this study, we constructed chimeric molecules in which nucleic acid aptamers capable of binding to the estrogen receptor α (ERα) and E3 ubiquitin ligase ligands were linked via a linker. ERα aptamer-based PROTACs were found to degrade ERα via the UPS. These findings represent the development of novel aptamer-based PROTACs that target intracellular proteins and are potentially applicable to other proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruna Tsujimura
- Division
of Organic Chemistry, National Institute
of Health Sciences, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
- Graduate
School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama
City University, Kanagawa 236-0027, Japan
| | - Miyako Naganuma
- Division
of Organic Chemistry, National Institute
of Health Sciences, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
- Graduate
School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama
City University, Kanagawa 236-0027, Japan
| | - Nobumichi Ohoka
- Division
of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Takao Inoue
- Division
of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Mikihiko Naito
- Laboratory
of Targeted Protein Degradation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Genichiro Tsuji
- Division
of Organic Chemistry, National Institute
of Health Sciences, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Yosuke Demizu
- Division
of Organic Chemistry, National Institute
of Health Sciences, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
- Graduate
School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama
City University, Kanagawa 236-0027, Japan
- Graduate
School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division
of Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
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Gao J, Yang L, Lei S, Zhou F, Nie H, Peng B, Xu T, Chen X, Yang X, Sheng C, Rao Y, Pu K, Jin J, Xu Z, Yu H. Stimuli-activatable PROTACs for precise protein degradation and cancer therapy. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2023; 68:1069-1085. [PMID: 37169612 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) approach has attracted extensive attention in the past decade, which represents an emerging therapeutic modality with the potential to tackle disease-causing proteins that are historically challengeable for conventional small molecular inhibitors. PROTAC harnesses the endogenic E3 ubiquitin ligase to degrade protein of interest (POI) via ubiquitin-proteasome system in a cycle-catalytic manner. The event-driven pharmacology of PROTAC is poised to pursue those targets that are conventionally undruggable, which enormously extends the space of drug development. Furthermore, PROTAC has the potential to address drug resistance of small molecular inhibitors by degrading the whole POI. Nevertheless, PROTACs display high-efficiency and always-on properties to degrade POI, they may cause severe side effects due to an "on-target but off-tissue" protein degradation profile at the undesirable tissues and cells. Given that, the stimuli-activatable PROTAC prodrugs have been recently exploited to confine precise protein degradation of the favorable targets, which may conquer the adverse effects of PROTAC due to uncontrollable protein degradation. Herein, we summarized the cutting-edge advances of the stimuli-activatable PROTAC prodrugs. We also overviewed the progress of PROTAC prodrug-based nanomedicine to improve PROTAC delivery to the tumors and precise POI degradation in the targeted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Gao
- Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shumin Lei
- Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Huijun Nie
- Center of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Information Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tianfeng Xu
- Center of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- Center of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Xiaobao Yang
- Gluetacs Therapeutics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yu Rao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Kanyi Pu
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York NY 10029, USA
| | - Zhiai Xu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Haijun Yu
- Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
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44
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Fang Y, Wang S, Han S, Zhao Y, Yu C, Liu H, Li N. Targeted protein degrader development for cancer: advances, challenges, and opportunities. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:303-317. [PMID: 37059054 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Anticancer-targeted therapies inhibit various kinases implicated in cancer and have been used in clinical settings for decades. However, many cancer-related targets are proteins without catalytic activity and are difficult to target using traditional occupancy-driven inhibitors. Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is an emerging therapeutic modality that has expanded the druggable proteome for cancer treatment. With the entry of new-generation immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs), and proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) drugs into clinical trials, the field of TPD has seen explosive growth in the past 10 years. Several challenges remain that need to be tackled to increase successful clinical translation of TPD drugs. We present an overview of the global landscape of clinical trials of TPD drugs over the past decade and summarize the clinical profiles of new-generation TPD drugs. In addition, we highlight the challenges and opportunities for the development of effective TPD drugs for future successful clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Fang
- Clinical Trials Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Shuhang Wang
- Clinical Trials Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Songzhe Han
- Department of Chemistry, BeiGene (Beijing) Co. Ltd, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Yizhou Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, BeiGene (Beijing) Co. Ltd, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Cunjing Yu
- Translational Discovery, Research, and Medicine, BeiGene (Beijing) Co. Ltd, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Huaqing Liu
- Department of Chemistry, BeiGene (Beijing) Co. Ltd, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Ning Li
- Clinical Trials Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
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45
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Hagopian G, Grant C, Nagasaka M. Proteolysis targeting chimeras in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 117:102561. [PMID: 37178629 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has very poor prognosis in advanced stages. Discovery and application of therapies targeting specific oncogenic driver mutations has greatly improved overall survival. However, targeted therapies are limited in their efficacy due to resistance mutations that may arise with long term use. Proteolysis targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are a promising approach to combating resistance mutations. PROTACs commandeer innate ubiquitination machinery to degrade oncogenic proteins. Here we review the PROTACs that have been developed for targeting common EGFR, KRAS, and ALK mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garo Hagopian
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine Medical Center, Orange CA, United States
| | - Christopher Grant
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine Medical Center, Orange CA, United States
| | - Misako Nagasaka
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine Medical Center, Orange, CA, United States; St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, JAPAN.
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46
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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: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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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47
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Wang S, Luo D, Pu C, Ma X, Zhang H, Feng Z, Deng R, Yu S, Liu Y, Huang Q, Li R. Discovery of the GSH responsive "Y-PROTACs" targeting ALK and CDK4/6 as a potential treatment for cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 248:115082. [PMID: 36628851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115082] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Combination of different molecular target inhibitors is an available method to improve the therapeutic effect on tumors. Herein, to achieve both tumor cell targeting and ALK degradation & CDK4/6 inhibition in one molecule, we designed and synthesized a novel GSH responsive "Y-PROTACs", Y5-3, a highly potent molecule with an IC50 value of 90 nM against H3122 cells, which can be cleaved into ALK PROTAC and CDK4/6 inhibitor moieties in tumor cells. Mechanism studies revealed that Y5-3 exert anti-tumor proliferation activity in vitro not only by ALK degradation and CDK4/6 inhibition, but also by ALK/CDK4 dual degradation. These properties make Y5-3 a GSH responsive multifunctional antitumor agent, and our work provide a new strategy for the development of multifunctional PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Dan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China; 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
| | - Xinyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China; Department of Nanomedicine & Drug Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hongjia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Zhanzhan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Rui Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Su Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Qing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Rui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China.
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48
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O’Herin C, Moriuchi YW, Bemis TA, Kohlbrand AJ, Burkart MD, Cohen SM. Development of Human Carbonic Anhydrase II Heterobifunctional Degraders. J Med Chem 2023; 66:2789-2803. [PMID: 36735827 PMCID: PMC9969396 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Human carbonic anhydrase II (hCAII) is a metalloenzyme essential to critical physiological processes in the body. hCA inhibitors are used clinically for the treatment of indications ranging from glaucoma to epilepsy. Targeted protein degraders have emerged as a promising means of inducing the degradation of disease-implicated proteins by using the endogenous quality control mechanisms of a cell. Here, a series of heterobifunctional degrader candidates targeting hCAII were developed from a simple aryl sulfonamide fragment. Degrader candidates were functionalized to produce either cereblon E3 ubiquitin ligase (CRBN) recruiting proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) or adamantyl-based hydrophobic tags (HyTs). Screens in HEK293 cells identified two PROTAC small-molecule degraders of hCA. Optimization of linker length and composition yielded a degrader with sub-nanomolar potency and sustained depletion of hCAII over prolonged treatments. Mechanistic studies suggest that this optimized degrader depletes hCAII through the same mechanism as previously reported CRBN-recruiting heterobifunctional degraders.
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49
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Epigenetic mechanisms underlying subtype heterogeneity and tumor recurrence in prostate cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:567. [PMID: 36732329 PMCID: PMC9895058 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36253-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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50
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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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