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Costas-Insua C, Hermoso-López A, Moreno E, Montero-Fernández C, Álvaro-Blázquez A, Maroto IB, Sánchez-Ruiz A, Diez-Alarcia R, Blázquez C, Morales P, Canela EI, Casadó V, Urigüen L, Perea G, Bellocchio L, Rodríguez-Crespo I, Guzmán M. The CB 1 receptor interacts with cereblon and drives cereblon deficiency-associated memory shortfalls. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:755-783. [PMID: 38514794 PMCID: PMC11018632 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00054-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cereblon/CRBN is a substrate-recognition component of the Cullin4A-DDB1-Roc1 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Destabilizing mutations in the human CRBN gene cause a form of autosomal recessive non-syndromic intellectual disability (ARNSID) that is modelled by knocking-out the mouse Crbn gene. A reduction in excitatory neurotransmission has been proposed as an underlying mechanism of the disease. However, the precise factors eliciting this impairment remain mostly unknown. Here we report that CRBN molecules selectively located on glutamatergic neurons are necessary for proper memory function. Combining various in vivo approaches, we show that the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R), a key suppressor of synaptic transmission, is overactivated in CRBN deficiency-linked ARNSID mouse models, and that the memory deficits observed in these animals can be rescued by acute CB1R-selective pharmacological antagonism. Molecular studies demonstrated that CRBN interacts physically with CB1R and impairs the CB1R-Gi/o-cAMP-PKA pathway in a ubiquitin ligase-independent manner. Taken together, these findings unveil that CB1R overactivation is a driving mechanism of CRBN deficiency-linked ARNSID and anticipate that the antagonism of CB1R could constitute a new therapy for this orphan disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Costas-Insua
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Hermoso-López
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Estefanía Moreno
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology and Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Montero-Fernández
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Álvaro-Blázquez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene B Maroto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Rebeca Diez-Alarcia
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, 48940, Leioa, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), 28029, Madrid, Spain
- BioBizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Cristina Blázquez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Morales
- Instituto de Química Médica, CSIC, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enric I Canela
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology and Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicent Casadó
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology and Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leyre Urigüen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, 48940, Leioa, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), 28029, Madrid, Spain
- BioBizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Luigi Bellocchio
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) and University of Bordeaux, NeuroCentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U1215, 33077, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ignacio Rodríguez-Crespo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Guzmán
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain.
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Gautam RK, Tripathi SM, Akash S, Sharma S, Sharma K, Goyal S, Behzad S, Gundamaraju R, Mishra DK, Zhang Y, Shen B, Sundriyal S, Singla RK. Unlocking the Immunomodulatory Potential of Rosmarinic Acid Isolated from Punica granatum L. Using Bioactivity-Guided Approach: In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Approaches. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:CMC-EPUB-138960. [PMID: 38445701 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673291064240227094654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Punica granatum L. is well-known for its multifaceted therapeutic potential, including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. AIM This study aimed to characterize an immunomodulatory compound isolated from Punica granatum L. using a bioactivity-guided approach. METHODS Chromatographic techniques were adopted for isolation and purification of secondary metabolites. In silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods were performed to characterize the therapeutic potential of the isolated compound. RESULTS Using preparative thin-layer chromatography, rosmarinic acid was isolated from F4 (column chromatography product obtained from a butanolic fraction of the extract). The impact of rosmarinic acid was assessed in rats using the neutrophil adhesion test, DTH response, and phagocytic index. In immunized rats, rosmarinic acid demonstrated significant immunomodulatory potential. Computational experiments, like molecular docking and molecular dynamics, were also conducted against two targeted receptors, Cereblon (PDB ID: 8AOQ) and human CD22 (PDB ID: 5VKM). Computational studies suggested that an increase in phagocytic index by rosmarinic acid could be attributed to inhibiting Cereblon and CD22. Pharmacokinetics and toxicity prediction also suggested the drug-likeness of rosmarinic acid. CONCLUSION Rosmarinic acid is a potential candidate, but extensive research needs to be done to translate this molecule from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupesh K Gautam
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Indore Institute of Pharmacy, IIST Campus, Rau, Indore-453331 (M.P.), India
| | - Shailesh Mani Tripathi
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Shopnil Akash
- Department of Pharmacy, Daffodil International University, Daffodil smart city, Ashulia, Savar, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKMs NMIMS, V.L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India-400056
| | - Komal Sharma
- Bhupal Nobles' College of Pharmacy, Udaipur-313001, India
| | - Swapnil Goyal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Mandsaur University, Mandsaur-458001, India
| | - Sahar Behzad
- Evidence-based Phytotherapy and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Rohit Gundamaraju
- ER stress and mucosal immunology lab, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Dinesh Kumar Mishra
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University) Koni, Bilaspur (C.G.)-495009, India
| | - Yingbo Zhang
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bairong Shen
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sandeep Sundriyal
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Department of Pharmacy Pil?ni India
| | - Rajeev K Singla
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab-144411, India
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Park N, Marquez J, Anh NTT, Flores J, Garcia MVF, Shimizu I, Nam J, Nilius B, Kim HK, Han J. Cereblon-mediated TRPC1 degradation regulates Ca 2+ influx in the heart. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167030. [PMID: 38272148 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Nammi Park
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Core Research Support Center, Inje University, Busan 47392, South Korea
| | - Jubert Marquez
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Core Research Support Center, Inje University, Busan 47392, South Korea; Department of Biology, De La Salle University, Manila 1004, Philippines
| | - Nguyen Thi Tuyet Anh
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Core Research Support Center, Inje University, Busan 47392, South Korea; Department of Health Science and Technology, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan 47392, South Korea
| | - Jessa Flores
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Core Research Support Center, Inje University, Busan 47392, South Korea; Department of Health Science and Technology, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan 47392, South Korea
| | - Maria Victoria Faith Garcia
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Core Research Support Center, Inje University, Busan 47392, South Korea; Department of Health Science and Technology, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan 47392, South Korea
| | - Ippei Shimizu
- Department of Cardiovascular Aging, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | - Joohyun Nam
- Dongguk University College of Medicine, 27 Dongdae-ro, Ilsan Dong-gu, Goyang 410-773, South Korea
| | - Bernd Nilius
- Department Cell Molecular Medicine, Laboratory Ion Channel Research, Campus Gasthuisberg, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hyoung Kyu Kim
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Core Research Support Center, Inje University, Busan 47392, South Korea; Department of Health Science and Technology, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan 47392, South Korea
| | - Jin Han
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Core Research Support Center, Inje University, Busan 47392, South Korea; Department of Health Science and Technology, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan 47392, South Korea.
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4
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Yang H, Qin J, Pei Y, Guan S, Zhao M, Wang Y, Yao Y, Duan Y, Sun M. Discovery of the cereblon-recruiting tubulin PROTACs effective in overcoming Taxol resistance in vitro and in vivo. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116067. [PMID: 38171146 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Overexpression of β3-tubulin is a common occurrence in human tumors and is associated with resistance to microtubule-targeting agents. PROTAC strategy has demonstrated significant potential in overcoming drug resistance. Herein, we report the discovery of W13 as the first PROTAC against tubulin, which was created by connecting a CRBN ligand to the widely recognized microtubule-destabilizing agent CA-4. Notably, it retains the inhibitory activity of the parental CA-4 and further exhibits substantial degradation of α/β/β3-tubulin in both A549 and A549/Taxol cell lines. The degradation of tubulin was subsequently verified to be mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Importantly, tumor xenograft research clearly showed W13's promising antitumor activity against human lung cancer. Taken together, the discovery of W13 demonstrated the practicality and feasibility of PROTAC targeting tubulin, hence establishing a potential therapeutic approach for treating NSCLC caused by the overexpression of β3-tubulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Jinling Qin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Yuanyuan Pei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Sumeng Guan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Mei Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Yingge Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Yongfang Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Yongtao Duan
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450018, China.
| | - Moran Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.
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5
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Bouguenina H, Scarpino A, O'Hanlon JA, Warne J, Wang HZ, Wah Hak LC, Sadok A, McAndrew PC, Stubbs M, Pierrat OA, Hahner T, Cabry MP, Le Bihan YV, Mitsopoulos C, Sialana FJ, Roumeliotis TI, Burke R, van Montfort RLM, Choudhari J, Chopra R, Caldwell JJ, Collins I. A Degron Blocking Strategy Towards Improved CRL4 CRBN Recruiting PROTAC Selectivity. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300351. [PMID: 37418539 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Small molecules inducing protein degradation are important pharmacological tools to interrogate complex biology and are rapidly translating into clinical agents. However, to fully realise the potential of these molecules, selectivity remains a limiting challenge. Herein, we addressed the issue of selectivity in the design of CRL4CRBN recruiting PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs). Thalidomide derivatives used to generate CRL4CRBN recruiting PROTACs have well described intrinsic monovalent degradation profiles by inducing the recruitment of neo-substrates, such as GSPT1, Ikaros and Aiolos. We leveraged structural insights from known CRL4CRBN neo-substrates to attenuate and indeed remove this monovalent degradation function in well-known CRL4CRBN molecular glues degraders, namely CC-885 and Pomalidomide. We then applied these design principles on a previously published BRD9 PROTAC (dBRD9-A) and generated an analogue with improved selectivity profile. Finally, we implemented a computational modelling pipeline to show that our degron blocking design does not impact PROTAC-induced ternary complex formation. We believe that the tools and principles presented in this work will be valuable to support the development of targeted protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habib Bouguenina
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Andrea Scarpino
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Jack A O'Hanlon
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Justin Warne
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Hannah Z Wang
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Laura Chan Wah Hak
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Amine Sadok
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
- Monte Rosa Therapeutics AG, Aeschenvorstadt 36, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - P Craig McAndrew
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Mark Stubbs
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Olivier A Pierrat
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Tamas Hahner
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Marc P Cabry
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Yann-Vaï Le Bihan
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Costas Mitsopoulos
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Fernando J Sialana
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
- Functional Proteomics Group, The Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Theodoros I Roumeliotis
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
- Functional Proteomics Group, The Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Rosemary Burke
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Rob L M van Montfort
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Jyoti Choudhari
- Functional Proteomics Group, The Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Rajesh Chopra
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
- Apple Tree Partners, The Gridiron Building, Suite 6.05, 1 St Pancras Square, London, N1 C 4AG, UK
| | - John J Caldwell
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Ian Collins
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London, SM2 5NG, UK
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6
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Ody BK, Zhang J, Nelson SE, Xie Y, Liu R, Dodd CJ, Jacobs SE, Whitzel SL, Williams LA, Gozem S, Turlington M, Yin J. Synthesis and Evaluation of Cereblon-Recruiting HaloPROTACs. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300498. [PMID: 37625128 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Target validation is key to the development of protein degrading molecules such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) to identify cellular proteins amenable for induced degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Previously the HaloPROTAC system was developed to screen targets of PROTACs by linking the chlorohexyl group with the ligands of E3 ubiquitin ligases VHL and cIAP1 to recruit target proteins fused to the HaloTag for E3-catalyzed ubiquitination. Reported here are HaloPROTACs that engage the cereblon (CRBN) E3 to ubiquitinate and degrade HaloTagged proteins. A focused library of CRBN-pairing HaloPROTACs was synthesized and screened to identify efficient degraders of EGFP-HaloTag fusion with higher activities than VHL-engaging HaloPROTACs at sub-micromolar concentrations of the compound. The CRBN-engaging HaloPROTACs broadens the scope of the E3 ubiquitin ligases that can be utilized to screen suitable targets for induced protein degradation in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britton K Ody
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Sydney E Nelson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, 30149, USA
| | - Yayun Xie
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Ruochuan Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Cayden J Dodd
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, 30149, USA
| | - Savannah E Jacobs
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Savannah L Whitzel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, 30149, USA
| | - Leighan A Williams
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, 30149, USA
| | - Samer Gozem
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Mark Turlington
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, 30149, USA
| | - Jun Yin
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
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7
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Long J, Mariossi A, Cao C, Mo Z, Thompson JW, Levine MS, Lemaire LA. Cereblon influences the timing of muscle differentiation in Ciona tadpoles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2309989120. [PMID: 37856545 PMCID: PMC10614628 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309989120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalidomide has a dark history as a teratogen, but in recent years, its derivates have been shown to function as potent chemotherapeutic agents. These drugs bind cereblon (CRBN), the substrate receptor of an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, and modify its degradation targets. Despite these insights, remarkably little is known about the normal function of cereblon in development. Here, we employ Ciona, a simple invertebrate chordate, to identify endogenous Crbn targets. In Ciona, Crbn is specifically expressed in developing muscles during tail elongation before they acquire contractile activity. Crbn expression is activated by Mrf, the ortholog of MYOD1, a transcription factor important for muscle differentiation. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutations of Crbn lead to precocious onset of muscle contractions. By contrast, overexpression of Crbn delays contractions and is associated with decreased expression of contractile protein genes such as troponin. This reduction is possibly due to reduced Mrf protein levels without altering Mrf mRNA levels. Our findings suggest that Mrf and Crbn form a negative feedback loop to control the precision of muscle differentiation during tail elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Long
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
| | - Andrea Mariossi
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
| | - Chen Cao
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
| | | | | | - Michael S. Levine
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
| | - Laurence A. Lemaire
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
- Department of Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO63103
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8
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Li J, Li C, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Wu Z, Liao J, Wang Z, McReynolds M, Xie H, Guo L, Fan Q, Peng J, Tang W. A platform for the rapid synthesis of molecular glues (Rapid-Glue) under miniaturized conditions for direct biological screening. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 258:115567. [PMID: 37390512 PMCID: PMC10529953 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Molecular glues, functioning via inducing degradation of the target protein while having similar molecular weight as traditional small molecule drugs, are emerging as a promising modality for the development of therapeutic agents. However, the development of molecular glues is limited by the lack of general principles and systematic methods. Not surprisingly, most molecular glues have been identified serendipitously or through phenotypic screening of large libraries. However, the preparation of large and diverse molecular glue libraries is not an easy task and requires extensive resources. We previously developed platforms for rapid synthesis of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that can be used directly for biological screening with minimal resources. Herein, we report a platform of rapid synthesis of molecular glues (Rapid-Glue) via a micromolar scale coupling reaction between hydrazide motif on the E3 ligase ligands and commercially available aldehydes with diverse structures. A pilot library of 1520 compounds is generated under miniaturized conditions in a high throughput manner without any further manipulation including purification after the synthesis. Through this platform, we identified two highly selective GSPT1 molecular glues through direct screening in cell-based assays. Three additional analogues were prepared from readily available starting materials by replacing the hydrolytic labile acylhydrazone linker with a more stable amide linker based on the two hits. All three analogues showed significant GSPT1 degradation activity and two of them possess comparable activity to the corresponding hit. The feasibility of our strategy is thus verified. Further studies by increasing the diversity and size of the library followed by appropriate assays will likely yield distinct molecular glues targeting novel neo-substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyao Li
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Chunrong Li
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhongrui Zhang
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhiping Wu
- Department of Structural Biology, Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Junzhuo Liao
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Structural Biology, Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Meghan McReynolds
- Department of Structural Biology, Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Haibo Xie
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Le Guo
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Qiuhua Fan
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Junmin Peng
- Department of Structural Biology, Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Weiping Tang
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
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9
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Dsouza NN, Alampady V, Baby K, Maity S, Byregowda BH, Nayak Y. Thalidomide interaction with inflammation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:1167-1182. [PMID: 36966238 PMCID: PMC10039777 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01193-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
The "Thalidomide tragedy" is a landmark in the history of the pharmaceutical industry. Despite limited clinical trials, there is a continuous effort to investigate thalidomide as a drug for cancer and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lepromatous leprosy, and COVID-19. This review focuses on the possibilities of targeting inflammation by repurposing thalidomide for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Articles were searched from the Scopus database, sorted, and selected articles were reviewed. The content includes the proven mechanisms of action of thalidomide relevant to IPF. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and epigenetic mechanisms are major pathogenic factors in IPF. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is the major biomarker of IPF. Thalidomide is an effective anti-inflammatory drug in inhibiting TGF-β, interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Thalidomide binds cereblon, a process that is involved in the proposed mechanism in specific cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, multiple myeloma, and lung cancer. Cereblon is involved in activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-TGF-β/Smad signalling, thereby attenuating fibrosis. The past few years have witnessed an improvement in the identification of biomarkers and diagnostic technologies in respiratory diseases, partly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, investment in clinical trials with a systematic plan can help repurpose thalidomide for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikitha Naomi Dsouza
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Varun Alampady
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Krishnaprasad Baby
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Swastika Maity
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Bharath Harohalli Byregowda
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Yogendra Nayak
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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Zhang SH, Zeng N, Sun JX, Liu CQ, Xu JZ, Xu MY, An Y, Zhong XY, Ma SY, He HD, Xia QD, Hu J, Wang SG. Pan-cancer analysis reveals the prognostic and immunologic roles of cereblon and its significance for PROTAC design. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16644. [PMID: 37303568 PMCID: PMC10248115 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cereblon (CRBN) has emerged as a vital E3 ubiquitin ligase for Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) design. However, few studies focus on the physiological mechanism of CRBN, and more studies are needed to explore the influence of CRBN on tumorigenesis. This pan-cancer analysis aims to explore the prognostic and immunologic roles of CRBN, and provide new insight for CRBN into cancer treatment and PROTAC design. Methods The TCGA database, TIMER 2.0 database, and TISIDB database were used to analyze the role of CRBN in pan-cancer. Multiple bioinformatic methods (ssGSEA, Kaplan-Meier, univariate cox regression, ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT) were applied to investigate the CRBN expression status, gene activity, prognostic values, and its correlation with immune scores, immune infiltration, immune-related functions, HALLMARKs functions, and response to immunotherapy in pan-cancer. Results In most cancer types, the expression and activity of CRBN in tumor groups were lower compared with normal groups. Upregulated CRBN expression may indicate a better prognosis for cancer patients. The Immune score, stromal score, and tumor purity varied greatly among different cancer types. GSEA analysis showed that high CRBN expression was correlated with the downregulation of tumor-promoting signaling pathways. The level of CRBN was associated with Tumor mutation burden (TMB), Microsatellite instability (MSI), objective response rate (ORR), and immune cell infiltration in a few cancer types. Conclusion Pan-cancer analysis reveals the potential role of CRBN as a prognostic biomarker and versatile immunologic roles in different cancer types. Upregulated expression of CRBN may be beneficial to CRBN-related immunotherapy and PROTAC design.
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Lecca D, Hsueh SC, Luo W, Tweedie D, Kim DS, Baig AM, Vargesson N, Kim YK, Hwang I, Kim S, Hoffer BJ, Chiang YH, Greig NH. Novel, thalidomide-like, non- cereblon binding drug tetrafluorobornylphthalimide mitigates inflammation and brain injury. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:16. [PMID: 36872339 PMCID: PMC9987061 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00907-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quelling microglial-induced excessive neuroinflammation is a potential treatment strategy across neurological disorders, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), and can be achieved by thalidomide-like drugs albeit this approved drug class is compromised by potential teratogenicity. Tetrafluorobornylphthalimide (TFBP) and tetrafluoronorbornylphthalimide (TFNBP) were generated to retain the core phthalimide structure of thalidomide immunomodulatory imide drug (IMiD) class. However, the classical glutarimide ring was replaced by a bridged ring structure. TFBP/TFNBP were hence designed to retain beneficial anti-inflammatory properties of IMiDs but, importantly, hinder cereblon binding that underlies the adverse action of thalidomide-like drugs. METHODS TFBP/TFNBP were synthesized and evaluated for cereblon binding and anti-inflammatory actions in human and rodent cell cultures. Teratogenic potential was assessed in chicken embryos, and in vivo anti-inflammatory actions in rodents challenged with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or controlled cortical impact (CCI) moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). Molecular modeling was performed to provide insight into drug/cereblon binding interactions. RESULTS TFBP/TFNBP reduced markers of inflammation in mouse macrophage-like RAW264.7 cell cultures and in rodents challenged with LPS, lowering proinflammatory cytokines. Binding studies demonstrated minimal interaction with cereblon, with no resulting degradation of teratogenicity-associated transcription factor SALL4 or of teratogenicity in chicken embryo assays. To evaluate the biological relevance of its anti-inflammatory actions, two doses of TFBP were administered to mice at 1 and 24 h post-injury following CCI TBI. Compared to vehicle treatment, TFBP reduced TBI lesion size together with TBI-induction of an activated microglial phenotype, as evaluated by immunohistochemistry 2-weeks post-injury. Behavioral evaluations at 1- and 2-weeks post-injury demonstrated TFBP provided more rapid recovery of TBI-induced motor coordination and balance impairments, versus vehicle treated mice. CONCLUSION TFBP and TFNBP represent a new class of thalidomide-like IMiDs that lower proinflammatory cytokine generation but lack binding to cereblon, the main teratogenicity-associated mechanism. This aspect makes TFBP and TFNBP potentially safer than classic IMiDs for clinical use. TFBP provides a strategy to mitigate excessive neuroinflammation associated with moderate severity TBI to, thereby, improve behavioral outcome measures and warrants further investigation in neurological disorders involving a neuroinflammatory component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Lecca
- Drug Design and Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute On Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Shih-Chang Hsueh
- Drug Design and Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute On Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Weiming Luo
- Drug Design and Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute On Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - David Tweedie
- Drug Design and Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute On Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Dong Seok Kim
- Aevisbio Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
- Aevis Bio Inc., Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Abdul Mannan Baig
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Neil Vargesson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - Yu Kyung Kim
- Aevis Bio Inc., Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Inho Hwang
- Aevis Bio Inc., Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Kim
- Aevis Bio Inc., Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Barry J Hoffer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Yung-Hsiao Chiang
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
| | - Nigel H Greig
- Drug Design and Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute On Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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12
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Abstract
X-ray crystal structures of PROTAC-induced ternary complexes provide invaluable insights into the critical species underpinning PROTAC mode of action, explain protein degradation selectivity profiles, and can guide rational degrader design. Nevertheless, crystallization of the ternary complexes formed by PROTACs remains an important bottleneck in employing this method. This is mainly due to the potential flexibility and heterogeneity that is inherent to a non-native protein-protein complex mediated by a small molecule, which together can hamper crystallization of the desired species. To overcome this limitation, selecting PROTAC compounds that enable the formation of stable, high-affinity and preferably cooperative ternary complexes in stoichiometric amount is, in our experience, critical to the success of co-crystallization studies. In this chapter, examples of stable PROTAC-mediated ternary complexes are illustrated. Learnings from biophysical & biochemical data are used as a guideline in achieving the highest "crystallizability" of ternary complexes. A case study of VHL-based SMARCA2 PROTAC degrader ternary complex crystallization is described. The procedure includes over-expression and purification of the E3 ligase and target protein, forming (and sometimes isolating) the ternary complex, and crystallizing it. The protocols can be applied for other combinations of E3 ligase, PROTAC and target protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre J Wijaya
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - William Farnaby
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Alessio Ciulli
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom.
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13
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Dann GP, Liu H, Nowak RP, Jones LH. Cereblon target validation using a covalent inhibitor of neosubstrate recruitment. Methods Enzymol 2023; 681:155-167. [PMID: 36764755 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.08.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Small molecule ligands of cereblon (CRBN), a component of an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, such as immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) or proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), induce new interactions between the E3 and a target protein that is subsequently polyubiquitinated and proteasomally degraded. The development of new degraders requires validation of CRBN-dependence and existing methods include the use of engineered CRBN knockout cell lines, or PROTACs directed to CRBN itself. Technical limitations of these approaches necessitate a simple and rapid pharmacological method of CRBN inhibition. We developed a sulfonyl fluoride covalent CRBN ligand based on the IMiD EM12 called EM12-SO2F that was designed to engage His353 on the surface of the IMiD binding site. EM12-SO2F does not act as a molecular glue degrader like other IMiDs, and instead serves as an inhibitor of such function by blocking the degrader binding site. We demonstrate utility of EM12-SO2F by inhibiting the degradation of the zinc-finger transcription factor and CRBN neosubstrate IKZF1 by the molecular glue degrader lenalidomide. Increasingly, libraries of degrader molecules are being screened phenotypically to identify starting points for hit elaboration, that simultaneously reveals new therapeutic targets amenable to degradation. Indeed, targeted protein degradation has become an exciting new therapeutic modality and EM12-SO2F augments the chemical biology toolbox that will advance this area of drug discovery research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey P Dann
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hu Liu
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Radosław P Nowak
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lyn H Jones
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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14
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Krasavin M, Adamchik M, Bubyrev A, Heim C, Maiwald S, Zhukovsky D, Zhmurov P, Bunev A, Hartmann MD. Synthesis of novel glutarimide ligands for the E3 ligase substrate receptor Cereblon (CRBN): Investigation of their binding mode and antiproliferative effects against myeloma cell lines. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 246:114990. [PMID: 36476642 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
To expand the chemical toolkit for targeted protein degradation, we report the generation of a new series of non-thalidomide Cereblon (CRBN) ligands. Readily available 2-methylidene glutarimide was converted to a series of 2-((hetero)aryl(methyl))thio glutarimides via the thio-Michael addition reaction. The compounds thus synthesized were evaluated for their affinity to the thalidomide-binding domain of human CRBN and their binding modes studied via X-ray crystallography. This helped identify several promising glutarimide derivatives which bind stronger to CRBN compared to thalidomide and contain a functional group which permits further chemical conjugation. Oxidation of the sulfur atom in a select group of 2-((hetero)aryl(methyl))thio glutarimides produced the respective sulfones which were found to possess a markedly stronger antiproliferative profile against multiple myeloma cell lines and a sophisticated structural binding mode with additional hydrogen bonding interactions. The newly identified Cereblon ligands form the basis for the synthesis of novel PROTAC protein degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Krasavin
- Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russian Federation; Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, 236041, Russian Federation.
| | - Maria Adamchik
- Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russian Federation
| | - Andrey Bubyrev
- Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russian Federation
| | - Christopher Heim
- Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany; Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Samuel Maiwald
- Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniil Zhukovsky
- Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russian Federation
| | - Petr Zhmurov
- Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander Bunev
- Medicinal Chemistry Center, Togliatti State University, Togliatti, 445020, Russian Federation
| | - Marcus D Hartmann
- Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany; Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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15
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Fuchs O. Targeting cereblon in hematologic malignancies. Blood Rev 2023; 57:100994. [PMID: 35933246 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The protein cereblon (CRBN) is a substrate receptor of the cullin 4-really interesting new gene (RING) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex CRL4CRBN. Targeting CRBN mediates selective protein ubiquitination and subsequent degradation via the proteasome. This review describes novel thalidomide analogs, immunomodulatory drugs, also known as CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase modulators or molecular glues (avadomide, iberdomide, CC-885, CC-90009, BTX-1188, CC-92480, CC-99282, CFT7455, and CC-91633), and CRBN-based proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) with increased efficacy and potent activity for application in hematologic malignancies. Both types of CRBN-binding drugs, molecular glues, and PROTACs stimulate the interaction between CRBN and its neosubstrates, recruiting target disease-promoting proteins and the E3 ubiquitin ligase CRL4CRBN. Proteins that are traditionally difficult to target (transcription factors and oncoproteins) can be polyubiquitinated and degraded in this way. The competition of CRBN neosubstrates with endogenous CRBN-interacting proteins and the pharmacology and rational combination therapies of and mechanisms of resistance to CRL4CRBN modulators or CRBN-based PROTACs are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ota Fuchs
- Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 1, 12800 Praha 2, Czech Republic.
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16
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Akber U, Bong S, Park ZY, Park CS. Effects of cereblon on stress-activated redox proteins and core behavior. Brain Res 2022; 1793:148054. [PMID: 35973609 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the vulnerability and resilience of an individual to stress are only partly understood. Response to stress is determined by behavioral and biochemical changes in the brain. Chronic ultra-mild stress (CUMS) induces an anhedonic-like state in mice that resembles symptoms of human depression. This study reports the role of cereblon (CRBN) in regulating the metabolic and antioxidant status of neuronal tissues in the mouse model of CUMS. Intriguingly, Crbn-/- (KO) mice showed resilient responsiveness, both at the behavioral and proteomic levels. Several core behaviors were also differentially altered by CUMS in KO mice. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based proteome analysis of whole brain lysate (WBL) showed an enriched chaperonic, metabolic, and antioxidant status in the brains of KO subjects, including several members of DNAJ chaperones, creatine kinase, quinone oxidoreductase, superoxide dismutase (SOD1), glutathione S-transferase Mu (GSTM), peroxiredoxin-6 (PRDX6), and thioredoxin. Pathological phosphorylation as characterized by aggregation of tau and α-synuclein (α-syn) was significantly reduced in the neuronal tissues of KO mouse model of CUMS as compared to wild type (WT) mice. Furthermore, significantly increased SOD1 activity and reduced lipid peroxidation were observed in Crbn-KO systems. Integrated signaling pathways were also identified in CRBN-specific sub-networks constructed from protein-protein interaction analysis by STRING. The present study highlights the roles of CRBN in regulating the stress response (SR) and reshaping metabolic status in the brains of mice exposed to CUMS. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of depression and neurodegeneration can improve the development of novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uroos Akber
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunhwa Bong
- Laboratory of Functional and Medicinal Proteomics, School of Life Sciences and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Zee-Yong Park
- Laboratory of Functional and Medicinal Proteomics, School of Life Sciences and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Seung Park
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Aublette MC, Harrison TA, Thorpe EJ, Gadd MS. Selective Wee1 degradation by PROTAC degraders recruiting VHL and CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligases. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 64:128636. [PMID: 35231578 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Ser/Thr protein kinase Wee1 plays a regulatory role at the G2/M checkpoint by phosphorylating CDK1 when DNA is damaged to allow time for DNA to repair, disruption of which is a key approach to sensitise cancer cells to DNA-damaging therapies. The main selective inhibitor for Wee1 undergoing development in clinical trials, AZD1775, however, has been shown to have off target effects towards other protein kinases with similar potency. Here we describe the synthesis and assessment of a series of Wee1-degrading PROTACs using AZD1775 linked to either the VHL ligand VH032 or to the CRBN ligand pomalidomide using different types and lengths of linkers. The conversion of AZD1775 into a PROTAC induces selective Wee1 degradation for compounds of both series depending on the nature of the linker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine C Aublette
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, United Kingdom
| | - Tom A Harrison
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth J Thorpe
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, United Kingdom
| | - Morgan S Gadd
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, United Kingdom.
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Park N, Marquez J, Pham TK, Ko TH, Youm JB, Kim M, Choi SH, Moon J, Flores J, Ko KS, Rhee BD, Shimizu I, Minamino T, Du Ha J, Hwang JY, Yang SJ, Park CS, Kim HK, Han J. Cereblon contributes to cardiac dysfunction by degrading Cav1.2α. Eur Heart J 2022; 43:1973-1989. [PMID: 35190817 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cereblon (CRBN) is a substrate receptor of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex that was reported to target ion channel proteins. L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (LTCC) density and dysfunction is a critical player in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, the underlying cellular mechanisms by which CRBN regulates LTCC subtype Cav1.2α during cardiac dysfunction remain unclear. Here, we explored the role of CRBN in HFrEF by investigating the direct regulatory role of CRBN in Cav1.2α activity and examining how it can serve as a target to address myocardial dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS Cardiac tissues from HFrEF patients exhibited increased levels of CRBN compared with controls. In vivo and ex vivo studies demonstrated that whole-body CRBN knockout (CRBN-/-) and cardiac-specific knockout mice (Crbnfl/fl/Myh6Cre+) exhibited enhanced cardiac contractility with increased LTCC current (ICaL) compared with their respective controls, which was modulated by the direct interaction of CRBN with Cav1.2α. Mechanistically, the Lon domain of CRBN directly interacted with the N-terminal of Cav1.2α. Increasing CRBN levels enhanced the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of Cav1.2α and decreased ICaL. In contrast, genetic or pharmacological depletion of CRBN via TD-165, a novel PROTAC-based CRBN degrader, increased surface expression of Cav1.2α and enhanced ICaL. Low CRBN levels protected the heart against cardiomyopathy in vivo. CONCLUSION Cereblon selectively degrades Cav1.2α, which in turn facilitates cardiac dysfunction. A targeted approach or an efficient method of reducing CRBN levels could serve as a promising strategy for HFrEF therapeutics. KEY QUESTION KEY FINDING TAKE-HOME MESSAGE Cereblon modulates cardiac function by altering Cav1.2α current density and CRBN-targeting therapy could serve as a novel strategy for future HFrEF therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nammi Park
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Jubert Marquez
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Trong Kha Pham
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hee Ko
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Boum Youm
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Kim
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hak Choi
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Moon
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Jessa Flores
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Soo Ko
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Doo Rhee
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Ippei Shimizu
- Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Tohru Minamino
- Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Jae Du Ha
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Yeon Hwang
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Joo Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Seung Park
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoung Kyu Kim
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Han
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
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Lier S, Sellmer A, Orben F, Heinzlmeir S, Krauß L, Schneeweis C, Hassan Z, Schneider C, Patricia Gloria Schäfer A, Pongratz H, Engleitner T, Öllinger R, Kuisl A, Bassermann F, Schlag C, Kong B, Dove S, Kuster B, Rad R, Reichert M, Wirth M, Saur D, Mahboobi S, Schneider G. A novel Cereblon E3 ligase modulator with antitumor activity in gastrointestinal cancer. Bioorg Chem 2022; 119:105505. [PMID: 34838332 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation offers new opportunities to inactivate cancer drivers and has successfully entered the clinic. Ways to induce selective protein degradation include proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology and immunomodulatory (IMiDs) / next-generation Cereblon (CRBN) E3 ligase modulating drugs (CELMoDs). Here, we aimed to develop a MYC PROTAC based on the MYC-MAX dimerization inhibitor 10058-F4 derivative 28RH and Thalidomide, called MDEG-541. We show that a subgroup of gastrointestinal cancer cell lines and primary patient-derived organoids are MDEG-541 sensitive. Although MYC expression was regulated in a CRBN-, proteasome- and ubiquitin-dependent manner, we provide evidence that MDEG-541 induced the degradation of CRBN neosubstrates, including G1 to S phase transition 1/2 (GSPT1/2) and the Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). In sum, we have established a CRBN-dependent degrader of relevant cancer targets with activity in gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Lier
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Sellmer
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Felix Orben
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Lukas Krauß
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Schneeweis
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Zonera Hassan
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Carolin Schneider
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Herwig Pongratz
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Engleitner
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, MRI, TU Munich, Germany
| | - Rupert Öllinger
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, MRI, TU Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Kuisl
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic III, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Bassermann
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic III, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schlag
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Bo Kong
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; Department of General Surgery, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefan Dove
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Kuster
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, TU Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry (BayBioMS), TU Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Roland Rad
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, MRI, TU Munich, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Reichert
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA), Technische Universität München, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Matthias Wirth
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Translational Cancer Research and Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, Germany
| | - Siavosh Mahboobi
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Günter Schneider
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; University Medical Center Göttingen, Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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20
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Costacurta M, He J, Thompson PE, Shortt J. Molecular Mechanisms of Cereblon-Interacting Small Molecules in Multiple Myeloma Therapy. J Pers Med 2021; 11:1185. [PMID: 34834536 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thalidomide analogues (or immunomodulatory imide drugs, IMiDs) are cornerstones in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). These drugs bind Cereblon (CRBN), a receptor for the Cullin-ring 4 ubiquitin-ligase (CRL4) complex, to modify its substrate specificity. IMiDs mediate CRBN-dependent engagement and proteasomal degradation of ‘neosubstrates’, Ikaros (IKZF1) and Aiolos (IKZF3), conveying concurrent antimyeloma activity and T-cell costimulation. There is now a greater understanding of physiological CRBN functions, including endogenous substrates and chaperone activity. CRISPR Cas9-based genome-wide screening has further elucidated the complex cellular machinery implicated in IMiD sensitivity, including IKZF1/3-independent mechanisms. New-generation IMiD derivatives with more potent anti-cancer properties—the CELMoDs (Cereblon E3 ligase modulators)—are now being evaluated. Rational drug design also allows ‘hijacking’ of CRL4CRBN utilising proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) to convey entirely distinct substrate repertoires. As all these chemotypes—thalidomide, IMiDs, CELMoDs and PROTACs—engage CRBN and modify its functions, we describe them here in aggregate as ‘CRBN-interacting small molecules’ (CISMs). In this review, we provide a contemporary summary of the biological consequences of CRBN modulation by CISMs. Detailed molecular insight into CRBN–CISM interactions now provides an opportunity to more effectively target previously elusive cancer dependencies, representing a new and powerful tool for the implementation of precision medicine.
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21
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cereblon (CRBN), the substrate receptor of the CRL4CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase has been extensively studied due to its involvement in many biological processes. It has also been identified as the target for immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs). CRBN ligands are also important components of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), special bifunctional constructs capable of targeted degradation of aberrantly acting proteins using the cell's ubiquitin-proteasome machinery. AREAS COVERED Due to upsurge of the PROTAC technology, the patenting activity of new CRBN ligands has been on the rise in the last 5 years. The present review covers two broadly defined areas of CRBN ligand design. One covers 'thalidomide-like' molecules representing modifications of various parts of classical IMiDs. The other areas - non-thalidomide-like compounds - are compounds that are structurally distinct from the classical IMiDs. Efforts toward creating new CRBN ligands reflected in non-patent literature are briefly discussed with emphasis on the rational, crystallography-driven approaches. EXPERT OPINION The chemical space of CRBN ligands which is related to the classical IMiDs (thalidomide/lenalidomide/pomalidomide) is comprehensively covered by the current patent literature. The promising area of research is in the identification of non-thalidomide-like chemotypes capable of binding to CRBN. Rational, crystallography-driven approaches currently exploited in academia will significantly aid in this endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kazantsev
- Institute of Chemistry, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Mikhail Krasavin
- Institute of Chemistry, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
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22
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Thompson JW, Clayton T, Khambatta G, Bateman LA, Carroll CW, Chamberlain PP, Matyskiela ME. Profiling CELMoD-Mediated Degradation of Cereblon Neosubstrates. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2365:283-300. [PMID: 34432250 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1665-9_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is garnering increased attention as a therapeutic modality due in part to its promise of modulating targets previously considered undruggable. Cereblon E3 Ligase Modulating Drugs (CELMoDs) are one of the most well-characterized therapeutics employing this modality. CELMoDs hijack Cereblon E3 ligase activity causing neosubstrates to be ubiquitinated and degraded in the proteasome. Here, we describe a suite of assays-cellular substrate degradation, confirmation of CELMoD mechanism of action, in vitro ubiquitination, and Cereblon binding-that can be used to characterize CELMoD-mediated degradation of Cereblon neosubstrates. While the assays presented herein can be run independently, when combined they provide a strong platform to support the discovery and optimization of CELMoDs and fuel validation of targets degraded by this drug modality.
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23
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Hughes SJ, Testa A, Thompson N, Churcher I. The rise and rise of protein degradation: Opportunities and challenges ahead. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:2889-97. [PMID: 34419629 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The transformational mechanism of action underpinning targeted protein degradation strategies, including proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), gives potential for potent in vivo pharmacology and has allowed projects to move rapidly to the clinic. Despite this remarkable progress, there remain many opportunities to improve current, first-generation approaches even further. Our expanding knowledge will allow discovery of new degrading mechanisms with potential to address several limitations of current approaches, including improving scope and efficiency of degradation, improving drug-like properties of degraders, and reducing potential for the emergence of acquired resistance. Here, we discuss potential routes to realize these advances to expand TPD utility even further.
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24
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Fionda C, Stabile H, Molfetta R, Kosta A, Peruzzi G, Ruggeri S, Zingoni A, Capuano C, Soriani A, Paolini R, Gismondi A, Cippitelli M, Santoni A. Cereblon regulates NK cell cytotoxicity and migration via Rac1 activation. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:2607-2617. [PMID: 34392531 PMCID: PMC9291148 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton is critical for cytotoxic and immunoregulatory functions as well as migration of natural killer (NK) cells. However, dynamic reorganization of actin is a complex process, which remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of the protein Cereblon (CRBN), an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex co‐receptor and the primary target of the immunomodulatory drugs, in NK cells. We observed that CRBN partially colocalizes with F‐actin in chemokine‐treated NK cells and is recruited to the immunological synapse, thus suggesting a role for this protein in cytoskeleton reorganization. Accordingly, silencing of CRBN in NK cells results in a reduced cytotoxicity that correlates with a defect in conjugate and lytic synapse formation. Moreover, CRBN depletion significantly impairs the ability of NK cells to migrate and reduces the enhancing effect of lenalidomide on NK cell migration. Finally, we provided evidence that CRBN is required for activation of the small GTPase Rac1, a critical mediator of cytoskeleton dynamics. Indeed, in CRBN‐depleted NK cells, chemokine‐mediated or target cell–mediated Rac1 activation is significantly reduced. Altogether our data identify a critical role for CRBN in regulating NK cell functions and suggest that this protein may mediate the stimulatory effect of lenalidomide on NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Fionda
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Helena Stabile
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Molfetta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Kosta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Peruzzi
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ruggeri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zingoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Capuano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Soriani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Paolini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Gismondi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Cippitelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Santoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.,RCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
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25
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Cai QQ, Gao XM, Le J, Zhao H, Cai H, Cao XX, Li J. Cereblon expression is a prognostic marker in newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome treated with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone. Ann Hematol 2021; 100:1547-1552. [PMID: 33839882 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-021-04517-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
POEMS syndrome is a rare plasma cell disorder. Lenalidomide has recently emerged as a therapeutic option for POEMS syndrome. Cereblon has been identified as the direct target of lenalidomide, and high cereblon expression is associated with better response and outcome to lenalidomide therapy in multiple myeloma patients. Here, we analyzed the predictive value of cereblon, IKZF1, and IKZF3 in CD138+ selected plasma cells from forty-one newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome patients treated with lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone at both gene and protein levels. We found that patients with high cereblon expression tended to achieve better hematologic response compared to those with low expression (p = 0.024 for gene expression; p = 0.01 for protein expression). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed high cereblon mRNA expression as an independent prognostic marker for longer progression-free survival (hazard ratio 0.542; 95% CI 0.337-0.871; p = 0.011). In conclusion, our results emphasized the role of cereblon mRNA expression as a unique biomarker for predicting the clinical response and outcome of lenalidomide-based therapy in newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Cai
- Department of Hematology, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xue-Min Gao
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jing Le
- Department of Hematology, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Hao Cai
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xin-Xin Cao
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
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26
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Hirano M, Imai Y, Kaito Y, Murayama T, Sato K, Ishida T, Yamamoto J, Ito T, Futami M, Ri M, Yasui H, Denda T, Tanaka Y, Ota Y, Nojima M, Kamikubo Y, Gotoh N, Iida S, Handa H, Tojo A. Small-molecule HDAC and Akt inhibitors suppress tumor growth and enhance immunotherapy in multiple myeloma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:110. [PMID: 33757580 PMCID: PMC7989023 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01909-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable disease. The acquisition of resistance to drugs, including immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), has a negative effect on its prognosis. Cereblon (CRBN) is a key mediator of the bioactivities of IMiDs such as lenalidomide. Moreover, genetic alteration of CRBN is frequently detected in IMiD-resistant patients and is considered to contribute to IMiD resistance. Thus, overcoming resistance to drugs, including IMiDs, is expected to improve clinical outcomes. Here, we examined potential mechanisms of a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor and Akt inhibitor in relapsed/refractory MM patients. Methods We established lenalidomide-resistant cells by knocking down CRBN with RNAi-mediated downregulation or knocking out CRBN using CRISPR-Cas9 in MM cells. Additionally, we derived multi-drug (bortezomib, doxorubicin, or dexamethasone)-resistant cell lines and primary cells from relapsed/refractory MM patients. The effects of HDAC and Akt inhibitors on these drug-resistant MM cells were then observed with a particular focus on whether HDAC inhibitors enhance immunotherapy efficacy. We also investigated the effect of lenalidomide on CRBN-deficient cells. Results The HDAC inhibitor suppressed the growth of drug-resistant MM cell lines and enhanced the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of therapeutic antibodies by upregulating natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) ligands in MM cells. CRBN-deficient cells showed lenalidomide-induced upregulation of phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3 (p-GSK-3) and c-Myc phosphorylation. Moreover, HDAC and Akt inhibitors downregulated c-Myc by blocking GSK-3 phosphorylation. HDAC and Akt inhibitors also exhibited synergistic cytotoxic and c-Myc-suppressive effects. The dual HDAC and PI3K inhibitor, CUDC-907, exhibited cytotoxic and immunotherapy-enhancing effects in MM cells, including multi-drug-resistant lines and primary cells from lenalidomide-resistant patients. Conclusions The combination of an HDAC and an Akt inhibitor represents a promising approach for the treatment of relapsed/refractory MM. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-01909-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuhito Hirano
- Division of Molecular Therapy, Advanced Clinical Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoichi Imai
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Research Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yuta Kaito
- Division of Molecular Therapy, Advanced Clinical Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiko Murayama
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, Cancer Research Institute of Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kota Sato
- Department of Hematology, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadao Ishida
- Department of Hematology, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junichi Yamamoto
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Chemical Biology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takumi Ito
- Department of Chemical Biology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Muneyoshi Futami
- Division of Molecular Therapy, Advanced Clinical Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Hematology/Oncology, Research Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Ri
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yasui
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Research Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Project Division of Fundamental Study on Cutting Edge of Genome Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tamami Denda
- Department of Pathology, Research Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukihisa Tanaka
- Department of Pathology, Research Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasunori Ota
- Department of Pathology, Research Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masanori Nojima
- Center for Translational Research/Division of Advanced Medicine Promotion The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Kamikubo
- Laboratory of Oncology and Strategic Innovation, Laboratory Science, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Noriko Gotoh
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, Cancer Research Institute of Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Iida
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Handa
- Department of Chemical Biology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Arinobu Tojo
- Division of Molecular Therapy, Advanced Clinical Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Hematology/Oncology, Research Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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27
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Brune MM, Stüssi G, Lundberg P, Vela V, Heim D, Manz MG, Haralambieva E, Pabst T, Banz Y, Bargetzi M, Grobholz R, Fehr M, Cogliatti S, Ossenkoppele GJ, Löwenberg B, Rudolf CB, Li Q, Passweg J, Mazzuchelli L, Medinger M, Tzankov A; Dutch-Belgian Hemato-Oncology Cooperative Group (HOVON) and Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK). Effects of lenalidomide on the bone marrow microenvironment in acute myeloid leukemia: Translational analysis of the HOVON103 AML/SAKK30/10 Swiss trial cohort. Ann Hematol 2021; 100:1169-79. [PMID: 33704530 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-021-04467-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This translational study aimed at gaining insight into the effects of lenalidomide in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Forty-one AML patients aged 66 or older of the Swiss cohort of the HOVON-103 AML/SAKK30/10 study were included. After randomization, they received standard induction chemotherapy with or without lenalidomide. Bone marrow biopsies at diagnosis and before the 2nd induction cycle were obtained to assess the therapeutic impact on leukemic blasts and microenvironment. Increased bone marrow angiogenesis, as assessed by microvessel density (MVD), was found at AML diagnosis and differed significantly between the WHO categories. Morphological analysis revealed a higher initial MVD in AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) and a more substantial decrease of microvascularization after lenalidomide exposure. A slight increase of T-bet-positive TH1-equivalents was identifiable under lenalidomide. In the subgroup of patients with AML-MRC, the progression-free survival differed between the two treatment regimens, showing a potential but not significant benefit of lenalidomide. We found no correlation between the cereblon genotype (the target of lenalidomide) and treatment response or prognosis. In conclusion, addition of lenalidomide may be beneficial to elderly patients suffering from AML-MRC, where it leads to a reduction of microvascularization and, probably, to an intensified specific T cell-driven anti-leukemic response.
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28
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Guo J, Mu D, Han Y. [Research Progress on the Mechanism and Clinical Data of Cereblon
in Reversing the Resistance of Lung Cancer to PD-1 Antibody by T cells]. Zhongguo Fei Ai Za Zhi 2021; 24:49-55. [PMID: 33478191 PMCID: PMC7849032 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2020.102.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) is a membrance-spanning protein mostly expressed in the T cell, and combines with programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in the targeting cell. When binding to the ligand on tumor cells, PD-1 as an immunosuppressive molecule, can inhibit the immune function of T cells, thus tumor immune escape. For example, depletion of peripheral effector T cell and accelerate the transformation of effector T cells into regulator T cells. To solve this problem, PD-1 antibody is used to bind to PD-1 on T cells to inhibit the interaction between PD-1 on the T cells and PD-L1 on the tumor cells so that it can restore the function of T cells to kill tumor cell. PD-1 antibodies, such as Nivolumab and Pembrolizumb, are approved as a first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cell cancer. However, due to the interaction of tumor cells, T cells and cytokines, some patients developed drug resistance which reduces the efficacy of immunotherapy. Hence, how to overcome resistance has become a urgent problem. Cereblon (CRBN), a substrate receptor of the DDB1-cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase complex and the only known molecular receptor of immunoregulatory drugs, has been found to reverse PD-1 antibody resistance by binding to CRBN regulatory agents (CMS), exert T cell immune function by regulating proliferation, activation and metabolism of T cell. In this paper, the mechanism of down-regulation of T cells leading to resistance of PD-1 antibody in lung cancer, the mechanism of CRBN regulating T cells, and research progress of CRBN regulator in the treatment of lung cancer were reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Guo
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin Medicial University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Di Mu
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin Medicial University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Ying Han
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin Medicial University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China.,Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medicial University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China
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29
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Abstract
Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is a powerful biophysical method for characterizing small molecule binding to proteins. Owing to its ability to characterize binary inteactions between warheads and E3 ligases or substrates, SPR is a useful tool for the development of targeted protein degraders. SPR is also an effective method for optimizing linkers and characterizing ternary complex interactions that are mediated by heterobifunctional ligands (Roy et al. ACS Chem Biol 14:361-368, 2019). Recent advances in the throughput of modern instruments have improved the ability of SPR to rapidly triage ligands based on binding kinetics and affinity, making this technique invaluable for driving degrader optimization. This chapter describes the characterization of ligands binding to the Thalidomide Binding Domain of mouse Cereblon (mCRBN-TBD) using the Biacore 8K+.
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30
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Takwale AD, Jo SH, Jeon YU, Kim HS, Shin CH, Lee HK, Ahn S, Lee CO, Du Ha J, Kim JH, Hwang JY. Design and characterization of cereblon-mediated androgen receptor proteolysis-targeting chimeras. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 208:112769. [PMID: 32961381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC)-mediated protein degradation is a rapidly emerging therapeutic intervention that induces the degradation of targeted proteins. Herein, we report the design and biological evaluation of a series of androgen receptor (AR) PROTAC degraders for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Predominantly, instead of thalidomide, we utilized the TD-106 scaffold, a novel cereblon (CRBN) binder that was identified in our previous study. Our results suggest that the linker position in the TD-106 CRBN binder is critical for the efficiency of AR degradation. The compounds attached to the 6-position of TD-106 promoted better degradation of AR than those at the 5- and 7-positions. Among the synthesized AR PROTACs, the representative degrader 33c (TD-802) effectively induced AR protein degradation, with a degradation concentration 50% of 12.5 nM and a maximum degradation of 93% in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Additionally, most AR PROTAC degraders, including TD-802, displayed good liver microsomal stability and in vivo pharmacokinetic properties. Finally, we showed that TD-802 effectively inhibited tumor growth in an in vivo xenograft study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay D Takwale
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 305-606, Republic of Korea; Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun Jo
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea; Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong Uk Jeon
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 305-606, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Soo Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Univeristy, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Choong Hoon Shin
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang Univeristy, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Heung Kyoung Lee
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 305-606, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunjoo Ahn
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 305-606, Republic of Korea
| | - Chong Ock Lee
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 305-606, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Du Ha
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 305-606, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeong-Hoon Kim
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea; Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong Yeon Hwang
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 305-606, Republic of Korea; Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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31
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Zou J, Jones RJ, Wang H, Kuiatse I, Shirazi F, Manasanch EE, Lee HC, Sullivan R, Fung L, Richard N, Erdman P, Torres E, Hecht D, Lam I, McElwee B, Chourasia AH, Chan KWH, Mercurio F, Stirling DI, Orlowski RZ. The novel protein homeostatic modulator BTX306 is active in myeloma and overcomes bortezomib and lenalidomide resistance. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1161-1173. [PMID: 32632752 PMCID: PMC10838157 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01943-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Small molecules targeting the cereblon-containing E3 ubiquitin ligase including thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide modulate turnover of downstream client proteins and demonstrate pre-clinical and clinical anti-myeloma activity. Different drugs that engage with cereblon hold the potential of unique phenotypic effects, and we therefore studied the novel protein homeostatic modulator (PHM™) BTX306 with a unique thiophene-fused scaffold bearing a substituted phenylurea and glutarimide. This agent much more potently reduced human-derived myeloma cell line viability, with median inhibitory concentrations in the single nanomolar range versus micromolar values for lenalidomide or pomalidomide, and more potently activated caspases 3/8/9. While lenalidomide and pomalidomide induced greater degradation of Ikaros and Aiolos in myeloma cells, BTX306 more potently reduced levels of GSPT1, eRF1, CK1α, MCL-1, and c-MYC. Suppression of cereblon or overexpression of Aiolos or Ikaros induced relative resistance to BTX306, and this agent did not impact viability of murine hematopoietic cells in an in vivo model, demonstrating its specificity for human cereblon. Interestingly, BTX306 did show some reduced activity in lenalidomide-resistant cell line models but nonetheless retained its nanomolar potency in vitro, overcame bortezomib resistance, and was equipotent against otherwise isogenic cell line models with either wild-type or knockout TP53. Finally, BTX306 demonstrated strong activity against primary CD138-positive plasma cells, showed enhanced anti-proliferative activity in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone, and was effective in an in vivo systemic model of multiple myeloma. Taken together, the data support further translational studies of BTX306 and its derivatives to the clinic for patients with relapsed and/or refractory myeloma. KEY MESSAGES: BTX306 has a unique thiophene-fused scaffold bearing phenylurea and glutarimide. BTX306 is more potent against myeloma cells than lenalidomide or pomalidomide. BTX306 overcomes myeloma cell resistance to lenalidomide or bortezomib in vitro. BTX306 is active against primary myeloma cells, and shows efficacy in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxuan Zou
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 429, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Richard J Jones
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 429, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 429, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Isere Kuiatse
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 429, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fazal Shirazi
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 429, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Elisabet E Manasanch
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 429, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hans C Lee
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 429, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - David Hecht
- School of Mathematics, Science & Engineering, Southwestern College, Chula Vista, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Robert Z Orlowski
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 429, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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32
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Venugopal S, Mascarenhas J, Steensma DP. Loss of 5q in myeloid malignancies - A gain in understanding of biological and clinical consequences. Blood Rev 2020; 46:100735. [PMID: 32736878 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2020.100735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hemizygous interstitial or terminal deletion of the long arm of chromosome 5 [del(5q)] is a recurrent cytogenetic abnormality in myeloid malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These deletions cause loss of a large contiguous chromosomal region encompassing more than 30 genes, which results in disease through haploinsufficiency of one or more genes including RPS14. In MDS, del(5q) in isolation is a lower-risk cytogenetic anomaly and is sometimes associated with a unique clinicopathological phenotype, but in AML it represents a higher-risk lesion, often denoting secondary AML arising from prior MDS. Lenalidomide effectively targets the del(5q)-bearing clone in MDS, resulting in sustained erythroid transfusion independence in most patients and cytogenetic remission in a subset of treated patients. Since the initial regulatory approval of lenalidomide for del(5q) MDS in 2005, translational research endeavors in del(5q)-associated myeloid malignancies have improved our understanding of how allelic haploinsufficiency underlies both the hematological phenotype and selective sensitivity to lenalidomide therapy. This review will focus on the molecular pathogenesis of del(5q) in myeloid malignancies, clinical development of lenalidomide and emerging data on lenalidomide-refractory del (5q) MDS, and possible novel targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeetha Venugopal
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - John Mascarenhas
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - David P Steensma
- Division of Hematological Malignancies, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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33
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Kim YK, Chae SC, Yang HJ, An DE, Lee S, Yeo MG, Lee KJ. Cereblon Deletion Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-induced Proinflammatory Cytokines through 5'-Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase/Heme Oxygenase-1 Activation in ARPE-19 Cells. Immune Netw 2020; 20:e26. [PMID: 32655974 PMCID: PMC7327155 DOI: 10.4110/in.2020.20.e26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cereblon (CRBN), a negative modulator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), is highly expressed in the retina. We confirmed the expression of CRBN in ARPE-19 human retinal cells by Western blotting. We also demonstrated that CRBN knock-down (KD) could effectively downregulate IL-6 and MCP-1 protein and gene expression in LPS-stimulated ARPE-19 cells. Additionally, CRBN KD increased the phosphorylation of AMPK/acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) and the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in ARPE-19 cells. Furthermore, CRBN KD significantly reduced LPS-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and activation of NF-κB promoter activity. However, these processes could be inactivated by compound C (inhibitor of AMPK) and zinc protoporphyrin-1 (ZnPP-1; inhibitor of HO-1). In conclusion, compound C and ZnPP-1 can rescue LPS-induced levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and MCP-1) in CRBN KD ARPE-19 cells. Our data demonstrate that CRBN deficiency negatively regulates proinflammatory cytokines via the activation of AMPK/HO-1 in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Kyu Kim
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Soo Chul Chae
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Nambu University, Gwangju 62271, Korea.,Department of Life Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Hun Ji Yang
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Da Eun An
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Sion Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Myeong Gu Yeo
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Nambu University, Gwangju 62271, Korea
| | - Kyung Jin Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea.,Department of Life Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
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34
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Donoghue C, Cubillos-Rojas M, Gutierrez-Prat N, Sanchez-Zarzalejo C, Verdaguer X, Riera A, Nebreda AR. Optimal linker length for small molecule PROTACs that selectively target p38α and p38β for degradation. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 201:112451. [PMID: 32634680 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We report the design of hetero-bifunctional small molecules that selectively target p38α and p38β for degradation. These proteolysis targeted chimeras (PROTACs) are based on an ATP competitive inhibitor of p38α and p38β, which is linked to thalidomide analogues to recruit the Cereblon E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Compound synthesis was facilitated by the use of a copper catalyzed "click" reaction. We show that optimization of the linker length and composition is crucial for the degradation-inducing activity of these PROTACs. We provide evidence that these chemical compounds can induce degradation of p38α and p38β but no other related kinases at nanomolar concentrations in several mammalian cell lines. Accordingly, the PROTACs inhibit stress and cytokine-induced p38α signaling. Our compounds contribute to understanding the development of PROTACs, and provide a useful tool to investigate functions of the p38 MAPK pathway and its involvement in diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Donoghue
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Monica Cubillos-Rojas
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Gutierrez-Prat
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina Sanchez-Zarzalejo
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Verdaguer
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Dept. Química Inorgànica i Orgànica, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Riera
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Dept. Química Inorgànica i Orgànica, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Angel R Nebreda
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain.
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35
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Yang SJ, Jeon SJ, Van Nguyen T, Deshaies RJ, Park CS, Lee KM. Ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation of AMPK gamma subunit by Cereblon inhibits AMPK activity. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res 2020; 1867:118729. [PMID: 32333926 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cereblon (CRBN), a substrate receptor for Cullin-ring E3 ubiquitin ligase (CRL), is a major target protein of immunomodulatory drugs. An earlier study demonstrated that CRBN directly interacts with the catalytic α subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a master regulator of energy homeostasis, down-regulating the enzymatic activity of AMPK. However, it is not clear how CRBN modulates AMPK activity. To investigate the mechanism of CRBN-dependent AMPK inhibition, we measured protein levels of each AMPK subunit in brains, livers, lungs, hearts, spleens, skeletal muscles, testes, kidneys, and embryonic fibroblasts from wild-type and Crbn-/- mice. Protein levels and stability of the regulatory AMPKγ subunit were increased in Crbn-/- mice. Increased stability of AMPKγ in Crbn-/- MEFs was dramatically reduced by exogenous expression of Crbn. In wild-type MEFs, the proteasomal inhibitor MG132 blocked degradation of AMPKγ. We also found that CRL4CRBN directly ubiquitinated AMPKγ. Taken together, these findings suggest that CRL4CRBN regulates AMPK through ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation of AMPKγ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Joo Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Aging Research Institute, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Je Jeon
- School of Life Sciences and Aging Research Institute, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Thang Van Nguyen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Raymond J Deshaies
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, California Institute of Technology, Box 114-96, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Chul-Seung Park
- School of Life Sciences and Aging Research Institute, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kwang Min Lee
- Department of Life Science and Environmental Biochemistry, Pusan National University, Miryang 50463, Republic of Korea.
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36
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Abstract
Various derivatives of thalidomide, a drug that is well-known for its teratogenicity, have recently been developed; among them, lenalidomide and pomalidomide, known as immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), have potent anticancer activity. These drugs have been approved by Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of several diseases, including multiple myeloma, under strict control. The primary direct target protein of thalidomide and IMiDs is cereblon (CRBN), a substrate receptor of Cullin-RING ligase 4 (CRL4). CRL4CRBN is a unique E3 ubiquitin ligase because its substrate selectivity is altered by ligands such as IMiDs. Each IMiD induces degradation of neosubstrates, such as Ikaros or CK1a. Because the activity of new CRBN-binding compounds is not limited to immunomodulation, the designation of "cereblon modulators" has been proposed for these small CRBN-binding compounds. Currently, researchers are investigating CC-122 (avadomide) and CC-220 (iberdomide) for the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and systemic lupus erythematosus, respectively. Other recent studies have been investigating heterobifunctional molecules called proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for protein of interest degradation. Moreover, several proteins, such as BRD4, CDK9, or Tau, have already been successfully degraded by CRBN-based PROTACs. In this review, recent advances in CRBN and its binding compounds have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Ito
- Department of Nanoparticle Translational Research, Tokyo Medical University.,PRESTO, JST
| | - Hiroshi Handa
- Department of Nanoparticle Translational Research, Tokyo Medical University
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37
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Onodera W, Asahi T, Sawamura N. Data for positive selection test and co-evolutionary analysis on mammalian cereblon. Data Brief 2019; 26:104499. [PMID: 31667262 PMCID: PMC6811870 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.104499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cereblon (CRBN) is a substrate recognition subunit of the CRL4 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, directly binding to specific substrates for poly-ubiquitination followed by proteasome-dependent degradation of proteins. Cellular CRBN is responsible for energy metabolism, ion-channel activation, and cellular stress response through binding to proteins related to the respective pathways. As CRBN binds to various proteins, the selective pressure at the interacting surface is expected to result in functional divergence. Here, we present two mammalian CRBN datasets of molecular evolutionary analyses. (1) The multiple sequence alignment data shows that positive selection occurred, determined with a dN/dS calculation. (2) Data on co-evolutionary analysis between vertebrate CRBN and related proteins are represented by calculating the correlation coefficient based on the comparison of phylogenetic trees. Co-evolutionary analysis shows the similarity of evolutionary traits of two proteins. Further molecular, functional interpretation of these analyses is explained in ‘Positive selection of Cereblon modified function including its E3 Ubiquitin Ligase activity and binding efficiency with AMPK’ (W. Onodera, T. Asahi, N. Sawamura, Positive selection of cereblon modified function including its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and binding efficiency with AMPK. Mol Phylogenet Evol. (2019) 135:78-85. [1]).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Onodera
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan
| | - Toru Asahi
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan.,Research Organization for Nano & Life Innovation, Waseda University, Japan
| | - Naoya Sawamura
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan.,Research Organization for Nano & Life Innovation, Waseda University, Japan
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Girardini M, Maniaci C, Hughes SJ, Testa A, Ciulli A. Cereblon versus VHL: Hijacking E3 ligases against each other using PROTACs. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:2466-2479. [PMID: 30826187 PMCID: PMC6561380 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) and cereblon (CRBN) proteins are substrate recognition subunits of two ubiquitously expressed and biologically important Cullin RING E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes. VHL and CRBN are also the two most popular E3 ligases being recruited by bifunctional Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) to induce ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of a target protein. Using homo-PROTACs, VHL and CRBN have been independently dimerized to induce their own degradation. Here we report the design, synthesis and cellular activity of VHL-CRBN hetero-dimerizing PROTACs featuring diverse conjugation patterns. We found that the most active compound 14a induced potent, rapid and profound preferential degradation of CRBN over VHL in cancer cell lines. At lower concentrations, weaker degradation of VHL was instead observed. This work demonstrates proof of concept of designing PROTACs to hijack different E3 ligases against each other, and highlights a powerful and generalizable proximity-induced strategy to achieve E3 ligase knockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Girardini
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Maniaci
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Scott J Hughes
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Testa
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Alessio Ciulli
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom.
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Onodera W, Asahi T, Sawamura N. Positive selection of cereblon modified function including its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and binding efficiency with AMPK. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2019; 135:78-85. [PMID: 30836149 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cereblon (CRBN) is a substrate receptor for an E3 ubiquitin ligase that directly binds to target proteins resulting in cellular activities, such as energy metabolism, membrane potential regulation, and transcription factor degradation. Genetic mutations in human CRBN lead to intellectual disabilities. In addition, it draws pathological attention because direct binding with immunomodulatory drugs can cure multiple myeloma (MM) and lymphocytic leukemia. To further explore the function of CRBN, we focused on its molecular evolution. Since CRBN interacts directly with its substrates and is widely conserved in vertebrates, evolutionary study to identify the selective pressure on CRBN that occur during CRBN-substrate interaction is an effective approach to search for a novel active site. Using mammalian CRBN sequences, dN/dS analysis was conducted to detect positive selection. By multiple sequence alignment we found that the residue at position 366 was under positive selection. This residue is present in the substrate-binding domain of CRBN. Most mammals harbor cysteine at position 366, whereas rodents and chiroptera have serine at this site. Subsequently, we constructed a C366S human CRBN to confirm the potential of positive selection. Auto-ubiquitination activity occurs in E3 ubiquitin ligases, including CRBN, and increased in C366S CRBN, which lead to the conclusion that E3 ubiquitin ligase activity may have changed over the course of mammalian evolution. Furthermore, binding with AMP-activated protein kinase was augmented when the substitution was present, which is supported by coevolution analysis. These results suggest that the molecular evolution of CRBN occurred through codon-based positive selection, providing a new approach to investigate CRBN function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Onodera
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Toru Asahi
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan; Research Organization for Nano & Life Innovation, Waseda University, Japan
| | - Naoya Sawamura
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan; Research Organization for Nano & Life Innovation, Waseda University, Japan.
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Fuchs O. Treatment of Lymphoid and Myeloid Malignancies by Immunomodulatory Drugs. Cardiovasc Hematol Disord Drug Targets 2019; 19:51-78. [PMID: 29788898 DOI: 10.2174/1871529x18666180522073855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Thalidomide and its derivatives (lenalidomide, pomalidomide, avadomide, iberdomide hydrochoride, CC-885 and CC-90009) form the family of immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs). Lenalidomide (CC5013, Revlimid®) was approved by the US FDA and the EMA for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) patients, low or intermediate-1 risk transfusion-dependent myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with chromosome 5q deletion [del(5q)] and relapsed and/or refractory mantle cell lymphoma following bortezomib. Lenalidomide has also been studied in clinical trials and has shown promising activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Lenalidomide has anti-inflammatory effects and inhibits angiogenesis. Pomalidomide (CC4047, Imnovid® [EU], Pomalyst® [USA]) was approved for advanced MM insensitive to bortezomib and lenalidomide. Other IMiDs are in phases 1 and 2 of clinical trials. Cereblon (CRBN) seems to have an important role in IMiDs action in both lymphoid and myeloid hematological malignancies. Cereblon acts as the substrate receptor of a cullin-4 really interesting new gene (RING) E3 ubiquitin ligase CRL4CRBN. This E3 ubiquitin ligase in the absence of lenalidomide ubiquitinates CRBN itself and the other components of CRL4CRBN complex. Presence of lenalidomide changes specificity of CRL4CRBN which ubiquitinates two transcription factors, IKZF1 (Ikaros) and IKZF3 (Aiolos), and casein kinase 1α (CK1α) and marks them for degradation in proteasomes. Both these transcription factors (IKZF1 and IKZF3) stimulate proliferation of MM cells and inhibit T cells. Low CRBN level was connected with insensitivity of MM cells to lenalidomide. Lenalidomide decreases expression of protein argonaute-2, which binds to cereblon. Argonaute-2 seems to be an important drug target against IMiDs resistance in MM cells. Lenalidomide decreases also basigin and monocarboxylate transporter 1 in MM cells. MM cells with low expression of Ikaros, Aiolos and basigin are more sensitive to lenalidomide treatment. The CK1α gene (CSNK1A1) is located on 5q32 in commonly deleted region (CDR) in del(5q) MDS. Inhibition of CK1α sensitizes del(5q) MDS cells to lenalidomide. CK1α mediates also survival of malignant plasma cells in MM. Though, inhibition of CK1α is a potential novel therapy not only in del(5q) MDS but also in MM. High level of full length CRBN mRNA in mononuclear cells of bone marrow and of peripheral blood seems to be necessary for successful therapy of del(5q) MDS with lenalidomide. While transfusion independence (TI) after lenalidomide treatment is more than 60% in MDS patients with del(5q), only 25% TI and substantially shorter duration of response with occurrence of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were achieved in lower risk MDS patients with normal karyotype treated with lenalidomide. Shortage of the biomarkers for lenalidomide response in these MDS patients is the main problem up to now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ota Fuchs
- Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 1, 128 20 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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Zheng J, Sha Y, Roof L, Foreman O, Lazarchick J, Venkta JK, Kozlowski C, Gasparetto C, Chao N, Ebens A, Hu J, Kang Y. Pan-PIM kinase inhibitors enhance Lenalidomide's anti-myeloma activity via cereblon-IKZF1/3 cascade. Cancer Lett 2018; 440-441:1-10. [PMID: 30312729 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma remains an incurable disease, and continued efforts are required to develop novel agents and novel drug combinations with more effective anti-myeloma activity. Here, we show that the pan-PIM kinase inhibitors SGI1776 and CX6258 exhibit significant anti-myeloma activity and that combining a pan-PIM kinase inhibitor with the immunomodulatory agent lenalidomide in an in vivo myeloma xenograft mouse model resulted in synergistic myeloma cell killing without additional hematologic or hepatic toxicities. Further investigations indicated that treatment with a pan-PIM kinase inhibitor promoted increased ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of IKZF1 and IKZF3, two transcription factors crucial for survival of myeloma cells. Combining a pan-PIM kinase inhibitor with lenalidomide led to more effective degradation of IKZF1 and IKZF3 in multiple myeloma cell lines as well as xenografts of myeloma tumors. We also demonstrated that treatment with a pan-PIM kinase inhibitor resulted in increased expression of cereblon, and that knockdown of cereblon via a shRNA lentivirus abolished the effects of PIM kinase inhibition on the degradation of IKZF1 and IKZF3 and myeloma cell apoptosis, demonstrating a central role of cereblon in pan-PIM kinase inhibitor-mediated down-regulation of IKZF1 and IKZF3 and myeloma cell killing. These data elucidate the mechanism of pan-PIM kinase inhibitor mediated anti-myeloma effect and the rationale for the synergy observed with lenalidomide co-treatment, and provide justification for a clinical trial of the combination of pan-PIM kinase inhibitors and lenalidomide for the treatment of multiple myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zheng
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, China
| | - Yonggang Sha
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Logan Roof
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Oded Foreman
- Genentech Research Oncology, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John Lazarchick
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jagadish Kummetha Venkta
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Cleopatra Kozlowski
- Genentech Safety Assessment Pathology, Genentech Inc, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cristina Gasparetto
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nelson Chao
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Allen Ebens
- Genentech Research Oncology, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jianda Hu
- Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, China.
| | - Yubin Kang
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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Furukawa Y, Kuroda Y, Kikuchi J. [Involvement of innate immunity in the expansion of multiple myeloma cells and therapeutic intervention with lenalidomide]. Rinsho Ketsueki 2018; 59:1048-1057. [PMID: 30185705 DOI: 10.11406/rinketsu.59.1048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) cells acquire dormancy and drug resistance via their interaction with bone marrow stroma cells (BMSCs) in a hypoxic microenvironment. In this study, we found a positive expression of CD180/MD-1 complex (a non-canonical toll-like receptor) on MM cells, which was markedly up-regulated under adherent and/or hypoxic conditions. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) enhanced the growth of MM cells via the activation of MAP kinases, an effect which showed a positive correlation with the expression levels of CD180. LPS administration significantly increased CD180/CD138 double-positive cell number in a murine xenograft model after the inoculation of MM cells directly attached to BMSCs. Notably, the shRNA-mediated knockdown of CD180 terminated the LPS response in vitro and in vivo. Promoter analyses identified IKZF1 (Ikaros) as a pivotal transcriptional activator of the CD180 gene, whose transcription was activated via cell adhesion and hypoxia by increasing Ikaros expression and its binding to the promoter region. Pharmacological targeting of Ikaros with lenalidomide ameliorated the response of MM cells to LPS in a CD180-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo. CD180/MD-1 pathway may represent a novel mechanism for the regulation of the growth of MM cells in BM milieu and may serve as a therapeutic target to prevent the regrowth of dormant MM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Furukawa
- Division of Stem Cell Regulation, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University
| | - Yoshiaki Kuroda
- Division of Stem Cell Regulation, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University
| | - Jiro Kikuchi
- Division of Stem Cell Regulation, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University
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Abstract
Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are a new class of anticancer compounds that are derived from thalidomide. Lenalidomide and pomalidomide are well-known IMiDs, and they have already been approved by FDA for the treatment of several diseases, including multiple myeloma. Cereblon (CRBN) is a common primary target for IMiDs. It works as a substrate receptor of CRL4. Accumulating evidence has shown that the substrate specificity of CRL4CRBN is altered by ligands such as IMiDs. Recently, novel CRBN-binding compounds have been developed and are called "cereblon modulators". Among these, CC-122 and CC-220 are currently under clinical development for the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and systemic lupus erythematosus, respectively. Another new cereblon modulator CC-885 is shown to induce degradation of the translation termination factor GSPT1, resulting in an antiproliferative effect in acute myeloid leukemia. Structural analyses have revealed that CC-885 provides an interaction hotspot between CRBN and GSPT1. On the other hand, several groups have been investigating linker-based approaches for targeted protein degradation via CRBN. Several proteins, such as BRD4 and BCR-ABL, have been successfully degraded by CRL4CRBN using these technologies. In this review, we introduce recent topics in CRBN and its binding compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Ito
- Department of Nanoparticle Translational Research, Tokyo Medical University.,PRESTO, JST
| | - Hiroshi Handa
- Department of Nanoparticle Translational Research, Tokyo Medical University
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Gil M, Kim YK, Kim HY, Pak HK, Park CS, Lee KJ. Cereblon deficiency confers resistance against polymicrobial sepsis by the activation of AMP activated protein kinase and heme-oxygenase-1. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 495:976-981. [PMID: 29170136 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.11.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cereblon (CRBN) has a pleiotropic role in important cellular processes and is a potential therapeutic target in several diseases, including mental retardation, cancer, and metabolic disorders. The role of CRBN in polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was investigated using CRBN-deficient (KO) mice. Survival following CLP was significantly higher in KO mice compared to wild-type (WT) controls (50% vs 0% at day 6 after CLP). The improved survival of KO mice was accompanied by reduced peripheral blood bacterial load and lung injury. Serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) concentrations were significantly lower in KO mice than in WT mice. Peritoneal macrophages from KO mice with CLP-induced septic mouse had higher levels of activation of AMPK and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Forced expression of CRBN in macrophage of KO mice suppressed activation of 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and HO-1 and augmented expression of TNF-α and HMGB1 as inhibition of AMPK by compound C. These studies demonstrate the contribution of CRBN expression to the pathogenesis of CLP-induced sepsis and peritoneal macrophage responses and suggest a novel therapeutic modality for polymicrobial sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minchan Gil
- Nano-Bio Resources Center, Department of Cosmetic Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Kyu Kim
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Yeong Kim
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Kyung Pak
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan-Sik Park
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyung Jin Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Ma J, Wu K, Bai W, Cui X, Chen Y, Xie Y, Xie Y. Synergistic Cytotoxicity of Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in Mantle Cell Lymphoma via Cereblon-dependent Targeting of the IL-6/STAT3/PI3K Axis. EBioMedicine 2017; 20:70-78. [PMID: 28529032 PMCID: PMC5478233 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
At our center, relapsed mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) can be treated with maintenance therapy composed of consecutive low-dose lenalidomide and short-term, high-dose dexamethasone (LD regimen), which achieves good responses (longer overall survival and progression-free survival) and low toxicity. Cereblon is probably targeted by both lenalidomide and dexamethasone, which leads to synergistic cytotoxicity in MCL by inhibiting the interleukin-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (IL-6/STAT3), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and AKT2/Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3A)/BCL2-like 11 (BIM) pathways. The two drugs synergistically inhibit the same pathways, but through different sites. Cereblon was found expressed in most of the MCL tissues (91.3% positivity). Moreover, cereblon expression is positively correlated with LD regimen sensitivity: long-term lenalidomide exposure downregulates cereblon and induces multi-drug resistance against lenalidomide, dexamethasone, cytarabine, cisplatin, and methotrexate in vitro. Removal of lenalidomide resensitizes lenalidomide-resistant MCL cells to lenalidomide and dexamethasone. Our work suggests that rotating the LD regimen with other regimens would improve MCL maintenance therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiexian Ma
- Department of Hematology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Kefei Wu
- Department of Hematology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Weiya Bai
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Institutes of Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Xiaoxian Cui
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Institutes of Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pathology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Youhua Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Institutes of Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Yanhui Xie
- Department of Hematology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Shanghai 200040, China.
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Abstract
Targeted protein degradation using the PROTAC technology is emerging as a novel therapeutic method to address diseases driven by the aberrant expression of a disease-causing protein. PROTAC molecules are bifunctional small molecules that simultaneously bind a target protein and an E3-ubiquitin ligase, thus causing ubiquitination and degradation of the target protein by the proteasome. Like small molecules, PROTAC molecules possess good tissue distribution and the ability to target intracellular proteins. Herein, we highlight the advantages of protein degradation using PROTACs, and provide specific examples where degradation offers therapeutic benefit over classical enzyme inhibition. Foremost, PROTACs can degrade proteins regardless of their function. This includes the currently "undruggable" proteome, which comprises approximately 85% of all human proteins. Other beneficial aspects of protein degradation include the ability to target overexpressed and mutated proteins, as well as the potential to demonstrate prolonged pharmacodynamics effect beyond drug exposure. Lastly, due to their catalytic nature and the pre-requisite ubiquitination step, an exquisitely potent molecules with a high degree of degradation selectivity can be designed. Impressive preclinical in vitro and in vivo PROTAC data have been published, and these data have propelled the development of clinically viable PROTACs. With the molecular weight falling in the 700-1000Da range, the delivery and bioavailability of PROTACs remain the largest hurdles on the way to the clinic. Solving these issues and demonstrating proof of concept clinical data will be the focus of many labs over the next few years.
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Butrym A, Łacina P, Rybka J, Chaszczewska-Markowska M, Mazur G, Bogunia-Kubik K. Cereblon and IRF4 Variants Affect Risk and Response to Treatment in Multiple Myeloma. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2017; 64:151-156. [PMID: 28083618 PMCID: PMC5334380 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-016-0442-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma-cell malignancy derived from an early precursor of the B-cell lineage characterised by bone-marrow infiltration, lytic bone lesions, and the presence of a monoclonal protein in serum and/or urine. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a critical transcriptional regulator in B-cell development and function that is required during immune response for lymphocyte activation and the generation of immunoglobulin-secreting plasma cells. Immunomodulatory drugs, derivatives of thalidomide, are commonly used in therapy against MM. They are known to target a protein called cereblon (CRBN); however, the exact mechanism remains unknown. The present study aimed to assess the association of two (rs12203592 and rs872071) polymorphisms within the IRF4 gene and two (rs711613 and rs1045433) in the CRBN gene with MM susceptibility, progression, and response to treatment. For this purpose, 144 MM patients and 126 healthy individuals were genotyped for the IRF4 and CRBN alleles. The presence of the IRF4 (rs872071) G allele was more frequently detected in patients than healthy individuals (OR 1.78; P = 0.034), and this relationship was especially pronounced in women (OR 2.83; P = 0.012). The CRBN (rs711613) A allele-carriers were better responders to the treatment (P = 0.012), in particular to thalidomide including therapy (P = 0.023). These results underline the prognostic significance of the IRF4 and CRBN polymorphisms in patients with MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Butrym
- Department of Physiology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Łacina
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Rybka
- Department of Haematology, Blood Neoplasms and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Monika Chaszczewska-Markowska
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Mazur
- Department and Clinic of Internal and Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
- Department and Clinic of Internal and Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
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Vianna FS, Kowalski TW, Tovo-Rodrigues L, Tagliani-Ribeiro A, Godoy BA, Fraga LR, Sanseverino MT, Hutz MH, Schuler-Faccini L. Genomic and in silico analyses of CRBN gene and thalidomide embryopathy in humans. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 66:99-106. [PMID: 27751757 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Thalidomide causes Thalidomide Embryopathy (TE), but is largely used to treat several conditions. Investigations with Cereblon, a thalidomide target protein encoded by CRBN gene, have helped to understand thalidomide therapeutic and teratogenic properties. We sequenced CRBN-thalidomide binding region in 38 TE individuals and 136 Brazilians without congenital anomalies, and performed in silico analyses. Eight variants were identified, seven intronic and one in 3'UTR. TE individuals had rare variants in higher frequency than the non-affected group (p=0.04). The genotype rs1620675 CC was related to neurological anomalies in TE individuals (p=0.004). Bioinformatics analysis suggested this genotype leads to potential alterations in splicing sites and binding to transcription factors. Comparison of the Cereblon-thalidomide binding domains in mammals demonstrated that CRBN is highly conserved across species. All the variants require evaluation in functional assays in order to understand their role in Cereblon-thalidomide binding and complex interactions that lead to TE.
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49
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Wakabayashi S, Sawamura N, Voelzmann A, Broemer M, Asahi T, Hoch M. Ohgata, the Single Drosophila Ortholog of Human Cereblon, Regulates Insulin Signaling-dependent Organismic Growth. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:25120-25132. [PMID: 27702999 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.757823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cereblon (CRBN) is a substrate receptor of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex that is highly conserved in animals and plants. CRBN proteins have been implicated in various biological processes such as development, metabolism, learning, and memory formation, and their impairment has been linked to autosomal recessive non-syndromic intellectual disability and cancer. Furthermore, human CRBN was identified as the primary target of thalidomide teratogenicity. Data on functional analysis of CRBN family members in vivo, however, are still scarce. Here we identify Ohgata (OHGT), the Drosophila ortholog of CRBN, as a regulator of insulin signaling-mediated growth. Using ohgt mutants that we generated by targeted mutagenesis, we show that its loss results in increased body weight and organ size without changes of the body proportions. We demonstrate that ohgt knockdown in the fat body, an organ analogous to mammalian liver and adipose tissue, phenocopies the growth phenotypes. We further show that overgrowth is due to an elevation of insulin signaling in ohgt mutants and to the down-regulation of inhibitory cofactors of circulating Drosophila insulin-like peptides (DILPs), named acid-labile subunit and imaginal morphogenesis protein-late 2. The two inhibitory proteins were previously shown to be components of a heterotrimeric complex with growth-promoting DILP2 and DILP5. Our study reveals OHGT as a novel regulator of insulin-dependent organismic growth in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Wakabayashi
- From the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Naoya Sawamura
- From the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan, .,the Research Organization for Nano-life Innovation, Waseda University, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-0041, Japan
| | - André Voelzmann
- the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Meike Broemer
- the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), c/o Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany, and
| | - Toru Asahi
- From the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan, .,the Research Organization for Nano-life Innovation, Waseda University, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-0041, Japan
| | - Michael Hoch
- Program Unit Development, Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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Lohbeck J, Miller AK. Practical synthesis of a phthalimide-based Cereblon ligand to enable PROTAC development. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:5260-5262. [PMID: 27687673 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The use of small molecules to regulate cellular levels of specific proteins is poised to become a powerful technique in the coming years. Critical to the success of any project utilizing such an approach will be the ability to synthesize libraries of candidate small molecules for testing in cellular systems. Herein, we describe a practical synthesis of a phthalimide-based scaffold, which can be easily diversified to make Cereblon-targeting PROTACs. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach by synthesizing a 'PROTAC toolbox' of four amines which can be coupled to inhibitors in a straightforward manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Lohbeck
- Cancer Drug Development Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aubry K Miller
- Cancer Drug Development Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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