1
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Nakazawa Y, Miyano M, Tsukamoto S, Kogai H, Yamamoto A, Iso K, Inoue S, Yamane Y, Yabe Y, Umihara H, Taguchi J, Akagi T, Yamaguchi A, Koga M, Toshimitsu K, Hirayama T, Mukai Y, Machinaga A. Delivery of a BET protein degrader via a CEACAM6-targeted antibody-drug conjugate inhibits tumour growth in pancreatic cancer models. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2192. [PMID: 38467634 PMCID: PMC10928091 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46167-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has the worst prognosis of all cancers. To improve PDAC therapy, we establish screening systems based on organoid and co-culture technologies and find a payload of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), a bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) protein degrader named EBET. We select CEACAM6/CD66c as an ADC target and developed an antibody, #84.7, with minimal reactivity to CEACAM6-expressing normal cells. EBET-conjugated #84.7 (84-EBET) has lethal effects on various PDAC organoids and bystander efficacy on CEACAM6-negative PDAC cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. In mouse studies, a single injection of 84-EBET induces marked tumor regression in various PDAC-patient-derived xenografts, with a decrease in the inflammatory phenotype of stromal cells and without significant body weight loss. Combination with standard chemotherapy or PD-1 antibody induces more profound and sustained regression without toxicity enhancement. Our preclinical evidence demonstrates potential efficacy by delivering BET protein degrader to PDAC and its microenvironment via CEACAM6-targeted ADC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youya Nakazawa
- Tsukuba Research Laboratory, Eisai Co., Ltd., Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Masayuki Miyano
- Tsukuba Research Laboratory, Eisai Co., Ltd., Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Hiroyuki Kogai
- Tsukuba Research Laboratory, Eisai Co., Ltd., Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Kentaro Iso
- Tsukuba Research Laboratory, Eisai Co., Ltd., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Tsukuba Research Laboratory, Eisai Co., Ltd., Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Yuki Yabe
- Tsukuba Research Laboratory, Eisai Co., Ltd., Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Junichi Taguchi
- Tsukuba Research Laboratory, Eisai Co., Ltd., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Akagi
- Tsukuba Research Laboratory, Eisai Co., Ltd., Ibaraki, Japan
- KAN Research Institute, Inc., Kobe, Japan
| | | | - Minaho Koga
- Tsukuba Research Laboratory, Eisai Co., Ltd., Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Akihito Machinaga
- Tsukuba Research Laboratory, Eisai Co., Ltd., Ibaraki, Japan
- KAN Research Institute, Inc., Kobe, Japan
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2
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Chen S, Zheng Y, Liang B, Yin Y, Yao J, Wang Q, Liu Y, Neamati N. The application of PROTAC in HDAC. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115746. [PMID: 37607440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Inducing protein degradation by proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) has provided great opportunities for scientific research and industrial applications. Histone deacetylase (HDAC)-PROTAC has been widely developed since the first report of its ability to induce the degradation of SIRT2 in 2017. To date, ten of the eighteen HDACs (HDACs 1-8, HDAC10, and SIRT2) have been successfully targeted and degraded by HDAC-PROTACs. HDAC-PROTACs surpass traditional HDAC inhibitors in many aspects, such as higher selectivity, more potent antiproliferative activity, and the ability to disrupt the enzyme-independent functions of a multifunctional protein and overcome drug resistance. Rationally designing HDAC-PROTACs is a main challenge in development because slight variations in chemical structure can lead to drastic effects on the efficiency and selectivity of the degradation. In the future, HDAC-PROTACs can potentially be involved in clinical research with the support of the increased amount of in vivo data, pharmacokinetic evaluation, and pharmacological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoting Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Yuxiang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Benji Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Yudong Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Jian Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Quande Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China.
| | - Yanghan Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China.
| | - Nouri Neamati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States.
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3
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Bamborough P, Chung CW, Goodwin NC, Mitchell DJ, Neipp CE, Phillipou A, Preston A, Prinjha RK, Soden PE, Watson RJ, Demont EH. Design and Characterization of 1,3-Dihydro-2 H-benzo[ d]azepin-2-ones as Rule-of-5 Compliant Bivalent BET Inhibitors. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1231-1236. [PMID: 37736196 PMCID: PMC10510503 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The 1,3-dihydro-2H-benzo[d]azepin-2-ones are potent and ligand-efficient pan-BET bromodomain inhibitors. Here we describe the extension of this template to exploit a bivalent mode of action, binding simultaneously to both bromodomains. Initially the linker length and attachment vectors compatible with bivalent binding were explored, leading to the discovery of exceptionally potent bivalent BET inhibitors within druglike rule-of-5 space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Bamborough
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
| | - Chun-wa Chung
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
| | | | - Darren J. Mitchell
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
| | | | - Alex Phillipou
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
| | - Alex Preston
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
| | - Rab K. Prinjha
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
| | - Peter E. Soden
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
| | - Robert J. Watson
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
| | - Emmanuel H. Demont
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
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4
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Wang C, Chen C, Pan Z, He Y, Zhang Z, Liu R, Xue Y, Zhou Q, Gao X. Quantitative Proteomics of the CDK9 Interactome Reveals a Function of the HSP90-CDC37-P-TEFb Complex for BETi-Induced HIV-1 Latency Reactivation. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:2880-2889. [PMID: 37540094 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Brd4 has been intensively investigated as a promising drug target because of its implicated functions in oncogenesis, inflammation, and HIV-1 transcription. The formation of the Brd4-P-TEFb (CDK9/Cyclin T1) complex and its regulation of transcriptional elongation are critical for HIV latency reactivation and expression of many oncogenes. To further investigate the mechanism of the Brd4-P-TEFb complex in controlling elongation, mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics of the CDK9 interactome was performed. Upon treatment with the selective BET bromodomain inhibitor JQ1, 352 proteins were successfully identified with high confidence as CDK9-interacting proteins. Among them, increased bindings of HSP90 and CDC37 to CDK9 were particularly striking, and our data suggest that the HSP90-CDC37-P-TEFb complex is involved in controlling the dynamic equilibrium of the P-TEFb complex during BETi-induced reactivation of HIV-1 latency. Furthermore, the HSP90-CDC37-P-TEFb complex directly regulates HIV-1 transcription and relies on recruitment by heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) for binding to the HIV-1 promoter. These results advance the understanding of HSP90-CDC37-P-TEFb in HIV-1 latency reversal and enlighten the development of potential strategies to eradicate HIV-1 using a combination of targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- Medical Center of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400000, China
| | - Chunjing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Zhenrui Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yaohui He
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Zhanming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Rongdiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Yuhua Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
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5
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Herrmann L, Hahn F, Grau BW, Wild M, Niesar A, Wangen C, Kataev E, Marschall M, Tsogoeva SB. Autofluorescent Artemisinin-Benzimidazole Hybrids via Organo-Click Reaction: Study of Antiviral Properties and Mode of Action in Living Cells. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202301194. [PMID: 37267160 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202301194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Drug modification by a fluorescent label is a common tool for studying its mechanism of action with fluorescence microscopy techniques. However, the attachment of a fluorescent label can significantly alter the polarity, solubility, and biological activity of the investigated drug, and, as a result, the studied mechanism of action can be misrepresented. Therefore, developing efficient drugs, which are inherently fluorescent and can be tracked directly in the cell is highly favorable. Here an easy formation of fluorescent hybrid drugs is presented, generated by a combination of two readily available non-fluorescent pharmacophores via a non-cleavable linker using a Ramachary-Bressy-Wang organocatalyzed azide-carbonyl [3+2] cycloaddition (organo-click) reaction. All newly prepared fluorescent compounds showed strong anti-HCMV activity (EC50 down to 0.07±0.00 μM), thus presenting a very promising drug developmental basis compared to the approved drug ganciclovir (EC50 2.60±0.50 μM). Remarkably, in vitro fluorescent imaging investigation of new compounds revealed induced changes in mitochondrial structures, which is a phenotypical hallmark of antiviral activity. This approach opens up new vistas for the easy formation of potent fluorescent drugs from readily available non-fluorescent parent compounds and might facilitate insight into their mode of action in living cells, avoiding the requirement of linkage to external fluorescent markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Herrmann
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Hahn
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Department, Schlossgarten 4, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Benedikt W Grau
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Wild
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Department, Schlossgarten 4, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aischa Niesar
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Department, Schlossgarten 4, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christina Wangen
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Department, Schlossgarten 4, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Evgeny Kataev
- Organic Chemistry Chair II, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Department, Schlossgarten 4, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Svetlana B Tsogoeva
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
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6
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Kabir M, Yu X, Kaniskan HÜ, Jin J. Chemically induced degradation of epigenetic targets. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:4313-4342. [PMID: 37314393 PMCID: PMC10330942 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00100h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional small molecules that induce the ternary complex formation between a protein-of-interest (POI) and an E3 ligase, leading to targeted polyubiquitination and degradation of the POI. Particularly, PROTACs have the distinct advantage of targeting both canonical and noncanonical functions of epigenetic targets over traditional inhibitors, which typically target canonical functions only, resulting in greater therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we methodically analyze published PROTAC degraders of epigenetic writer, reader, and eraser proteins and their in vitro and in vivo effects. We highlight the mechanism of action of these degraders and their advantages in targeting both canonical and noncanonical functions of epigenetic targets in the context of cancer treatment. Furthermore, we present a future outlook for this exciting field. Overall, pharmacological degradation of epigenetic targets has emerged as an effective and attractive strategy to thwart cancer progression and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Kabir
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA.
| | - Xufen Yu
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA.
| | - H Ümit Kaniskan
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA.
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA.
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7
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Hu J, Hu B, Xu F, Wang M, Qin C, McEachern D, Stuckey J, Wang S. Precise Conformational Control Yielding Highly Potent and Exceptionally Selective BRD4 Degraders with Strong Antitumor Activity. J Med Chem 2023; 66:8222-8237. [PMID: 37289649 PMCID: PMC10436693 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Starting from a nonselective bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) inhibitor and a cereblon ligand, we have used precise conformational control for the development of two potent and highly selective BRD4 degraders, BD-7148 and BD-9136. These compounds induce rapid degradation of BRD4 protein in cells at concentrations as low as 1 nM and demonstrate ≥1000-fold degradation selectivity over BRD2 or BRD3 protein. Proteomic analysis of >5700 proteins confirmed their highly selective BRD4 degradation. A single dose of BD-9136 selectively and effectively depletes BRD4 protein in tumor tissues for >48 h. BD-9136 effectively inhibits tumor growth without adverse effects on mice and is more efficacious than the corresponding pan BET inhibitor. This study suggests selective degradation of BRD4 as a strategy for the treatment of human cancers and demonstrates a strategy for the design of highly selective PROTAC degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Biao Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Fuming Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Mi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Chong Qin
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Donna McEachern
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jeanne Stuckey
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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8
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Pan Z, Zhao Y, Wang X, Xie X, Liu M, Zhang K, Wang L, Bai D, Foster LJ, Shu R, He G. Targeting bromodomain-containing proteins: research advances of drug discovery. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:13. [PMID: 37142850 PMCID: PMC10159834 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00127-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain (BD) is an evolutionarily conserved protein module found in 46 different BD-containing proteins (BCPs). BD acts as a specific reader for acetylated lysine residues (KAc) and serves an essential role in transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodeling, DNA damage repair, and cell proliferation. On the other hand, BCPs have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, including cancers, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and viral infections. Over the past decade, researchers have brought new therapeutic strategies to relevant diseases by inhibiting the activity or downregulating the expression of BCPs to interfere with the transcription of pathogenic genes. An increasing number of potent inhibitors and degraders of BCPs have been developed, some of which are already in clinical trials. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of recent advances in the study of drugs that inhibit or down-regulate BCPs, focusing on the development history, molecular structure, biological activity, interaction with BCPs and therapeutic potentials of these drugs. In addition, we discuss current challenges, issues to be addressed and future research directions for the development of BCPs inhibitors. Lessons learned from the successful or unsuccessful development experiences of these inhibitors or degraders will facilitate the further development of efficient, selective and less toxic inhibitors of BCPs and eventually achieve drug application in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoping Pan
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuxi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatrics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wang
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xin Xie
- College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mingxia Liu
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Kaiyao Zhang
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Lian Wang
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Ding Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatrics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Rui Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatrics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Gu He
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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9
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Jarusiewicz J, Yoshimura S, Mayasundari A, Actis M, Aggarwal A, McGowan K, Yang L, Li Y, Fu X, Mishra V, Heath R, Narina S, Pruett-Miller SM, Nishiguchi G, Yang JJ, Rankovic Z. Phenyl Dihydrouracil: An Alternative Cereblon Binder for PROTAC Design. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:141-145. [PMID: 36793425 PMCID: PMC9923830 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalidomide and its analogues are frequently used in PROTAC design. However, they are known to be inherently unstable, undergoing hydrolysis even in commonly utilized cell culture media. We recently reported that phenyl glutarimide (PG)-based PROTACs displayed improved chemical stability and, consequently, improved protein degradation efficacy and cellular potency. Our optimization efforts, aiming to further improve the chemical stability and eliminate the racemization-prone chiral center in PG, led us to the development of phenyl dihydrouracil (PD)-based PROTACs. Here we describe the design and synthesis of LCK-directing PD-PROTACs and compare their physicochemical and pharmacological properties to those of the corresponding IMiD and PG analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie
A. Jarusiewicz
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Satoshi Yoshimura
- Department
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Anand Mayasundari
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Marisa Actis
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Anup Aggarwal
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Kevin McGowan
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Lei Yang
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Yong Li
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Xiang Fu
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Vibhor Mishra
- Protein
Production Facility, St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Richard Heath
- Protein
Production Facility, St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Shilpa Narina
- Center
for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Shondra M. Pruett-Miller
- Center
for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Gisele Nishiguchi
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Jun J. Yang
- Department
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Zoran Rankovic
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
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10
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Wang YW, Lan L, Wang M, Zhang JY, Gao YH, Shi L, Sun LP. PROTACS: A technology with a gold rush-like atmosphere. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 247:115037. [PMID: 36566716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abnormally expressed or malfunctioning proteins may affect or even damage cells, leading to the onset of diseases. Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology has been proven to be a fresh therapeutic strategy, superior to conventional small molecule inhibitors for the treatment of diseases caused by pathogenic proteins. Unlike conventional small molecule inhibitors that are occupancy-driven, PROTACs are heterobifunctional small molecules with catalytic properties. They combine with E3 ligases and target proteins to form a ternary complex, rendering the target protein ubiquitous and subsequently degraded by the proteasome. This paper focuses first on significant events in the development of PROTAC technology from 2001 to 2022, followed by a brief overview of various PROTACs categorized by target proteins. In addition, the applications of PROTACs in the treatment of diseases and fundamental biology are also under discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wei Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design & Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Li Lan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design & Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Min Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design & Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Jin-Yang Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design & Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Yu-Hui Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design & Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Lei Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design & Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Li-Ping Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design & Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
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11
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Zhang Q, Yan P, Zhao P, Zhao D, Cao H, Lu J, Mao B. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of mTOR-Targeting PROTACs Based on MLN0128 and Pomalidomide. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2023; 71:120-128. [PMID: 36436947 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c22-00576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an effective anti-tumor drug target. Several mTOR kinase inhibitors have entered clinical research, but there are still challenges of potential toxicity. As a new type of targeted drug, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have features of low dosage and low toxicity. However, this approach has been rarely reported to involve mTOR degradation. In this study, the mTOR kinase inhibitor MLN0128 was used as the ligand to the protein of interest and conjugated with pomalidomide by diverse intermediate linkage chains. Several potential small molecule PROTACs for the degradation of mTOR were designed and synthesized. PROTAC compounds exhibited mTOR inhibitory activity and suppressed MCF-7 cell proliferation. The representative compound P1 could inhibit the expression of mTOR downstream proteins and the growth of cancer cells by inducing autophagy but not affecting the cell cycle and not inducing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Peizheng Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Pan Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Dongsheng Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Heran Cao
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Jing Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Beibei Mao
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
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12
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Moon Y, Jeon SI, Shim MK, Kim K. Cancer-Specific Delivery of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) and Their Application to Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020411. [PMID: 36839734 PMCID: PMC9965039 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are rapidly emerging as a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy by inducing the degradation of tumor-overexpressing oncogenic proteins. They can specifically catalyze the degradation of target oncogenic proteins by recruiting E3 ligases and utilizing the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Since their mode of action is universal, irreversible, recyclable, long-lasting, and applicable to 'undruggable' proteins, PROTACs are gradually replacing the role of conventional small molecular inhibitors. Moreover, their application areas are being expanded to cancer immunotherapy as various types of oncogenic proteins that are involved in immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. However, poor water solubility and low cell permeability considerably restrict the pharmacokinetic (PK) property, which necessitates the use of appropriate delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, the general characteristics, developmental status, and PK of PROTACs are first briefly covered. Next, recent studies on the application of various types of passive or active targeting delivery systems for PROTACs are introduced, and their effects on the PK and tumor-targeting ability of PROTACs are described. Finally, recent drug delivery systems of PROTACs for cancer immunotherapy are summarized. The adoption of an adequate delivery system for PROTAC is expected to accelerate the clinical translation of PROTACs, as well as improve its efficacy for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujeong Moon
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Ik Jeon
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Woman’s University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Kyu Shim
- Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangmeyung Kim
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Woman’s University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence:
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13
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Targeted degradation via direct 26S proteasome recruitment. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:55-63. [PMID: 36577875 PMCID: PMC9797404 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01218-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Engineered destruction of target proteins by recruitment to the cell's degradation machinery has emerged as a promising strategy in drug discovery. The majority of molecules that facilitate targeted degradation do so via a select number of ubiquitin ligases, restricting this therapeutic approach to tissue types that express the requisite ligase. Here, we describe a new strategy of targeted protein degradation through direct substrate recruitment to the 26S proteasome. The proteolytic complex is essential and abundantly expressed in all cells; however, proteasomal ligands remain scarce. We identify potent peptidic macrocycles that bind directly to the 26S proteasome subunit PSMD2, with a 2.5-Å-resolution cryo-electron microscopy complex structure revealing a binding site near the 26S pore. Conjugation of this macrocycle to a potent BRD4 ligand enabled generation of chimeric molecules that effectively degrade BRD4 in cells, thus demonstrating that degradation via direct proteasomal recruitment is a viable strategy for targeted protein degradation.
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14
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Ma L, Wang J, Zhang Y, Fang F, Ling J, Chu X, Zhang Z, Tao Y, Li X, Tian Y, Li Z, Sang X, Zhang K, Lu L, Wan X, Chen Y, Yu J, Zhuo R, Wu S, Lu J, Pan J, Hu S. BRD4 PROTAC degrader MZ1 exerts anticancer effects in acute myeloid leukemia by targeting c-Myc and ANP32B genes. Cancer Biol Ther 2022; 23:1-15. [PMID: 36170346 PMCID: PMC9543111 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2022.2125748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly cancerous and aggressive hematologic disease with elevated levels of drug resistance and relapse resulting in high mortality. Recently, bromodomains and extra-terminal (BET) protein inhibitors have been extensively researched in hematological tumors as potential anticancer agents. MZ1 is a novel BET inhibitor that mediates selective proteins degradation and suppression of tumor growth through proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTAC) technology. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the role and therapeutic potential of MZ1 in AML. In this study, we first identified that AML patients with high BRD4 expression had poor overall survival than those with low expression group. MZ1 inhibited AML cell growth and induced apoptosis and cycle arrest in vitro. MZ1 induced degradation of BRD4, BRD3 and BRD2 in AML cell strains. Additionally, MZ1 also initiated the cleavage of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), which showed cytotoxic effects on NB4 (PML-RARa), K562 (BCR-ABL), Kasumi-1 (AML1-ETO), and MV4-11 (MLL-AF4) cell lines representing different molecular subtypes of AML. In AML mouse leukemia model, MZ1 significantly decreased leukemia cell growth and increased the mouse survival time. According to the RNA-sequencing analysis, MZ1 led to c-Myc and ANP32B genes significant downregulation in AML cell lines. Knockdown of ANP32B promoted AML cell apoptosis and inhibited cell growth. Overall, our data indicated that MZ1 had broad anti-cancer effects on AML cell lines with different molecular lesions, which might be exploited as a novel therapeutic strategy for AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yongping Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jing Ling
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xinran Chu
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zimu Zhang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanfang Tao
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaolu Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tian
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhiheng Li
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xu Sang
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kunlong Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lihui Lu
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Wan
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanling Chen
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Juanjuan Yu
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ran Zhuo
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shuiyan Wu
- Intensive Care Unit, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jian Pan
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shaoyan Hu
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- CONTACT Shaoyan HuChildren’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
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15
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Yang S, Chen W, Xing D. PROTACs for BRDs proteins in cancer therapy: a review. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:1694-1703. [PMID: 35702740 PMCID: PMC9225710 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2081164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BRDs proteins that recognise chromatin acetylation regulate gene expression, are epigenetic readers and master transcription coactivators. BRDs proteins are now emerging as targets for new therapeutic development. Blocking the function of any of BRDs proteins can be a control agent for diseases, such as cancer. Traditional drugs like enzyme inhibitors and protein–protein inhibitors have many limitations. The therapeutic efficacy of them remains to be proven. Recently, Proteolysis-Targeting Chimaeras (PROTACs) have become an advanced tool in therapeutic intervention as they remove disease-causing proteins. Extremely potent and efficacious small-molecule PROTACs of the BRDs proteins, based on available, potent, and selective BRDs inhibitors, have been reported. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the development of PROTACs for BRDs proteins regulation in cancer, and the chances and challenges associated with this area are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, PR China.,School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Shanbo Yang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Wujun Chen
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Dongming Xing
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, PR China.,School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, PR China
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16
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Ding Y, Xing D, Fei Y, Lu B. Emerging degrader technologies engaging lysosomal pathways. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:8832-8876. [PMID: 36218065 PMCID: PMC9620493 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00624c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) provides unprecedented opportunities for drug discovery. While the proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology has already entered clinical trials and changed the landscape of small-molecule drugs, new degrader technologies harnessing alternative degradation machineries, especially lysosomal pathways, have emerged and broadened the spectrum of degradable targets. We have recently proposed the concept of autophagy-tethering compounds (ATTECs) that hijack the autophagy protein microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B light chain 3 (LC3) for targeted degradation. Other groups also reported degrader technologies engaging lysosomal pathways through different mechanisms including AUTACs, AUTOTACs, LYTACs and MoDE-As. In this review, we analyse and discuss ATTECs along with other lysosomal-relevant degrader technologies. Finally, we will briefly summarize the current status of these degrader technologies and envision possible future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ding
- Neurology Department at Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Dong Xing
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yiyan Fei
- Department of Optical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultra-Precision Optical Manufacturing, Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Boxun Lu
- Neurology Department at Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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17
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Divakaran A, Scholtz CR, Zahid H, Lin W, Griffith EC, Lee RE, Chen T, Harki DA, Pomerantz WCK. Development of an N-Terminal BRD4 Bromodomain-Targeted Degrader. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1621-1627. [PMID: 36262390 PMCID: PMC9575167 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is a powerful induced-proximity tool to control cellular protein concentrations using small molecules. However, the design of selective degraders remains empirical. Among bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family proteins, BRD4 is the primary therapeutic target over family members BRD2/3/T. Existing strategies for selective BRD4 degradation use pan-BET inhibitors optimized for BRD4:E3 ubiquitin ligase (E3) ternary complex formation, but these result in residual inhibition of undegraded BET-bromodomains by the pan-BET ligand, obscuring BRD4-degradation phenotypes. Using our selective inhibitor of the first BRD4 bromodomain, iBRD4-BD1 (IC50 = 12 nM, 23- to 6200-fold intra-BET selectivity), we developed dBRD4-BD1 to selectively degrade BRD4 (DC50 = 280 nM). Notably, dBRD4-BD1 upregulates BRD2/3, a result not observed with degraders using pan-BET ligands. Designing BRD4 selectivity up front enables analysis of BRD4 biology without wider BET-inhibition and simplifies designing BRD4-selective heterobifunctional molecules, such as degraders with new E3 recruiting ligands or for additional probes beyond degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Divakaran
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 2231 Sixth Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Cole R. Scholtz
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Huda Zahid
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Wenwei Lin
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Elizabeth C. Griffith
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Richard E. Lee
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Taosheng Chen
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Daniel A. Harki
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 2231 Sixth Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - William C. K. Pomerantz
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 2231 Sixth Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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18
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Aggarwal R, Starodub AN, Koh BD, Xing G, Armstrong AJ, Carducci MA. Phase Ib Study of the BET Inhibitor GS-5829 as Monotherapy and Combined with Enzalutamide in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:3979-3989. [PMID: 35816286 PMCID: PMC9475238 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE A phase Ib study (1604) was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of GS-5829, an oral bromodomain and extraterminal inhibitor, alone and in combination with enzalutamide in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). A phase I study (1599) in solid tumors/lymphoma was also conducted. PATIENTS AND METHODS Men with confirmed mCRPC and disease progression despite abiraterone and/or enzalutamide treatment were enrolled in a 3 + 3 dose escalation paradigm starting at 2 mg daily with GS-5829 alone and in combination with 160 mg daily enzalutamide. The primary efficacy endpoint was nonprogression rate at week 24; secondary endpoints included prostate-specific antigen reduction from baseline, progression-free survival, and GS-5829 pharmacokinetics (PK). PK and safety were also evaluated in Study 1599. RESULTS Thirty-one men, with a median of five prior regimens, received at least 1 dose of study drug in Study 1604. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) were reported in 94% of patients; 16% discontinued for TEAEs. There were no dose-dependent increases in the AUCtau or Cmax after once-daily administration of GS-5829 2 to 9 mg, and biomarkers CCR2 inhibition and HEXIM1 induction were increased only at higher doses of monotherapy. A high degree of interpatient variability existed across all doses in PK and pharmacodynamic parameters. The proportion with nonprogression at week 24, estimated by Kaplan-Meier model, was 25% (95% confidence interval, 10-42) for all treated patients. CONCLUSIONS GS-5829 was generally tolerated but demonstrated limited efficacy and lack of dose proportional increases in plasma concentrations in patients with mCRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Aggarwal
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California.,Corresponding Author: Rahul Aggarwal, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158. Phone: 415-476-4616; E-mail:
| | | | | | - Guan Xing
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California
| | - Andrew J. Armstrong
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancer, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michael A. Carducci
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
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19
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A Comprehensive Review of BET-targeting PROTACs for Cancer Therapy. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 73:117033. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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20
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Chen H, Liu Z, Zheng L, Wang R, Shi L. BET inhibitors: an updated patent review (2018-2021). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2022; 32:953-968. [PMID: 35982031 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2022.2115354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins are epigenetic readers that regulate gene transcription and cell growth by binding to acetylated lysine resides on histones. They are involved in many physiological processes and pathological conditions such as cancer, inflammation, and metabolic diseases. Blockade of BET proteins has become an encouraging approach for the treatment of these human diseases, especially cancer. To date, a number of potent and specific BET inhibitors have been discovered and many of them have entered clinical trials. AREAS COVERED This review aims at providing an overview of molecular mechanisms of BET inhibitors and highlighting the research advancements published in recent patent literatures between 2018 and 2021. Web of Science, PubMed, SciFinder, WIPO, EPO, USPTO and CNIPA databases were used for searching the literature and patents for BET inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION In recent years, an increasing number of structurally diverse BET inhibitors have been identified, including pan BET inhibitors, BD1 or BD2 selective BET inhibitors, bivalent BET inhibitors, kinase and BET dual inhibitors and BET-PROTACs. Despite of many challenges, BET inhibitors have high potential in the treatment of cancer and other diseases and the development of next-generation BET inhibitors could be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Zhenling Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Lili Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Rongrong Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Lei Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
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21
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Cao C, He M, Wang L, He Y, Rao Y. Chemistries of bifunctional PROTAC degraders. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:7066-7114. [PMID: 35916511 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00220e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) technology is a novel and promising therapeutic strategy using small molecules to induce ubiquitin-dependent degradation of proteins. It has received extensive attention from both academia and industry as it can potentially access previously inaccessible targets. However, the design and optimization of PROTACs present big challenges for researchers, and the general strategy for its development and optimization is a lot of trial and error based on experience. This review highlights the important advances in this rapidly growing field and critical limitations of the traditional trial-and-error approach to developing PROTACs by analyzing numerous representative examples of PROTACs development. We summarize and analyze the general principles and strategies for PROTACs design and optimization from the perspective of chemical structure design, and propose potential future pathways to facilitate the development of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoguo Cao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China. .,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Ming He
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
| | - Liguo Wang
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
| | - Yuna He
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
| | - Yu Rao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
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22
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Luo H, Wu L, He Y, Qin C, Tang X. Major Advances in Emerging Degrader Technologies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:921958. [PMID: 35813205 PMCID: PMC9257139 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.921958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, degrader technologies have attracted increasing interest in the academic field and the pharmaceuticals industry. As one of the degrader technologies, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as an attractive pharmaceutical development approach due to their catalytic ability to degrade numerous undruggable disease-causing proteins. Despite the remarkable progress, many aspects of traditional PROTACs still remain elusive. Its expansion could lead to PROTACs with new paradigm. Currently, many reviews focused on the design and optimization strategies through summarizing classical PROTACs, application in diseases and prospect of PROTACs. In this review, we categorize various emerging PROTACs ranging from simply modified classical PROTACs to atypical PROTACs such as nucleic acid-based PROTACs, and we put more emphasis on molecular design of PROTACs with different strategies. Furthermore, we summarize alternatives of PROTACs as lysosome-targeting chimeras (LYTACs) and macroautophagy degradation targeting chimeras (MADTACs) based on different degradation mechanism despite of lysosomal pathway. Beyond these protein degraders, targeting RNA degradation with the potential for cancer and virus therapeutics has been discussed. In doing so, we provide our perspective on the potential development or concerns of each degrader technology. Overall, we hope this review will offer a better mechanistic understanding of emerging degraders and prove as useful guide for the development of the coming degrader technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Luo
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Wu
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Li Wu, ; Chong Qin, ; Xinjing Tang,
| | - Yujian He
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chong Qin
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Li Wu, ; Chong Qin, ; Xinjing Tang,
| | - Xinjing Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Li Wu, ; Chong Qin, ; Xinjing Tang,
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23
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Han X, Wei W, Sun Y. PROTAC Degraders with Ligands Recruiting MDM2 E3 Ubiquitin Ligase: An Updated Perspective. ACTA MATERIA MEDICA 2022; 1:244-259. [PMID: 35734447 PMCID: PMC9211018 DOI: 10.15212/amm-2022-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase which effectively degrades tumor suppressor p53. In the past two decades, many MDM2 inhibitors that disrupt the MDM2-p53 binding have been discovered and developed. Given that the MDM2-p53 forms auto-regulatory loop in which p53 is a substrate of MDM2 for targeted degradation, while MDM2 is a p53 target for transcriptional upregulation, these MDM2 inhibitors have limited efficacy due to p53 degradation by accumulated MDM2 upon rapid in vivo clearance of the MDM2 inhibitors. Fortunately, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), a novel therapeutic strategy, overcome the limitations of MDM2 inhibitors. Some of MDM2 inhibitors developed in the past two decades have been used in PROTAC technology for two applications: 1) as component 1 to bind with endogenous MDM2 as a target for PROTAC-based degradation of MDM2; and 2) as component 2 to bind with endogenous MDM2 as a PROTAC E3 ligand for PROTAC-based degradation of other oncogenic proteins. In this review, we summarize current progress in the discovery and development of MDM2-based PROTAC drugs with future perspectives and challenges for their applications in effective treatment of human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Han
- Cancer Institute of the 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yi Sun
- Cancer Institute of the 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310014, China
- Research Center for Life Science and Human Health, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310053, China
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24
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Zhao L, Guo H, Chen X, Zhang W, He Q, Ding L, Yang B. Tackling drug resistance in ovarian cancer with epigenetic targeted drugs. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 927:175071. [PMID: 35636522 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of ovarian cancer. Since the first experiment conducted on resistant ovarian cancer cells using demethylating drugs, multiple clinical trials have revealed that epigenetic targeted drugs combined with chemotherapy, molecular-targeted drugs, or even immunotherapy could enhance tumor sensitivity and reverse acquired resistances. Here, we summarized the combination strategies of epigenetic targeted drugs with other treatment strategies of ovarian cancer and discussed the principles of combination therapy. Finally, we enumerated several reasonable clinical trial designs as well as future drug development strategies, which may provide promising ideas for the application of epigenetic drugs to ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhao
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hongjie Guo
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wenxin Zhang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; The Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ling Ding
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Bo Yang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; The Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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25
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Xie Y, Du S, Liu Z, Liu M, Xu Z, Wang X, Kee JX, Yi F, Sun H, Yao SQ. Chemical Biology Tools for Protein Lysine Acylation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202200303. [PMID: 35302274 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202200303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Lysine acylation plays pivotal roles in cell physiology, including DNA transcription and repair, signal transduction, immune defense, metabolism, and many other key cellular processes. Molecular mechanisms of dysregulated lysine acylation are closely involved in the pathophysiological progress of many human diseases, most notably cancers. In recent years, chemical biology tools have become instrumental in studying the function of post-translational modifications (PTMs), identifying new "writers", "erasers" and "readers", and in targeted therapies. Here, we describe key developments in chemical biology approaches that have advanced the study of lysine acylation and its regulatory proteins (2016-2021). We further discuss the discovery of ligands (inhibitors and PROTACs) that are capable of targeting regulators of lysine acylation. Next, we discuss some current challenges of these chemical biology probes and suggest how chemists and biologists can utilize chemical probes with more discriminating capacity. Finally, we suggest some critical considerations in future studies of PTMs from our perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Xie
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Shubo Du
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 4 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117544, Singapore
| | - Zhiyang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, COSDAF (Centre of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films), City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Zhiqiang Xu
- Department of Chemistry, COSDAF (Centre of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films), City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Jia Xuan Kee
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 4 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117544, Singapore
| | - Fan Yi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Hongyan Sun
- Department of Chemistry, COSDAF (Centre of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films), City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shao Q Yao
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 4 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117544, Singapore
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Daisy Precilla S, Biswas I, Kuduvalli SS, Anitha TS. Crosstalk between PI3K/AKT/mTOR and WNT/β-Catenin signaling in GBM - Could combination therapy checkmate the collusion? Cell Signal 2022; 95:110350. [PMID: 35525406 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the calamitous primary glial brain tumors with extensive heterogeneity at cellular and molecular levels. While maximal surgical resection trailed by radio and chemotherapy employing temozolomide remains the gold-standard treatment for malignant glioma patients, the overall prognosis remains dismal and there exists an unmet need for effective therapeutic strategies. In this context, we hypothesize that proper understanding of signaling pathways responsible for glioblastoma multiforme proliferation would be the first trump card while searching for novel targeted therapies. Among the pathways aberrantly activated, PI3K/AKT/mTOR is the most significant pathway, that is clinically implicated in malignancies such as high-grade glioma. Further, the WNT/β-Catenin cascade is well-implicated in several malignancies, while its role in regulating glioma pathogenesis has only emerged recently. Nevertheless, oncogenic activation of both these pathways is a frequent event in malignant glioma that facilitates tumor proliferation, stemness and chemo-resistance. Recently, it has been reported that the cross-talk of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway with multiple signaling pathways could promote glioma progression and reduce the sensitivity of glioma cells to the standard therapy. However, very few studies had focused on the relationship between PI3K/AKT/mTOR and WNT/β-Catenin pathways in glioblastoma multiforme. Interestingly, in homeostatic and pathologic circumstances, both these pathways depict fine modulation and are connected at multiple levels by upstream and downstream effectors. Thus, gaining deep insights on the collusion between these pathways would help in discovering unique therapeutic targets for glioblastoma multiforme management. Hence, the current review aims to address, "the importance of inter-play between PI3K/AKT/mTOR and WNT/β-Catenin pathways", and put forward, "the possibility of combinatorially targeting them", for glioblastoma multiforme treatment enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Daisy Precilla
- Central Inter-Disciplinary Research Facility, School of Biological Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to-be University), Puducherry, India
| | - Indrani Biswas
- Central Inter-Disciplinary Research Facility, School of Biological Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to-be University), Puducherry, India
| | - Shreyas S Kuduvalli
- Central Inter-Disciplinary Research Facility, School of Biological Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to-be University), Puducherry, India
| | - T S Anitha
- Central Inter-Disciplinary Research Facility, School of Biological Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to-be University), Puducherry, India.
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27
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Burke MR, Smith AR, Zheng G. Overcoming Cancer Drug Resistance Utilizing PROTAC Technology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:872729. [PMID: 35547806 PMCID: PMC9083012 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.872729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer drug resistance presents a major barrier to continued successful treatment of malignancies. Current therapies inhibiting proteins indicated in cancer progression are consistently found to lose efficacy as a result of acquired drug resistance, often caused by mutated or overexpressed protein targets. By hijacking the cellular ubiquitin-proteasome protein degradation machinery, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) offer an alternative therapeutic modality to cancer treatments with various potential advantages. PROTACs specific for a number of known cancer targets have been developed in the last 5 years, which present new options for remission in patients with previously untreatable malignancies and provide a foundation for future-generation compounds. One notable advantage of PROTACs, supported by evidence from a number of recent studies, is that they can overcome some of the resistance mechanisms to traditional targeted therapies. More recently, some groups have begun researching the use of PROTACs to successfully degrade mutated targets conferring cancer resistance against first-line treatments. In this review, we focus on analyzing the developments in PROTACs geared towards cancer resistance and targets that confer it in the search for new and successful therapies.
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28
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Chen J, He H, Wei A, Li Y, Cheng G, Qin H, Zhong H, Liu H, Geng M, Shen A, Hu Y. Adjusted degradation of BRD4 S and BRD4 L based on fine structural modifications of the pyrrolopyridone scaffold. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 236:114259. [PMID: 35395439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Novel pyrrolopyridone BET degraders were designed and synthesized based on the binding mode between the pyrrolopyridone BET inhibitor with the BRD4 protein. The potent degraders on MV-4-11 cells were discovered through structure-activity relationship study. Modification of warhead on pyrrolopyridone BET degraders significantly regulates BRD4 isoform (long and short) protein degradation, which induces differential cell cycle arrest and apoptosis on MV-4-11 cells. Docking study revealed that the fine structural modification of BET degraders may bind with the BD domain of BRD4 protein to engage various surface areas that bind with CRBN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, 1 Xiangshanzhi Road, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Huixin He
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing, 110039, China
| | - Aihuan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 ZuChongZhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yalei Li
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Gang Cheng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548, Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Hui Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 ZuChongZhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing, 110039, China
| | - Hanyue Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 ZuChongZhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing, 110039, China
| | - Hongchun Liu
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Meiyu Geng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, 1 Xiangshanzhi Road, Hangzhou, 310024, China; Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing, 110039, China
| | - Aijun Shen
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing, 110039, China.
| | - Youhong Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, 1 Xiangshanzhi Road, Hangzhou, 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 ZuChongZhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing, 110039, China.
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29
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Chen J, Tang P, Wang Y, Wang J, Yang C, Li Y, Yang G, Wu F, Zhang J, Ouyang L. Targeting Bromodomain-Selective Inhibitors of BET Proteins in Drug Discovery and Development. J Med Chem 2022; 65:5184-5211. [PMID: 35324195 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Blocking the interactions between bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins and acetylated lysines of histones by small molecules has important implications for the treatment of cancers and other diseases. Many pan-BET inhibitors have shown satisfactory results in clinical trials, but their potential for poor tolerability and toxicity persist. However, recently reported studies illustrate that some BET bromodomain (BET-BD1 or BET-BD2)-selective inhibitors have advantage over pan-inhibitors, including reduced toxicity concerns. Furthermore, some selective BET inhibitors have similar or even better therapeutic efficacy in inflammatory diseases or cancers. Therefore, the development of selective BET inhibitors has become a hot spot for medicinal chemists. Here, we summarize the known selective BET-BD1 and BET-BD2 inhibitors and review the methods for enhancing the selectivity and potency of these inhibitors based on their different modes of interactions with BET-BD1 or BET-BD2. Finally, we discuss prospective strategies that selectively target the bromodomains of BET proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juncheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Pan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Chengcan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Gaoxia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Fengbo Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
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30
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Xie Y, Du S, Liu Z, Liu M, Xu Z, Wang X, Kee JX, Yi F, Sun H, Yao SQ. Chemical Biology Tools for Protein Lysine Acylation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202200303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Xie
- Shandong University School of Basic Medical Science 250012 Jinan CHINA
| | - Shubo Du
- National University of Singapore Department of Chemistry SINGAPORE
| | - Zhiyang Liu
- City University of Hong Kong chemistry HONG KONG
| | - Min Liu
- Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences CHINA
| | - Zhiqiang Xu
- City University of Hong Kong Department of Chemistry HONG KONG
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences CHINA
| | - Jia Xuan Kee
- National University of Singapore Chemistry SINGAPORE
| | - Fan Yi
- Shandong University School of basic medical sciences CHINA
| | - Hongyan Sun
- City University of Hong Kong department of chemistry HONG KONG
| | - Shao Q. Yao
- National University of Singapore Department of Chemistry 3 Science Dr. 117543 Singapore SINGAPORE
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31
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Lospinoso Severini L, Bufalieri F, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L. Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera (PROTAC): Is the Technology Looking at the Treatment of Brain Tumors? Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:854352. [PMID: 35242765 PMCID: PMC8886235 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.854352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications, such as ubiquitylation, need to be tightly controlled to guarantee the accurate localization and activity of proteins. Ubiquitylation is a dynamic process primarily responsible for proteasome-mediated degradation of substrate proteins and crucial for both normal homeostasis and disease. Alterations in ubiquitylation lead to the upregulation of oncoproteins and/or downregulation of tumor suppressors, thus concurring in tumorigenesis. PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) is an innovative strategy that takes advantage by the cell’s own Ubiquitin-Proteasome System (UPS). Each PROTAC molecule is composed by a ligand that recruits the target protein of interest (POI), a ligand specific for an E3 ubiquitin ligase enzyme, and a linker that connects these units. Upon binding to the POI, the PROTAC recruits the E3 inducing ubiquitylation-dependent proteasome degradation of the POI. To date, PROTAC technology has entered in clinical trials for several human cancers. Here, we will discuss the advantages and limitations of PROTACs development and safety considerations for their clinical application. Furthermore, we will review the potential of PROTAC strategy as therapeutic option in brain tumor, focusing on glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Bufalieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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32
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O-alkyl and o-benzyl hesperetin derivative-1L attenuates inflammation and protects against alcoholic liver injury via inhibition of BRD2-NF-κB signaling pathway. Toxicology 2022; 466:153087. [PMID: 34974135 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.153087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver injury (ALI) is a major risk factor for alcoholic liver disease, characterized by excessive inflammatory response and abnormal liver dysfunction. Previous studies have indicated that O-alkyl and o-benzyl hesperetin derivative-1 L (HD-1 L) has anti-inflammatory and hepato-protective effects in CCl4-induced liver injury. However, its effect on ALI and underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. This study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of HD-1 L on alcoholic liver injury and reveal the underlying mechanisms. ALI model was established in male C57BL/6 J mice (aged 6-8 weeks) by Gao-Binge protocol. The mice were received different doses of HD-1 L (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg) by daily intragastric administration, respectively. Liver function and inflammation were measured. Mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory and hepato-protective effect of HD-1 L were studied in RAW264.7 cells. In alcoholic liver injury mice, HD-1 L effectively improved the liver pathology, and remarkably reduced the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (T-CHO) in serum. Moreover, HD-1 L markedly suppressed inflammation in vivo and inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors in vitro. Our results showed that HD-1 L decreased the activity of Bromodomain-containing Protein 2 (BRD2) and inhibited expression of BRD2 in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, HD-1 L further alleviated alcohol-induced inflammation after blocking BRD2 with inhibitor (JQ1) or BRD2 small interfering (si)-RNA in RAW264.7 cells. Besides, HD-1 L failed to effectively exert its anti-inflammatory effects after over expression of BRD2. In addition, HD-1 L significantly inhibited the phosphorylation and activation of NF-κB-P65 mediated by BRD2. In conclusion, HD-1 L alleviated liver injury and inflammation mainly by inhibiting BRD2-NF-κB signaling pathway, and HD-1 L may be a potential anti-inflammatory compound in treatment of alcoholic liver disease.
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33
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Daśko M, de Pascual-Teresa B, Ortín I, Ramos A. HDAC Inhibitors: Innovative Strategies for Their Design and Applications. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030715. [PMID: 35163980 PMCID: PMC8837987 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a large family of epigenetic metalloenzymes that are involved in gene transcription and regulation, cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and death, as well as angiogenesis. Particularly, disorders of the HDACs expression are linked to the development of many types of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, making them interesting molecular targets for the design of new efficient drugs and imaging agents that facilitate an early diagnosis of these diseases. Thus, their selective inhibition or degradation are the basis for new therapies. This is supported by the fact that many HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) are currently under clinical research for cancer therapy, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved some of them. In this review, we will focus on the recent advances and latest discoveries of innovative strategies in the development and applications of compounds that demonstrate inhibitory or degradation activity against HDACs, such as PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs), tumor-targeted HDACis (e.g., folate conjugates and nanoparticles), and imaging probes (positron emission tomography (PET) and fluorescent ligands).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Daśko
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland;
- Departamento de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28925 Alcorcón, Spain;
| | - Beatriz de Pascual-Teresa
- Departamento de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28925 Alcorcón, Spain;
| | - Irene Ortín
- Departamento de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28925 Alcorcón, Spain;
- Correspondence: (I.O.); (A.R.)
| | - Ana Ramos
- Departamento de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28925 Alcorcón, Spain;
- Correspondence: (I.O.); (A.R.)
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Liu Q, Tu G, Hu Y, Jiang Q, Liu J, Lin S, Yu Z, Li G, Wu X, Tang Y, Huang X, Xu J, Liu Y, Wu L. Discovery of BP3 as an efficacious proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degrader of HSP90 for treating breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 228:114013. [PMID: 34864330 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is involved in the stabilization and activation of oncoproteins, rendering it essential for oncogenic transformation. However, the HSP90 inhibitors evaluated to date have not led to the expected effects in cancer therapy. Herein, we systematically described the design, synthesis, and evaluation of HSP90 degraders based upon the proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) strategy. The results showed that the candidate compound 16b (BP3) potently degraded HSP90 and effectively inhibited the growth of human breast cancer cells. When used as a single agent, BP3 led to effective tumor suppression in mice. These findings demonstrate that our HSP90-targeting PROTAC strategy has potential novel applications in breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanyu Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Institute of Materia Medica, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Guihui Tu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Department of Public Technology Service Center, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Qingna Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Jingwen Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Shanshan Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Zelei Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Ge Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Xinhua Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Yuanling Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Xiuwang Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Department of Public Technology Service Center, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Jianhua Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Institute of Materia Medica, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Materia Medica, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Department of Pharmacochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Lixian Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Institute of Materia Medica, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, PR China.
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He S, Dong G, Cheng J, Wu Y, Sheng C. Strategies for designing proteolysis targeting chimaeras (PROTACs). Med Res Rev 2022; 42:1280-1342. [PMID: 35001407 DOI: 10.1002/med.21877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimaeras (PROTACs) is a cutting edge and rapidly growing technique for new drug discovery and development. Currently, the largest challenge in the molecular design and drug development of PROTACs is efficient identification of potent and drug-like degraders. This review aims to comprehensively summarize and analyse state-of-the-art methods and strategies in the design of PROTACs. We provide a detailed illustration of the general principles and tactics for designing potent PROTACs, highlight representative case studies, and discuss the advantages and limitations of these strategies. Particularly, structure-based rational PROTAC design and emerging new types of PROTACs (e.g., homo-PROTACs, multitargeting PROTACs, photo-control PROTACs and PROTAC-based conjugates) will be focused on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng He
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junfei Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Pharmacy, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Liu L, Shi L, Wang Z, Zeng J, Wang Y, Xiao H, Zhu Y. Targeting Oncoproteins for Degradation by Small Molecule-Based Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) in Sex Hormone-Dependent Cancers. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:839857. [PMID: 35370971 PMCID: PMC8971670 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.839857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex hormone-dependent cancers, including breast, ovary, and prostate cancer, contribute to the high number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Steroid hormones promote tumor occurrence, development, and metastasis by acting on receptors, such as estrogen receptors (ERs), androgen receptors (ARs), and estrogen-related receptors (ERRs). Therefore, endocrine therapy targeting ERs, ARs, and ERRs represents the potential and pivotal therapeutic strategy in sex hormone-dependent cancers. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are a novel strategy that can harness the potential of the endogenous ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to target and degrade specific proteins, rather than simply inhibiting the activity of target proteins. Small molecule PROTACs degrade a variety of proteins in cells, mice, and humans and are an emerging approach for novel drug development. PROTACs targeting ARs, ERs, ERRs, and other proteins in sex hormone-dependent cancers have been reported and may overcome the problem of resistance to existing endocrine therapy and receptor antagonist treatments. This review briefly introduces the PROTAC strategy and summarizes the progress on the development of small molecule PROTACs targeting oncoproteins in sex hormone-dependent cancers, focusing on breast and prostate cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lihong Shi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhaodi Wang
- Department of Gynecology, People’s Hospital of Henan University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jun Zeng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Gynecology, People’s Hospital of Henan University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongtao Xiao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongxia Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yongxia Zhu,
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37
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Progress in the development of domain selective inhibitors of the bromo and extra terminal domain family (BET) proteins. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113853. [PMID: 34547507 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the bromo and extra terminal domain (BET) family proteins is associated with many human diseases, therefore the BET family proteins have been considered as promising targets for drug development. Numerous small molecular compounds targeting the N-terminal two tandem bromodomains BD1 and BD2 of the BET family proteins have been reported, and a number of them have been advanced into clinical trials. Most of the BET inhibitors entered clinical trials are pan-BET inhibitors which show poor selectivity among BET members and bind to the BD1 and BD2 of the BET family proteins with comparable binding affinities. In order to elucidate the distinct functions of BD1s and BD2s, many BD1 and BD2 selective BET inhibitors have also been developed. In this review, we summarized the recent progress in the development of BD1 and BD2 selective BET inhibitors, and provided the perspectives for future studies of BET inhibitors.
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Min J, Mayasundari A, Keramatnia F, Jonchere B, Yang SW, Jarusiewicz J, Actis M, Das S, Young B, Slavish J, Yang L, Li Y, Fu X, Garrett SH, Yun M, Li Z, Nithianantham S, Chai S, Chen T, Shelat A, Lee RE, Nishiguchi G, White SW, Roussel MF, Potts PR, Fischer M, Rankovic Z. Phenyl‐Glutarimides: Alternative Cereblon Binders for the Design of PROTACs. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202108848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jaeki Min
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Anand Mayasundari
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Fatemeh Keramatnia
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Barbara Jonchere
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Seung Wook Yang
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Jamie Jarusiewicz
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Marisa Actis
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Sourav Das
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Brandon Young
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Jake Slavish
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Xiang Fu
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Shalandus H. Garrett
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Mi‐Kyung Yun
- Department of Structural Biology St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Zhenmei Li
- Department of Structural Biology St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Stanley Nithianantham
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Sergio Chai
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Taosheng Chen
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Anang Shelat
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Richard E. Lee
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Gisele Nishiguchi
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Stephen W. White
- Department of Structural Biology St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Martine F. Roussel
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Patrick Ryan Potts
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Marcus Fischer
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
- Department of Structural Biology St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
| | - Zoran Rankovic
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis TN 38105 USA
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Min J, Mayasundari A, Keramatnia F, Jonchere B, Yang SW, Jarusiewicz J, Actis M, Das S, Young B, Slavish J, Yang L, Li Y, Fu X, Garrett SH, Yun MK, Li Z, Nithianantham S, Chai S, Chen T, Shelat A, Lee RE, Nishiguchi G, White SW, Roussel MF, Potts PR, Fischer M, Rankovic Z. Phenyl-Glutarimides: Alternative Cereblon Binders for the Design of PROTACs. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:26663-26670. [PMID: 34614283 PMCID: PMC8648984 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202108848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Targeting cereblon (CRBN) is currently one of the most frequently reported proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) approaches, owing to favorable drug-like properties of CRBN ligands, immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs). However, IMiDs are known to be inherently unstable, readily undergoing hydrolysis in body fluids. Here we show that IMiDs and IMiD-based PROTACs rapidly hydrolyze in commonly utilized cell media, which significantly affects their cell efficacy. We designed novel CRBN binders, phenyl glutarimide (PG) analogues, and showed that they retained affinity for CRBN with high ligand efficiency (LE >0.48) and displayed improved chemical stability. Our efforts led to the discovery of PG PROTAC 4 c (SJ995973), a uniquely potent degrader of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins that inhibited the viability of human acute myeloid leukemia MV4-11 cells at low picomolar concentrations (IC50 =3 pM; BRD4 DC50 =0.87 nM). These findings strongly support the utility of PG derivatives in the design of CRBN-directed PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeki Min
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Anand Mayasundari
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Fatemeh Keramatnia
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Barbara Jonchere
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Seung Wook Yang
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Jamie Jarusiewicz
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Marisa Actis
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Sourav Das
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Brandon Young
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Jake Slavish
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Xiang Fu
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Shalandus H. Garrett
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Mi-Kyung Yun
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Zhenmei Li
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Stanley Nithianantham
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Sergio Chai
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Taosheng Chen
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Anang Shelat
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Richard E. Lee
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Gisele Nishiguchi
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Stephen W. White
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Martine F. Roussel
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Patrick Ryan Potts
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Marcus Fischer
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Zoran Rankovic
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
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Zhu C, Kou T, Kadi AA, Li J, Zhang Y. Molecular platforms based on biocompatible photoreactions for photomodulation of biological targets. Org Biomol Chem 2021; 19:9358-9368. [PMID: 34632469 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob01613j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Photoirradiation provides a convenient and biocompatible approach for spatiotemporal modulation of biological systems with photoresponsive components. The construction of molecular platforms with a photoresponse to be integrated into biomolecules for photomodulation has been of great research interest in optochemical biology. In this review, we summarize typical molecular platforms that are integratable with biomolecules for photomodulation purposes. We categorize these molecular platforms according to their excitation light source, namely ultraviolet (UV), visible (Vis) or near-infrared (NIR) light. The protype chemistry of these molecular platforms is introduced along with an overview of their most recent applications for spatiotemporal regulation of biomolecular function in living cells or mice models. Challenges and the outlook are also presented. We hope this review paper will contribute to further progress in the development of molecular platforms and their biomedical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Tianzhang Kou
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Adnan A Kadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jinbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Liao X, Qian X, Zhang Z, Tao Y, Li Z, Zhang Q, Liang H, Li X, Xie Y, Zhuo R, Chen Y, Jiang Y, Cao H, Niu J, Xue C, Ni J, Pan J, Cui D. ARV-825 Demonstrates Antitumor Activity in Gastric Cancer via MYC-Targets and G2M-Checkpoint Signaling Pathways. Front Oncol 2021; 11:753119. [PMID: 34733788 PMCID: PMC8559897 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.753119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Suppression of bromodomain and extra terminal (BET) proteins has a bright prospect to treat MYC-driven tumors. Bromodomain containing 4 (BRD4) is one of the BET proteins. ARV-825, consisting of a BRD4 inhibitor conjugated with a cereblon ligand using proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, was proven to decrease the tumor growth effectively and continuously. Nevertheless, the efficacy and mechanisms of ARV-825 in gastric cancer are still poorly understood. Methods Cell counting kit 8 assay, lentivirus infection, Western blotting analysis, Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining, RNA sequencing, a xenograft model, and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the efficacy of ARV-825 in cell level and animal model. Results The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of BRD4 in gastric cancer raised significantly than those in normal tissues, which suggested poor outcome of patients with gastric cancer. ARV-825 displayed higher anticancer efficiency in gastric cancer cells than OTX015 and JQ1. ARV-825 could inhibit cell growth, inducing cell cycle block and apoptosis in vitro. ARV-825 induced degradation of BRD4, BRD2, BRD3, c-MYC, and polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) proteins in four gastric cancer cell lines. In addition, cleavage of caspase 3 and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) was elevated. Knockdown or overexpression CRBN could increase or decrease, respectively, the ARV-825 IC50 of gastric cancer cells. ARV-825 reduced MYC and PLK1 expression in gastric cancer cells. ARV-825 treatment significantly reduced tumor growth without toxic side effects and downregulated the expression of BRD4 in vivo. Conclusions High mRNA expression of BRD4 in gastric cancer indicated poor prognosis. ARV-825, a BRD4 inhibitor, could effectively suppress the growth and elevate the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells via transcription downregulation of c-MYC and PLK1. These results implied that ARV-825 could be a good therapeutic strategy to treat gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmei Liao
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqing Qian
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zimu Zhang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanfang Tao
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhiheng Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Liang
- Institute of Nanomedicine, National Engineering Research Centre for Nanotechnology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolu Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Xie
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ran Zhuo
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanling Chen
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - You Jiang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Haibo Cao
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiaqi Niu
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cuili Xue
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Ni
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Pan
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Daxiang Cui
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Centre for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Nanomedicine, National Engineering Research Centre for Nanotechnology, Shanghai, China
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42
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He S, Gao F, Ma J, Ma H, Dong G, Sheng C. Aptamer‐PROTAC Conjugates (APCs) for Tumor‐Specific Targeting in Breast Cancer. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202107347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng He
- Institute of Translational Medicine Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Fei Gao
- Institute of Translational Medicine Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Junhui Ma
- School of Pharmacy Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Haoqian Ma
- School of Pharmacy Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- School of Pharmacy Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200433 China
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43
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Li H, Dong J, Cai M, Xu Z, Cheng XD, Qin JJ. Protein degradation technology: a strategic paradigm shift in drug discovery. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:138. [PMID: 34488823 PMCID: PMC8419833 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01146-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting pathogenic proteins with small-molecule inhibitors (SMIs) has become a widely used strategy for treating malignant tumors. However, most intracellular proteins have been proven to be undruggable due to a lack of active sites, leading to a significant challenge in the design and development of SMIs. In recent years, the proteolysis-targeting chimeric technology and related emerging degradation technologies have provided additional approaches for targeting these undruggable proteins. These degradation technologies show a tendency of superiority over SMIs, including the rapid and continuous target consumption as well as the stronger pharmacological effects, being a hot topic in current research. This review mainly focuses on summarizing the development of protein degradation technologies in recent years. Their advantages, potential applications, and limitations are also discussed. We hope this review would shed light on the design, discovery, and clinical application of drugs associated with these degradation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haobin Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310022 Zhejiang China
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018 Zhejiang China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
| | - Jinyun Dong
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310022 Zhejiang China
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018 Zhejiang China
| | - Maohua Cai
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310022 Zhejiang China
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018 Zhejiang China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
| | - Zhiyuan Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310022 Zhejiang China
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018 Zhejiang China
| | - Xiang-Dong Cheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310022 Zhejiang China
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018 Zhejiang China
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310022 Zhejiang China
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018 Zhejiang China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
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44
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Wang Q, Shao X, Leung ELH, Chen Y, Yao X. Selectively targeting individual bromodomain: Drug discovery and molecular mechanisms. Pharmacol Res 2021; 172:105804. [PMID: 34450309 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing proteins include bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) and non-BET families. Due to the conserved bromodomain (BD) module between BD-containing proteins, and especially BETs with each member having two BDs (BD1 and BD2), the high degree of structural similarity makes BD-selective inhibitors much difficult to be designed. However, increasing evidences emphasized that individual BDs had distinct functions and different cellular phenotypes after pharmacological inhibition, and selectively targeting one of the BDs could result in a different efficacy and tolerability profile. This review is to summarize the pioneering progress of BD-selective inhibitors targeting BET and non-BET proteins, focusing on their structural features, biological activity, therapeutic application and experimental/theoretical mechanisms. The present proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) degraders targeting BDs, and clinical status of BD-selective inhibitors were also analyzed, providing a new insight into future direction of bromodomain-selective drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Wang
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China
| | - Xiaomin Shao
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China
| | - Elaine Lai Han Leung
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau(SAR) 999078, China
| | - Yingqing Chen
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China.
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau(SAR) 999078, China.
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45
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Zhu L, Chen Z, Zang H, Fan S, Gu J, Zhang G, Sun KDY, Wang Q, He Y, Owonikoko TK, Ramalingam SS, Sun SY. Targeting c-Myc to overcome acquired resistance of EGFR mutant NSCLC cells to the third generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, osimertinib. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4822-4834. [PMID: 34289988 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Osimertinib (AZD9291 or TAGRISSOTM) is a promising and approved third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for treating patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR-activating mutations or the resistant T790M mutation. However, the inevitable emergence of acquired resistance limits its long-term efficacy. A fuller understanding of the mechanism of action of osimertinib and its linkage to acquired resistance will enable the development of more efficacious therapeutic strategies. Consequently, we have identified a novel connection between osimertinib or other EGFR TKI and c-Myc. Osimertinib rapidly and sustainably decreased c-Myc levels primarily via enhancing protein degradation in EGFR-mutant (EGFRm) NSCLC cell lines and xenograft tumors. c-Myc levels were substantially elevated in different EGFRm NSCLC cell lines with acquired resistance to osimertinib in comparison with their corresponding parental cell lines and could not be reduced any further by osimertinib. Consistently, c-Myc levels were elevated in the majority of EGFRm NSCLC tissues relapsed from EGFR-TKI treatment compared to their corresponding untreated baseline c-Myc levels. Suppression of c-Myc through knockdown or pharmacological targeting with BET inhibitors restored the response of resistant cell lines to osimertinib. These findings indicate that c-Myc modulation mediates the therapeutic efficacy of osimertinib and the development of osimertinib-acquired resistance. Furthermore, they establish c-Myc as a potential therapeutic target and warrant clinical testing of BET inhibition as a potential strategy to overcome acquired resistance to osimertinib or other EGFR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhu
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Zhen Chen
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Hongjing Zang
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Songqing Fan
- Department of Pathology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
| | - Jiajia Gu
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
| | | | - Kevin D-Y Sun
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Qiming Wang
- Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University
| | - Yong He
- Daping Hospital, Army Medical University
| | | | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
| | - Shi-Yong Sun
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
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46
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He S, Gao F, Ma J, Ma H, Dong G, Sheng C. Aptamer-PROTAC Conjugates (APCs) for Tumor-Specific Targeting in Breast Cancer. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:23299-23305. [PMID: 34240523 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202107347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Development of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) is emerging as a promising strategy for targeted protein degradation. However, the drug development using the heterobifunctional PROTAC molecules is generally limited by poor membrane permeability, low in vivo efficacy and indiscriminate distribution. Herein an aptamer-PROTAC conjugation approach was developed as a novel strategy to improve the tumor-specific targeting ability and in vivo antitumor potency of conventional PROTACs. As proof of concept, the first aptamer-PROTAC conjugate (APC) was designed by conjugating a BET-targeting PROTAC to the nucleic acid aptamer AS1411 (AS) via a cleavable linker. Compared with the unmodified BET PROTAC, the designed molecule (APR) showed improved tumor targeting ability in a MCF-7 xenograft model, leading to enhanced in vivo BET degradation and antitumor potency and decreased toxicity. Thus, the APC strategy may pave the way for the design of tumor-specific targeting PROTACs and have broad applications in the development of PROTAC-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng He
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Junhui Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Haoqian Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
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47
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Barghout SH. Targeted Protein Degradation: An Emerging Therapeutic Strategy in Cancer. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 21:214-230. [PMID: 32275492 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200410082652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Drug discovery in the scope of cancer therapy has been focused on conventional agents that nonselectively induce DNA damage or selectively inhibit the activity of key oncogenic molecules without affecting their protein levels. An emerging therapeutic strategy that garnered attention in recent years is the induction of Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) of cellular targets by hijacking the intracellular proteolysis machinery. This novel approach offers several advantages over conventional inhibitors and introduces a paradigm shift in several pharmacological aspects of drug therapy. While TPD has been found to be the major mode of action of clinically approved anticancer agents such as fulvestrant and thalidomide, recent years have witnessed systematic endeavors to expand the repertoire of proteins amenable to therapeutic ablation by TPD. Such endeavors have led to three major classes of agents that induce protein degradation, including molecular glues, Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) and Hydrophobic Tag (HyT)-based degraders. Here, we briefly highlight agents in these classes and key advances made in the field with a focus on clinical translation in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir H Barghout
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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48
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Sun D, Nikonova AS, Zhang P, Deneka AY, Fitzgerald ME, Michael RE, Lee L, Lilly AC, Fisher SL, Phillips AJ, Nasveschuk CG, Proia DA, Tu Z, Golemis EA. Evaluation of the Small-molecule BRD4 Degrader CFT-2718 in Small-cell Lung Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer Models. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1367-1377. [PMID: 34045230 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Targeted, catalytic degradation of oncoproteins using heterobifunctional small molecules is an attractive modality, particularly for hematologic malignancies, which are often initiated by aberrant transcription factors and are challenging to drug with inhibitors. BRD4, a member of the bromodomain and extraterminal family, is a core transcriptional and epigenetic regulator that recruits the P-TEFb complex, which includes Cdk9 and cyclin T, to RNA polymerase II (pol II). Together, BRD4 and CDK9 phosphorylate serine 2 (pSer2) of heptad repeats in the C-terminal domain of RPB1, the large subunit of pol II, promote transcriptional elongation. Small-molecule degraders of BRD4 have shown encouraging efficacy in preclinical models for several tumor types but less efficacy in other cancers including small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and pancreatic cancer. Here, we evaluated CFT-2718, a new BRD4-targeting degrader with enhanced catalytic activity and in vivo properties. In vivo, CFT-2718 has significantly greater efficacy than the CDK9 inhibitor dinaciclib in reducing growth of the LX-36 SCLC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model and performed comparably to dinaciclib in limiting growth of the PNX-001 pancreatic PDX model. In vitro, CFT-2718 reduced cell viability in four SCLC and two pancreatic cancer models. In SCLC models, this activity significantly exceeded that of dinaciclib; furthermore, CFT-2718 selectively increased the expression of cleaved PARP, an indicator of apoptosis. CFT-2718 caused rapid BRD4 degradation and reduced levels of total and pSer2 RPB1 protein. These and other findings suggest that BRD-mediated transcriptional suppression merits further exploration in the setting of SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danlin Sun
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Jinkou District, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Anna S Nikonova
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Peishan Zhang
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Jinkou District, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Alexander Y Deneka
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - Linda Lee
- C4 Therapeutics, Inc., Watertown, Massachusetts
| | - Anna C Lilly
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | | | - Zhigang Tu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Jinkou District, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Erica A Golemis
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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49
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Giardina SF, Valdambrini E, Warren JD, Barany F. PROTACs: Promising Approaches for Epigenetic Strategies to Overcome Drug Resistance. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 21:306-325. [PMID: 33535953 DOI: 10.2174/1568009621666210203110857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic modulation of gene expression is essential for tissue-specific development and maintenance in mammalian cells. Disruption of epigenetic processes, and the subsequent alteration of gene functions, can result in inappropriate activation or inhibition of various cellular signaling pathways, leading to cancer. Recent advancements in the understanding of the role of epigenetics in cancer initiation and progression have uncovered functions for DNA methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome positioning, and non-coding RNAs. Epigenetic therapies have shown some promise for hematological malignancies, and a wide range of epigenetic-based drugs are undergoing clinical trials. However, in a dynamic survival strategy, cancer cells exploit their heterogeneous population which frequently results in the rapid acquisition of therapy resistance. Here, we describe novel approaches in drug discovery targeting the epigenome, highlighting recent advances the selective degradation of target proteins using Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) to address drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah F Giardina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, Box 62, New York, NY, United States
| | - Elena Valdambrini
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, Box 62, New York, NY, United States
| | - J David Warren
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, Box 63, New York, NY, 10065, United States
| | - Francis Barany
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, Box 62, New York, NY, United States
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50
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Shorstova T, Foulkes WD, Witcher M. Achieving clinical success with BET inhibitors as anti-cancer agents. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:1478-1490. [PMID: 33723398 PMCID: PMC8076232 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01321-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcriptional upregulation of oncogenes is a driving force behind the progression of many tumours. However, until a decade ago, the concept of 'switching off' these oncogenic pathways represented a formidable challenge. Research has revealed that members of the bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) motif family are key activators of oncogenic networks in a spectrum of cancers; their function depends on their recruitment to chromatin through two bromodomains (BD1 and BD2). The advent of potent inhibitors of BET proteins (BETi), which target either one or both bromodomains, represents an important step towards the goal of suppressing oncogenic networks within tumours. Here, we discuss the biology of BET proteins, advances in BETi design and highlight potential biomarkers predicting their activity. We also outline the logic of incorporating BETi into combination therapies to enhance its efficacy. We suggest that understanding mechanisms of activity, defining predictive biomarkers and identifying potent synergies represents a roadmap for clinical success using BETi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Shorstova
- grid.414980.00000 0000 9401 2774Departments of Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - William D. Foulkes
- grid.414980.00000 0000 9401 2774Departments of Oncology and Human Genetics, McGill University, Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Michael Witcher
- grid.414980.00000 0000 9401 2774Departments of Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC Canada
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