1
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Ying S, Chi H, Wu X, Zeng P, Chen J, Fu T, Fu W, Zhang P, Tan W. Selective and Orally Bioavailable c-Met PROTACs for the Treatment of c-Met-Addicted Cancer. J Med Chem 2024; 67:17053-17069. [PMID: 39348183 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
c-Met is an attractive therapeutic target in multiple tumors. Previous studies have discovered some effective proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) able to degrade c-Met; however, the structure-activity relationship (SAR), degradation selectivity, and pharmacokinetic profiles of c-Met PROTACs have, to date, remained largely unknown. Herein, through extensive SAR studies on various warheads, linkers, and E3 ligase ligands, a novel potent c-Met PROTAC Met-DD4 was identified. Our results suggested that Met-DD4 could induce robust c-Met degradation with excellent selectivity (DC50 = 6.21 nM), substantially killing the c-Met-addicted cancer cells (IC50 = 4.37 nM). Furthermore, in vivo studies showed that Met-DD4 could achieve excellent oral bioavailability and c-Met degradation, strongly retarding tumor growth with minute organ toxicity. Overall, this study reveals that targeted degradation of c-Met is a promising strategy for the treatment of c-Met-addicted cancers and provides novel lead compounds for the clinical translation of c-Met PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilong Ying
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Hongli Chi
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Pingping Zeng
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Jinling Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Ting Fu
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Weitao Fu
- Insitute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Penghui Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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2
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Venkatesan J, Murugan D, Lakshminarayanan K, Smith AR, Vasanthakumari Thirumalaiswamy H, Kandhasamy H, Zender B, Zheng G, Rangasamy L. Powering up targeted protein degradation through active and passive tumour-targeting strategies: Current and future scopes. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 263:108725. [PMID: 39322067 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 08/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has emerged as a prominent and vital strategy for therapeutic intervention of cancers and other diseases. One such approach involves the exploration of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for the selective elimination of disease-causing proteins through the innate ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Due to the unprecedented achievements of various PROTAC molecules in clinical trials, researchers have moved towards other physiological protein degradation approaches for the targeted degradation of abnormal proteins, including lysosome-targeting chimeras (LYTACs), autophagy-targeting chimeras (AUTACs), autophagosome-tethering compounds (ATTECs), molecular glue degraders, and other derivatives for their precise mode of action. Despite numerous advantages, these molecules face challenges in solubility, permeability, bioavailability, and potential off-target or on-target off-tissue effects. Thus, an urgent need arises to direct the action of these degrader molecules specifically against cancer cells, leaving the proteins of non-cancerous cells intact. Recent advancements in TPD have led to innovative delivery methods that ensure the degraders are delivered in a cell- or tissue-specific manner to achieve cell/tissue-selective degradation of target proteins. Such receptor-specific active delivery or nano-based passive delivery of the PROTACs could be achieved by conjugating them with targeting ligands (antibodies, aptamers, peptides, or small molecule ligands) or nano-based carriers. These techniques help to achieve precise delivery of PROTAC payloads to the target sites. Notably, the successful entry of a Degrader Antibody Conjugate (DAC), ORM-5029, into a phase 1 clinical trial underscores the therapeutic potential of these conjugates, including LYTAC-antibody conjugates (LACs) and aptamer-based targeted protein degraders. Further, using bispecific antibody-based degraders (AbTACs) and delivering the PROTAC pre-fused with E3 ligases provides a solution for cell type-specific protein degradation. Here, we highlighted the current advancements and challenges associated with developing new tumour-specific protein degrader approaches and summarized their potential as single agents or combination therapeutics for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janarthanan Venkatesan
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences (SAS), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India; Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics (CBCMT), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Dhanashree Murugan
- Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics (CBCMT), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India; School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Kalaiarasu Lakshminarayanan
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences (SAS), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India; Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics (CBCMT), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Alexis R Smith
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Harashkumar Vasanthakumari Thirumalaiswamy
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences (SAS), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India; Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics (CBCMT), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Hariprasath Kandhasamy
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences (SAS), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Boutheina Zender
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul 34353, Turkey
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Loganathan Rangasamy
- Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics (CBCMT), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India.
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3
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Zhou H, Hu M, Jie H, Li Y, Tang K, Pan L, Liu C, Liu Z, Chen W, Chen Y, Luo Y, Gong Y, Xie Y. Discovery of orally bioavailable ALK PROTACs based ceritinib against ALK positive cancers. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 279:116827. [PMID: 39288596 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion genes promote a variety of human malignancies. Although several ALK inhibitors have significantly improved disease prognosis in patients with ALK positive cancers, the persistent emergence of acquired drug-resistant mutations remain the major problem in clinic treatment. Adoption of new therapeutic strategies such as proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) to overcome drug resistance in BTK/AR-related cancers have shown promising prospect. Herein, we reported the integrate ALK PROTACs through overall optimization of linker, revealed that subtle structural differences can lead to significant activity difference, indicating the key role of conformation of PROTACs in inducing the formation of E3-PROTAC-target protein ternary complexes. A series of rigid ALK PROTACs were developed through conjugation of Ceritinib and thalidomide, orally bioavailable PROTAC 4B (F = 14.22 %) was obtained by overall optimization of molecular properties. 4B effectively induced long lasting degradation of ALK fusion proteins and strong repression of downstream pathway in Karpas 299 cells (DC50 = 119.33 nM, Dmax = 97.1 %) and showed comparable anti-proliferative activity to Ceritinib (IC50 = 3.11 ± 0.08 nM vs IC50 = 1.31 ± 0.43 nM). Furthermore, 4B significantly inhibited the growth of Karpas 299 xenografts in vivo with TGI of 49.5 % and showed superior anti-proliferative activity against G1202R mutation to Ceritinib (IC50 = 52.82 nM vs IC50 = 109.5 nM). Overall, 4B is expected to be a potential treatment for ALK-driven malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxuan Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Nuclear Medicine Research Lab, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Mingxing Hu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Nuclear Medicine Research Lab, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hui Jie
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Institute of Thoracic Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yujue Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Kexin Tang
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, 30322, USA
| | - LiLi Pan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Nuclear Medicine Research Lab, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chengyali Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Nuclear Medicine Research Lab, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zi Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Nuclear Medicine Research Lab, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Nuclear Medicine Research Lab, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuanwei Chen
- Hinova Pharmaceuticals Inc., Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Orthopedics and Orthopaedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Youling Gong
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yongmei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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4
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Agarwal P, Reid DL, Amiji M. CNS delivery of targeted protein degraders. J Control Release 2024; 372:661-673. [PMID: 38936742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Heterobifunctional small molecule degraders are a subset of targeted protein degraders (TPDs), consisting of two ligands joined by a linker to induce proteasomal degradation of a target protein. As compared to traditional small molecules these compounds generally demonstrate inflated physicochemical properties, which may require innovative formulation strategies to enable their delivery and exert pharmacodynamic effect. The blood brain barrier (BBB) serves an essential function in human physiology, but its presence requires advanced approaches for treating central nervous system (CNS) diseases. By integrating emerging modalities like TPDs with conventional concepts of drug delivery, novel strategies to overcome the BBB can be developed. Amongst the available routes, lipid and polymer-based long-acting delivery seems to be the most amenable to TPDs, due to their ability to encapsulate lipophilic cargo and potential to be functionalized for targeted delivery. Another key consideration will be understanding E3 ligase expression in the different regions of the brain. Discovery of new brain or CNS disease specific E3 ligases could help overcome some of the barriers currently associated with CNS delivery of TPDs. This review discusses the current strategies that exist to overcome and improve therapeutic delivery of TPDs to the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Agarwal
- Drug Product Technologies, Process Development, Amgen, Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, United States of America; Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America
| | - Darren L Reid
- Drug Product Technologies, Process Development, Amgen, Inc., 360 Binney St, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States of America
| | - Mansoor Amiji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America; Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America.
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5
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Fan L, Tong W, Wei A, Mu X. Progress of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) delivery system in tumor treatment. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 275:133680. [PMID: 38971291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) can use the intrinsic protein degradation system in cells to degrade pathogenic target proteins, and are currently a revolutionary frontier of development strategy for tumor treatment with small molecules. However, the poor water solubility, low cellular permeability, and off-target side effects of most PROTACs have prevented them from passing the preclinical research stage of drug development. This requires the use of appropriate delivery systems to overcome these challenging hurdles and ensure precise delivery of PROTACs towards the tumor site. Therefore, the combination of PROTACs and multifunctional delivery systems will open up new research directions for targeted degradation of tumor proteins. In this review, we systematically reviewed the design principles and the most recent advances of various PROTACs delivery systems. Moreover, the constructive strategies for developing multifunctional PROTACs delivery systems were proposed comprehensively. This review aims to deepen the understanding of PROTACs drugs and promote the further development of PROTACs delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianlian Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Weifang Tong
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Anhui Wei
- Jilin University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xupeng Mu
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China.
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6
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Wang S, Feng Z, Qu C, Yu S, Zhang H, Deng R, Luo D, Pu C, Zhang Y, Li R. Novel Amphiphilic PROTAC with Enhanced Pharmacokinetic Properties for ALK Protein Degradation. J Med Chem 2024; 67:9842-9856. [PMID: 38839424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in anticancer strategies spotlight proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, yet it is hindered by poor water solubility and bioavailability. This study introduces a novel amphiphilic PROTAC, B1-PEG, synthesized through PEGylation of an optimized PROTAC molecule, B1, to enhance its properties. B1-PEG is engineered to self-organize into micelles in water and releases its active form in response to the tumor-specific high GSH environment. Comparative pharmacokinetic analysis revealed B1-PEG's superior bioavailability at 84.8%, outperforming the unmodified PROTAC molecule B1. When tested in a H3122 xenograft mouse model, B1-PEG significantly regressed tumors, underscoring its potential as a formidable candidate in targeted cancer therapy. Our findings offer a promising direction for overcoming bioavailability limitations in PROTAC drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirui Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhanzhan Feng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Can Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Su Yu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hongjia Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rui Deng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Chunlan Pu
- Medical Research Center, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Lung Cancer Center/Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Scardaci R, Berlinska E, Scaparone P, Vietti Michelina S, Garbo E, Novello S, Santamaria D, Ambrogio C. Novel RAF-directed approaches to overcome current clinical limits and block the RAS/RAF node. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:1355-1377. [PMID: 38362705 PMCID: PMC11161739 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13605] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway are frequent alterations in cancer and RASopathies, and while RAS oncogene activation alone affects 19% of all patients and accounts for approximately 3.4 million new cases every year, less frequent alterations in the cascade's downstream effectors are also involved in cancer etiology. RAS proteins initiate the signaling cascade by promoting the dimerization of RAF kinases, which can act as oncoproteins as well: BRAFV600E is the most common oncogenic driver, mutated in the 8% of all malignancies. Research in this field led to the development of drugs that target the BRAFV600-like mutations (Class I), which are now utilized in clinics, but cause paradoxical activation of the pathway and resistance development. Furthermore, they are ineffective against non-BRAFV600E malignancies that dimerize and could be either RTK/RAS independent or dependent (Class II and III, respectively), which are still lacking an effective treatment. This review discusses the recent advances in anti-RAF therapies, including paradox breakers, dimer-inhibitors, immunotherapies, and other novel approaches, critically evaluating their efficacy in overcoming the therapeutic limitations, and their putative role in blocking the RAS pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Scardaci
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology CenterUniversity of TorinoItaly
| | - Ewa Berlinska
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology CenterUniversity of TorinoItaly
| | - Pietro Scaparone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology CenterUniversity of TorinoItaly
| | - Sandra Vietti Michelina
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology CenterUniversity of TorinoItaly
| | - Edoardo Garbo
- Department of OncologyUniversity of Torino, San Luigi HospitalOrbassanoItaly
| | - Silvia Novello
- Department of OncologyUniversity of Torino, San Luigi HospitalOrbassanoItaly
| | - David Santamaria
- Centro de Investigación del CáncerCSIC‐Universidad de SalamancaSpain
| | - Chiara Ambrogio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology CenterUniversity of TorinoItaly
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8
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Poei D, Ali S, Ye S, Hsu R. ALK inhibitors in cancer: mechanisms of resistance and therapeutic management strategies. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:20. [PMID: 38835344 PMCID: PMC11149099 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2024.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements have been identified as potent oncogenic drivers in several malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The discovery of ALK inhibition using a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) has dramatically improved the outcomes of patients with ALK-mutated NSCLC. However, the emergence of intrinsic and acquired resistance inevitably occurs with ALK TKI use. This review describes the molecular mechanisms of ALK TKI resistance and discusses management strategies to overcome therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darin Poei
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Sana Ali
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Shirley Ye
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Robert Hsu
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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9
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Yokoo H, Tsuji G, Inoue T, Naito M, Demizu Y, Ohoka N. Expansion of targeted degradation by Gilteritinib-Warheaded PROTACs to ALK fusion proteins. Bioorg Chem 2024; 145:107204. [PMID: 38377822 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) induce the ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of targeted proteins. Numerous PROTACs have emerged as promising drug candidates for various disease-related proteins. This study investigates PROTACs targeted to degrade anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion proteins, which are implicated in diseases such as anaplastic large cell lymphoma and non-small cell lung cancer. We recently reported the development of a gilteritinib-warheaded PROTAC to target and degrade the Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) protein. Gilteritinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets FLT3, and recent studies have revealed that it also functions as an ALK inhibitor. We conducted a structure-activity relationship (SAR) study and expanded the range of target proteins for gilteritinib-warheaded PROTACs to include echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-ALK and nucleophosmin (NPM)-ALK, in addition to FLT3. Our SAR study utilized three types of ligands for E3 ligase- inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP), cereblon (CRBN), and von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)- in the PROTAC designs and we observed varied efficacy in the degradation of target proteins. The CRBN-based PROTAC effectively reduced the protein expression of FLT3, EML4-ALK, and NPM-ALK. The IAP-based PROTAC reduced expression of both FLT3 and EML4-ALK proteins but not that of NPM-ALK, while the VHL-based PROTAC was ineffective against all target proteins. Several ALK-targeted PROTACs have already been developed using CRBN or VHL as E3 ligase, but this is the first report of an IAP-based ALK degrader. The length of the linker structure utilized in PROTAC also had a significant effect on their efficacy and activity. PROTACs formed with shorter linkers demonstrated an enhanced degradation activity to target proteins compared with those formed with longer linkers. These findings provide valuable insight for the development of effective PROTACs to target and degrade ALK fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetomo Yokoo
- National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-9501, Japan
| | - Genichiro Tsuji
- National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-9501, Japan
| | - Takao Inoue
- National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-9501, Japan
| | - Mikihiko Naito
- Laboratory of Targeted Protein Degradation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 110-0033, Japan
| | - Yosuke Demizu
- National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-9501, Japan; Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29 Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan; Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Science of Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kita 700-8530, Japan
| | - Nobumichi Ohoka
- National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-9501, Japan.
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10
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Bai M, Gallen E, Memarzadeh S, Howie J, Gao X, Kuo CWS, Brown E, Swingler S, Wilson SJ, Shattock MJ, France DJ, Fuller W. Targeted degradation of zDHHC-PATs decreases substrate S-palmitoylation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299665. [PMID: 38512906 PMCID: PMC10956751 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Reversible S-palmitoylation of protein cysteines, catalysed by a family of integral membrane zDHHC-motif containing palmitoyl acyl transferases (zDHHC-PATs), controls the localisation, activity, and interactions of numerous integral and peripheral membrane proteins. There are compelling reasons to want to inhibit the activity of individual zDHHC-PATs in both the laboratory and the clinic, but the specificity of existing tools is poor. Given the extensive conservation of the zDHHC-PAT active site, development of isoform-specific competitive inhibitors is highly challenging. We therefore hypothesised that proteolysis-targeting chimaeras (PROTACs) may offer greater specificity to target this class of enzymes. In proof-of-principle experiments we engineered cell lines expressing tetracycline-inducible Halo-tagged zDHHC5 or zDHHC20, and evaluated the impact of Halo-PROTACs on zDHHC-PAT expression and substrate palmitoylation. In HEK-derived FT-293 cells, Halo-zDHHC5 degradation significantly decreased palmitoylation of its substrate phospholemman, and Halo-zDHHC20 degradation significantly diminished palmitoylation of its substrate IFITM3, but not of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. In contrast, in a second kidney derived cell line, Vero E6, Halo-zDHHC20 degradation did not alter palmitoylation of either IFITM3 or SARS-CoV-2 spike. We conclude from these experiments that PROTAC-mediated targeting of zDHHC-PATs to decrease substrate palmitoylation is feasible. However, given the well-established degeneracy in the zDHHC-PAT family, in some settings the activity of non-targeted zDHHC-PATs may substitute and preserve substrate palmitoylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Bai
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Gallen
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Memarzadeh
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline Howie
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Xing Gao
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Chien-Wen S. Kuo
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Brown
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Swingler
- Medical Research Council–University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sam J. Wilson
- Medical Research Council–University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J. Shattock
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J. France
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - William Fuller
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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11
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Liang X, Ren H, Han F, Liang R, Zhao J, Liu H. The new direction of drug development: Degradation of undruggable targets through targeting chimera technology. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:632-685. [PMID: 37983964 DOI: 10.1002/med.21992] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Imbalances in protein and noncoding RNA levels in vivo lead to the occurrence of many diseases. In addition to the use of small molecule inhibitors and agonists to restore these imbalances, recently emerged targeted degradation technologies provide a new direction for disease treatment. Targeted degradation technology directly degrades target proteins or RNA by utilizing the inherent degradation pathways, thereby eliminating the functions of pathogenic proteins (or RNA) to treat diseases. Compared with traditional therapies, targeted degradation technology which avoids the principle of traditional inhibitor occupation drive, has higher efficiency and selectivity, and widely expands the range of drug targets. It is one of the most promising and hottest areas for future drug development. Herein, we systematically introduced the in vivo degradation systems applied to degrader design: ubiquitin-proteasome system, lysosomal degradation system, and RNA degradation system. We summarized the development progress, structural characteristics, and limitations of novel chimeric design technologies based on different degradation systems. In addition, due to the lack of clear ligand-binding pockets, about 80% of disease-associated proteins cannot be effectively intervened with through traditional therapies. We deeply elucidated how to use targeted degradation technology to discover and design molecules for representative undruggable targets including transcription factors, small GTPases, and phosphatases. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of targeted degradation technology-related research advances and a new guidance for the chimeric design of undruggable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewu Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hairu Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengyang Han
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Renwen Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayan Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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12
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Li X, Wang Z, Chen C, Yang F, Liu P, Fang S, Wang B, Chen S, Li X. A small-molecule degrader selectively inhibits the growth of ALK-rearranged lung cancer with ceritinib resistance. iScience 2024; 27:109015. [PMID: 38327793 PMCID: PMC10847737 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109015] [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] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a highly responsive therapeutic target for ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, patients with this cancer invariably relapse because of the development of ALK inhibitor resistance resulting from mutations within the ALK tyrosine kinase domain. Herein, we report the discovery of dEALK1, a small-molecule degrader of EML4-ALK fusion proteins, with capability of overcoming resistance to ALK inhibitor ceritinib. dEALK1 induces rapid and selective degradation of wild-type (WT) EML4-ALK and mutated EML4-ALKs acquiring resistance to ceritinib, leading to inhibition of cell proliferation and increase of apoptosis in NSCLC cells expressing WT EML4-ALK or ceritinib-resistant EML4-ALK mutants in vitro. Furthermore, dEALK1 also exerts a potent antitumor activity against EML4-ALK-positive xenograft tumors without or with harboring ceritinib-resistant EML4-ALK mutations in vivo. Our study suggests that dEALK1-induced degradation of EML4-ALK fusion proteins is a promising therapeutic strategy for treatment of ALK-rearranged lung cancer with ceritinib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zixiong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shu Fang
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shi Chen
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Xinjian Li
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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13
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Nguyen TM, Sreekanth V, Deb A, Kokkonda P, Tiwari PK, Donovan KA, Shoba V, Chaudhary SK, Mercer JAM, Lai S, Sadagopan A, Jan M, Fischer ES, Liu DR, Ebert BL, Choudhary A. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras with reduced off-targets. Nat Chem 2024; 16:218-228. [PMID: 38110475 PMCID: PMC10913580 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01379-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are molecules that induce proximity between target proteins and E3 ligases triggering target protein degradation. Pomalidomide, a widely used E3 ligase recruiter in PROTACs, can independently degrade other proteins, including zinc-finger (ZF) proteins, with vital roles in health and disease. This off-target degradation hampers the therapeutic applicability of pomalidomide-based PROTACs, requiring development of PROTAC design rules that minimize off-target degradation. Here we developed a high-throughput platform that interrogates off-target degradation and found that reported pomalidomide-based PROTACs induce degradation of several ZF proteins. We generated a library of pomalidomide analogues to understand how functionalizing different positions of the phthalimide ring, hydrogen bonding, and steric and hydrophobic effects impact ZF protein degradation. Modifications of appropriate size on the C5 position reduced off-target ZF degradation, which we validated through target engagement and proteomics studies. By applying these design principles, we developed anaplastic lymphoma kinase oncoprotein-targeting PROTACs with enhanced potency and minimal off-target degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan M Nguyen
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vedagopuram Sreekanth
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arghya Deb
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Praveen Kokkonda
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Praveen K Tiwari
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine A Donovan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Veronika Shoba
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Santosh K Chaudhary
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jaron A M Mercer
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sophia Lai
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ananthan Sadagopan
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Max Jan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric S Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin L Ebert
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amit Choudhary
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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14
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Dai XJ, Ji SK, Fu MJ, Liu GZ, Liu HM, Wang SP, Shen L, Wang N, Herdewijn P, Zheng YC, Wang SQ, Chen XB. Degraders in epigenetic therapy: PROTACs and beyond. Theranostics 2024; 14:1464-1499. [PMID: 38389844 PMCID: PMC10879860 DOI: 10.7150/thno.92526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to the reversible process through which changes in gene expression occur without changing the nucleotide sequence of DNA. The process is currently gaining prominence as a pivotal objective in the treatment of cancers and other ailments. Numerous drugs that target epigenetic mechanisms have obtained approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the therapeutic intervention of diverse diseases; many have drawbacks, such as limited applicability, toxicity, and resistance. Since the discovery of the first proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) in 2001, studies on targeted protein degradation (TPD)-encompassing PROTACs, molecular glue (MG), hydrophobic tagging (HyT), degradation TAG (dTAG), Trim-Away, a specific and non-genetic inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP)-dependent protein eraser (SNIPER), antibody-PROTACs (Ab-PROTACs), and other lysosome-based strategies-have achieved remarkable progress. In this review, we comprehensively highlight the small-molecule degraders beyond PROTACs that could achieve the degradation of epigenetic proteins (including bromodomain-containing protein-related targets, histone acetylation/deacetylation-related targets, histone methylation/demethylation related targets, and other epigenetic targets) via proteasomal or lysosomal pathways. The present difficulties and forthcoming prospects in this domain are also deliberated upon, which may be valuable for medicinal chemists when developing more potent, selective, and drug-like epigenetic drugs for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Jie Dai
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shi-Kun Ji
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Meng-Jie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gao-Zhi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui-Min Liu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shao-Peng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liang Shen
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ning Wang
- The School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- XNA platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49-Box 1041, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yi-Chao Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- XNA platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sai-Qi Wang
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer & Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Chen
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer & Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
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15
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Hofmann N, Harms M, Mäder K. ASDs of PROTACs: Spray-dried solid dispersions as enabling formulations. Int J Pharm 2024; 650:123725. [PMID: 38113976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are a promising class of pharmaceutical agents with a unique mode of action. PROTACs enable the targeting of a broad variety of structures including transcription factors and other "undruggable" targets. The poor solubility and slow dissolution of PROTACs currently limit the extensive use of their potential. Up to date, only very limited drug delivery options have been examined to address this challenge. Therefore, we explored the potential of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) by spray drying a model PROTAC with different polymers. The resulting formulations were assessed in terms of purity, solid state, dissolution performance, and stability. A strong increase in supersaturation compared to the physical mixture was provided, although in both systems the PROTAC molecule itself was already in the amorphous state. Evaluation of the reasons for the superiority of the ASD formulations revealed that the major factor was the homogeneous, molecular distribution of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in the polymer matrix, as well as improved wettability of the formulation containing Soluplus compared to the physical mixture. The manufactured formulations were stable over a minimum of 8 weeks when protected from light and humidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Hofmann
- Global Drug Product Development, Orals Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty I of Natural Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Strasse 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Meike Harms
- Global Drug Product Development, Orals Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Karsten Mäder
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty I of Natural Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Strasse 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
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16
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Chen S, Cui J, Chen H, Yu B, Long S. Recent progress in degradation of membrane proteins by PROTACs and alternative targeted protein degradation techniques. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 262:115911. [PMID: 37924709 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is one of the key strategies of current targeted cancer therapy, and it can eliminate some of the root causes of cancer, and effectively avoid drug resistance caused by traditional drugs. Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) is a hot branch of the TPD strategy, and it has been shown to induce the degradation of target proteins by activating the inherent ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in tumor cells. PROTACs have been developed for more than two decades, and some of them have been clinically evaluated. Although most of the proteins degraded by PROTACs are intracellular, degradation of some typical membrane proteins has also been reported, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In addition, some other effective membrane protein-degrading strategies have also emerged, such as antibody-based PROTAC (AbTAC), lysosome targeting chimera (LYTAC), molecular glue, and nanoparticle-based PROTAC (Nano-PROTAC). Herein, we discussed the advantages, disadvantages and potential applications of several important membrane protein degradation techniques. These techniques that we have summarized are insightful in paving the way for future development of more general strategies for membrane protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Chen
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor and Green Chemical Technology, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Advanced Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, 206 1st Rd Optics Valley, East Lake New Technology Development District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430205, China
| | - Jingliang Cui
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor and Green Chemical Technology, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Advanced Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, 206 1st Rd Optics Valley, East Lake New Technology Development District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430205, China
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor and Green Chemical Technology, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Advanced Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, 206 1st Rd Optics Valley, East Lake New Technology Development District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430205, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Tongji Hospital, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Sihui Long
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor and Green Chemical Technology, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Advanced Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, 206 1st Rd Optics Valley, East Lake New Technology Development District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430205, China.
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17
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Chen X, Zhou Y, Zhao Y, Tang W. Targeted degradation of extracellular secreted and membrane proteins. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:762-775. [PMID: 37758536 PMCID: PMC10591793 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) involving chimeric molecules has emerged as one of the most promising therapeutic modalities in recent years. Among various reported TPD strategies, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) stand out as a significant breakthrough in small-molecule drug discovery and have garnered the most attention to date. However, PROTACs are mainly capable of depleting intracellular proteins. Given that many important therapeutic targets such as cytokines, growth factors, and numerous receptors are membrane proteins or secreted extracellularly, there is interest in the development of novel strategies to degrade these protein categories. We review advances in this emerging area and provide insights to enhance the development of novel TPDs targeting extracellular proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuankun Chen
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Yaxian Zhou
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Yuan Zhao
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Weiping Tang
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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18
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Gao H, Zhang JY, Zhao LJ, Guo YY. Synthesis and clinical application of small-molecule inhibitors and PROTACs of anaplastic lymphoma kinase. Bioorg Chem 2023; 140:106807. [PMID: 37651895 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacological interventions that specifically target protein products of oncogenes in tumors have surfaced as a propitious therapeutic approach. Among infrequent genetic alterations, rearrangements of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene, typically involving a chromosome 2 inversion that culminates in a fusion with the echinoderm microtubule-associated protein like 4 (EML4), lead to anomalous expression and activation of ALK. The inhibition of autophosphorylation and subsequent blockade of signal transduction by ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has been observed to elicit anti-tumor effects. Currently, four generations of ALK-positive targeted drugs have been investigated, providing a promising outlook for patients. The aim of this review is to furnish a comprehensive survey of the synthesis and clinical application of prototypical small-molecule ALK inhibitors in both preclinical and clinical phases, offering guidance for further development of ALK inhibitors for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Gao
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jing-Yi Zhang
- The Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou Normal University 450044, China.
| | - Li-Jie Zhao
- The Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
| | - Yuan-Yuan Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
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19
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Wu R, Lim MS. Updates in pathobiological aspects of anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1241532. [PMID: 37810974 PMCID: PMC10556522 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1241532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL) encompass several distinct subtypes of mature T-cell neoplasms that are unified by the expression of CD30 and anaplastic cytomorphology. Identification of the cytogenetic abnormality t(2;5)(p23;q35) led to the subclassification of ALCLs into ALK+ ALCL and ALK- ALCL. According to the most recent World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours as well as the International Consensus Classification (ICC) of Mature Lymphoid Neoplasms, ALCLs encompass ALK+ ALCL, ALK- ALCL, and breast implant-associated ALCL (BI-ALCL). Approximately 80% of systemic ALCLs harbor rearrangement of ALK, with NPM1 being the most common partner gene, although many other fusion partner genes have been identified to date. ALK- ALCLs represent a heterogeneous group of lymphomas with distinct clinical, immunophenotypic, and genetic features. A subset harbor recurrent rearrangement of genes, including TYK2, DUSP22, and TP63, with a proportion for which genetic aberrations have yet to be characterized. Although primary cutaneous ALCL (pc-ALCL) is currently classified as a subtype of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, due to the large anaplastic and pleomorphic morphology together with CD30 expression in the malignant cells, this review also discusses the pathobiological features of this disease entity. Genomic and proteomic studies have contributed significant knowledge elucidating novel signaling pathways that are implicated in ALCL pathogenesis and represent candidate targets of therapeutic interventions. This review aims to offer perspectives on recent insights regarding the pathobiological and genetic features of ALCL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan S. Lim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
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Yang L, Tu W, Huang L, Miao B, Kaneshige A, Jiang W, Leng L, Wang M, Wen B, Sun D, Wang S. Discovery of SMD-3040 as a Potent and Selective SMARCA2 PROTAC Degrader with Strong in vivo Antitumor Activity. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10761-10781. [PMID: 37523716 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
SMARCA2 is an attractive synthetic lethality target for human cancers with SMARCA4 deficiency. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of selective SMARCA2 protein degraders developed using the proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology. Our efforts have led to the discovery of a series of potent and selective SMARCA2 degraders, exemplified by SMD-3040. SMD-3040 degrades SMARCA2 protein with a low nanomolar DC50 and Dmax > 90% and demonstrates an excellent degradation selectivity for SMARCA2 protein over SMARCA4 protein. It displays potent cell growth inhibitory activity in a panel of SMARCA4-deficient cancer cell lines and has much weaker activity in SMARCA4 wild-type cancer cell lines. SMD-3040 achieves strong tumor growth inhibition in two SMARCA4-deficient xenograft models at well-tolerated dose schedules. Further optimization of SMD-3040 may lead to the discovery of new therapies for the treatment of human cancers with SMARCA4 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Wenbin Tu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Liyue Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bukeyan Miao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Atsunori Kaneshige
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Lingying Leng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Meilin Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bo Wen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Duxin Sun
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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21
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Gao J, Yang L, Lei S, Zhou F, Nie H, Peng B, Xu T, Chen X, Yang X, Sheng C, Rao Y, Pu K, Jin J, Xu Z, Yu H. Stimuli-activatable PROTACs for precise protein degradation and cancer therapy. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2023; 68:1069-1085. [PMID: 37169612 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) approach has attracted extensive attention in the past decade, which represents an emerging therapeutic modality with the potential to tackle disease-causing proteins that are historically challengeable for conventional small molecular inhibitors. PROTAC harnesses the endogenic E3 ubiquitin ligase to degrade protein of interest (POI) via ubiquitin-proteasome system in a cycle-catalytic manner. The event-driven pharmacology of PROTAC is poised to pursue those targets that are conventionally undruggable, which enormously extends the space of drug development. Furthermore, PROTAC has the potential to address drug resistance of small molecular inhibitors by degrading the whole POI. Nevertheless, PROTACs display high-efficiency and always-on properties to degrade POI, they may cause severe side effects due to an "on-target but off-tissue" protein degradation profile at the undesirable tissues and cells. Given that, the stimuli-activatable PROTAC prodrugs have been recently exploited to confine precise protein degradation of the favorable targets, which may conquer the adverse effects of PROTAC due to uncontrollable protein degradation. Herein, we summarized the cutting-edge advances of the stimuli-activatable PROTAC prodrugs. We also overviewed the progress of PROTAC prodrug-based nanomedicine to improve PROTAC delivery to the tumors and precise POI degradation in the targeted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Gao
- Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shumin Lei
- Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Huijun Nie
- Center of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Information Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tianfeng Xu
- Center of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- Center of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Xiaobao Yang
- Gluetacs Therapeutics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yu Rao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Kanyi Pu
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York NY 10029, USA
| | - Zhiai Xu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Haijun Yu
- Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
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22
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Li Q, Zhou L, Qin S, Huang Z, Li B, Liu R, Yang M, Nice EC, Zhu H, Huang C. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras in biotherapeutics: Current trends and future applications. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115447. [PMID: 37229829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The success of inhibitor-based therapeutics is largely constrained by the acquisition of therapeutic resistance, which is partially driven by the undruggable proteome. The emergence of proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, designed for degrading proteins involved in specific biological processes, might provide a novel framework for solving the above constraint. A heterobifunctional PROTAC molecule could structurally connect an E3 ubiquitin ligase ligand with a protein of interest (POI)-binding ligand by chemical linkers. Such technology would result in the degradation of the targeted protein via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), opening up a novel way of selectively inhibiting undruggable proteins. Herein, we will highlight the advantages of PROTAC technology and summarize the current understanding of the potential mechanisms involved in biotherapeutics, with a particular focus on its application and development where therapeutic benefits over classical small-molecule inhibitors have been achieved. Finally, we discuss how this technology can contribute to developing biotherapeutic drugs, such as antivirals against infectious diseases, for use in clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Zhao Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Bowen Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Ruolan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Mei Yang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Huili Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China.
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23
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Si R, Hai P, Zheng Y, Liu N, Wang J, Zhang Q, Li Y, Pan X, Zhang J. Discovery of novel PROTACs based on multi-targeted angiogenesis inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 87:129275. [PMID: 37030566 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
Anti-angiogenesis has been proved to be an effective strategy for the treatment of tumors. Anti-angiogenic drugs had achieved certain therapeutic effects. However, drug resistance also gradually emerged and limited the application of angiogenesis inhibitors. Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are bifunctional molecules capable of degrading proteins through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Compared with traditional inhibitors, they displayed advantages of less dosage, lower toxicity and less resistance. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of novel PROTACs based on our recently reported multi-targeted angiogenesis inhibitor S5. Preliminary biological evaluation of title PROTACs was carried out in various cell lines. The results indicated that these novel bifunctional PROTACs displayed potential in degrading BRAF protein. Their degradation mechanism showed that the degradation of BRAF by PROTAC-1 was dependent on binding to target proteins and E3 ubiquitin ligase. Our findings provided further evidence that these novel PROTACs could be considered in further application in overcome of clinical resistance of traditional angiogenesis inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Si
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Ping Hai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese and Tibetan Medicine, Qinghai Provincial Drug Inspection and Testing Institute, Xining 810016, China
| | - Yongbiao Zheng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese and Tibetan Medicine, Qinghai Provincial Drug Inspection and Testing Institute, Xining 810016, China
| | - Nanxin Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Yanchen Li
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xiaoyan Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
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24
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Gao Y, Jiang B, Kim H, Berberich MJ, Che J, Donovan KA, Hatcher JM, Huerta F, Kwiatkowski NP, Liu Y, Liuni PP, Metivier RJ, Murali VK, Nowak RP, Zhang T, Fischer ES, Gray NS, Jones LH. Catalytic Degraders Effectively Address Kinase Site Mutations in EML4-ALK Oncogenic Fusions. J Med Chem 2023; 66:5524-5535. [PMID: 37036171 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Heterobifunctional degraders, known as proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), theoretically possess a catalytic mode-of-action, yet few studies have either confirmed or exploited this potential advantage of event-driven pharmacology. Degraders of oncogenic EML4-ALK fusions were developed by conjugating ALK inhibitors to cereblon ligands. Simultaneous optimization of pharmacology and compound properties using ternary complex modeling and physicochemical considerations yielded multiple catalytic degraders that were more resilient to clinically relevant ATP-binding site mutations than kinase inhibitor drugs. Our strategy culminated in the design of the orally bioavailable derivative CPD-1224 that avoided hemolysis (a feature of detergent-like PROTACs), degraded the otherwise recalcitrant mutant L1196M/G1202R in vivo, and commensurately slowed tumor growth, while the third generation ALK inhibitor drug lorlatinib had no effect. These results validate our original therapeutic hypothesis by exemplifying opportunities for catalytic degraders to proactively address binding site resistant mutations in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Baishan Jiang
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Hellen Kim
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Matthew J Berberich
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Jianwei Che
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Katherine A Donovan
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - John M Hatcher
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Fidel Huerta
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Nicholas P Kwiatkowski
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Yingpeng Liu
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Peter P Liuni
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Rebecca J Metivier
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Vineeth K Murali
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Radosław P Nowak
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Tinghu Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Eric S Fischer
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Lyn H Jones
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
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25
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Hagopian G, Grant C, Nagasaka M. Proteolysis targeting chimeras in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 117:102561. [PMID: 37178629 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has very poor prognosis in advanced stages. Discovery and application of therapies targeting specific oncogenic driver mutations has greatly improved overall survival. However, targeted therapies are limited in their efficacy due to resistance mutations that may arise with long term use. Proteolysis targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are a promising approach to combating resistance mutations. PROTACs commandeer innate ubiquitination machinery to degrade oncogenic proteins. Here we review the PROTACs that have been developed for targeting common EGFR, KRAS, and ALK mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garo Hagopian
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine Medical Center, Orange CA, United States
| | - Christopher Grant
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine Medical Center, Orange CA, United States
| | - Misako Nagasaka
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine Medical Center, Orange, CA, United States; St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, JAPAN.
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26
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Gong L, Li R, Gong J, Ning X, Sun J, Ma Q, Zhu C, Yang Y, Lin K, Li Y, Zhang Q, Li T, Lin Z. Discovery of a miniaturized PROTAC with potent activity and high selectivity. Bioorg Chem 2023; 136:106556. [PMID: 37105002 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The approved small-molecule inhibitors of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) have shown remarkable efficacy in some subset of cancer patients. However, the numerous ALK mutants or fusion partners are resistant to such drugs, greatly limiting their application in clinic. Despite the drug design strategy of proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) holds great potential to overcome drug resistance in theory, there are obvious disadvantages for the reported PROTACs that include high molecular weight, long linkers, difficult synthesis routes as well as insufficient evidence in activity for diverse ALK mutants. In this study, we designed and synthesized a miniaturized PROTAC of ALK named AP-1 following the principle of minimalist design. Two simple chemical units of ligands and a minimized linker with only two atoms were selected for synthesis of AP-1. At cellular level, AP-1 successfully degraded three types of ALK mutants including NPM-ALK, EML4-ALK and F1174L mutation ALK form with potent activity, high selectivity in ALK-positive cells. In xenograft mouse model, AP-1 showed the stronger antitumor efficacy than ceritinib as well as ALK degraders reported in literatures. AP-1 with an extremely simple PROTAC structure can be served as an effective candidate drug for therapy of various types of ALK-positive cancers. And the design principle of AP-1 has a good guiding significance for overcoming the disadvantages such as excessive molecular weight and poor solubility of PROTAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidong Gong
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Ridong Li
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Jingjing Gong
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Xianling Ning
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Jiawei Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, PR China
| | - Qiang Ma
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Chuanda Zhu
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Yang
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Kerui Lin
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Yanglonghao Li
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Tiancheng Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, PR China.
| | - Zhiqiang Lin
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China.
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27
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Desai A, Lovly CM. Strategies to overcome resistance to ALK inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer: a narrative review. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2023; 12:615-628. [PMID: 37057106 PMCID: PMC10087990 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-22-708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objective Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements are detected in 3-7% of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). There are currently 5 U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for the treatment of patients with ALK-positive lung cancer in the advanced/metastatic disease setting. Despite these advances, most patients with ALK-positive lung cancer who are treated with ALK TKI therapy ultimately experience disease progression due to various mechanisms of drug resistance. In this review, we discuss strategies to address acquired therapeutic resistance to ALK inhibition, novel agents and combinatorial strategies in development for both on and off-target resistance, and some emerging approaches to prolong response to ALK inhibitors. Methods We performed a search of peer-reviewed literature in the English language, conference abstracts, and trial registrations from the MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier), and CENTRAL (Cochrane Library) databases and major international oncology meetings up to August 2022. We then screened for studies describing interventions to overcome ALK resistance based on review of each title and abstract. Key Content and Findings For patients with oligo-progression, treatment may include maintaining the same systemic treatment beyond progression while adding local therapies to progressing lesions. Strategies to combat ALK TKI resistance mediated by on-target resistance mechanisms include 4th generation TKIs (TPX-0131, NVL-655) and proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) currently in development. While for those patients who develop tumor progression due to off-target (ALK independent) resistance, options may include combination therapies targeting ALK and other downstream or parallel pathways, novel antibody drug conjugates, or combinations of ALK inhibitors with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Lastly, other potential strategies being explored in the clinic include circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) surveillance to monitor for molecular mediators of drug resistance prior to frank progression on imaging studies and utilization of ALK TKIs in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings. Conclusions Strategies to overcome resistance to currently available ALK inhibitors are urgently needed. Given the variety of resistance mechanisms, tailormade approaches are required for disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakash Desai
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Christine M. Lovly
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Kelm JM, Pandey DS, Malin E, Kansou H, Arora S, Kumar R, Gavande NS. PROTAC'ing oncoproteins: targeted protein degradation for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:62. [PMID: 36991452 PMCID: PMC10061819 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01707-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecularly targeted cancer therapies substantially improve patient outcomes, although the durability of their effectiveness can be limited. Resistance to these therapies is often related to adaptive changes in the target oncoprotein which reduce binding affinity. The arsenal of targeted cancer therapies, moreover, lacks coverage of several notorious oncoproteins with challenging features for inhibitor development. Degraders are a relatively new therapeutic modality which deplete the target protein by hijacking the cellular protein destruction machinery. Degraders offer several advantages for cancer therapy including resiliency to acquired mutations in the target protein, enhanced selectivity, lower dosing requirements, and the potential to abrogate oncogenic transcription factors and scaffolding proteins. Herein, we review the development of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for selected cancer therapy targets and their reported biological activities. The medicinal chemistry of PROTAC design has been a challenging area of active research, but the recent advances in the field will usher in an era of rational degrader design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy M Kelm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Deepti S Pandey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Evan Malin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Hussein Kansou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Sahil Arora
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Raj Kumar
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Navnath S Gavande
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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Yang YC, Zhao CJ, Jin ZF, Zheng J, Ma LT. Targeted therapy based on ubiquitin-specific proteases, signalling pathways and E3 ligases in non-small-cell lung cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1120828. [PMID: 36969062 PMCID: PMC10036052 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1120828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours worldwide, with the highest mortality rate. Approximately 1.6 million deaths owing to lung cancer are reported annually; of which, 85% of deaths occur owing to non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). At present, the conventional treatment methods for NSCLC include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and surgery. However, drug resistance and tumour invasion or metastasis often lead to treatment failure. The ubiquitin–proteasome pathway (UPP) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of tumours. Upregulation or inhibition of proteins or enzymes involved in UPP can promote or inhibit the occurrence and development of tumours, respectively. As regulators of UPP, ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) primarily inhibit the degradation of target proteins by proteasomes through deubiquitination and hence play a carcinogenic or anticancer role. This review focuses on the role of USPs in the occurrence and development of NSCLC and the potential of corresponding targeted drugs, PROTACs and small-molecule inhibitors in the treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chen Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Can-Jun Zhao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhao-Feng Jin
- School of Psychology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jin Zheng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Li-Tian Ma, ; Jin Zheng,
| | - Li-Tian Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Li-Tian Ma, ; Jin Zheng,
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Cereblon-Recruiting PROTACs: Will New Drugs Have to Face Old Challenges? Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030812. [PMID: 36986673 PMCID: PMC10053963 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The classical low-molecular-weight drugs are designed to bind with high affinity to the biological targets endowed with receptor or enzymatic activity, and inhibit their function. However, there are many non-receptor or non-enzymatic disease proteins that seem undruggable using the traditional drug approach. This limitation has been overcome by PROTACs, bifunctional molecules that are able to bind the protein of interest and the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. This interaction results in the ubiquitination of POI and subsequent proteolysis in the cellular proteasome. Out of hundreds of proteins serving as substrate receptors in E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes, current PROTACs recruit only a few of them, including CRBN, cIAP1, VHL or MDM-2. This review will focus on PROTACs recruiting CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase and targeting various proteins involved in tumorigenesis, such as transcription factors, kinases, cytokines, enzymes, anti-apoptotic proteins and cellular receptors. The structure of several PROTACs, their chemical and pharmacokinetic properties, target affinity and biological activity in vitro and in vivo, will be discussed. We will also highlight cellular mechanisms that may affect the efficacy of PROTACs and pose a challenge for the future development of PROTACs.
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31
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Li JW, Zheng G, Kaye FJ, Wu L. PROTAC therapy as a new targeted therapy for lung cancer. Mol Ther 2023; 31:647-656. [PMID: 36415148 PMCID: PMC10014230 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in molecular therapeutics, lung cancer is still a leading cause of cancer deaths. Currently, limited targeted therapy options and acquired drug resistance present significant barriers in the treatment of patients with lung cancer. New strategies in drug development, including those that take advantage of the intracellular ubiquitin-proteasome system to induce targeted protein degradation, have the potential to advance the field of personalized medicine for patients with lung cancer. Specifically, small molecule proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), consisting of two ligands connected by a linker that bind to a target protein and an E3 ubiquitin ligase, have been developed against many cancer targets, providing promising opportunities for advanced lung cancer. In this review, we focus on the rationale for PROTAC therapy as a new targeted therapy and the current status of PROTAC development in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer W Li
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Frederic J Kaye
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Lizi Wu
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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32
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Schneider JL, Lin JJ, Shaw AT. ALK-positive lung cancer: a moving target. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:330-343. [PMID: 36797503 PMCID: PMC10754274 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00515-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a potent oncogenic driver in lung cancer. ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors yield significant benefit in patients with ALK fusion-positive (ALK+) lung cancers; yet the durability of response is limited by drug resistance. Elucidation of on-target resistance mechanisms has facilitated the development of next-generation ALK inhibitors, but overcoming ALK-independent resistance mechanisms remains a challenge. In this Review, we discuss the molecular underpinnings of acquired resistance to ALK-directed therapy and highlight new treatment approaches aimed at inducing long-term remission in ALK+ disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime L Schneider
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica J Lin
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alice T Shaw
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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33
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Pei J, Xiao Y, Liu X, Hu W, Sobh A, Yuan Y, Zhou S, Hua N, Mackintosh SG, Zhang X, Basso KB, Kamat M, Yang Q, Licht JD, Zheng G, Zhou D, Lv D. Piperlongumine conjugates induce targeted protein degradation. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:203-213.e17. [PMID: 36750097 PMCID: PMC10074544 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are bifunctional molecules that degrade target proteins through recruiting E3 ligases. However, their application is limited in part because few E3 ligases can be recruited by known E3 ligase ligands. In this study, we identified piperlongumine (PL), a natural product, as a covalent E3 ligase recruiter, which induces CDK9 degradation when it is conjugated with SNS-032, a CDK9 inhibitor. The lead conjugate 955 can potently degrade CDK9 in a ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent manner and is much more potent than SNS-032 against various tumor cells in vitro. Mechanistically, we identified KEAP1 as the E3 ligase recruited by 955 to degrade CDK9 through a TurboID-based proteomics study, which was further confirmed by KEAP1 knockout and the nanoBRET ternary complex formation assay. In addition, PL-ceritinib conjugate can degrade EML4-ALK fusion oncoprotein, suggesting that PL may have a broader application as a covalent E3 ligase ligand in targeted protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pei
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Yufeng Xiao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Xingui Liu
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Wanyi Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Amin Sobh
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Florida Health Cancer Center, 2033 Mowry Road, Suite 145, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Yaxia Yuan
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Shuo Zhou
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Nan Hua
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Samuel G Mackintosh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Slot 803, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Kari B Basso
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Manasi Kamat
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Qingping Yang
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jonathan D Licht
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Florida Health Cancer Center, 2033 Mowry Road, Suite 145, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Daohong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology and Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Dongwen Lv
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology and Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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34
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Wang S, Luo D, Pu C, Ma X, Zhang H, Feng Z, Deng R, Yu S, Liu Y, Huang Q, Li R. Discovery of the GSH responsive "Y-PROTACs" targeting ALK and CDK4/6 as a potential treatment for cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 248:115082. [PMID: 36628851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Combination of different molecular target inhibitors is an available method to improve the therapeutic effect on tumors. Herein, to achieve both tumor cell targeting and ALK degradation & CDK4/6 inhibition in one molecule, we designed and synthesized a novel GSH responsive "Y-PROTACs", Y5-3, a highly potent molecule with an IC50 value of 90 nM against H3122 cells, which can be cleaved into ALK PROTAC and CDK4/6 inhibitor moieties in tumor cells. Mechanism studies revealed that Y5-3 exert anti-tumor proliferation activity in vitro not only by ALK degradation and CDK4/6 inhibition, but also by ALK/CDK4 dual degradation. These properties make Y5-3 a GSH responsive multifunctional antitumor agent, and our work provide a new strategy for the development of multifunctional PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Dan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China; Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Chunlan Pu
- Medical Research Center, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Xinyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China; Department of Nanomedicine & Drug Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hongjia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Zhanzhan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Rui Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Su Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Qing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Rui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610031, China.
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35
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Cho N, Naito M. Synthesis of SNIPERs against BCR-ABL with kinase inhibitors and a method to evaluate their growth inhibitory activity derived from BCR-ABL degradation. Methods Enzymol 2023; 681:41-60. [PMID: 36764763 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.09.001] [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: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Specific and nongenetic IAP-dependent Protein Erasers (SNIPERs) are a kind of PROTACs recruiting IAP ubiquitin ligases to induce degradation of target proteins. We have developed a series of SNIPERs against BCR-ABL oncogenic kinases by employing kinase inhibitors as target ligands. Some of these SNIPERs show potent activities to degrade BCR-ABL protein and inhibit CML cell growth. However, since SNIPERs also inhibit kinase activity, it takes some ingenuity to show that degradation of BCR-ABL plays a significant role on growth inhibitory activity. Here we describe protocols for synthesizing SNIPERs against BCR-ABL oncogenic kinase that contain kinase inhibitors as target ligands, and methods for evaluating the growth inhibitory activity against cancer cells, especially focusing on a method to discriminate the significance of protein degradation from that of kinase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuo Cho
- Drug Discovery Chemistry Platform Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Mikihiko Naito
- Social Cooperation Program of Targeted Protein Degradation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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36
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Almeida MC, da Costa PM, Sousa E, Resende DISP. Emerging Target-Directed Approaches for the Treatment and Diagnosis of Microbial Infections. J Med Chem 2023; 66:32-70. [PMID: 36586133 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
With the rising levels of drug resistance, developing efficient antimicrobial therapies has become a priority. A promising strategy is the conjugation of antibiotics with relevant moieties that can potentiate their activity by target-directing. The conjugation of siderophores with antibiotics allows them to act as Trojan horses by hijacking the microorganisms' highly developed iron transport systems and using them to carry the antibiotic into the cell. Through the analysis of relevant examples of the past decade, this Perspective aims to reveal the potential of siderophore-antibiotic Trojan horses for the treatment of infections and the role of siderophores in diagnostic techniques. Other conjugated molecules will be the subject of discussion, namely those involving vitamin B12, carbohydrates, and amino acids, as well as conjugated compounds targeting protein degradation and β-lactamase activated prodrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana C Almeida
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, FFUP - Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.,CIIMAR- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Paulo M da Costa
- CIIMAR- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.,ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Emília Sousa
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, FFUP - Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.,CIIMAR- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Diana I S P Resende
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, FFUP - Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.,CIIMAR- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
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37
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Zhao HY, Xin M, Zhang SQ. Progress of small molecules for targeted protein degradation: PROTACs and other technologies. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:337-394. [PMID: 36606428 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed the rapid development of targeted protein degradation (TPD), especially proteolysis targeting chimeras. These degraders have manifested many advantages over small molecule inhibitors. To date, a huge number of degraders have been excavated against over 70 disease-related targets. In particular, degraders against estrogen receptor and androgen receptor have crowded into phase II clinical trial. TPD technologies largely expand the scope of druggable targets, and provide powerful tools for addressing intractable problems that can not be tackled by traditional small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we mainly focus on the structures and biological activities of small molecule degraders as well as the elucidation of mechanisms of emerging TPD technologies. We also propose the challenges that exist in the TPD field at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yi Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minhang Xin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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38
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Banerjee S, Sharma S, Thakur A, Sachdeva R, Sharma R, Nepali K, Liou JP. N-Heterocycle based Degraders (PROTACs) Manifesting Anticancer Efficacy: Recent Advances. Curr Drug Targets 2023; 24:1184-1208. [PMID: 37946353 DOI: 10.2174/0113894501273969231102095615] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) technology has emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of undruggable therapeutic targets. Researchers have invested a great effort in developing druggable PROTACs; however, the problems associated with PROTACs, including poor solubility, metabolic stability, cell permeability, and pharmacokinetic profile, restrict their clinical utility. Thus, there is a pressing need to expand the size of the armory of PROTACs which will escalate the chances of pinpointing new PROTACs with optimum pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics properties. N- heterocycle is a class of organic frameworks that have been widely explored to construct new and novel PROTACs. This review provides an overview of recent efforts of medicinal chemists to develop N-heterocycle-based PROTACs as effective cancer therapeutics. Specifically, the recent endeavors centred on the discovery of PROTACs have been delved into various classes based on the E3 ligase they target (MDM2, IAP, CRBN, and other E3 ligases). Mechanistic insights revealed during the biological assessment of recently furnished Nheterocyclic- based PROTACs constructed via the utilization of ligands for various E3 ligases have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suddhasatwa Banerjee
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110031, Taiwan
| | - Sachin Sharma
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110031, Taiwan
| | - Amandeep Thakur
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110031, Taiwan
| | - Ritika Sachdeva
- College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110031, Taiwan
| | - Ram Sharma
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110031, Taiwan
| | - Kunal Nepali
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110031, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jing Ping Liou
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110031, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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39
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Bou Malhab LJ, Alsafar H, Ibrahim S, Rahmani M. PROTACs: Walking through hematological malignancies. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1086946. [PMID: 36909156 PMCID: PMC9994433 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1086946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional small molecules that uses the proteasome ubiquitin system to target proteins of interest and promote their degradation with remarkable selectivity. Importantly, unlike conventional small molecule inhibitors, PROTACs have proven highly effective in targeting undruggable proteins and those bearing mutations. Because of these considerations, PROTACs have increasingly become an emerging technology for the development of novel targeted anticancer therapeutics. Interestingly, many PROTACs have demonstrated a great potency and specificity in degrading several oncogenic drivers. Many of these, following extensive preclinical evaluation, have reached advanced stages of clinical testing in various cancers including hematologic malignancies. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the recent advances in the development of PROTACs as therapeutic strategies in diverse hematological malignancies. A particular attention has been given to clinically relevant PROTACs and those targeting oncogenic mutants that drive resistance to therapies. We also discus limitations, and various considerations to optimize the design for effective PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara J Bou Malhab
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Habiba Alsafar
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saleh Ibrahim
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Rahmani
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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40
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Chatterjee DR, Kapoor S, Jain M, Das R, Chowdhury MG, Shard A. PROTACting the kinome with covalent warheads. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103417. [PMID: 36306996 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The dawn of targeted degradation using proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) against recalcitrant proteins has prompted numerous efforts to develop complementary drugs. Although many of these are specifically directed against undruggable proteins, there is increasing interest in small molecule-based PROTACs that target intracellular pathways, and some have recently entered clinical trials. Concurrently, small molecule-based PROTACs that target protumorigenic pathways in cancer cells, the tumor microenvironment (TME), and angiogenesis have been found to have potent effects that synergize with the action of antibodies. This has led to the augmentation of PROTACs with variable substitution patterns. Several combinations with small molecules targeting undruggable proteins are now under clinical investigation. In this review, we discuss the recent milestones achieved as well as challenges encountered in this area of drug development, as well as our opinion on the best path forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deep Rohan Chatterjee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Saumya Kapoor
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Meenakshi Jain
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Rudradip Das
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Moumita Ghosh Chowdhury
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Amit Shard
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India.
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41
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Zhao N, Wu W, Wang Y, Song K, Chen G, Chen Y, Wang R, Xu J, Cui K, Chen H, Tan W, Zhang J, Xiao Z. DNA-modularized construction of bivalent ligands precisely regulates receptor binding and activation. Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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42
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Zhang J, Gao Y, Zhang Z, Zhao J, Jia W, Xia C, Wang F, Liu T. Multi-therapies Based on PARP Inhibition: Potential Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer Treatment. J Med Chem 2022; 65:16099-16127. [PMID: 36512711 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear enzymes called poly(ADP-ribose)polymerases (PARPs) are known to catalyze the process of PARylation, which plays a vital role in various cellular functions. They have become important targets for the discovery of novel antitumor drugs since their inhibition can induce significant lethality in tumor cells. Therefore, researchers all over the world have been focusing on developing novel and potent PARP inhibitors for cancer therapy. Studies have shown that PARP inhibitors and other antitumor agents, such as EZH2 and EGFR inhibitors, play a synergistic role in cancer cells. The combined inhibition of PARP and the targets with synergistic effects may provide a rational strategy to improve the effectiveness of current anticancer regimens. In this Perspective, we sum up the recent advance of PARP-targeted agents, including single-target inhibitors/degraders and dual-target inhibitors/degraders, discuss the fundamental theory of developing these dual-target agents, and give insight into the corresponding structure-activity relationships of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong 271016, China
| | - Yuqi Gao
- College of Radiology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong 271016, China.,Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Zipeng Zhang
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Jinbo Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong 271016, China.,Department of Chemistry and Biology, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbon Fiber Development and Application, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun, Jilin 130012, China
| | - Wenshuang Jia
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Chengcai Xia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong 271016, China
| | - Fugang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong 271016, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong 271016, China
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43
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Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) in Cancer Therapy: Present and Future. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27248828. [PMID: 36557960 PMCID: PMC9785308 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) is an innovative technique for the selective degradation of target proteins via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Compared with traditional protein inhibitor drugs, PROTACs exhibit advantages in the efficacy and selectivity of and in overcoming drug resistance in cancer therapy, providing new insights into the discovery of anti-cancer drugs. In the last two decades, many PROTAC molecules have been developed to induce the degradation of cancer-related targets, and they have been subjected to clinical trials. Here, we comprehensively review the historical milestones and latest updates in PROTAC technology. We focus on the structures and mechanisms of PROTACs and their application in targeting tumor-related targets. We have listed several representative PROTACs based on CRBN, VHL, MDM2, or cIAP1 E3 ligases, and PROTACs that are undergoing anti-cancer clinical trials. In addition, the limitations of the current research, as well as the future research directions are described to improve the PROTAC design and development for cancer therapy.
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44
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Qiu YF, Song LH, Jiang GL, Zhang Z, Liu XY, Wang G. Hallmarks of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Inhibitors with Its Quick Emergence of Drug Resistance. PHARMACEUTICAL FRONTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is one of the most popular targets for anticancer therapies. In the past decade, the use of anaplastic lymphoma tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK-TKIs), including crizotinib and ceritinib, has been a reliable and standard options for patients with lung cancer, particularly for patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma. ALK-targeted therapies initially benefit the patients, yet, resistance eventually occurs. Therefore, resistance mechanisms of ALK-TKIs and the solutions have become a formidable challenge in the development of ALK inhibitors. In this review, based on the knowledge of reported ALK inhibitors, we illustrated the crystal structures of ALK, summarized the resistance mechanisms of ALK-targeted drugs, and proposed potential therapeutic strategies to prevent or overcome the resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Fu Qiu
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lian-Hua Song
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang-Long Jiang
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu-Yan Liu
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Guan Wang
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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45
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Investigation into the Use of Encorafenib to Develop Potential PROTACs Directed against BRAF V600E Protein. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238513. [PMID: 36500607 PMCID: PMC9736157 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BRAF is a serine/threonine kinase frequently mutated in human cancers. BRAFV600E mutated protein is targeted through the use of kinase inhibitors which are approved for the treatment of melanoma; however, their long-term efficacy is hampered by resistance mechanisms. The PROTAC-induced degradation of BRAFV600E has been proposed as an alternative strategy to avoid the onset of resistance. In this study, we designed a series of compounds where the BRAF kinase inhibitor encorafenib was conjugated to pomalidomide through different linkers. The synthesized compounds maintained their ability to inhibit the kinase activity of mutated BRAF with IC50 values in the 40-88 nM range. Selected compounds inhibited BRAFV600E signaling and cellular proliferation of A375 and Colo205 tumor cell lines. Compounds 10 and 11, the most active of the series, were not able to induce degradation of mutated BRAF. Docking and molecular dynamic studies, conducted in comparison with the efficient BRAF degrader P5B, suggest that a different orientation of the linker bearing the pomalidomide substructure, together with a decreased mobility of the solvent-exposed part of the conjugates, could explain this behavior.
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46
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Zhu X, Liu H, Chen L, Wu C, Liu X, Cang Y, Jiang B, Yang X, Fan G. Addressing the Enzyme-independent tumor-promoting function of NAMPT via PROTAC-mediated degradation. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:1616-1629.e12. [PMID: 36323324 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant overexpression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) has been reported in a variety of tumor cells and is a poor prognosis factor for patient survival. It plays an important role in tumor cell proliferation, acting concurrently as an nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) synthase and, unexpectedly, as an extracellular signaling molecule for several tumor-promoting pathways. Although previous efforts to modulate NAMPT activity were limited to enzymatic inhibitors with low success in clinical studies, protein degradation offers the possibility to simultaneously disrupt NAMPT's enzyme activity and ligand capabilities. Here we report the development of two highly selective proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that promote NAMPT degradation in a cereblon-dependent manner. Both PROTAC degraders outperform a clinical candidate, FK866, in killing effect on hematological tumor cells. These results emphasize the importance and feasibility of applying PROTACs as a superior strategy for targeting proteins with multiple tumor-promoting functions like NAMPT, which is not easily achieved by conventional enzymatic inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Zhu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Haixia Liu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Li Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Chenxu Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xuesong Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yong Cang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Biao Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry of Natural Substances, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Xiaobao Yang
- Gluetacs Therapeutics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Gaofeng Fan
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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47
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Liu J, Peng Y, Inuzuka H, Wei W. Targeting micro-environmental pathways by PROTACs as a therapeutic strategy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:269-279. [PMID: 35798235 PMCID: PMC11000491 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.07.001] [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: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) composes of multiple cell types and non-cellular components, which supports the proliferation, metastasis and immune surveillance evasion of tumor cells, as well as accounts for the resistance to therapies. Therefore, therapeutic strategies using small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) and antibodies to block potential targets in TME are practical for cancer treatment. Targeted protein degradation using PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) technic has several advantages over traditional SMIs and antibodies, including overcoming drug resistance. Thus many PROTACs are currently under development for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of PROTAC development that target TME pathways and propose the potential direction of future PROTAC technique to advance as novel cancer treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Yunhua Peng
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Hiroyuki Inuzuka
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States.
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48
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Ruffilli C, Roth S, Rodrigo M, Boyd H, Zelcer N, Moreau K. Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs): A Perspective on Integral Membrane Protein Degradation. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:849-858. [PMID: 36268122 PMCID: PMC9578132 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is a promising therapeutic modality to modulate protein levels and its application promises to reduce the "undruggable" proteome. Among TPD strategies, Proteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) technology has shown a tremendous potential with attractive advantages when compared to the inhibition of the same target. While PROTAC technology has had a significant impact in scientific research, its application to degrade integral membrane proteins (IMPs) is still in its beginnings. Among the 15 compounds having entered clinical trials by the end of 2021, only two targets are membrane-associated proteins. In this review we are discussing the potential reasons which may underlie this, and we are presenting new tools that have been recently developed to solve these limitations and to empower the use of PROTACs to target IMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Ruffilli
- Safety
Innovation and PROTAC Safety, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0SL, United Kingdom
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC,
University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1000 GG, The Netherlands
| | - Sascha Roth
- Safety
Innovation and PROTAC Safety, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0SL, United Kingdom
| | - Monica Rodrigo
- Safety
Innovation and PROTAC Safety, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0SL, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Boyd
- Precision
Medicine & Biosamples, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0SL, United Kingdom
| | - Noam Zelcer
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC,
University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1000 GG, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin Moreau
- Safety
Innovation and PROTAC Safety, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0SL, United Kingdom
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49
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Hu M, Bao R, Lin M, Han XR, Ai YJ, Gao Y, Guan KL, Xiong Y, Yuan HX. ALK fusion promotes metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells by transcriptionally upregulating PFKFB3. Oncogene 2022; 41:4547-4559. [PMID: 36064579 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02453-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), a receptor tyrosine kinase of the insulin receptor kinase subfamily, is activated in multiple cancer types through translocation or overexpression. Although several generations of ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been developed for clinic use, drug resistance remains a major challenge. In this study, by quantitative proteomic approach, we identified the glycolytic regulatory enzyme, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), as a new target of ALK. Expression of PFKFB3 is highly dependent on ALK activity in ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Notably, ALK and PFKFB3 expressions exhibit significant correlation in clinic ALK+ NSCLC samples. We further demonstrated that ALK promotes PFKFB3 transcription through the downstream transcription factor STAT3. Upregulation of PFKFB3 by ALK is important for high glycolysis level as well as oncogenic activity of ALK+ lymphoma cells. Finally, targeting PFKFB3 by its inhibitor can overcome drug resistance in cells bearing TKI-resistant mutants of ALK. Collectively, our studies reveal a novel ALK-STAT3-PFKFB3 axis to promote cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, providing an alternative strategy for the treatment of ALK-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengnan Hu
- The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai and the Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory of the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruoxuan Bao
- The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai and the Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory of the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiao-Ran Han
- Cullgen (Shanghai) Inc., 230 Chuan Hong Road, Pu Dong New Area, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Jie Ai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Gao
- The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai and the Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory of the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun-Liang Guan
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Yue Xiong
- Cullgen Inc., 12671 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, CA, 92130, USA
| | - Hai-Xin Yuan
- The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai and the Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory of the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Center for Novel Target and Therapeutic Intervention, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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50
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Kurimchak AM, Herrera-Montávez C, Montserrat-Sangrà S, Araiza-Olivera D, Hu J, Neumann-Domer R, Kuruvilla M, Bellacosa A, Testa JR, Jin J, Duncan JS. The drug efflux pump MDR1 promotes intrinsic and acquired resistance to PROTACs in cancer cells. Sci Signal 2022; 15:eabn2707. [PMID: 36041010 PMCID: PMC9552188 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abn2707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are a promising new class of drugs that selectively degrade cellular proteins of interest. PROTACs that target oncogene products are avidly being explored for cancer therapies, and several are currently in clinical trials. Drug resistance is a substantial challenge in clinical oncology, and resistance to PROTACs has been reported in several cancer cell models. Here, using proteomic analysis, we found intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms to PROTACs in cancer cell lines mediated by greater abundance or production of the drug efflux pump MDR1. PROTAC-resistant cells were resensitized to PROTACs by genetic ablation of ABCB1 (which encodes MDR1) or by coadministration of MDR1 inhibitors. In MDR1-overexpressing colorectal cancer cells, degraders targeting either the kinases MEK1/2 or the oncogenic mutant GTPase KRASG12C synergized with the dual epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ErbB)/MDR1 inhibitor lapatinib. Moreover, compared with single-agent therapies, combining MEK1/2 degraders with lapatinib improved growth inhibition of MDR1-overexpressing KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer xenografts in mice. Together, our findings suggest that concurrent blockade of MDR1 will likely be required with PROTACs to achieve durable protein degradation and therapeutic response in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M. Kurimchak
- Cancer Signaling & Epigenetics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Carlos Herrera-Montávez
- Cancer Signaling & Epigenetics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Sara Montserrat-Sangrà
- Cancer Signaling & Epigenetics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Daniela Araiza-Olivera
- Cancer Signaling & Epigenetics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Jianping Hu
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York 10029, USA
| | - Ryan Neumann-Domer
- Cancer Signaling & Epigenetics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Mathew Kuruvilla
- Cancer Signaling & Epigenetics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA,Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA,Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Alfonso Bellacosa
- Cancer Signaling & Epigenetics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA,Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Joseph R. Testa
- Cancer Signaling & Epigenetics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York 10029, USA
| | - James S. Duncan
- Cancer Signaling & Epigenetics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA,Correspondence:
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