1
|
De S, Sahu R, Palei S, Narayan Nanda L. Synthesis, SAR, and application of JQ1 analogs as PROTACs for cancer therapy. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 112:117875. [PMID: 39178586 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117875] [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: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
JQ1 is a wonder therapeutic molecule that selectively inhibits the BRD4 signaling pathway and is thus widely used in the anticancer drug discovery program. Due to its unique selective BRD4 binding property, its applications are further extended in the design and synthesis of bi-functional PROTAC molecules. This BRD4 targeting PROTAC molecule selectively degrades the protein by proteolysis. There are several modifications of JQ1 known to date and extensively explored for their applications in PROTAC technology by several research groups in academia as well as industry for targeting oncogenic genes. In this review, we have covered the discovery and synthesis of the JQ1 molecule. The SAR of the JQ1 analogs will help researchers develop potent JQ1 compounds with improved inhibitory properties against malignant cells. Furthermore, we explored the potential application of JQ1 analogs in PROTAC technology. The brief history of the bromodomain family of proteins, as well as the obstacles connected with PROTAC technology, can help comprehend the context of the current research, which has the potential to improve the drug development process. Overall, this review comprehensively appraises JQ1 molecules and their prior implementation in PROTAC technology and cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soumik De
- School of Chemical Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, An OCC of Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Khurda, Odisha 752050, India
| | - Raghaba Sahu
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Shubhendu Palei
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Laxmi Narayan Nanda
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge 02142, United States; P.G. Department of Chemistry, Government Autonomous College, Utkal University, Angul 759143, Odisha, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sahu S, Yoshizawa K, Yamamoto T, Uehara R, Tamaoki N. Photoswitchable Auxin-Inducible Degron System for Conditional Protein Degradation with Spatiotemporal Resolution. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:21203-21207. [PMID: 39047232 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c05135] [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: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The auxin-inducible degron (AID) system degrades target proteins rapidly in a controllable manner. Although this is a highly versatile technique for studying protein functionality, protein degradation with spatiotemporal resolution is not currently possible. Herein we describe a photoswitchable AID using a light-active auxin derivative for reversible and site-specific protein degradation with temporal resolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saugata Sahu
- Research Institute for Electronic Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Koya Yoshizawa
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Ryota Uehara
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Tamaoki
- Research Institute for Electronic Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gao J, Jiang X, Lei S, Cheng W, Lai Y, Li M, Yang L, Liu P, Chen XH, Huang M, Yu H, Xu H, Xu Z. A region-confined PROTAC nanoplatform for spatiotemporally tunable protein degradation and enhanced cancer therapy. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6608. [PMID: 39098906 PMCID: PMC11298519 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50735-w] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The antitumor performance of PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) is limited by its insufficient tumor specificity and poor pharmacokinetics. These disadvantages are further compounded by tumor heterogeneity, especially the presence of cancer stem-like cells, which drive tumor growth and relapse. Herein, we design a region-confined PROTAC nanoplatform that integrates both reactive oxygen species (ROS)-activatable and hypoxia-responsive PROTAC prodrugs for the precise manipulation of bromodomain and extraterminal protein 4 expression and tumor eradication. These PROTAC nanoparticles selectively accumulate within and penetrate deep into tumors via response to matrix metalloproteinase-2. Photoactivity is then reactivated in response to the acidic intracellular milieu and the PROTAC is discharged due to the ROS generated via photodynamic therapy specifically within the normoxic microenvironment. Moreover, the latent hypoxia-responsive PROTAC prodrug is restored in hypoxic cancer stem-like cells overexpressing nitroreductase. Here, we show the ability of region-confined PROTAC nanoplatform to effectively degrade BRD4 in both normoxic and hypoxic environments, markedly hindering tumor progression in breast and head-neck tumor models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Center of Minimally Invasive Treatment for Tumor, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shumin Lei
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wenhao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yi Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Peifeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Min Huang
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Haijun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Huixiong Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhiai Xu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu H, Xiong H, Li C, Xu M, Yun Y, Ruan Y, Tang L, Zhang T, Su D, Sun X. 131I Induced In Vivo Proteolysis by Photoswitchable azoPROTAC Reinforces Internal Radiotherapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310865. [PMID: 38678537 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Photopharmacology, incorporating photoswitches such as azobenezes into drugs, is an emerging therapeutic method to realize spatiotemporal control of pharmacological activity by light. However, most photoswitchable molecules are triggered by UV light with limited tissue penetration, which greatly restricts the in vivo application. Here, this study proves that 131I can trigger the trans-cis photoisomerization of a reported azobenezen incorporating PROTACs (azoPROTAC). With the presence of 50 µCi mL-1 131I, the azoPROTAC can effectively down-regulate BRD4 and c-Myc levels in 4T1 cells at a similar level as it does under light irradiation (405 nm, 60 mW cm-2). What's more, the degradation of BRD4 can further benefit the 131I-based radiotherapy. The in vivo experiment proves that intratumoral co-adminstration of 131I (300 µCi) and azoPROTC (25 mg kg-1) via hydrogel not only successfully induce protein degradation in 4T1 tumor bearing-mice but also efficiently inhibit tumor growth with enhanced radiotherapeutic effect and anti-tumor immunological effect. This is the first time that a radioisotope is successfully used as a trigger in photopharmacology in a mouse model. It believes that this study will benefit photopharmacology in deep tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation (Mianyang Central Hospital), Mianyang, 621000, China
| | - Hehua Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Changjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Mengxia Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuyang Yun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yiling Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lijun Tang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Guangzhou Road 300, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Radiopharmaceuticals, Nuclear Medicine Clinical Translation Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Dan Su
- Key Laboratory of Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Xiaolian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zou ZF, Yang L, Nie HJ, Gao J, Lei SM, Lai Y, Zhang F, Wagner E, Yu HJ, Chen XH, Xu ZA. Tumor-targeted PROTAC prodrug nanoplatform enables precise protein degradation and combination cancer therapy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1740-1751. [PMID: 38609561 PMCID: PMC11272941 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01266-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as revolutionary anticancer therapeutics that degrade disease-causing proteins. However, the anticancer performance of PROTACs is often impaired by their insufficient bioavailability, unsatisfactory tumor specificity and ability to induce acquired drug resistance. Herein, we propose a polymer-conjugated PROTAC prodrug platform for the tumor-targeted delivery of the most prevalent von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)- and cereblon (CRBN)-based PROTACs, as well as for the precise codelivery of a degrader and conventional small-molecule drugs. The self-assembling PROTAC prodrug nanoparticles (NPs) can specifically target and be activated inside tumor cells to release the free PROTAC for precise protein degradation. The PROTAC prodrug NPs caused more efficient regression of MDA-MB-231 breast tumors in a mouse model by degrading bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) or cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) with decreased systemic toxicity. In addition, we demonstrated that the PROTAC prodrug NPs can serve as a versatile platform for the codelivery of a PROTAC and chemotherapeutics for enhanced anticancer efficiency and combination benefits. This study paves the way for utilizing tumor-targeted protein degradation for precise anticancer therapy and the effective combination treatment of complex diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Feng Zou
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hui-Jun Nie
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Shu-Min Lei
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yi Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, 20043, China
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 81377, München, Germany
| | - Hai-Jun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Xiao-Hua Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
| | - Zhi-Ai Xu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kanbar K, El Darzi R, Jaalouk DE. Precision oncology revolution: CRISPR-Cas9 and PROTAC technologies unleashed. Front Genet 2024; 15:1434002. [PMID: 39144725 PMCID: PMC11321987 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1434002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer continues to present a substantial global health challenge, with its incidence and mortality rates persistently reflecting its significant impact. The emergence of precision oncology has provided a breakthrough in targeting oncogenic drivers previously deemed "undruggable" by conventional therapeutics and by limiting off-target cytotoxicity. Two groundbreaking technologies that have revolutionized the field of precision oncology are primarily CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and more recently PROTAC (PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras) targeted protein degradation technology. CRISPR-Cas9, in particular, has gained widespread recognition and acclaim due to its remarkable ability to modify DNA sequences precisely. Rather than editing the genetic code, PROTACs harness the ubiquitin proteasome degradation machinery to degrade proteins of interest selectively. Even though CRISPR-Cas9 and PROTAC technologies operate on different principles, they share a common goal of advancing precision oncology whereby both approaches have demonstrated remarkable potential in preclinical and promising data in clinical trials. CRISPR-Cas9 has demonstrated its clinical potential in this field due to its ability to modify genes directly and indirectly in a precise, efficient, reversible, adaptable, and tissue-specific manner, and its potential as a diagnostic tool. On the other hand, the ability to administer in low doses orally, broad targeting, tissue specificity, and controllability have reinforced the clinical potential of PROTAC. Thus, in the field of precision oncology, gene editing using CRISPR technology has revolutionized targeted interventions, while the emergence of PROTACs has further expanded the therapeutic landscape by enabling selective protein degradation. Rather than viewing them as mutually exclusive or competing methods in the field of precision oncology, their use is context-dependent (i.e., based on the molecular mechanisms of the disease) and they potentially could be used synergistically complementing the strengths of CRISPR and vice versa. Herein, we review the current status of CRISPR and PROTAC designs and their implications in the field of precision oncology in terms of clinical potential, clinical trial data, limitations, and compare their implications in precision clinical oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karim Kanbar
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Roy El Darzi
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Diana E. Jaalouk
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu Y, Wang H, Ding M, Yao W, Wang K, Ullah I, Bulatov E, Yuan Y. Ultrasound-Activated PROTAC Prodrugs Overcome Immunosuppression to Actuate Efficient Deep-Tissue Sono-Immunotherapy in Orthotopic Pancreatic Tumor Mouse Models. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:8741-8751. [PMID: 38953486 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c02287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The degradation of oncoproteins mediated by proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) has emerged as a potent strategy in cancer therapy. However, the clinical application of PROTACs is hampered by challenges such as poor water solubility and off-target adverse effects. Herein, we present an ultrasound (US)-activatable PROTAC prodrug termed NPCe6+PRO for actuating efficient sono-immunotherapy in a spatiotemporally controllable manner. Specifically, US irradiation, which exhibits deep-tissue penetration capability, results in Ce6-mediated generation of ROS, facilitating sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD). Simultaneously, the generated ROS cleaves the thioketal (TK) linker through a ROS-responsive mechanism, realizing the on-demand activation of the PROTAC prodrug in deep tissues. This prodrug activation results in the degradation of the target protein BRD4, while simultaneously reversing the upregulation of PD-L1 expression associated with the SDT process. In the orthotopic mouse model of pancreatic tumors, NPCe6+PRO effectively suppressed tumor growth in conjunction with US stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Liu
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyang Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 511442, People's Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengchao Ding
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 511442, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Wang Yao
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Kewei Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 511442, People's Republic of China
| | - Ihsan Ullah
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 511442, People's Republic of China
| | - Emil Bulatov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - Youyong Yuan
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 511442, People's Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cholasseri R, De S. Deciphering the shape selective conformational equilibrium of E- and Z-locked azobenzene-tetraethylammonium ion in regulating photo-switchable K +-ion channel blocking. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:19161-19175. [PMID: 38973424 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp01604a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
The search for photo-switchable optopharmacological agents that can block ion channels has been a prevalent area owing to its prime advantages of reversibility and specificity over the traditional blockers. However, the quest for a higher blocking ability shown by a less stable photo-isomer to perfectly suit the requirement of the optopharmacological agents is still ongoing. To date, only a marginal improvement in terms of blocking ability is observed by the less stable E-isomer of para-substituted locked azobenzene with TEA (LAB-TEA) for the K+-ion channel. Thus, rationalization of the limitation for achieving high activity by the E-isomer is rather essential to aid the improvement of the efficiency of photoswitchable blocker drugs. Herein, we report a molecular-level analysis on the mechanism of blocking by E- and Z-LAB-TEA with the bacterial KcsA K+-ion channel using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation and Quantum Mechanical (QM) calculations. The positively charged TEA fragment engages in stronger electrostatic interactions, while the neutral LAB fragment engages in weaker dispersive interactions. The binding free energy calculated by Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MMPBSA) for E-LAB-TEA (-22.3 kcal mol-1) shows less thermodynamic preference for binding with K+-ion channels than Z-LAB-TEA (-21.6 kcal mol-1) corroborating the experimental observation. The correlation between the structure and the binding ability of E- and Z-isomers of LAB-TEA indicates that the channel gate is narrow and acts as a bottleneck for the entry of the binder molecule inside the large cavity. Upon irradiation, the Z-isomer converts into a less stable but long and planar E-isomer (ΔE of photoisomerism = 7.0 kcal mol-1, at SA2-CASPT2(6,4)/6-31+G(d)//CASSCF(6,4)/6-31+G(d)), which is structurally more suitable to fit into the narrow channel gate rather than the curved and non-planar Z-LAB-TEA. Thus, a reduction in the ionic current is observed owing to the preferential entry and subsequent blocking by E-LAB-TEA. Discontinuing the irradiation leads to conversion to the Z-isomer, the curved nature of which hinders its spontaneous release outside the cavity, thereby contributing only a small increase in the ionic current.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rinsha Cholasseri
- Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala, 673 601, India
| | - Susmita De
- Department of Chemistry, University of Calicut, Calicut University P. O, Malappuram, Kerala, 673 635, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang Z, Che S, Yu Z. PROTAC: Novel degradable approach for different targets to treat breast cancer. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 198:106793. [PMID: 38740076 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The revolutionary Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTACs) have the exciting potential to reshape the pharmaceutical industry landscape by leveraging the ubiquitin-proteasome system for targeted protein degradation. Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer in women, could be treated using PROTAC therapy. Although substantial work has been conducted, there is not yet a comprehensive overview or progress update on PROTAC therapy for breast cancer. Hence, in this article, we've compiled recent research progress focusing on different breast cancer target proteins, such as estrogen receptor (ER), BET, CDK, HER2, PARP, EZH2, etc. This resource aims to serve as a guide for future PROTAC-based breast cancer treatment design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjie Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China; Office of Drug Clinical Trials, The People's Hospital of Gaozhou, Maoming, 525200, PR China
| | - Siyao Che
- Hepatological Surgery Department, The People's Hospital of Gaozhou, Maoming, 525200, PR China.
| | - Zhiqiang Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Dongguan Institute of Clinical Cancer Research, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan 523018, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang C, Zhang Y, Chen W, Wu Y, Xing D. New-generation advanced PROTACs as potential therapeutic agents in cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:110. [PMID: 38773495 PMCID: PMC11107062 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02024-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) technology has garnered significant attention over the last 10 years, representing a burgeoning therapeutic approach with the potential to address pathogenic proteins that have historically posed challenges for traditional small-molecule inhibitors. PROTACs exploit the endogenous E3 ubiquitin ligases to facilitate degradation of the proteins of interest (POIs) through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in a cyclic catalytic manner. Despite recent endeavors to advance the utilization of PROTACs in clinical settings, the majority of PROTACs fail to progress beyond the preclinical phase of drug development. There are multiple factors impeding the market entry of PROTACs, with the insufficiently precise degradation of favorable POIs standing out as one of the most formidable obstacles. Recently, there has been exploration of new-generation advanced PROTACs, including small-molecule PROTAC prodrugs, biomacromolecule-PROTAC conjugates, and nano-PROTACs, to improve the in vivo efficacy of PROTACs. These improved PROTACs possess the capability to mitigate undesirable physicochemical characteristics inherent in traditional PROTACs, thereby enhancing their targetability and reducing off-target side effects. The new-generation of advanced PROTACs will mark a pivotal turning point in the realm of targeted protein degradation. In this comprehensive review, we have meticulously summarized the state-of-the-art advancements achieved by these cutting-edge PROTACs, elucidated their underlying design principles, deliberated upon the prevailing challenges encountered, and provided an insightful outlook on future prospects within this burgeoning field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Wujun Chen
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Yudong Wu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Dongming Xing
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vorderbruggen M, Velázquez-Martínez CA, Natarajan A, Karpf AR. PROTACs in Ovarian Cancer: Current Advancements and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5067. [PMID: 38791105 PMCID: PMC11121112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic malignancy. The majority of patients diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer will relapse, at which point additional therapies can be administered but, for the most part, these are not curative. As such, a need exists for the development of novel therapeutic options for ovarian cancer patients. Research in the field of targeted protein degradation (TPD) through the use of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) has significantly increased in recent years. The ability of PROTACs to target proteins of interest (POI) for degradation, overcoming limitations such as the incomplete inhibition of POI function and the development of resistance seen with other inhibitors, is of particular interest in cancer research, including ovarian cancer research. This review provides a synopsis of PROTACs tested in ovarian cancer models and highlights PROTACs characterized in other types of cancers with potential high utility in ovarian cancer. Finally, we discuss methods that will help to enable the selective delivery of PROTACs to ovarian cancer and improve the pharmacodynamic properties of these agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Makenzie Vorderbruggen
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA; (M.V.); (A.N.)
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA
| | | | - Amarnath Natarajan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA; (M.V.); (A.N.)
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA
| | - Adam R. Karpf
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA; (M.V.); (A.N.)
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen Y, Xue H, Jin J. Applications of protein ubiquitylation and deubiquitylation in drug discovery. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107264. [PMID: 38582446 PMCID: PMC11087986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107264] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome system (UPS) is the major machinery mediating specific protein turnover in eukaryotic cells. By ubiquitylating unwanted, damaged, or harmful proteins and driving their degradation, UPS is involved in many important cellular processes. Several new UPS-based technologies, including molecular glue degraders and PROTACs (proteolysis-targeting chimeras) to promote protein degradation, and DUBTACs (deubiquitinase-targeting chimeras) to increase protein stability, have been developed. By specifically inducing the interactions between different Ub ligases and targeted proteins that are not otherwise related, molecular glue degraders and PROTACs degrade targeted proteins via the UPS; in contrast, by inducing the proximity of targeted proteins to deubiquitinases, DUBTACs are created to clear degradable poly-Ub chains to stabilize targeted proteins. In this review, we summarize the recent research progress in molecular glue degraders, PROTACs, and DUBTACs and their applications. We discuss immunomodulatory drugs, sulfonamides, cyclin-dependent kinase-targeting molecular glue degraders, and new development of PROTACs. We also introduce the principle of DUBTAC and its applications. Finally, we propose a few future directions of these three technologies related to targeted protein homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Chen
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haoan Xue
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Jianping Jin
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ito T. Protein degraders - from thalidomide to new PROTACs. J Biochem 2024; 175:507-519. [PMID: 38140952 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvad113] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the development of protein degraders (protein-degrading compounds) has prominently progressed. There are two remarkable classes of protein degraders: proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and molecular glue degraders (MGDs). Almost 70 years have passed since thalidomide was initially developed as a sedative-hypnotic drug, which is currently recognized as one of the most well-known MGDs. During the last two decades, a myriad of PROTACs and MGDs have been developed, and the molecular mechanism of action (MOA) of thalidomide was basically elucidated, including identifying its molecular target cereblon (CRBN). CRBN forms a Cullin Ring Ligase 4 with Cul4 and DDB1, whose substrate specificity is controlled by its binding ligands. Thalidomide, lenalidomide and pomalidomide, three CRBN-binding MGDs, were clinically approved to treat several intractable diseases (including multiple myeloma). Several other MGDs and CRBN-based PROTACs (ARV-110 and AVR-471) are undergoing clinical trials. In addition, several new related technologies regarding PROTACs and MGDs have also been developed, and achievements of protein degraders impact not only therapeutic fields but also basic biological science. In this article, I introduce the history of protein degraders, from the development of thalidomide to the latest PROTACs and related technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Ito
- Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xu MY, Zeng N, Liu CQ, Sun JX, An Y, Zhang SH, Xu JZ, Zhong XY, Ma SY, He HD, Hu J, Xia QD, Wang SG. Enhanced cellular therapy: revolutionizing adoptive cellular therapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:47. [PMID: 38664743 PMCID: PMC11046957 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00506-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhanced cellular therapy has emerged as a novel concept following the basis of cellular therapy. This treatment modality applied drugs or biotechnology to directly enhance or genetically modify cells to enhance the efficacy of adoptive cellular therapy (ACT). Drugs or biotechnology that enhance the killing ability of immune cells include immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) / antibody drugs, small molecule inhibitors, immunomodulatory factors, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC), oncolytic virus (OV), etc. Firstly, overcoming the inhibitory tumor microenvironment (TME) can enhance the efficacy of ACT, which can be achieved by blocking the immune checkpoint. Secondly, cytokines or cytokine receptors can be expressed by genetic engineering or added directly to adoptive cells to enhance the migration and infiltration of adoptive cells to tumor cells. Moreover, multi-antigen chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) can be designed to enhance the specific recognition of tumor cell-related antigens, and OVs can also stimulate antigen release. In addition to inserting suicide genes into adoptive cells, PROTAC technology can be used as a safety switch or degradation agent of immunosuppressive factors to enhance the safety and efficacy of adoptive cells. This article comprehensively summarizes the mechanism, current situation, and clinical application of enhanced cellular therapy, describing potential improvements to adoptive cellular therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yao Xu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Na Zeng
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chen-Qian Liu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jian-Xuan Sun
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ye An
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Si-Han Zhang
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jin-Zhou Xu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xing-Yu Zhong
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Si-Yang Ma
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hao-Dong He
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jia Hu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qi-Dong Xia
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Shao-Gang Wang
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fink M, Stäuble J, Weisgerber M, Carreira EM. Aryl Azocyclopropeniums: Minimalist, Visible-Light Photoswitches. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:9519-9525. [PMID: 38547006 PMCID: PMC11010232 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c01786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
We report convenient syntheses of aryl azocyclopropeniums and a study of their photochemical properties. Incorporation of the smallest arene leads to pronounced redshift of the π-π* absorbance band, compared to azobenzenes. Photoisomerization under purple or green light irradiation affords Z- or E-isomers in ratios up to 94% Z or 90% E, and the switches proved stable over multiple irradiation cycles. Thermal half-lives of metastable Z-isomers range from minutes to hours in acetonitrile and water. These properties together with the concise, versatile syntheses render aryl azocyclopropeniums exciting additions to the tool kit of readily available molecular photoswitches for wide ranging applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Fink
- Department of Chemistry and
Applied Biosciences, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jannik Stäuble
- Department of Chemistry and
Applied Biosciences, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Maïté Weisgerber
- Department of Chemistry and
Applied Biosciences, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Erick M. Carreira
- Department of Chemistry and
Applied Biosciences, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kaushik A, Parashar S, Ambasta RK, Kumar P. Ubiquitin E3 ligases assisted technologies in protein degradation: Sharing pathways in neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102279. [PMID: 38521359 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102279] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
E3 ligases, essential components of the ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated protein degradation system, play a critical role in cellular regulation. By covalently attaching ubiquitin (Ub) molecules to target proteins, these ligases mark them for degradation, influencing various bioprocesses. With over 600 E3 ligases identified, there is a growing realization of their potential as therapeutic candidates for addressing proteinopathies in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). Recent research has highlighted the need to delve deeper into the intricate roles of E3 ligases as nexus points in the pathogenesis of both cancer and NDDs. Their dysregulation is emerging as a common thread linking these seemingly disparate diseases, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their molecular intricacies. Herein, we have discussed (i) the fundamental mechanisms through which different types of E3 ligases actively participate in selective protein degradation in cancer and NDDs, followed by an examination of common E3 ligases playing pivotal roles in both situations, emphasising common players. Moving to, (ii) the functional domains and motifs of E3 ligases involved in ubiquitination, we have explored their interactions with specific substrates in NDDs and cancer. Additionally, (iii) we have explored techniques like PROTAC, molecular glues, and other state-of-the-art methods for hijacking neurotoxic and oncoproteins. Lastly, (iv) we have provided insights into ongoing clinical trials, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of E3-based therapeutics for cancer and NDDs. Unravelling the intricate network of E3 ligase-mediated regulation holds the key to unlocking targeted therapies that address the specific molecular signatures of individual patients, heralding a new era in personalized medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aastha Kaushik
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042, India
| | - Somya Parashar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042, India
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, SRM University-Sonepat, Haryana, India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042, India.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lemaitre T, Cornu M, Schwalen F, Since M, Kieffer C, Voisin-Chiret AS. Molecular glue degraders: exciting opportunities for novel drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:433-449. [PMID: 38240114 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2306845] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Molecular Glue Degraders (MGDs) is a concept that refers to a class of compounds that facilitate the interaction between two proteins or molecules within a cell. These compounds act as bridge that enhances specific Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs). Over the past decade, this technology has gained attention as a potential strategy to target proteins that were traditionally considered undruggable using small molecules. AREAS COVERED This review presents the concept of cellular homeostasis and the balance between protein synthesis and protein degradation. The concept of protein degradation is concerned with molecular glues, which form part of the broader field of Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD). Next, pharmacochemical strategies for the rational design of MGDs are detailed and illustrated by examples of Ligand-Based (LBDD), Structure-Based (SBDD) and Fragment-Based Drug Design (FBDD). EXPERT OPINION Expanding the scope of what can be effectively targeted in the development of treatments for diseases that are incurable or resistant to conventional therapies offers new therapeutic options. The treatment of microbial infections and neurodegenerative diseases is a major societal challenge, and the discovery of MGDs appears to be a promising avenue. Combining different approaches to discover and exploit a variety of innovative therapeutic agents will create opportunities to treat diseases that are still incurable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie Cornu
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, CERMN, Caen, France
| | - Florian Schwalen
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, CERMN, Caen, France
- Department of Pharmacy, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Marc Since
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, CERMN, Caen, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cheng J, Zhang J, He S, Li M, Dong G, Sheng C. Photoswitchable PROTACs for Reversible and Spatiotemporal Regulation of NAMPT and NAD . Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202315997. [PMID: 38282119 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202315997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+ ) is an essential coenzyme with diverse biological functions in DNA synthesis. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is a key rate-limiting enzyme involved in NAD+ biosynthesis in mammals. We developed the first chemical tool for optical control of NAMPT and NAD+ in biological systems using photoswitchable proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PS-PROTACs). An NAMPT activator and dimethylpyrazolazobenzene photoswitch were used to design highly efficient PS-PROTACs, enabling up- and down-reversible regulation of NAMPT and NAD+ in a light-dependent manner and reducing the toxicity associated with inhibitor-based PS-PROTACs. PS-PROTAC was activated under 620 nm irradiation, realizing in vivo optical manipulation of antitumor activity, NAMPT, and NAD+ .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junfei Cheng
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China
- Nautical Medicine Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Educational Institutions, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Shipeng He
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Minyong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
He X, Weng Z, Zou Y. Progress in the controllability technology of PROTAC. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116096. [PMID: 38160619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116096] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimaera (PROTAC) technology functions by directly targeting proteins and catalysing their degradation through an event-driven mode of action, a novel mechanism with significant clinical application prospects for various diseases. Currently, the most advanced PROTAC drug is undergoing phase III clinical trials (NCT05654623). Although PROTACs exhibit significant advantages over traditional small-molecule inhibitors, their catalytic degradation of normal cellular proteins can potentially cause toxic side effects. Therefore, to achieve targeted release of PROTACs and minimize adverse reactions, researchers are actively exploring diverse controllable PROTACs. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the control strategies to provide a theoretical basis for the innovative application of PROTAC technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin He
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Changzhou Vocational Institute of Engineering, Changzhou, 213164, PR China.
| | - Zhibing Weng
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Changzhou Vocational Institute of Engineering, Changzhou, 213164, PR China
| | - Yi Zou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Weng W, Xue G, Pan Z. Development of visible-light-activatable photocaged PROTACs. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116062. [PMID: 38128235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Photocaged proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which employ light as a stimulus to control protein degradation, have recently garnered considerable attention as both powerful chemical tools and a promising therapeutic strategy. However, the poor penetration depth of traditionally used ultraviolet light and the deficiency of alternative caging positions have restricted their applications in biological systems. By installing a diverse array of photocaged groups, with excitation wavelengths ranging from 365 nm to 405 nm, onto different positions of cereblon (CRBN) and Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)-recruiting Brd4 degraders, we conducted the first comprehensive study on visible-light-activatable photocaged PROTACs to the best of our knowledge. We found the A2, A4 and B3 positions to be most effective at regulating the activity of the degraders, and to provide the resulting molecules (9-12 and 17) as potent visible-light-controlled degraders in live cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weizhi Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Gang Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhengying Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wang F, Dong G, Ding M, Yu N, Sheng C, Li J. Dual-Programmable Semiconducting Polymer NanoPROTACs for Deep-Tissue Sonodynamic-Ferroptosis Activatable Immunotherapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306378. [PMID: 37817359 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) can provide promising opportunities for cancer treatment, while precise regulation of their activities remains challenging to achieve effective and safe therapeutic outcomes. A semiconducting polymer nanoPROTAC (SPNFeP ) is reported that can achieve ultrasound (US) and tumor microenvironment dual-programmable PROTAC activity for deep-tissue sonodynamic-ferroptosis activatable immunotherapy. SPNFeP is formed through a nano-precipitation of a sonodynamic semiconducting polymer, a ferroptosis inducer, and a newly synthesized PROTAC molecule. The semiconducting polymers work as sonosensitizers to produce singlet oxygen (1 O2 ) via sonodynamic effect under US irradiation, and ferroptosis inducers react with intratumoral hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) to generate hydroxyl radical (·OH). Such a dual-programmable reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation not only triggers ferroptosis and immunogenic cell death (ICD), but also induces on-demand activatable delivery of PROTAC molecules into tumor sites. The effectively activated nanoPROTACs degrade nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) to suppress tumor infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs), thus promoting antitumor immunity. In such a way, SPNFeP mediates sonodynamic-ferroptosis activatable immunotherapy for entirely inhibiting tumor growths in both subcutaneous and 2-cm tissue-covered deep tumor mouse models. This study presents a dual-programmable activatable strategy based on PROTACs for effective and precise cancer combinational therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengshuo Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Mengbin Ding
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Ningyue Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jingchao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Peng X, Hu Z, Zeng L, Zhang M, Xu C, Lu B, Tao C, Chen W, Hou W, Cheng K, Bi H, Pan W, Chen J. Overview of epigenetic degraders based on PROTAC, molecular glue, and hydrophobic tagging technologies. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:533-578. [PMID: 38322348 PMCID: PMC10840439 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.09.003] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic pathways play a critical role in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer. Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in the development of targeted epigenetic modulators (e.g., inhibitors). However, epigenetic inhibitors have faced multiple challenges, including limited clinical efficacy, toxicities, lack of subtype selectivity, and drug resistance. As a result, the design of new epigenetic modulators (e.g., degraders) such as PROTACs, molecular glue, and hydrophobic tagging (HyT) degraders has garnered significant attention from both academia and pharmaceutical industry, and numerous epigenetic degraders have been discovered in the past decade. In this review, we aim to provide an in-depth illustration of new degrading strategies (2017-2023) targeting epigenetic proteins for cancer therapy, focusing on the rational design, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical status, and crystal structure information of these degraders. Importantly, we also provide deep insights into the potential challenges and corresponding remedies of this approach to drug design and development. Overall, we hope this review will offer a better mechanistic understanding and serve as a useful guide for the development of emerging epigenetic-targeting degraders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Peng
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Zhihao Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Limei Zeng
- College of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Meizhu Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Congcong Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Benyan Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Chengpeng Tao
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Weiming Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Wen Hou
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Kui Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Huichang Bi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wanyi Pan
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ouyang M, Feng Y, Chen H, Liu Y, Tan C, Tan Y. Recent Advances in Optically Controlled PROTAC. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1368. [PMID: 38135959 PMCID: PMC10740939 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10121368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology is a groundbreaking therapeutic approach with significant clinical potential for degrading disease-inducing proteins within targeted cells. However, challenges related to insufficient target selectivity raise concerns about PROTAC toxicity toward normal cells. To address this issue, researchers are modifying PROTACs using various approaches to enhance their target specificity. This review highlights innovative optically controlled PROTACs as anti-cancer therapies currently used in clinical practice and explores the challenges associated with their efficacy and safety. The development of optically controlled PROTACs holds the potential to significantly expand the clinical applicability of PROTAC-based technology within the realm of drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muzi Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ying Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
| | - Hui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yanping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
| | - Chunyan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ying Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Julio AR, Shikwana F, Truong C, Burton NR, Dominguez E, Turmon AC, Cao J, Backus K. Pervasive aggregation and depletion of host and viral proteins in response to cysteine-reactive electrophilic compounds. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.30.564067. [PMID: 38014036 PMCID: PMC10680658 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.30.564067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Protein homeostasis is tightly regulated, with damaged or misfolded proteins quickly eliminated by the proteasome and autophagosome pathways. By co-opting these processes, targeted protein degradation technologies enable pharmacological manipulation of protein abundance. Recently, cysteine-reactive molecules have been added to the degrader toolbox, which offer the benefit of unlocking the therapeutic potential of 'undruggable' protein targets. The proteome-wide impact of these molecules remains to be fully understood and given the general reactivity of many classes of cysteine-reactive electrophiles, on- and off-target effects are likely. Using chemical proteomics, we identified a cysteine-reactive small molecule degrader of the SARS-CoV-2 non- structural protein 14 (nsp14), which effects degradation through direct modification of cysteines in both nsp14 and in host chaperones together with activation of global cell stress response pathways. We find that cysteine-reactive electrophiles increase global protein ubiquitylation, trigger proteasome activation, and result in widespread aggregation and depletion of host proteins, including components of the nuclear pore complex. Formation of stress granules was also found to be a remarkably ubiquitous cellular response to nearly all cysteine-reactive compounds and degraders. Collectively, our study sheds light on complexities of covalent target protein degradation and highlights untapped opportunities in manipulating and characterizing proteostasis processes via deciphering the cysteine-centric regulation of stress response pathways.
Collapse
|
27
|
Chen S, Zheng Y, Liang B, Yin Y, Yao J, Wang Q, Liu Y, Neamati N. The application of PROTAC in HDAC. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115746. [PMID: 37607440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Inducing protein degradation by proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) has provided great opportunities for scientific research and industrial applications. Histone deacetylase (HDAC)-PROTAC has been widely developed since the first report of its ability to induce the degradation of SIRT2 in 2017. To date, ten of the eighteen HDACs (HDACs 1-8, HDAC10, and SIRT2) have been successfully targeted and degraded by HDAC-PROTACs. HDAC-PROTACs surpass traditional HDAC inhibitors in many aspects, such as higher selectivity, more potent antiproliferative activity, and the ability to disrupt the enzyme-independent functions of a multifunctional protein and overcome drug resistance. Rationally designing HDAC-PROTACs is a main challenge in development because slight variations in chemical structure can lead to drastic effects on the efficiency and selectivity of the degradation. In the future, HDAC-PROTACs can potentially be involved in clinical research with the support of the increased amount of in vivo data, pharmacokinetic evaluation, and pharmacological studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaoting Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Yuxiang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Benji Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Yudong Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Jian Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Quande Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China.
| | - Yanghan Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China.
| | - Nouri Neamati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Jia Q, Zhang Y, Liu F, Dong W, Zhu L, Wang F, Jiang JH. Cell-Specific Degradation of Histone Deacetylase Using Warhead-Caged Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras. Anal Chem 2023; 95:16474-16480. [PMID: 37903331 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01236] [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: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have shifted the paradigm for drug development via target protein degradation. However, PROTACs may exhibit systemic toxicity to normal cells due to indiscriminate degradation and the utility of inhibitors as a warhead for protein targeting. Here, we propose a new strategy for developing activatable PROTACs for cell-specific degradation of histone deacetylase (HDAC) with minimal side effects via caging of the warhead. Molecular docking reveals that the hydroxyl group of the HDAC inhibitor is crucial for targeting. An enzyme-activatable PROTAC is designed by caging the hydroxyl group with the substrate for NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) overexpressed in cancer cells. We demonstrate that the caged PROTAC can be converted to its active form in response to NQO1. The enzyme-activatable PROTAC allows the efficient and specific degradation of HDAC6 and exerts antiproliferative activity in NQO1-positive cells. The generalizability of the design is further demonstrated by engineering a H2O2-responsive PROTAC for specific degradation of HDAC6 in cells with elevated H2O2. The strategy of caging the ligand for target proteins would afford a new dimension for developing activatable PROTACs with high specificity and minimal side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometric, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Yue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometric, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometric, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Wanrong Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometric, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Lei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometric, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Fenglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometric, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Jian-Hui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometric, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kuismi CC, Nabet B. Lighting the way to tumor destruction. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:750-752. [PMID: 37758537 PMCID: PMC10691509 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Achieving tumor-specific protein loss remains a challenge in the delivery of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) as cancer therapeutics. As a solution, Wang et al. recently developed nanoformulated PROTACs (NAPs), a novel photoactivatable degradation approach. This innovative class of compounds harnesses near-infrared (NIR) light for precise PROTAC release and protein degradation in mouse tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina C Kuismi
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Behnam Nabet
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Noblejas-López MDM, Tébar-García D, López-Rosa R, Alcaraz-Sanabria A, Cristóbal-Cueto P, Pinedo-Serrano A, Rivas-García L, Galán-Moya EM. TACkling Cancer by Targeting Selective Protein Degradation. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2442. [PMID: 37896202 PMCID: PMC10610449 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation has emerged as an alternative therapy against cancer, offering several advantages over traditional inhibitors. The new degrader drugs provide different therapeutic strategies: they could cross the phospholipid bilayer membrane by the addition of specific moieties to extracellular proteins. On the other hand, they could efficiently improve the degradation process by the generation of a ternary complex structure of an E3 ligase. Herein, we review the current trends in the use of TAC-based technologies (TACnologies), such as PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTAC), PHOtochemically TArgeting Chimeras (PHOTAC), CLIck-formed Proteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (CLIPTAC), AUtophagy TArgeting Chimeras (AUTAC), AuTophagosome TEthering Compounds (ATTEC), LYsosome-TArgeting Chimeras (LYTAC), and DeUBiquitinase TArgeting Chimeras (DUBTAC), in experimental development and their progress towards clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María del Mar Noblejas-López
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - David Tébar-García
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Raquel López-Rosa
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Ana Alcaraz-Sanabria
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Pablo Cristóbal-Cueto
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
| | - Alejandro Pinedo-Serrano
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
| | - Lorenzo Rivas-García
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
| | - Eva M. Galán-Moya
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Facultad de Enfermería, Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02006 Albacete, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kannampuzha S, Murali R, Gopalakrishnan AV, Mukherjee AG, Wanjari UR, Namachivayam A, George A, Dey A, Vellingiri B. Novel biomolecules in targeted cancer therapy: a new approach towards precision medicine. Med Oncol 2023; 40:323. [PMID: 37804361 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02168-6] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a major threat to human life around the globe, and the discovery of novel biomolecules continue to be an urgent therapeutic need that is still unmet. Precision medicine relies on targeted therapeutic strategies. Researchers are better equipped to develop therapies that target proteins as they understand more about the genetic alterations and molecules that cause progression of cancer. There has been a recent diversification of the sorts of targets exploited in treatment. Therapeutic antibody and biotechnology advancements enabled curative treatments to reach previously inaccessible sites. New treatment strategies have been initiated for several undruggable targets. The application of tailored therapy has been proven to have efficient results in controlling cancer progression. Novel biomolecules like SMDCs, ADCs, mABs, and PROTACS has gained vast attention in the recent years. Several studies have shown that using these novel technology helps in reducing the drug dosage as well as to overcome drug resistance in different cancer types. Therefore, it is crucial to fully untangle the mechanism and collect evidence to understand the significance of these novel drug targets and strategies. This review article will be discussing the importance and role of these novel biomolecules in targeted cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Kannampuzha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Reshma Murali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
| | - Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Arunraj Namachivayam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Alex George
- Jubilee Centre for Medical Research, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Medical Services, MGM Cancer Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600029, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641046, India
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ko T, Jou C, Grau-Perales AB, Reynders M, Fenton AA, Trauner D. Photoactivated Protein Degrader for Optical Control of Synaptic Function. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3704-3713. [PMID: 37712589 PMCID: PMC10557063 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of proteins determine the function of synapses, and synapses define the neuronal circuits that subserve myriad brain, cognitive, and behavioral functions. It is thus necessary to precisely manipulate specific proteins at specific sub-cellular locations and times to elucidate the roles of particular proteins and synapses in brain function. We developed PHOtochemically TArgeting Chimeras (PHOTACs) as a strategy to optically degrade specific proteins with high spatial and temporal precision. PHOTACs are small molecules that, upon wavelength-selective illumination, catalyze ubiquitylation and degradation of target proteins through endogenous proteasomes. Here, we describe the design and chemical properties of a PHOTAC that targets Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα), which is abundant and crucial for the baseline synaptic function of excitatory neurons. We validate the PHOTAC strategy, showing that the CaMKIIα-PHOTAC is effective in mouse brain tissue. Light activation of CaMKIIα-PHOTAC removed CaMKIIα from regions of the mouse hippocampus only within 25 μm of the illuminated brain surface. The optically controlled degradation decreases synaptic function within minutes of light activation, measured by the light-initiated attenuation of evoked field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) responses to physiological stimulation. The PHOTACs methodology should be broadly applicable to other key proteins implicated in synaptic function, especially for evaluating their precise roles in the maintenance of long-term potentiation and memory within subcellular dendritic domains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tongil Ko
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Claudia Jou
- Department
of Psychology, Hunter College, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | | | - Martin Reynders
- Department
of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - André A. Fenton
- Center
for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Dirk Trauner
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Yao R, Luo T, Wang M. Delivering on Cell-Selective Protein Degradation Using Chemically Tailored PROTACs. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300413. [PMID: 37496112 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
PROTACs (Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras) have emerged as a groundbreaking class of chemical tools that facilitate the degradation of target proteins by leveraging the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). However, the effective utilization of PROTACs in chemical biology studies and therapeutics encounters significant challenges when it comes to achieving cell-selective protein degradation and in vivo applications. This review article aims to shed light on recent advancements in the development of Pro-PROTACs, which exhibit controlled protein degradation capabilities in response to external stimuli or disease-related endogenous biochemical signals. The article delves into the specific chemical strategies employed to regulate the interaction between PROTACs and E3 ubiquitin ligases or target proteins. These strategies enable spatial and temporal control over the protein degradation potential of Pro-PROTACs. Furthermore, the review summarizes recent investigations regarding the delivery of PROTACs using biodegradable nanoparticles for in vivo applications and targeted protein degradation. Such delivery systems hold great promise for enabling efficient and selective protein degradation in vivo. Lastly, the article provides a perspective on the future design of multifunctional PROTACs and their intracellular delivery mechanisms, with a particular focus on achieving cell-selective protein degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100490, China
| | - Tianli Luo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100490, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100490, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Huang J, Yao Z, Li B, Ping Y. Targeted delivery of PROTAC-based prodrug activated by bond-cleavage bioorthogonal chemistry for microneedle-assisted cancer therapy. J Control Release 2023; 361:270-279. [PMID: 37541594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.07.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) is emerging as a new strategy to degrade target proteins in a precise way by taking advantage of the cellular ubiquitin-proteasome system. However, the potential cytotoxicity of PROTAC should be avoided to mitigate the off-target degradation of proteins in healthy tissues or cells. To address this issue, we herein present a strategy to cage a PROTAC with 4-(vinyloxy) benzyl carbonate (MZ1-O), which can be eliminated through a 3,6-dimethyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (Tz)-mediated inverse electron-demand Diels-Alder (iEDDA) reaction to generate a BRD4 (bromodomain-containing protein 4) degrader, MZ1. We further propose a dissolvable microneedle-assisted strategy for site-specific activation of MZ1-O that is delivered by a targeted delivery vector through systemic route in vivo, and demonstrate such a bioorthogonal strategy is efficient and precise for tumor treatment. Our study suggests that the bioorthogonal activation of PROTAC-based prodrug offers a highly specific and precise approach for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Huang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zhuo Yao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Bowen Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Yuan Ping
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Zhang Z, Le GNT, Ge Y, Tang X, Chen X, Ejim L, Bordeleau E, Wright GD, Burns DC, Tran S, Axerio-Cilies P, Wang YT, Dong M, Woolley GA. Isomerization of bioactive acylhydrazones triggered by light or thiols. Nat Chem 2023; 15:1285-1295. [PMID: 37308709 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01239-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The acylhydrazone unit is well represented in screening databases used to find ligands for biological targets, and numerous bioactive acylhydrazones have been reported. However, potential E/Z isomerization of the C=N bond in these compounds is rarely examined when bioactivity is assayed. Here we analysed two ortho-hydroxylated acylhydrazones discovered in a virtual drug screen for modulators of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and other bioactive hydroxylated acylhydrazones with structurally defined targets reported in the Protein Data Bank. We found that ionized forms of these compounds, which are populated under laboratory conditions, photoisomerize readily and the isomeric forms have markedly different bioactivity. Furthermore, we show that glutathione, a tripeptide involved with cellular redox balance, catalyses dynamic E⇄Z isomerization of acylhydrazones. The ratio of E to Z isomers in cells is determined by the relative stabilities of the isomers regardless of which isomer was applied. We conclude that E/Z isomerization may be a common feature of the bioactivity observed with acylhydrazones and should be routinely analysed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Giang N T Le
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yang Ge
- Department of Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xiaowen Tang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Linda Ejim
- David Braley Centre for Antibiotics Discovery M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily Bordeleau
- David Braley Centre for Antibiotics Discovery M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gerard D Wright
- David Braley Centre for Antibiotics Discovery M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darcy C Burns
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susannah Tran
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Axerio-Cilies
- Department of Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Yu Tian Wang
- Department of Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Mingxin Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - G Andrew Woolley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Yu D, Fan H, Zhou Z, Zhang Y, Sun J, Wang L, Jia Y, Tian J, Campbell A, Mi W, Sun H. Hydrogen Peroxide-Inducible PROTACs for Targeted Protein Degradation in Cancer Cells. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300422. [PMID: 37462478 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300422] [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: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) provide a powerful technique to degrade targeted proteins utilizing the cellular ubiquitin-proteasome system. The major concern is the host toxicity resulting from their poor selectivity. Inducible PROTACs responding to exogenous stimulus, such as light, improve their specificity, but it is difficult for photo-activation in deep tissues. Herein, we develop H2 O2 -inducible PROTAC precursors 2/5, which can be activated by endogenous H2 O2 in cancer cells to release the active PROTACs 1/4 to effectively degrade targeted proteins. This results in the intended cytotoxicity towards cancer cells while targeted protein in normal cells remains almost unaffected. The higher Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) degradation activity and cytotoxicity of 2 towards cancer cells is mainly due to the higher endogenous concentration of H2 O2 in cancer cells (A549 and H1299), characterized by H2 O2 -responsive fluorescence probe 3. Western blot assays and cytotoxicity experiments demonstrate that 2 degrades BRD4 more effectively and is more cytotoxic in H2 O2 -rich cancer cells than in H2 O2 -deficient normal cells. This method is also extended to estrogen receptor (ER)-PROTAC precursor 5, showing H2 O2 -dependent ER degradation ability. Thus, we establish a novel strategy to induce targeted protein degradation in a H2 O2 -dependent way, which has the potential to improve the selectivity of PROTACs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dehao Yu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center, for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Heli Fan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center, for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Zhili Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease, Ministry of Education), Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease, Ministry of Education), Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center, for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Luo Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center, for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jia
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center, for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Junyu Tian
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center, for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Anahit Campbell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53211, USA
| | - Wenyi Mi
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease, Ministry of Education), Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Huabing Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center, for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhao C, Wang H, Zhan W, Lv X, Ma X. Exploitation of Proximity-Mediated Effects in Drug Discovery: An Update of Recent Research Highlights in Perturbing Pathogenic Proteins and Correlated Issues. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10122-10149. [PMID: 37489834 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00079] [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: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The utilization of proximity-mediated effects to perturb pathogenic proteins of interest (POIs) has emerged as a powerful strategic alternative to conventional drug design approaches based on target occupancy. Over the past three years, the burgeoning field of targeted protein degradation (TPD) has witnessed the expansion of degradable POIs to membrane-associated, extracellular, proteasome-resistant, and even microbial proteins. Beyond TPD, researchers have achieved the proximity-mediated targeted protein stabilization, the recruitment of intracellular immunophilins to disturb undruggable targets, and the nonphysiological post-translational modifications of POIs. All of these strides provide new avenues for innovative drug discovery aimed at battling human malignancies and other major diseases. This perspective presents recent research highlights and discusses correlated issues in developing therapeutic modalities that exploit proximity-mediated effects to modulate pathogenic proteins, thereby guiding future academic and industrial efforts in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Can Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Henian Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Wenhu Zhan
- iCarbonX (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Xiaoqing Lv
- College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
He Q, Zhou L, Yu D, Zhu R, Chen Y, Song M, Liu X, Liao Y, Ding T, Fan W, Yu W. Near-Infrared-Activatable PROTAC Nanocages for Controllable Target Protein Degradation and On-Demand Antitumor Therapy. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10458-10472. [PMID: 37279091 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
As a novel protein knockdown tool, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) can induce potent degradation of target proteins by hijacking E3 ubiquitin ligases. However, the uncontrollable protein disruption of PROTACs is prone to cause "off-target" toxicity after systemic administration. Herein, we designed a photocaged-PROTAC (phoBET1) and loaded it in UCNPs-based mesoporous silica nanoparticles (UMSNs) to construct a NIR light-activatable PROTAC nanocage (UMSNs@phoBET1) for controllable target protein degradation. Upon NIR light (980 nm) irradiation, UMSNs@phoBET1 nanocages could be activated to release active PROTAC via a controlled pattern for degrading bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) and inducing MV-4-11 cancer cell apoptosis. In vivo experiments demonstrated that UMSNs@phoBET1 nanocages were capable of responding to NIR light in tumor tissues to achieve BRD4 degradation and effectively suppress tumor growth. This NIR light-activatable PROTAC nanoplatform compensates for the current shortcomings of short-wavelength light-controlled PROTACs and presents a paradigm for the precise regulation of PROTACs in living tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Daxin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ren Zhu
- 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, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingbo Song
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xintong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixian Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenpei Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wang W, Zhu C, Zhang B, Feng Y, Zhang Y, Li J. Self-Assembled Nano-PROTAC Enables Near-Infrared Photodynamic Proteolysis for Cancer Therapy. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:16642-16649. [PMID: 37477624 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Confining the protein degradation activity of proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) to cancer lesions ensures precision treatment. However, it still remains challenging to precisely control PROTAC function in tumor regions in vivo. We herein describe a near-infrared (NIR) photoactivatable nano-PROTAC (NAP) for remote-controllable proteolysis in tumor-bearing mice. NAP is formed by molecular self-assembly from an amphiphilic conjugate of PROTAC linked with an NIR photosensitizer through a singlet oxygen (1O2)-cleavable linker. The activity of PROTAC is initially silenced but can be remotely switched on upon NIR photoirradiation to generate 1O2 by the photosensitizer. We demonstrated that NAP enabled tumor-specific degradation of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) in an NIR light-instructed manner. This in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) elicited an effective suppression of tumor growth. This work thus presents a novel approach for spatiotemporal control over targeted protein degradation by PROTAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weishan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chenghong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jinbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional small molecules that induce the ternary complex formation between a protein-of-interest (POI) and an E3 ligase, leading to targeted polyubiquitination and degradation of the POI. Particularly, PROTACs have the distinct advantage of targeting both canonical and noncanonical functions of epigenetic targets over traditional inhibitors, which typically target canonical functions only, resulting in greater therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we methodically analyze published PROTAC degraders of epigenetic writer, reader, and eraser proteins and their in vitro and in vivo effects. We highlight the mechanism of action of these degraders and their advantages in targeting both canonical and noncanonical functions of epigenetic targets in the context of cancer treatment. Furthermore, we present a future outlook for this exciting field. Overall, pharmacological degradation of epigenetic targets has emerged as an effective and attractive strategy to thwart cancer progression and growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Kabir
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA.
| | - Xufen Yu
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA.
| | - H Ümit Kaniskan
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA.
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Danazumi AU, Ishmam IT, Idris S, Izert MA, Balogun EO, Górna MW. Targeted protein degradation might present a novel therapeutic approach in the fight against African trypanosomiasis. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 186:106451. [PMID: 37088149 PMCID: PMC11032742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
African trypanosomiasis (AT) is a hemoparasitic disease caused by infection with African trypanosomes and it is prevalent in many sub-Saharan African countries, affecting both humans and domestic animals. The disease is transmitted mostly by haematophagous insects of the genus Glossina while taking blood meal, in the process spreading the parasites from an infected animal to an uninfected animal. The disease is fatal if untreated, and the available drugs are generally ineffective and resulting in toxicities. Therefore, it is still pertinent to explore novel methods and targets for drug discovery. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) present a new strategy for development of therapeutic molecules that mimic cellular proteasomal-mediated protein degradation to target proteins involved in different disease types. PROTACs have been used to degrade proteins involved in various cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and immune disorders with remarkable success. Here, we highlight the problems associated with the current treatments for AT, discuss the concept of PROTACs and associated targeted protein degradation (TPD) approaches, and provide some insights on the future potential for the use of these emerging technologies (PROTACs and TPD) for the development of new generation of anti-Trypanosoma drugs and the first "TrypPROTACs".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Usman Danazumi
- Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | | | - Salisu Idris
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Matylda Anna Izert
- Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Emmanuel Oluwadare Balogun
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; African Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
| | - Maria Wiktoria Górna
- Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Chang M, Gao F, Pontigon D, Gnawali G, Xu H, Wang W. Bioorthogonal PROTAC Prodrugs Enabled by On-Target Activation. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:14155-14163. [PMID: 37327395 PMCID: PMC11249063 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Although proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have become promising therapeutic modalities, important concerns exist about the potential toxicity of the approach owing to uncontrolled degradation of proteins and undesirable ligase-mediated off-target effects. Precision manipulation of degradation activity of PROTACs could minimize potential toxicity and side effects. As a result, extensive efforts have been devoted to developing cancer biomarker activating prodrugs of PROTACs. In this investigation, we developed a bioorthogonal on-demand prodrug strategy (termed click-release "crPROTACs") that enables on-target activation of PROTAC prodrugs and release of PROTACs in cancer cells selectively. Inactive PROTAC prodrugs TCO-ARV-771 and TCO-DT2216 are rationally designed by conjugating a bioorthogonal trans-cyclooctenes (TCO) group into the ligand of the VHL E3 ubiquitin ligase. The tetrazine (Tz)-modified RGD peptide, c(RGDyK)-Tz, which targets integrin αvβ3 biomarker in cancer cells, serves as the activation component for click-release of the PROTAC prodrugs to achieve targeted degradation of proteins of interest (POIs) in cancer cells versus noncancerous normal cells. The results of studies accessing the viability of this strategy show that the PROTAC prodrugs are selectively activated in an integrin αvβ3-dependent manner to produce PROTACs, which degrade POIs in cancer cells. The crPROTAC strategy might be a general, abiotic approach to induce selective cancer cell death through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyang Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Devin Pontigon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Giri Gnawali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Hang Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) is an emerging technique for degrading disease-related proteins. However, the current PROTACs suffer from inadequate solubility and lack of organ targeting, which has hampered their druggability. Herein, we report direct and sustained delivery of PROTACs using microneedle patches to the diseased tissues. In this study, we use an estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-degrading PROTAC, ERD308, to treat ER-positive breast cancer. A pH-sensitive micelle, MPEG-poly(β-amino ester) (MPEG-PAE), is used to encapsulate ERD308 along with an FDA-approved CDK4/6 inhibitor, Palbociclib (Pal), before loading into biodegradable microneedle patches. These patches enable prolonged drug release into deep tumors, maintaining therapeutic levels for at least 4 days, with an excellent drug retention rate of over 87% in tumors. ERD308 released from the microneedle patches can sufficiently degrade ERα in MCF7 cells. Co-administration of ERD308 and Palbociclib exhibits excellent efficacy by over 80% tumor reduction as well as a good safety profile. Our work demonstrates the feasibility and proof-of-concept therapeutic potential of using microneedle patches to directly deliver PROTACs into tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Cheng
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States, and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
| | - Shiqi Hu
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States, and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
| | - Ke Cheng
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States, and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Liang J, Wu Y, Lan K, Dong C, Wu S, Li S, Zhou HB. Antiviral PROTACs: Opportunity borne with challenge. CELL INSIGHT 2023; 2:100092. [PMID: 37398636 PMCID: PMC10308200 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2023.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degradation of pathogenic proteins by hijacking of the ubiquitin-proteasome-system has become a promising strategy in drug design. The overwhelming advantages of PROTAC technology have ensured a rapid and wide usage, and multiple PROTACs have entered clinical trials. Several antiviral PROTACs have been developed with promising bioactivities against various pathogenic viruses. However, the number of reported antiviral PROTACs is far less than that of other diseases, e.g., cancers, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, possibly because of the common deficiencies of PROTAC technology (e.g., limited available ligands and poor membrane permeability) plus the complex mechanism involved and the high tendency of viral mutation during transmission and replication, which may challenge the successful development of effective antiviral PROTACs. This review highlights the important advances in this rapidly growing field and critical limitations encountered in developing antiviral PROTACs by analyzing the current status and representative examples of antiviral PROTACs and other PROTAC-like antiviral agents. We also summarize and analyze the general principles and strategies for antiviral PROTAC design and optimization with the intent of indicating the potential strategic directions for future progress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinsen Liang
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yihe Wu
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ke Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Chune Dong
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shuwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Shu Li
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Mi D, Li Y, Gu H, Li Y, Chen Y. Current advances of small molecule E3 ligands for proteolysis-targeting chimeras design. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115444. [PMID: 37178483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) as an emerging drug discovery modality has been extensively concerned in recent years. Over 20 years development, accumulated studies have demonstrated that PROTACs show unique advantages over traditional therapy in operable target scope, efficacy, and overcoming drug resistance. However, only limited E3 ligases, the essential elements of PROTACs, have been harnessed for PROTACs design. The optimization of novel ligands for well-established E3 ligases and the employment of additional E3 ligases remain urgent challenges for investigators. Here, we systematically summarize the current status of E3 ligases and corresponding ligands for PROTACs design with a focus on their discovery history, design principles, application benefits, and potential defects. Meanwhile, the prospects and future directions for this field are briefly discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dazhao Mi
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yuzhan Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Haijun Gu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yan Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Xie B, Xu B, Xin L, Wei Y, Guo X, Dong C. Discovery of estrogen receptor α targeting caged hypoxia-responsive PROTACs with an inherent bicyclic skeleton for breast cancer treatment. Bioorg Chem 2023; 137:106590. [PMID: 37163809 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106590] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In view of the potential off-target effects of antitumor drugs, including proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC), certain toxic effects may be caused in normal tissues. Herein, based on the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment, we reported the first estrogen receptor α (ERα) targeting hypoxia-responsive PROTACs in order to improve their safety in breast cancer treatment by introducing two hypoxia-activated groups, nitroimidazole and nitrobenzene, into the ER ligand or E3 ligand of an active PROTAC, which has certain cytotoxicity in normal cells. Bioactivity studies showed that these hypoxia-responsive PROTACs exhibited excellent hypoxic responsiveness and ERα degradation activity under hypoxic conditions, and thus improved the toxic effects of the active PROTAC in normal cells. It is expected that our caged compounds provide a new strategy for precise functional control of PROTAC drugs for breast cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baohua Xie
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lilan Xin
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yizhou Wei
- Wuhan Britain-China School, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xinyi Guo
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chune Dong
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Sarabando SN, Palmeira A, Sousa ME, Faustino MAF, Monteiro CJP. Photomodulation Approaches to Overcome Antimicrobial Resistance. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050682. [PMID: 37242465 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Photopharmacology is an approach that aims to be an alternative to classical chemotherapy. Herein, the different classes of photoswitches and photocleavage compounds and their biological applications are described. Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) containing azobenzene moieties (PHOTACs) and photocleavable protecting groups (photocaged PROTACs) are also mentioned. Furthermore, porphyrins are referenced as successful photoactive compounds in a clinical context, such as in the photodynamic therapy of tumours as well as preventing antimicrobial resistance, namely in bacteria. Porphyrins combining photoswitches and photocleavage systems are highlighted, taking advantage of both photopharmacology and photodynamic action. Finally, porphyrins with antibacterial activity are described, taking advantage of the synergistic effect of photodynamic treatment and antibiotic therapy to overcome bacterial resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia N Sarabando
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Chemical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- LAQV-Requimte and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3010-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Andreia Palmeira
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Chemical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Emília Sousa
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Chemical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Carlos J P Monteiro
- LAQV-Requimte and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3010-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Arp CJ, Reynders M, Sreekanth V, Kokkonda P, Pagano M, Choudhary A, Trauner D. Photoswitchable Molecular Glues Enable Optical Control of Transcription Factor Degradation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.09.536172. [PMID: 37066279 PMCID: PMC10104231 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.09.536172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), which include thalidomide and its derivatives, have emerged as the standard of care against multiple myeloma. They function as molecular glues that bind to the E3 ligase cereblon (CRBN) and induce protein interactions with neosubstrates, including the transcription factors Ikaros (IKZF1) and Aiolos (IKZF3). The subsequent ubiquitylation and degradation of these transcription factors underlies the antiproliferative activity of IMiDs. Here, we introduce photoswitchable immunomodulatory drugs (PHOIMiDs) that can be used to degrade Ikaros and Aiolos in a light-dependent fashion. Our lead compound shows minimal activity in the dark and becomes an active degrader upon irradiation with violet light. It shows high selectivity over other transcription factors, regardless of its state, and could therefore be used to control the levels of Ikaros and Aiolos with high spatiotemporal precision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Arp
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Sq E, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Martin Reynders
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Sq E, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Vedagopuram Sreekanth
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Praveen Kokkonda
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Michele Pagano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Amit Choudhary
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Dirk Trauner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, College of Arts and Sciences, 231 South 34 Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, United States
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Sq E, New York, New York 10003, United States
| |
Collapse
|