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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.
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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
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Dong Y, Chen Y, Ma G, Cao H. The role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in bone homeostasis and related diseases. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:3963-3987. [PMID: 37799379 PMCID: PMC10547920 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.06.016] [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: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) dedicates to degrade intracellular proteins to modulate demic homeostasis and functions of organisms. These enzymatic cascades mark and modifies target proteins diversly through covalently binding ubiquitin molecules. In the UPS, E3 ubiquitin ligases are the crucial constituents by the advantage of recognizing and presenting proteins to proteasomes for proteolysis. As the major regulators of protein homeostasis, E3 ligases are indispensable to proper cell manners in diverse systems, and they are well described in physiological bone growth and bone metabolism. Pathologically, classic bone-related diseases such as metabolic bone diseases, arthritis, bone neoplasms and bone metastasis of the tumor, etc., were also depicted in a UPS-dependent manner. Therefore, skeletal system is versatilely regulated by UPS and it is worthy to summarize the underlying mechanism. Furthermore, based on the current status of treatment, normal or pathological osteogenesis and tumorigenesis elaborated in this review highlight the clinical significance of UPS research. As a strategy possibly remedies the limitations of UPS treatment, emerging PROTAC was described comprehensively to illustrate its potential in clinical application. Altogether, the purpose of this review aims to provide more evidence for exploiting novel therapeutic strategies based on UPS for bone associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Guixing Ma
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Huiling Cao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Choudhary D, Kaur A, Singh P, Chaudhary G, Kaur R, Bayan MF, Chandrasekaran B, Marji SM, Ayman R. Target protein degradation by protacs: A budding cancer treatment strategy. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108525. [PMID: 37696366 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most common causes of death. So, its lethal effect increases with time. Near about hundreds of cancers are known in humans. Cancer treatment is done to cure or prolonged remission, and shrinkage of the tumor. Cytotoxic agents, biological agents/targeted drugs, hormonal drugs, surgery, radiotherapy/proton therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy are currently used in the treatment of cancer but their cost is high and cause various side effects. Seeing this, some new targeted strategies such as PROTACs are the need of the time. Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) has become one of the most discussed topics regarding cancer treatment. Few of the PROTAC molecules are in the trial phases. PROTACs have many advantages over other strategies such as modularity, compatibility, sub-stoichiometric activity, acting on undruggable targets, molecular design, and acts on intracellular targets, selectivity and specificity can be recruited for any cancer, versatility, and others. PROTACs are having some unclear questions on their pharmacokinetics, heavy-molecular weight, etc. PROTACs are anticipated to bring about a conversion in current healthcare and will emerge as booming treatments. In this review article we summarize PROTACs, their mechanism of action, uses, advantages, disadvantages, challenges, and future aspects for the successful development of potent PROTACs as a drug strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diksha Choudhary
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India
| | - Amritpal Kaur
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India
| | - Pargat Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India
| | - Gaurav Chaudhary
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India
| | - Rajwinder Kaur
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India.
| | - Mohammad F Bayan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Philadelphia University, P.O. Box 1, Amman 19392, Jordan
| | | | - Saeed M Marji
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Philadelphia University, P.O. Box 1, Amman 19392, Jordan
| | - Reema Ayman
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Philadelphia University, P.O. Box 1, Amman 19392, Jordan
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Yin H, Wang J, Tan Y, Jiang M, Zhang H, Meng G. Transcription factor abnormalities in B-ALL leukemogenesis and treatment. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:855-870. [PMID: 37407363 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.06.004] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
The biological regulation of transcription factors (TFs) and repressor proteins is an important mechanism for maintaining cell homeostasis. In B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) TF abnormalities occur at high frequency and are often recognized as the major driving factor in carcinogenesis. We provide an in-depth review of molecular mechanisms of six major TF rearrangements in B-ALL, including DUX4-rearranged (DUX4-R), MEF2D-R, ZNF384-R, ETV6-RUNX1 and TCF3-PBX1 fusions, and KMT2A-R. In addition, the therapeutic options and prognoses for patients who harbor these TF abnormalities are discussed. This review aims to provide an up-to-date panoramic view of how TF-based oncogenic fusions might drive carcinogenesis and impact on potential therapeutic exploration of B-ALL treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Yin
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Junfei Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yangxia Tan
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Minghao Jiang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Ministry of Education (MOE) Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China.
| | - Guoyu Meng
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China.
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Alugubelli YR, Xiao J, Khatua K, Kumar S, Ma Y, Ma XR, Vulupala VR, Atla SR, Blankenship L, Coleman D, Neuman BW, Liu WR, Xu S. Discovery of First-in-Class PROTAC Degraders of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.29.560163. [PMID: 37808777 PMCID: PMC10557696 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.29.560163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
We have witnessed three coronavirus (CoV) outbreaks in the past two decades, including the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Main protease (M Pro ) is a highly conserved and essential protease that plays key roles in viral replication and pathogenesis among various CoVs, representing one of the most attractive drug targets for antiviral drug development. Traditional antiviral drug development strategies focus on the pursuit of high-affinity binding inhibitors against M Pro . However, this approach often suffers from issues such as toxicity, drug resistance, and a lack of broad-spectrum efficacy. Targeted protein degradation represents a promising strategy for developing next-generation antiviral drugs to combat infectious diseases. Here we leverage the proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology to develop a new class of small-molecule antivirals that induce the degradation of SARS-CoV-2 M Pro . Our previously developed M Pro inhibitors MPI8 and MPI29 were used as M Pro ligands to conjugate a CRBN E3 ligand, leading to compounds that can both inhibit and degrade SARS-CoV-2 M Pro . Among them, MDP2 was demonstrated to effectively reduce M Pro protein levels in 293T cells (DC 50 = 296 nM), relying on a time-dependent, CRBN-mediated, and proteasome-driven mechanism. Furthermore, MPD2 exhibited remarkable efficacy in diminishing M Pro protein levels in SARS-CoV-2-infected A549-ACE2 cells, concurrently demonstrating potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity (EC 50 = 492 nM). This proof-of-concept study highlights the potential of PROTAC-mediated targeted protein degradation of M Pro as an innovative and promising approach for COVID-19 drug discovery.
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56
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Castellani B, Eleuteri M, Di Bona S, Cruciani G, Desantis J, Goracci L. VHL-Modified PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) as a Strategy to Evade Metabolic Degradation in In Vitro Applications. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13148-13171. [PMID: 37699425 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are tripartite molecules consisting of a linker connecting a ligand for a protein of interest to an E3 ligase recruiter, whose rationale relies on proteasome-based protein degradation. PROTACs have expanded as a therapeutic strategy to open new avenues for unmet medical needs. Leveraging our expertise, we undertook a series of in vitro experiments aimed at elucidating PROTAC metabolism. In particular, we focused on PROTACs recruiting the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ligase. After high-resolution mass spectrometry measurements, a characteristic metabolite with mass reduction of 200 units was detected and successively confirmed as a product deriving from the cleavage of the VHL ligand moiety. Subsequently, we identified hepatic and extrahepatic prolyl endopeptidases as the main putative metabolic enzymes involved. Finally, we designed and synthesized analogs of the VHL ligands that we further exploited for the synthesis of novel VHL-directed PROTACs with an improved metabolic stability in in vitro applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michela Eleuteri
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Cruciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy
| | - Jenny Desantis
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy
| | - Laura Goracci
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy
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57
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Ren G, Li H, Hong D, Hu F, Jin R, Wu S, Sun W, Jin H, Zhao L, Zhang X, Liu D, Huang C, Huang H. LINC00955 suppresses colorectal cancer growth by acting as a molecular scaffold of TRIM25 and Sp1 to Inhibit DNMT3B-mediated methylation of the PHIP promoter. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:898. [PMID: 37742010 PMCID: PMC10518100 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11403-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs play an important role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), while many CRC-related lncRNAs have not yet been identified. METHODS The relationship between the expression of LINC00955 (Long Intergenic Non-protein Coding RNA 955) and the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients was analyzed using the sequencing results of the TCGA database. LINC00955 expression levels were measured using qRT-PCR. The anti-proliferative activity of LINC00955 was evaluated using CRC cell lines in vitro and xenograft models in nude mice in vivo. The interaction of TRIM25-Sp1-DNMT3B-PHIP-CDK2 was analyzed by western blotting, protein degradation experiment, luciferase, RNA-IP, RNA pull-down assays and immunohistochemically analysis. The biological roles of LINC00955, tripartite motif containing 25 (TRIM25), Sp1 transcription factor (Sp1), DNA methyltransferase 3 beta (DNMT3B), pleckstrin homology domain interacting protein (PHIP), cyclin dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) in colorectal cancer cells were analyzed using ATP assays, Soft agar experiments and EdU assays. RESULTS The present study showed that LINC00955 is downregulated in CRC tissues, and such downregulation is associated with poor prognosis of CRC patients. We found that LINC00955 can inhibit CRC cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Evaluation of its mechanism of action showed that LINC00955 acts as a scaffold molecule that directly promotes the binding of TRIM25 to Sp1, and promotes ubiquitination and degradation of Sp1, thereby attenuating transcription and expression of DNMT3B. DNMT3B inhibition results in hypomethylation of the PHIP promoter, in turn increasing PHIP transcription and promoting ubiquitination and degradation of CDK2, ultimately leading to G0/G1 growth arrest and inhibition of CRC cell growth. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that downregulation of LINC00955 in CRC cells promotes tumor growth through the TRIM25/Sp1/DNMT3B/PHIP/CDK2 regulatory axis, suggesting that LINC00955 may be a potential target for the therapy of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganglin Ren
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
- Jiaxing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jiaxing, 314050, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongyan Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dan Hong
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fangyu Hu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rongjia Jin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenhao Sun
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Honglei Jin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingling Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dongxiang Liu
- Center for Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Chuanshu Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Haishan Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
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Zhang Z, Sie B, Chang A, Leng Y, Nardone C, Timms RT, Elledge SJ. Elucidation of E3 ubiquitin ligase specificity through proteome-wide internal degron mapping. Mol Cell 2023; 83:3377-3392.e6. [PMID: 37738965 PMCID: PMC10594193 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system plays a critical role in biology by regulating protein degradation. Despite their importance, precise recognition specificity is known for a few of the 600 E3s. Here, we establish a two-pronged strategy for identifying and mapping critical residues of internal degrons on a proteome-scale in HEK-293T cells. We employ global protein stability profiling combined with machine learning to identify 15,800 peptides likely to contain sequence-dependent degrons. We combine this with scanning mutagenesis to define critical residues for over 5,000 predicted degrons. Focusing on Cullin-RING ligase degrons, we generated mutational fingerprints for 219 degrons and developed DegronID, a computational algorithm enabling the clustering of degron peptides with similar motifs. CRISPR analysis enabled the discovery of E3-degron pairs, of which we uncovered 16 pairs that revealed extensive degron variability and structural determinants. We provide the visualization of these data on the public DegronID data browser as a resource for future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqian Zhang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Brandon Sie
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aiquan Chang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yumei Leng
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christopher Nardone
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Richard T Timms
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Stephen J Elledge
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Ye Z, Yang J, Jiang H, Zhan X. The roles of protein ubiquitination in tumorigenesis and targeted drug discovery in lung cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1220108. [PMID: 37795365 PMCID: PMC10546409 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1220108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The malignant lung cancer has a high morbidity rate and very poor 5-year survival rate. About 80% - 90% of protein degradation in human cells is occurred through the ubiquitination enzyme pathway. Ubiquitin ligase (E3) with high specificity plays a crucial role in the ubiquitination process of the target protein, which usually occurs at a lysine residue in a substrate protein. Different ubiquitination forms have different effects on the target proteins. Multiple short chains of ubiquitination residues modify substrate proteins, which are favorable signals for protein degradation. The dynamic balance adapted to physiological needs between ubiquitination and deubiquitination of intracellular proteins is beneficial to the health of the organism. Ubiquitination of proteins has an impact on many biological pathways, and imbalances in these pathways lead to diseases including lung cancer. Ubiquitination of tumor suppressor protein factors or deubiquitination of tumor carcinogen protein factors often lead to the progression of lung cancer. Ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is a treasure house for research and development of new cancer drugs for lung cancer, especially targeting proteasome and E3s. The ubiquitination and degradation of oncogene proteins with precise targeting may provide a bright prospect for drug development in lung cancer; Especially proteolytic targeted chimerism (PROTAC)-induced protein degradation technology will offer a new strategy in the discovery and development of new drugs for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Ye
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jingru Yang
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hanming Jiang
- School of Clinical and Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xianquan Zhan
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Takahashi D, Ora T, Sasaki S, Ishii N, Tanaka T, Matsuda T, Ikeda M, Moriyama J, Cho N, Nara H, Maezaki H, Kamaura M, Shimokawa K, Arimoto H. Second-Generation AUTACs for Targeted Autophagic Degradation. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12342-12372. [PMID: 37589438 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00861] [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: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system has emerged as one of the most promising drug discovery modalities. Autophagy, another intracellular degradation system, can target a wide range of nonproteinous substrates as well as proteins, but its application to targeted degradation is still in its infancy. Our previous work revealed a relationship between guanine modification of cysteine residues on intracellular proteins and selective autophagy, resulting in the first autophagy-based degraders, autophagy-targeted chimeras (AUTACs). Based on the research background, all the reported AUTACs compounds contain cysteine as a substructure. Here, we examine the importance of this substructure by conducting SAR studies and report significant improvements in the degrader's activity by replacing cysteine with other moieties. Several derivatives showed sub-μM range degrading activity, demonstrating the increased practical value of AUTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Takahashi
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Taiichi Ora
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Shigekazu Sasaki
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Naoki Ishii
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Toshio Tanaka
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Takumi Matsuda
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Mutsuki Ikeda
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Jun Moriyama
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Nobuo Cho
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nara
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Hironobu Maezaki
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kamaura
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | | | - Hirokazu Arimoto
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
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61
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Dupuy M, Lamoureux F, Mullard M, Postec A, Regnier L, Baud’huin M, Georges S, Brounais-Le Royer B, Ory B, Rédini F, Verrecchia F. Ewing sarcoma from molecular biology to the clinic. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1248753. [PMID: 37752913 PMCID: PMC10518617 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1248753] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In Europe, with an incidence of 7.5 cases per million, Ewing sarcoma (ES) is the second most common primary malignant bone tumor in children, adolescents and young adults, after osteosarcoma. Since the 1980s, conventional treatment has been based on the use of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapeutic agents combined with surgical resection of the tumor when possible. These treatments have increased the patient survival rate to 70% for localized forms, which drops drastically to less than 30% when patients are resistant to chemotherapy or when pulmonary metastases are present at diagnosis. However, the lack of improvement in these survival rates over the last decades points to the urgent need for new therapies. Genetically, ES is characterized by a chromosomal translocation between a member of the FET family and a member of the ETS family. In 85% of cases, the chromosomal translocation found is (11; 22) (q24; q12), between the EWS RNA-binding protein and the FLI1 transcription factor, leading to the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein. This chimeric protein acts as an oncogenic factor playing a crucial role in the development of ES. This review provides a non-exhaustive overview of ES from a clinical and biological point of view, describing its main clinical, cellular and molecular aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryne Dupuy
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, CRCI2NA, Université d'Angers, Nantes, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Franck Verrecchia
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, CRCI2NA, Université d'Angers, Nantes, France
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Mostofian B, Martin HJ, Razavi A, Patel S, Allen B, Sherman W, Izaguirre JA. Targeted Protein Degradation: Advances, Challenges, and Prospects for Computational Methods. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:5408-5432. [PMID: 37602861 PMCID: PMC10498452 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic approach of targeted protein degradation (TPD) is gaining momentum due to its potentially superior effects compared with protein inhibition. Recent advancements in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors have led to the development of compounds that are currently in human trials, with some showing promising clinical results. However, the use of computational tools in TPD is still limited, as it has distinct characteristics compared with traditional computational drug design methods. TPD involves creating a ternary structure (protein-degrader-ligase) responsible for the biological function, such as ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation, which depends on the spatial orientation of the protein of interest (POI) relative to E2-loaded ubiquitin. Modeling this structure necessitates a unique blend of tools initially developed for small molecules (e.g., docking) and biologics (e.g., protein-protein interaction modeling). Additionally, degrader molecules, particularly heterobifunctional degraders, are generally larger than conventional small molecule drugs, leading to challenges in determining drug-like properties like solubility and permeability. Furthermore, the catalytic nature of TPD makes occupancy-based modeling insufficient. TPD consists of multiple interconnected yet distinct steps, such as POI binding, E3 ligase binding, ternary structure interactions, ubiquitination, and degradation, along with traditional small molecule properties. A comprehensive set of tools is needed to address the dynamic nature of the induced proximity ternary complex and its implications for ubiquitination. In this Perspective, we discuss the current state of computational tools for TPD. We start by describing the series of steps involved in the degradation process and the experimental methods used to characterize them. Then, we delve into a detailed analysis of the computational tools employed in TPD. We also present an integrative approach that has proven successful for degrader design and its impact on project decisions. Finally, we examine the future prospects of computational methods in TPD and the areas with the greatest potential for impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barmak Mostofian
- OpenEye, Cadence Molecular Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts 02114 United States
| | - Holli-Joi Martin
- Laboratory
for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal
Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 United States
| | - Asghar Razavi
- ENKO
Chem, Inc, Mystic, Connecticut 06355 United States
| | - Shivam Patel
- Psivant
Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 United States
| | - Bryce Allen
- Differentiated
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92056 United States
| | - Woody Sherman
- Psivant
Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 United States
| | - Jesus A Izaguirre
- Differentiated
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92056 United States
- Atommap
Corporation, New York, New York 10013 United States
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63
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Cazzanelli G, Vedove AD, Parolin E, D'Agostino VG, Unzue A, Nevado C, Caflisch A, Lolli G. Reevaluation of bromodomain ligands targeting BAZ2A. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4752. [PMID: 37574751 PMCID: PMC10464297 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BAZ2A promotes migration and invasion in prostate cancer. Two chemical probes, the specific BAZ2-ICR, and the BAZ2/BRD9 cross-reactive GSK2801, interfere with the recognition of acetylated lysines in histones by the bromodomains of BAZ2A and of its BAZ2B paralog. The two chemical probes were tested in prostate cancer cell lines with opposite androgen susceptibility. BAZ2-ICR and GSK2801 showed different cellular efficacies in accordance with their unequal selectivity profiles. Concurrent inhibition of BAZ2 and BRD9 did not reproduce the effects observed with GSK2801, indicating possible off-targets for this chemical probe. On the other hand, the single BAZ2 inhibition by BAZ2-ICR did not phenocopy genetic ablation, demonstrating that bromodomain interference is not sufficient to strongly affect BAZ2A functionality and suggesting a PROTAC-based chemical ablation as an alternative optimization strategy and a possible therapeutic approach. In this context, we also present the crystallographic structures of BAZ2A in complex with the above chemical probes. Binding poses of TP-238 and GSK4027, chemical probes for the bromodomain subfamily I, and two ligands of the CBP/EP300 bromodomains identify additional headgroups for the development of BAZ2A ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cazzanelli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Andrea Dalle Vedove
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Eleonora Parolin
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Vito Giuseppe D'Agostino
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Andrea Unzue
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of ZürichZürichSwitzerland
| | - Cristina Nevado
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of ZürichZürichSwitzerland
| | - Amedeo Caflisch
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of ZürichZürichSwitzerland
| | - Graziano Lolli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
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Yu J, Li H, Fang T, Yun C, Liu X, Xu J, Jiang X, Cai X. Harnessing the Lysosomal Sorting Signals of the Cation-Independent Mannose-6-Phosphate Receptor for Targeted Degradation of Membrane Proteins. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:19107-19119. [PMID: 37552887 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c07687] [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: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Membrane proteins are a crucial class of therapeutic targets that remain challenging to modulate using traditional occupancy-driven inhibition strategies or current proteolysis-targeting degradation approaches. Here, we report that the inherent endolysosomal sorting machinery can be harnessed for the targeted degradation of membrane proteins. A new degradation technique, termed signal-mediated lysosome-targeting chimeras (SignalTACs), was developed by genetically fusing the signaling motif from the cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (CI-M6PR) to a membrane protein binder. Antibody-based SignalTACs were constructed with the CI-M6PR signal peptides fused to the C-terminus of both heavy and light chains of IgG. We demonstrated the scope of this platform technology by degrading five pathogenesis-related membrane proteins, including HER2, EGFR, PD-L1, CD20, and CD71. Furthermore, two simplified constructs of SignalTACs, nanobody-based and peptide-based SignalTACs, were created and shown to promote the lysosomal degradation of target membrane proteins. Compared to the parent antibodies, SignalTACs exhibited significantly higher efficiency in inhibiting tumor cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. This work provides a simple, general, and robust strategy for degrading membrane proteins with molecular precision and may represent a powerful platform with broad research and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 East Outer Ring Road, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Haonan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 East Outer Ring Road, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Tong Fang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 East Outer Ring Road, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chengyu Yun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 East Outer Ring Road, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xue Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 East Outer Ring Road, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jingyao Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 East Outer Ring Road, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xianxing Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 East Outer Ring Road, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaoqing Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 East Outer Ring Road, Guangzhou 510006, China
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65
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Anderson B, Rosston P, Ong HW, Hossain MA, Davis-Gilbert ZW, Drewry DH. How many kinases are druggable? A review of our current understanding. Biochem J 2023; 480:1331-1363. [PMID: 37642371 PMCID: PMC10586788 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220217] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
There are over 500 human kinases ranging from very well-studied to almost completely ignored. Kinases are tractable and implicated in many diseases, making them ideal targets for medicinal chemistry campaigns, but is it possible to discover a drug for each individual kinase? For every human kinase, we gathered data on their citation count, availability of chemical probes, approved and investigational drugs, PDB structures, and biochemical and cellular assays. Analysis of these factors highlights which kinase groups have a wealth of information available, and which groups still have room for progress. The data suggest a disproportionate focus on the more well characterized kinases while much of the kinome remains comparatively understudied. It is noteworthy that tool compounds for understudied kinases have already been developed, and there is still untapped potential for further development in this chemical space. Finally, this review discusses many of the different strategies employed to generate selectivity between kinases. Given the large volume of information available and the progress made over the past 20 years when it comes to drugging kinases, we believe it is possible to develop a tool compound for every human kinase. We hope this review will prove to be both a useful resource as well as inspire the discovery of a tool for every kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Anderson
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
| | - Peter Rosston
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
| | - Han Wee Ong
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
| | - Mohammad Anwar Hossain
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
| | - Zachary W. Davis-Gilbert
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
| | - David H. Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
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Herrmann L, Hahn F, Grau BW, Wild M, Niesar A, Wangen C, Kataev E, Marschall M, Tsogoeva SB. Autofluorescent Artemisinin-Benzimidazole Hybrids via Organo-Click Reaction: Study of Antiviral Properties and Mode of Action in Living Cells. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202301194. [PMID: 37267160 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202301194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Drug modification by a fluorescent label is a common tool for studying its mechanism of action with fluorescence microscopy techniques. However, the attachment of a fluorescent label can significantly alter the polarity, solubility, and biological activity of the investigated drug, and, as a result, the studied mechanism of action can be misrepresented. Therefore, developing efficient drugs, which are inherently fluorescent and can be tracked directly in the cell is highly favorable. Here an easy formation of fluorescent hybrid drugs is presented, generated by a combination of two readily available non-fluorescent pharmacophores via a non-cleavable linker using a Ramachary-Bressy-Wang organocatalyzed azide-carbonyl [3+2] cycloaddition (organo-click) reaction. All newly prepared fluorescent compounds showed strong anti-HCMV activity (EC50 down to 0.07±0.00 μM), thus presenting a very promising drug developmental basis compared to the approved drug ganciclovir (EC50 2.60±0.50 μM). Remarkably, in vitro fluorescent imaging investigation of new compounds revealed induced changes in mitochondrial structures, which is a phenotypical hallmark of antiviral activity. This approach opens up new vistas for the easy formation of potent fluorescent drugs from readily available non-fluorescent parent compounds and might facilitate insight into their mode of action in living cells, avoiding the requirement of linkage to external fluorescent markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Herrmann
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Hahn
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Department, Schlossgarten 4, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Benedikt W Grau
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Wild
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Department, Schlossgarten 4, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aischa Niesar
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Department, Schlossgarten 4, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christina Wangen
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Department, Schlossgarten 4, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Evgeny Kataev
- Organic Chemistry Chair II, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Department, Schlossgarten 4, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Svetlana B Tsogoeva
- Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
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67
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Hall J, Zhang Z, Wang D, Bhattacharya S, Alcantara M, Liang Y, Swiderski P, Forman S, Kwak L, Vaidehi N, Kortylewski M. Oligo-PROTAC strategy for cell-selective and targeted degradation of activated STAT3. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.01.551552. [PMID: 37577590 PMCID: PMC10418257 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.01.551552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Decoy-oligodeoxynucleotides (D-ODNs) can target undruggable transcription factors, such as STAT3. However, challenges in D-ODN delivery and potency hampered their translation. To overcome these limitations, we conjugated STAT3-specific D-ODN to thalidomide (Tha), a known ligand to cereblon (CRBN, a component of E3 ubiquitin ligase) to generate a proteolysis-targeting chimera (STAT3D PROTAC ). STAT3D PROTAC downregulated STAT3, but not STAT1 or STAT5, in target cells. Computational modeling of the STAT3D PROTAC ternary complex predicted two surface lysines on STAT3, K601 and K626 as potential ubiquitination sites for the PROTAC bound E3 ligase. Accordingly, K601/K626 point mutations in STAT3, as well as proteasome inhibitors, and CRBN deletion alleviated STAT3D PROTAC effect. Next, we conjugated STAT3D PROTAC to a CpG ligand targeting Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) to generate myeloid/B-cell-selective C-STAT3D PROTAC conjugate. Naked C-STAT3D PROTAC was spontaneously internalized by TLR9 + myeloid cells, B cells as well as human Ly18 and mouse A20 lymphoma cells, but not by T cells. C-STAT3D PROTAC decreased STAT3 levels to 50% at 250 nM and over 85% at 2 µM dosing in myeloid cells. We also observed significantly improved downregulation of STAT3 target genes involved in lymphoma cell proliferation and/or survival ( BCL2L1, CCND2, MYC ). Finally, we assessed the antitumor efficacy of C-STAT3D PROTAC compared to C-STAT3D or scrambled control (C-SCR) against human lymphoma xenotransplants. Local C-STAT3D PROTAC administration triggered lymphoma regression while control treatments had limited effects. Our results underscore feasibility of using PROTAC strategy for cell-selective, decoy oligonucleotide-based targeting of STAT3 and potentially other tumorigenic transcription factors for cancer therapy.
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68
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Xie L, Xie L. Elucidation of genome-wide understudied proteins targeted by PROTAC-induced degradation using interpretable machine learning. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010974. [PMID: 37590332 PMCID: PMC10464998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are hetero-bifunctional molecules that induce the degradation of target proteins by recruiting an E3 ligase. PROTACs have the potential to inactivate disease-related genes that are considered undruggable by small molecules, making them a promising therapy for the treatment of incurable diseases. However, only a few hundred proteins have been experimentally tested for their amenability to PROTACs, and it remains unclear which other proteins in the entire human genome can be targeted by PROTACs. In this study, we have developed PrePROTAC, an interpretable machine learning model based on a transformer-based protein sequence descriptor and random forest classification. PrePROTAC predicts genome-wide targets that can be degraded by CRBN, one of the E3 ligases. In the benchmark studies, PrePROTAC achieved a ROC-AUC of 0.81, an average precision of 0.84, and over 40% sensitivity at a false positive rate of 0.05. When evaluated by an external test set which comprised proteins from different structural folds than those in the training set, the performance of PrePROTAC did not drop significantly, indicating its generalizability. Furthermore, we developed an embedding SHapley Additive exPlanations (eSHAP) method, which extends conventional SHAP analysis for original features to an embedding space through in silico mutagenesis. This method allowed us to identify key residues in the protein structure that play critical roles in PROTAC activity. The identified key residues were consistent with existing knowledge. Using PrePROTAC, we identified over 600 novel understudied proteins that are potentially degradable by CRBN and proposed PROTAC compounds for three novel drug targets associated with Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xie
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Lei Xie
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Ph.D. Program in Computer Science, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer’s Disease Research Institute, Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York City, New York, United States of America
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69
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Deng C, Li S, Liu Y, Bao W, Xu C, Zheng W, Wang M, Ma X. Split-Cas9-based targeted gene editing and nanobody-mediated proteolysis-targeting chimeras optogenetically coordinated regulation of Survivin to control the fate of cancer cells. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1382. [PMID: 37620295 PMCID: PMC10449816 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precise regulation of partial critical proteins in cancer cells, such as anti-apoptotic proteins, is one of the crucial strategies for treating cancer and discovering related molecular mechanisms. Still, it is also challenging in actual research and practice. The widely used CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing technology and proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have played an essential role in regulating gene expression and protein function in cells. However, the accuracy and controllability of their targeting remain necessary. METHODS Construction of UMUC-3-EGFP stable transgenic cell lines using the Sleeping Beauty system, Flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, fluorescence microplate reader and fluorescence inverted microscope analysis of EGFP intensity. Characterization of Survivin inhibition was done by using Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis, calcein/PI/DAPI cell viability/cytotoxicity assay, cloning formation assay and scratch assay. The cell-derived xenograft (CDX) model was constructed to assess the in vivo effects of reducing Survivin expression. RESULTS Herein, we established a synergistic control platform that coordinated photoactivatable split-Cas9 targeted gene editing and light-induced protein degradation, on which the Survivin gene in the nucleus was controllably edited by blue light irradiation (named paCas9-Survivin) and simultaneously the Survivin protein in the cytoplasm was degraded precisely by a nanobody-mediated target (named paProtacL-Survivin). Meanwhile, in vitro experiments demonstrated that reducing Survivin expression could effectively promote apoptosis and decrease the proliferation and migration of bladder cancerous cells. Furthermore, the CDX model was constructed using UMUC-3 cell lines, results from animal studies indicated that both the paCas9-Survivin system and paProtacL-Survivin significantly inhibited tumour growth, with higher inhibition rates when combined. CONCLUSIONS In short, the coordinated regulatory strategies and combinable technology platforms offer clear advantages in controllability and targeting, as well as an excellent reference value and universal applicability in controlling the fate of cancer cells through multi-level regulation of key intracellular factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changping Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor EngineeringEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Shihui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor EngineeringEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yuping Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug DesignSchool of PharmacyEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Wen Bao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug DesignSchool of PharmacyEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Chengnan Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug DesignSchool of PharmacyEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Wenyun Zheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug DesignSchool of PharmacyEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Meiyan Wang
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering LaboratoryBiomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory BiologyInstitute of BiomedicalSciences and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Xingyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor EngineeringEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
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Yun WS, Kim J, Lim DK, Kim DH, Jeon SI, Kim K. Recent Studies and Progress in the Intratumoral Administration of Nano-Sized Drug Delivery Systems. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2225. [PMID: 37570543 PMCID: PMC10421122 DOI: 10.3390/nano13152225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 30 years, diverse types of nano-sized drug delivery systems (nanoDDSs) have been intensively explored for cancer therapy, exploiting their passive tumor targetability with an enhanced permeability and retention effect. However, their systemic administration has aroused some unavoidable complications, including insufficient tumor-targeting efficiency, side effects due to their undesirable biodistribution, and carrier-associated toxicity. In this review, the recent studies and advancements in intratumoral nanoDDS administration are generally summarized. After identifying the factors to be considered to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of intratumoral nanoDDS administration, the experimental results on the application of intratumoral nanoDDS administration to various types of cancer therapies are discussed. Subsequently, the reports on clinical studies of intratumoral nanoDDS administration are addressed in short. Intratumoral nanoDDS administration is proven with its versatility to enhance the tumor-specific accumulation and retention of therapeutic agents for various therapeutic modalities. Specifically, it can improve the efficacy of therapeutic agents with poor bioavailability by increasing their intratumoral concentration, while minimizing the side effect of highly toxic agents by restricting their delivery to normal tissues. Intratumoral administration of nanoDDS is considered to expand its application area due to its potent ability to improve therapeutic effects and relieve the systemic toxicities of nanoDDSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Su Yun
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KU-KIST), Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongrae Kim
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KU-KIST), Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Kwon Lim
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KU-KIST), Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hwee Kim
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KU-KIST), Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Ik Jeon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangmeyung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
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Thomas BAI, Lewis HL, Jones DH, Ward SE. Central Nervous System Targeted Protein Degraders. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1164. [PMID: 37627229 PMCID: PMC10452695 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081164] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Diseases of the central nervous system, which once occupied a large component of the pharmaceutical industry research and development portfolio, have for many years played a smaller part in major pharma pipelines-primarily due to the well cited challenges in target validation, valid translational models, and clinical trial design. Unfortunately, this decline in research and development interest has occurred in tandem with an increase in the medical need-in part driven by the success in treating other chronic diseases, which then results in a greater overall longevity along with a higher prevalence of diseases associated with ageing. The lead modality for drug agents targeting the brain remains the traditionally small molecule, despite potential in gene-based therapies and antibodies, particularly in the hugely anticipated anti-amyloid field, clearly driven by the additional challenge of effective distribution to the relevant brain compartments. However, in recognition of the growing disease burden, advanced therapies are being developed in tandem with improved delivery options. Hence, methodologies which were initially restricted to systemic indications are now being actively explored for a range of CNS diseases-an important class of which include the protein degradation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bedwyr ab Ion Thomas
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK (H.L.L.)
| | - H. Lois Lewis
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK (H.L.L.)
| | - D. Heulyn Jones
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK (H.L.L.)
- Chemistry Department, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Simon E. Ward
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK (H.L.L.)
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Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional small molecules that induce the ternary complex formation between a protein-of-interest (POI) and an E3 ligase, leading to targeted polyubiquitination and degradation of the POI. Particularly, PROTACs have the distinct advantage of targeting both canonical and noncanonical functions of epigenetic targets over traditional inhibitors, which typically target canonical functions only, resulting in greater therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we methodically analyze published PROTAC degraders of epigenetic writer, reader, and eraser proteins and their in vitro and in vivo effects. We highlight the mechanism of action of these degraders and their advantages in targeting both canonical and noncanonical functions of epigenetic targets in the context of cancer treatment. Furthermore, we present a future outlook for this exciting field. Overall, pharmacological degradation of epigenetic targets has emerged as an effective and attractive strategy to thwart cancer progression and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Kabir
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA.
| | - Xufen Yu
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA.
| | - H Ümit Kaniskan
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA.
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA.
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73
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Lu Y, Yang Y, Zhu G, Zeng H, Fan Y, Guo F, Xu D, Wang B, Chen D, Ge G. Emerging Pharmacotherapeutic Strategies to Overcome Undruggable Proteins in Cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:3360-3382. [PMID: 37496997 PMCID: PMC10367563 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.83026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies in cancer treatment can improve in vivo efficacy and reduce adverse effects by altering the tissue exposure of specific biomolecules. However, there are still large number of target proteins in cancer are still undruggable, owing to the following factors including (1) lack of ligand-binding pockets, (2) function based on protein-protein interactions (PPIs), (3) the highly specific conserved active sites among protein family members, and (4) the variability of tertiary docking structures. The current status of undruggable targets proteins such as KRAS, TP53, C-MYC, PTP, are carefully introduced in this review. Some novel techniques and drug designing strategies have been applicated for overcoming these undruggable proteins, and the most classic and well-known technology is proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs). In this review, the novel drug development strategies including targeting protein degradation, targeting PPI, targeting intrinsically disordered regions, as well as targeting protein-DNA binding are described, and we also discuss the potential of these strategies for overcoming the undruggable targets. Besides, intelligence-assisted technologies like Alpha-Fold help us a lot to predict the protein structure, which is beneficial for drug development. The discovery of new targets and the development of drugs targeting them, especially those undruggable targets, remain a huge challenge. New drug development strategies, better extraction processes that do not disrupt protein-protein interactions, and more precise artificial intelligence technologies may provide significant assistance in overcoming these undruggable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Lu
- Dalian Medical University, 116044 Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yuewen Yang
- Dalian Medical University, 116044 Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Guanghao Zhu
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203 Shanghai City, China
| | - Hairong Zeng
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203 Shanghai City, China
| | - Yiming Fan
- Dalian Harmony Medical Testing Laboratory Co., Ltd, 116620 Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Fujia Guo
- Dalian Medical University, 116044 Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Dongshu Xu
- Dalian Medical University, 116044 Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Boya Wang
- Dalian Medical University, 116044 Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Dapeng Chen
- Dalian Medical University, 116044 Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Guangbo Ge
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203 Shanghai City, China
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Xue W, Li T, Gu Y, Li S, Xia N. Molecular engineering tools for the development of vaccines against infectious diseases: current status and future directions. Expert Rev Vaccines 2023. [PMID: 37339445 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2227699] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The escalating global changes have fostered conditions for the expansion and transmission of diverse biological factors, leading to the rise of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases. Complex viral infections, such as COVID-19, influenza, HIV, and Ebola, continue to surface, necessitating the development of effective vaccine technologies. AREAS COVERED This review article highlights recent advancements in molecular biology, virology, and genomics that have propelled the design and development of innovative molecular tools. These tools have promoted new vaccine research platforms and directly improved vaccine efficacy. The review summarizes the cutting-edge molecular engineering tools used in creating novel vaccines and explores the rapidly expanding molecular tools landscape and potential directions for future vaccine development. EXPERT OPINION The strategic application of advanced molecular engineering tools can address conventional vaccine limitations, enhance the overall efficacy of vaccine products, promote diversification in vaccine platforms, and form the foundation for future vaccine development. Prioritizing safety considerations of these novel molecular tools during vaccine development is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiang an Biomedicine Laboratory, Xiamen, China
| | - Tingting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiang an Biomedicine Laboratory, Xiamen, China
| | - Ying Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiang an Biomedicine Laboratory, Xiamen, China
| | - Shaowei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiang an Biomedicine Laboratory, Xiamen, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiang an Biomedicine Laboratory, Xiamen, China
- The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen, China
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75
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Mansour MA, AboulMagd AM, Abbas SH, Abdel-Rahman HM, Abdel-Aziz M. Insights into fourth generation selective inhibitors of (C797S) EGFR mutation combating non-small cell lung cancer resistance: a critical review. RSC Adv 2023; 13:18825-18853. [PMID: 37350862 PMCID: PMC10282734 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra02347h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the second most common cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer types worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) representing the majority of most cases. Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs) are among the most commonly used targeted therapy to treat NSCLC. Recent years have seen the evaluation of many synthetic EGFR TKIs, most of which showed therapeutic activity in pertinent models and were classified as first, second, and third-generation. The latest studies have concluded that their efficacy was also compromised by additional acquired mutations, including C797S. Because second- and third-generation EGFR TKIs are irreversible inhibitors, they are ineffective against C797S containing EGFR triple mutations (Del19/T790M/C797S and L858R/T790M/C797S). Therefore, there is an urgent unmet medical need to develop next-generation EGFR TKIs that selectively inhibit EGFR triple mutations via a non-irreversible mechanism. This review covers the fourth-generation EGFR-TKIs' most recent design with their essential binding interactions, the clinical difficulties, and the potential outcomes of treating patients with EGFR mutation C797S resistant to third-generation EGFR-TKIs was also discussed. Moreover, the utilization of various therapeutic strategies, including multi-targeting drugs and combination therapies, has also been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa A Mansour
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University in Beni-Suef (NUB) Beni-Suef 62513 Egypt
| | - Asmaa M AboulMagd
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University in Beni-Suef (NUB) Beni-Suef 62513 Egypt
| | - Samar H Abbas
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University Minia 61519 Egypt
| | - Hamdy M Abdel-Rahman
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University Assiut 71526 Egypt
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Assiut (BUA) Assiut 2014101 Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abdel-Aziz
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University Minia 61519 Egypt
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76
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Zhong Q, Xiao X, Qiu Y, Xu Z, Chen C, Chong B, Zhao X, Hai S, Li S, An Z, Dai L. Protein posttranslational modifications in health and diseases: Functions, regulatory mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e261. [PMID: 37143582 PMCID: PMC10152985 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) refer to the breaking or generation of covalent bonds on the backbones or amino acid side chains of proteins and expand the diversity of proteins, which provides the basis for the emergence of organismal complexity. To date, more than 650 types of protein modifications, such as the most well-known phosphorylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, methylation, SUMOylation, short-chain and long-chain acylation modifications, redox modifications, and irreversible modifications, have been described, and the inventory is still increasing. By changing the protein conformation, localization, activity, stability, charges, and interactions with other biomolecules, PTMs ultimately alter the phenotypes and biological processes of cells. The homeostasis of protein modifications is important to human health. Abnormal PTMs may cause changes in protein properties and loss of protein functions, which are closely related to the occurrence and development of various diseases. In this review, we systematically introduce the characteristics, regulatory mechanisms, and functions of various PTMs in health and diseases. In addition, the therapeutic prospects in various diseases by targeting PTMs and associated regulatory enzymes are also summarized. This work will deepen the understanding of protein modifications in health and diseases and promote the discovery of diagnostic and prognostic markers and drug targets for diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhong
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xina Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yijie Qiu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhiqiang Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Chunyu Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Baochen Chong
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xinjun Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shan Hai
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shuangqing Li
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhenmei An
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lunzhi Dai
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
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77
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Zhang SH, Zeng N, Sun JX, Liu CQ, Xu JZ, Xu MY, An Y, Zhong XY, Ma SY, He HD, Xia QD, Hu J, Wang SG. Pan-cancer analysis reveals the prognostic and immunologic roles of cereblon and its significance for PROTAC design. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16644. [PMID: 37303568 PMCID: PMC10248115 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cereblon (CRBN) has emerged as a vital E3 ubiquitin ligase for Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) design. However, few studies focus on the physiological mechanism of CRBN, and more studies are needed to explore the influence of CRBN on tumorigenesis. This pan-cancer analysis aims to explore the prognostic and immunologic roles of CRBN, and provide new insight for CRBN into cancer treatment and PROTAC design. Methods The TCGA database, TIMER 2.0 database, and TISIDB database were used to analyze the role of CRBN in pan-cancer. Multiple bioinformatic methods (ssGSEA, Kaplan-Meier, univariate cox regression, ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT) were applied to investigate the CRBN expression status, gene activity, prognostic values, and its correlation with immune scores, immune infiltration, immune-related functions, HALLMARKs functions, and response to immunotherapy in pan-cancer. Results In most cancer types, the expression and activity of CRBN in tumor groups were lower compared with normal groups. Upregulated CRBN expression may indicate a better prognosis for cancer patients. The Immune score, stromal score, and tumor purity varied greatly among different cancer types. GSEA analysis showed that high CRBN expression was correlated with the downregulation of tumor-promoting signaling pathways. The level of CRBN was associated with Tumor mutation burden (TMB), Microsatellite instability (MSI), objective response rate (ORR), and immune cell infiltration in a few cancer types. Conclusion Pan-cancer analysis reveals the potential role of CRBN as a prognostic biomarker and versatile immunologic roles in different cancer types. Upregulated expression of CRBN may be beneficial to CRBN-related immunotherapy and PROTAC design.
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78
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Li Q, Zhou L, Qin S, Huang Z, Li B, Liu R, Yang M, Nice EC, Zhu H, Huang C. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras in biotherapeutics: Current trends and future applications. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115447. [PMID: 37229829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The success of inhibitor-based therapeutics is largely constrained by the acquisition of therapeutic resistance, which is partially driven by the undruggable proteome. The emergence of proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, designed for degrading proteins involved in specific biological processes, might provide a novel framework for solving the above constraint. A heterobifunctional PROTAC molecule could structurally connect an E3 ubiquitin ligase ligand with a protein of interest (POI)-binding ligand by chemical linkers. Such technology would result in the degradation of the targeted protein via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), opening up a novel way of selectively inhibiting undruggable proteins. Herein, we will highlight the advantages of PROTAC technology and summarize the current understanding of the potential mechanisms involved in biotherapeutics, with a particular focus on its application and development where therapeutic benefits over classical small-molecule inhibitors have been achieved. Finally, we discuss how this technology can contribute to developing biotherapeutic drugs, such as antivirals against infectious diseases, for use in clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Zhao Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Bowen Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Ruolan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Mei Yang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Huili Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China.
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79
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Shi Y, Liao Y, Liu Q, Ni Z, Zhang Z, Shi M, Li P, Li H, Rao Y. BRD4-targeting PROTAC as a unique tool to study biomolecular condensates. Cell Discov 2023; 9:47. [PMID: 37156794 PMCID: PMC10167318 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00544-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates play key roles in various biological processes. However, specific condensation modulators are currently lacking. PROTAC is a new technology that can use small molecules to degrade target proteins specifically. PROTAC molecules are expected to regulate biomolecular condensates dynamically by degrading/recovering key molecules in biomolecular condensates. In this study, we employed a BRD4-targeting PROTAC molecule to regulate the super-enhancer (SE) condensate and monitored the changes of SE condensate under PROTAC treatment using live-cell imaging and high-throughput sequencing technologies. As a result, we found that BRD4-targeting PROTACs can significantly reduce the BRD4 condensates, and we established a quantitative method for tracking BRD4 condensates by PROTAC and cellular imaging. Surprisingly and encouragingly, BRD4 condensates were observed to preferentially form and play specialized roles in biological process regulation for the first time. Additionally, BRD4 PROTAC makes it possible to observe the dynamics of other condensate components under the continued disruption of BRD4 condensates. Together, these results shed new light on research methods for liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), and specifically demonstrate that PROTAC presents a powerful and distinctive tool for the study of biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Liao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Graduate Program, Beijing, China
| | - Qianlong Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihao Ni
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Minglei Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics Division and Center for Synthetic & Systems Biology, BNRist, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Pilong Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Haitao Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yu Rao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Malvi P, Reddy DS, Kumar R, Chava S, Burela S, Parajuli K, Zhang X, Wajapeyee N. LIMK2 promotes melanoma tumor growth and metastasis through G3BP1-ESM1 pathway-mediated apoptosis inhibition. Oncogene 2023; 42:1478-1491. [PMID: 36922679 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02658-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is the leading cause of skin cancer-related deaths, and current melanoma therapies, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies, benefit only a subset of metastatic melanoma patients due to either intrinsic or acquired resistance. LIM domain kinase 2 (LIMK2) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays an important role in the regulation of actin filament dynamics. Here, we show that LIMK2 is overexpressed in melanoma, and its genetic or pharmacological inhibition impairs melanoma tumor growth and metastasis in both cell culture and mice. To determine the mechanism by which LIMK2 promotes melanoma tumor growth and metastatic progression, we performed a phosphoproteomics analysis and identified G3BP1 as a key LIMK2 target, which mirrored the effects of LIMK2 inhibition when inhibited. To further determine the role of G3BP1 downstream of LIMK2, we knocked down the expression of G3BP1, performed RNA-seq analysis, and identified ESM1 as a downstream target of G3BP1. G3BP1 was required for ESM1 mRNA stability, and ESM1 ectopic expression rescued LIMK2 or G3BP1 inhibition-induced suppression of melanoma growth and metastatic attributes. These results collectively identify the LIMK2→G3BP1→ESM1 pathway as a facilitator of melanoma tumor growth and metastasis and document that LIMK2 is a therapeutically tractable target for melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parmanand Malvi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Dhana Sekhar Reddy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Raj Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Suresh Chava
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Sneha Burela
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Keshab Parajuli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Xuchen Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Narendra Wajapeyee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
- UAB O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
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Xu Y, Yuan Y, Fu DQ, Fu Y, Zhou S, Yang WT, Wang XY, Li GX, Dong J, Du F, Huang X, Wang QW, Tang Z. The aptamer-based RNA-PROTAC. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 86:117299. [PMID: 37137271 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117299] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) dysfunction has been implicated in a number of diseases, and RBPs have traditionally been considered to be undruggable targets. Here, targeted degradation of RBPs is achieved based on the aptamer-based RNA-PROTAC, which consists of a genetically encoded RNA scaffold and a synthetic heterobifunctional molecule. The target RBPs can bind to their RNA consensus binding element (RCBE) on the RNA scaffold, while the small molecule can recruit E3 ubiquitin ligase to the RNA scaffold in a non-covalent manner, thereby inducing proximity-dependent ubiquitination and subsequent proteasome-mediated degradation of the target protein. Different RBPs targets, including LIN28A and RBFOX1, have been successfully degraded by simply replacing the RCBE module on the RNA scaffold. In addition, the simultaneous degradation of multiple target proteins has been realized by inserting more functional RNA oligonucleotides into the RNA scaffold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Chengdu Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China; Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yi Yuan
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Ding-Qiang Fu
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Yi Fu
- Department of Chemistry, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China
| | - Shan Zhou
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Wan-Ting Yang
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Xu-Yang Wang
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Guang-Xun Li
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Juan Dong
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China.
| | - Feng Du
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Xin Huang
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Qi-Wei Wang
- Chengdu Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China; Department of Chemistry, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China.
| | - Zhuo Tang
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China.
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82
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Sobhia ME, Kumar H, Kumari S. Bifunctional robots inducing targeted protein degradation. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 255:115384. [PMID: 37119667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The gaining importance of Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) and PROTACs (PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras) have drawn the scientific community's attention. PROTACs are considered bifunctional robots owing to their avidity for the protein of interest (POI) and E3-ligase, which induce the ubiquitination of POI. These molecules are based on event-driven pharmacology and are applicable in different conditions such as oncology, antiviral, neurodegenerative disease, acne etc., offering tremendous scope to researchers. In this review, primarily, we attempted to compile the recent works available in the literature on PROTACs for various targeted proteins. We summarized the design and development strategies with a focus on molecular information of protein residues and linker design. Rationalization of the ternary complex formation using Artificial Intelligence including machine & deep learning models and traditionally followed computational tools are also included in this study. Moreover, details describing the optimization of PROTACs chemistry and pharmacokinetic properties are added. Advanced PROTAC designs and targeting complex proteins, is summed up to cover the wide spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Elizabeth Sobhia
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India.
| | - Harish Kumar
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India
| | - Sonia Kumari
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India
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83
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Tokarski RJ, Sharpe CM, Huntsman AC, Mize BK, Ayinde OR, Stahl EH, Lerma JR, Reed A, Carmichael B, Muthusamy N, Byrd JC, Fuchs JR. Bifunctional degraders of cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9): Probing the relationship between linker length, properties, and selective protein degradation. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 254:115342. [PMID: 37071962 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115342] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is a promising therapeutic target in multiple cancer types, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Protein degraders, also known as proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), have emerged as tools for the selective degradation of cancer targets, including CDK9, complementing the activity of traditional small-molecule inhibitors. These compounds typically incorporate previously reported inhibitors and a known E3 ligase ligand to induce ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of the target protein. Although many protein degraders have been reported in the literature, the properties of the linker necessary for efficient degradation still require special attention. In this study, a series of protein degraders was developed, employing the clinically tested CDK inhibitor AT7519. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect that linker composition, specifically chain length, would have on potency. In addition to establishing a baseline of activity for various linker compositions, two distinct homologous series, a fully alkyl series and an amide-containing series, were prepared, demonstrating the dependence of degrader potency in these series on linker length and the correlation with predicted physicochemical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Tokarski
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Chia M Sharpe
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, United States
| | - Andrew C Huntsman
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Brittney K Mize
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Oluwatosin R Ayinde
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Emily H Stahl
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - James R Lerma
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, United States
| | - Andrew Reed
- CCIC Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Bridget Carmichael
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Natarajan Muthusamy
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - John C Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, United States; University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, United States
| | - James R Fuchs
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States.
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84
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Sarathy JP, Aldrich CC, Go ML, Dick T. PROTAC antibiotics: the time is now. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:363-370. [PMID: 37027333 PMCID: PMC10540314 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2178413] [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: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Novel antibiotics are needed to keep antibiotic resistance at bay and to improve treatment of the many drug-susceptible infections for which current therapies achieve poor cure rates. While revolutionizing human therapeutics, the concept of targeted protein degradation (TPD) by bifunctional proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) has not yet been applied to the discovery of antibiotics. A major obstacle precluding successful translation of this strategy to antibiotic development is that bacteria lack the E3 ligase-proteasome system exploited by human PROTACs to facilitate target degradation. AREAS COVERED The authors describe the serendipitous discovery of the first monofunctional target-degrading antibiotic pyrazinamide, supporting TPD as a viable and novel approach in antibiotic discovery. They then discuss the rational design, mechanism, and activity of the first bifunctional antibacterial target degrader BacPROTAC, enabling a generalizable approach to TPD in bacteria. EXPERT OPINION BacPROTACs demonstrate that linking a target directly to a bacterial protease complex can promote target degradation. BacPROTACs successfully bypass the 'middleman' E3 ligase, providing an entry strategy for the generation of antibacterial PROTACs. We speculate that antibacterial PROTACs will not only expand the target space but may also improve treatment by allowing dosage reduction, stronger bactericidal activity and activity against drug-tolerant 'persisters.'
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Courtney C. Aldrich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mei-Lin Go
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thomas Dick
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, USA
- Department of Medical Sciences, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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85
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Cho H, Jeon SI, Shim MK, Ahn CH, Kim K. In situ albumin-binding and esterase-specifically cleaved BRD4-degrading PROTAC for targeted cancer therapy. Biomaterials 2023; 295:122038. [PMID: 36787659 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122038] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have recently been of great interest in cancer therapy. However, the bioavailability of PROTACs is considerably restricted due to their high hydrophobicity, poor cell permeability, and thereby low tumor targeting ability. Herein, esterase-cleavable maleimide linker (ECMal)-conjugated bromodomain 4 (BRD4)-degrading PROTAC (ECMal-PROTAC) is newly synthesized to exploit plasma albumin as an 'innate drug carrier' that can be accumulated in targeted tumor tissues. The BRD4-degrading ECMal-PROTAC is spontaneously bound to albumins via the thiol-maleimide click chemistry and its esterase-specific cleavage of ECMal-PROTAC is characterized in physiological conditions. The albumin-bound ECMal-PROTACs (Alb-ECMal-PROTACs) have an average size of 6.99 ± 1.38 nm, which is similar to that of free albumins without denaturation or aggregation. When Alb-ECMal-PROTACs are treated to 4T1 tumor cells, they are actively endocytosed and reach their highest intracellular level within 12 h. Furthermore, the maleimide linkers of Alb-ECMal-PROTACs are cleaved by the esterase to release free BRD-4 degrading PROTACs and the cell-internalized PROTACs successfully catalyze the selective degradation of BRD4 proteins, resulting in BRD4 deficiency-related apoptosis. When ECMal-PROTACs are intravenously injected into tumor-bearing mice, they exhibit a 16.3-fold higher tumor accumulation than free BRD4-PROTAC, due to the shuttling effect of albumin for tumor targeting. Finally, ECMal-PROTACs show 5.3-fold enhanced antitumor efficacy compared to free BRD4-PROTAC, without provoking any severe systemic toxicity. The expression of Bcl-2 and c-Myc, the downstream oncogenic proteins of BRD4, are also effectively suppressed. In summary, the in situ albumin binding of ECMal-PROTAC is proven as a promising strategy that effectively modulates its pharmacokinetics and therapeutic performance with high applicability to other types of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhee Cho
- Research Institute of Advanced Materials (RIAM), Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Ik Jeon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Kyu Shim
- Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Hee Ahn
- Research Institute of Advanced Materials (RIAM), Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangmeyung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea.
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86
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Kelm JM, Pandey DS, Malin E, Kansou H, Arora S, Kumar R, Gavande NS. PROTAC'ing oncoproteins: targeted protein degradation for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:62. [PMID: 36991452 PMCID: PMC10061819 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01707-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecularly targeted cancer therapies substantially improve patient outcomes, although the durability of their effectiveness can be limited. Resistance to these therapies is often related to adaptive changes in the target oncoprotein which reduce binding affinity. The arsenal of targeted cancer therapies, moreover, lacks coverage of several notorious oncoproteins with challenging features for inhibitor development. Degraders are a relatively new therapeutic modality which deplete the target protein by hijacking the cellular protein destruction machinery. Degraders offer several advantages for cancer therapy including resiliency to acquired mutations in the target protein, enhanced selectivity, lower dosing requirements, and the potential to abrogate oncogenic transcription factors and scaffolding proteins. Herein, we review the development of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for selected cancer therapy targets and their reported biological activities. The medicinal chemistry of PROTAC design has been a challenging area of active research, but the recent advances in the field will usher in an era of rational degrader design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy M Kelm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Deepti S Pandey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Evan Malin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Hussein Kansou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Sahil Arora
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Raj Kumar
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Navnath S Gavande
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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87
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Shifting from a Biological-Agnostic Approach to a Molecular-Driven Strategy in Rare Cancers: Ewing Sarcoma Archetype. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030874. [PMID: 36979853 PMCID: PMC10045500 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas of the thoracic cavity are rare entities that predominantly affect children and young adults. They can be very heterogeneous encompassing several different histological entities. Ewing Sarcoma (ES) can potentially arise from every bone, soft tissue, or visceral site in the body. However, it represents an extremely rare finding when it affects the thoracic cavity. It represents the second most frequent type of thoracic sarcoma, after chondrosarcoma. ES arises more frequently in sites that differ from the thoracic cavity, but it displays the same biological features and behavior of extra-thoracic ones. Current management of ES often requires a multidisciplinary treatment approach including surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy, as it can guarantee local and distant disease control, at least transiently, although the long-term outcome remains poor. Unfortunately, due to the paucity of clinical trials purposely designed for this rare malignancy, there are no optimal strategies that can be used for disease recurrence. As a result of its complex biological features, ES might be suitable for emerging biology-based therapeutic strategies. However, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving tumor growth and treatment resistance, including those related to oncogenic pathways, epigenetic landscape, and immune microenvironment, is necessary in order to develop new valid therapeutic opportunities. Here, we provide an overview of the most recent therapeutic advances for ES in both the preclinical and clinical settings. We performed a review of the current available literature and of the ongoing clinical trials focusing on new treatment strategies, after failure of conventional multimodal treatments.
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88
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Zhu KF, Yuan C, Du YM, Sun KL, Zhang XK, Vogel H, Jia XD, Gao YZ, Zhang QF, Wang DP, Zhang HW. Applications and prospects of cryo-EM in drug discovery. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:10. [PMID: 36872349 PMCID: PMC9986049 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00446-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug discovery is a crucial part of human healthcare and has dramatically benefited human lifespan and life quality in recent centuries, however, it is usually time- and effort-consuming. Structural biology has been demonstrated as a powerful tool to accelerate drug development. Among different techniques, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is emerging as the mainstream of structure determination of biomacromolecules in the past decade and has received increasing attention from the pharmaceutical industry. Although cryo-EM still has limitations in resolution, speed and throughput, a growing number of innovative drugs are being developed with the help of cryo-EM. Here, we aim to provide an overview of how cryo-EM techniques are applied to facilitate drug discovery. The development and typical workflow of cryo-EM technique will be briefly introduced, followed by its specific applications in structure-based drug design, fragment-based drug discovery, proteolysis targeting chimeras, antibody drug development and drug repurposing. Besides cryo-EM, drug discovery innovation usually involves other state-of-the-art techniques such as artificial intelligence (AI), which is increasingly active in diverse areas. The combination of cryo-EM and AI provides an opportunity to minimize limitations of cryo-EM such as automation, throughput and interpretation of medium-resolution maps, and tends to be the new direction of future development of cryo-EM. The rapid development of cryo-EM will make it as an indispensable part of modern drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kong-Fu Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
| | - Chuang Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Yong-Ming Du
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105 USA
| | - Kai-Lei Sun
- Center for Protein Science and Crystallography, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077 China
| | - Xiao-Kang Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Center for Brain Information, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
| | - Horst Vogel
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
| | - Xu-Dong Jia
- State Key Lab for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China
| | - Yuan-Zhu Gao
- Cryo-EM Facility Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
| | - Qin-Fen Zhang
- State Key Lab for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China
| | - Da-Ping Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Intelligent Orthopaedics and Biomedical Innovation Platform, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Orthopedic Technology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000 Guangdong China
| | - Hua-Wei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
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89
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Deng J, Liang B, Xing D. Developments of PROTACs technology in immune-related diseases. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115127. [PMID: 36724631 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Traditional chemotherapy and immunotherapy are primary disease-treatment strategies. However, they face numerous challenges, including limited therapeutic benefits, off-target effects, serious adverse effects, drug resistance, long half-life time, poor oral bioavailability, and drugging undruggable proteins. Proteolytic targeted chimeras (PROTACs) were suggested to solve these problems. PROTACs are heterogeneous functional molecules linked by a chemical linker and contain a binding ligand for the protein of interest and a recruiting ligand for the E3 ligand. The binding of a PROTAC to a target protein brings the E3 ligand enzyme into proximity, initiating polyubiquitination of the target protein, followed by protease-mediated degradation. To date, PROTACs against dozens of immunological targets have been successfully developed, many of which have been clinically validated drug targets, and several have entered clinical trials for immune-related diseases. This article reviews the role of PROTACs-mediated degradation of critical proteins in immune disorders and cancer immunotherapy. Chemical structures, cellular and in vivo activities, and pharmacodynamics of these PROTACs are summarized. Lastly, we also discuss the prospects and potential limitations that PROTACs face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China; Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Yujing Zhang
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Junwen Deng
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China; Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Bing Liang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China; Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Dongming Xing
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China; Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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90
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Zhu H, Wang J, Zhang Q, Pan X, Zhang J. Novel strategies and promising opportunities for targeted protein degradation: An innovative therapeutic approach to overcome cancer resistance. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 244:108371. [PMID: 36871783 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108371] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Targeted Protein Degradation is an emerging and rapidly developing technique for designing and treating new drugs. With the emergence of a promising class of pharmaceutical molecules, Heterobifunctional Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), TPD has become a powerful tool to completely tackle pathogenic proteins with traditional small molecule inhibitors. However, the conventional PROTACs have gradually exposed potential disadvantages of poor oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetic (PK) and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) characteristics due to their larger molecular weight and more complex structure than the conventional small-molecule inhibitors. Therefore, 20 years after the concept of PROTAC was proposed, more and more scientists are committed to developing new TPD technology to overcome its defects. And several new technologies and means have been explored based on "PROTAC" to target "undruggable proteins". Here, we aim to comprehensively summarize and profoundly analyze the research progress of targeted protein degradation based on PROTAC targeting the degradation of "undruggable" targets. In order to clarify the significance of emerging and highly effective strategies based PROTACs in the treatment of various diseases especially in overcoming drug resistance in cancer, we will focus on the molecular structure, action mechanism, design concepts, development advantages and challenges of these emerging methods(e.g., aptamer-PROTAC conjugates, antibody-PROTACs and folate-PROTACs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanjie Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xiaoyan Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
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91
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PROTACs: Promising approach for anticancer therapy. Cancer Lett 2023; 556:216065. [PMID: 36642326 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are being developed as an effective method for degrading cancer-related proteins by modifying the endogenous ubiquitin-proteasome system. To investigate the dynamics between an E3 ligase and target protein, researchers have developed a wide variety of bifunctional PROTACs by combining small molecule ligands. These PROTACs employ numerous ligands, some of which are reversible, some of which are irreversible, some attach to orthosteric sites, while others bind to allosteric sites. Some are agonists, while others are antagonists, and the target protein may be activated in either a positive or negative manner. A variety of targeted ligand approaches can be used to enhance PROTAC properties, including tumor selectivity and drug delivery, and to overcome drug resistance. The processes and behaviors of small molecule-based PROTACs and targeted proteolysis approaches as anticancer therapeutic molecules have been introduced in this mini-review.
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92
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Eliminating oncogenic RAS: back to the future at the drawing board. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:447-456. [PMID: 36688434 PMCID: PMC9987992 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
RAS drug development has made enormous strides in the past ten years, with the first direct KRAS inhibitor being approved in 2021. However, despite the clinical success of covalent KRAS-G12C inhibitors, we are immediately confronted with resistances as commonly found with targeted drugs. Previously believed to be undruggable due to its lack of obvious druggable pockets, a couple of new approaches to hit this much feared oncogene have now been carved out. We here concisely review these approaches to directly target four druggable sites of RAS from various angles. Our analysis focuses on the lessons learnt during the development of allele-specific covalent and non-covalent RAS inhibitors, the potential of macromolecular binders to facilitate the discovery and validation of targetable sites on RAS and finally an outlook on a future that may engage more small molecule binders to become drugs. We foresee that the latter could happen mainly in two ways: First, non-covalent small molecule inhibitors may be derived from the development of covalent binders. Second, reversible small molecule binders could be utilized for novel targeting modalities, such as degraders of RAS. Provided that degraders eliminate RAS by recruiting differentially expressed E3-ligases, this approach could enable unprecedented tissue- or developmental stage-specific destruction of RAS with potential advantages for on-target toxicity. We conclude that novel creative ideas continue to be important to exterminate RAS in cancer and other RAS pathway-driven diseases, such as RASopathies.
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93
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Zahid S, Ali Y, Rashid S. Structural-based design of HD-TAC7 PROteolysis TArgeting chimeras (PROTACs) candidate transformations to abrogate SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:14566-14581. [PMID: 36841549 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2183037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for about 672 million infections and 6.85 million deaths worldwide. Upon SARS-CoV-2 infection, Histone deacetylases (HDACs) hyperactivate the pro-inflammatory response resulting in stimulation of Acetyl-Coenzyme A and cholesterol for viral entry. HDAC3 inhibition results in the anti-inflammatory activity and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines that may restrict COVID-19 progression. Here, we have designed 44 conformational ensembles of previously known HD-TAC7 by enumerating torsions of dihedral angles tested for their binding preferences against HDAC3. Through scrutinizing their placements at active site and binding affinities, three hits were isolated. Cereblon (CRBN) is a well-known E3 ligase that facilitates Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) targeting. Three entities, including HDAC3-binding moiety (4-acetamido-N-(2-amino-4 fluorophenyl) benzamide), a 6-carbon linker, and CRBN binding ligand (pomalidomide) were assembled to design 4 PROTACs followed by energy minimization and docking against HDAC3 and CRBN, respectively. Subsequent molecular dynamics (MD) and free energy analyses corroborated similar binding trends and favorable energy values. Among all cases, Met88, GLu106, Pro352, Trp380 and Trp388 residues of CRBN, and Pro23, Arg28, Lys194, Phe199, Leu266, Thr299 and Ile346 residues of HDAC3 were engaged in PROTAC binding. Thus, conformational dynamics of both HDAC3 and CRBN moieties are essential for the placement of PROTAC, resulting in target degradation. Overall, the proposed bifunctional small molecules may effectively target HDAC3, stimulating innate immune response to restrict COVID-19 hyperinflammation. This study supports the basis for designing new PROTACs by limiting the conformational search space that may prove more efficient for targeting the protein of interest.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Zahid
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Yasir Ali
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sajid Rashid
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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94
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Xie L, Xie L. Elucidation of Genome-wide Understudied Proteins targeted by PROTAC-induced degradation using Interpretable Machine Learning. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.23.529828. [PMID: 36865212 PMCID: PMC9980153 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.23.529828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are hetero-bifunctional molecules. They induce the degradation of a target protein by recruiting an E3 ligase to the target. The PROTAC can inactivate disease-related genes that are considered as understudied, thus has a great potential to be a new type of therapy for the treatment of incurable diseases. However, only hundreds of proteins have been experimentally tested if they are amenable to the PROTACs. It remains elusive what other proteins can be targeted by the PROTAC in the entire human genome. For the first time, we have developed an interpretable machine learning model PrePROTAC, which is based on a transformer-based protein sequence descriptor and random forest classification to predict genome-wide PROTAC-induced targets degradable by CRBN, one of the E3 ligases. In the benchmark studies, PrePROTAC achieved ROC-AUC of 0.81, PR-AUC of 0.84, and over 40% sensitivity at a false positive rate of 0.05, respectively. Furthermore, we developed an embedding SHapley Additive exPlanations (eSHAP) method to identify positions in the protein structure, which play key roles in the PROTAC activity. The key residues identified were consistent with our existing knowledge. We applied PrePROTAC to identify more than 600 novel understudied proteins that are potentially degradable by CRBN, and proposed PROTAC compounds for three novel drug targets associated with Alzheimer's disease. Author Summary Many human diseases remain incurable because disease-causing genes cannot by selectively and effectively targeted by small molecules. Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC), an organic compound that binds to both a target and a degradation-mediating E3 ligase, has emerged as a promising approach to selectively target disease-driving genes that are not druggable by small molecules. Nevertheless, not all of proteins can be accommodated by E3 ligases, and be effectively degraded. Knowledge on the degradability of a protein will be crucial for the design of PROTACs. However, only hundreds of proteins have been experimentally tested if they are amenable to the PROTACs. It remains elusive what other proteins can be targeted by the PROTAC in the entire human genome. In this paper, we propose an intepretable machine learning model PrePROTAC that takes advantage of powerful protein language modeling. PrePROTAC achieves high accuracy when evaluated by an external dataset which comes from different gene families from the proteins in the training data, suggesting the generalizability of PrePROTAC. We apply PrePROTAC to the human genome, and identify more than 600 understudied proteins that are potentially responsive to the PROTAC. Furthermore, we design three PROTAC compounds for novel drug targets associated with Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xie
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Lei Xie
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, 10065, USA
- Ph.D. Program in Computer Science, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, 10016, USA
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer’s Disease Research Institute, Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, 10021, USA
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95
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Epigenetic Regulation in Breast Cancer: Insights on Epidrugs. EPIGENOMES 2023; 7:epigenomes7010006. [PMID: 36810560 PMCID: PMC9953240 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes7010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a common cause of cancer-related death in women. Therefore, further studies are necessary for the comprehension of breast cancer and the revolution of breast cancer treatment. Cancer is a heterogeneous disease that results from epigenetic alterations in normal cells. Aberrant epigenetic regulation is strongly associated with the development of breast cancer. Current therapeutic approaches target epigenetic alterations rather than genetic mutations due to their reversibility. The formation and maintenance of epigenetic changes depend on specific enzymes, including DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases, which are promising targets for epigenetic-based therapy. Epidrugs target different epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and histone methylation, which can restore normal cellular memory in cancerous diseases. Epigenetic-targeted therapy using epidrugs has anti-tumor effects on malignancies, including breast cancer. This review focuses on the importance of epigenetic regulation and the clinical implications of epidrugs in breast cancer.
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96
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Crummy EK, Caine EA, Mikheil D, Corona C, Riching KM, Hosfield C, Urh M. Monitoring PROTAC interactions in biochemical assays using Lumit immunoassays. Methods Enzymol 2023; 681:81-113. [PMID: 36764765 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of new PROTAC molecules is dependent on robust and high-throughput assays to measure PROTAC-protein interactions and ternary complex formation. Here we present the optimization and execution of Lumit Immunoassays to measure PROTAC binding and ternary complex formation in a biochemical format. We demonstrate how Lumit can be used to rank order affinities of small molecules and PROTACs to BRD4(BD1, BD2) and how to measure PROTAC-mediated ternary complex formation of BRD4(BD1, BD2) and E3 Ligase VHL. Results from both biochemical assays correlate with live and lytic cell assays, indicating that Lumit Immunoassays can be used as a high-throughput compatible screening methodology to test new small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cesear Corona
- Promega Biosciences Incorporated, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States
| | | | | | - Marjeta Urh
- Promega Corporation, Madison, WI, United States
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97
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Ko T, Jou C, Grau-Perales A, Reynders M, Fenton A, Trauner D. A Photoactivated Protein Degrader for Optical Control of Synaptic Function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.13.528397. [PMID: 36824807 PMCID: PMC9949324 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.13.528397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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 Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα), which is abundant and crucial for 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Ko
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - C. Jou
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - A.B. Grau-Perales
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, 4 Washington Place, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - M. Reynders
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - A.A. Fenton
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, 4 Washington Place, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - D. Trauner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003, USA
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98
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Shaw JL, Pablo JL, Greka A. Mechanisms of Protein Trafficking and Quality Control in the Kidney and Beyond. Annu Rev Physiol 2023; 85:407-423. [PMID: 36763970 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-031522-100639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Numerous trafficking and quality control pathways evolved to handle the diversity of proteins made by eukaryotic cells. However, at every step along the biosynthetic pathway, there is the potential for quality control system failure. This review focuses on the mechanisms of disrupted proteostasis. Inspired by diseases caused by misfolded proteins in the kidney (mucin 1 and uromodulin), we outline the general principles of protein biosynthesis, delineate the recognition and degradation pathways targeting misfolded proteins, and discuss the role of cargo receptors in protein trafficking and lipid homeostasis. We also discuss technical approaches including live-cell fluorescent microscopy, chemical screens to elucidate trafficking mechanisms, multiplexed single-cell CRISPR screening platforms to systematically delineate mechanisms of proteostasis, and the advancement of novel tools to degrade secretory and membrane-associated proteins. By focusing on components of trafficking that go awry, we highlight ongoing efforts to understand fundamental mechanisms of disrupted proteostasis and implications for the treatment of human proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian L Shaw
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; .,Kidney Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Juan Lorenzo Pablo
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; .,Kidney Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna Greka
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; .,Kidney Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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99
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Li X, Liu Q, Xie X, Peng C, Pang Q, Liu B, Han B. Application of Novel Degraders Employing Autophagy for Expediting Medicinal Research. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1700-1711. [PMID: 36716420 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) technology is based on a unique pharmacological mechanism that has profoundly revolutionized medicinal research by overcoming limitations associated with traditional small-molecule drugs. Autophagy, a mechanism for intracellular waste disposal and recovery, is an important biological process in medicinal research. Recently, studies have demonstrated that several emerging autophagic degraders can treat human diseases. Herein we summarize the progress in medicinal research on autophagic degraders, including autophagosome-tethering compounds (ATTEC), autophagy-targeting chimeras (AUTAC), and AUTOphagy-TArgeting chimeras (AUTOTAC), for treating human diseases. These autophagic degraders exhibit excellent potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Our research on autophagic degraders provides a new avenue for medicinal research on TPD via autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Qiwen Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
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100
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Jarusiewicz J, Yoshimura S, Mayasundari A, Actis M, Aggarwal A, McGowan K, Yang L, Li Y, Fu X, Mishra V, Heath R, Narina S, Pruett-Miller SM, Nishiguchi G, Yang JJ, Rankovic Z. Phenyl Dihydrouracil: An Alternative Cereblon Binder for PROTAC Design. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:141-145. [PMID: 36793425 PMCID: PMC9923830 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalidomide and its analogues are frequently used in PROTAC design. However, they are known to be inherently unstable, undergoing hydrolysis even in commonly utilized cell culture media. We recently reported that phenyl glutarimide (PG)-based PROTACs displayed improved chemical stability and, consequently, improved protein degradation efficacy and cellular potency. Our optimization efforts, aiming to further improve the chemical stability and eliminate the racemization-prone chiral center in PG, led us to the development of phenyl dihydrouracil (PD)-based PROTACs. Here we describe the design and synthesis of LCK-directing PD-PROTACs and compare their physicochemical and pharmacological properties to those of the corresponding IMiD and PG analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie
A. Jarusiewicz
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Satoshi Yoshimura
- Department
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Anand Mayasundari
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Marisa Actis
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Anup Aggarwal
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Kevin McGowan
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Lei Yang
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Yong Li
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Xiang Fu
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Vibhor Mishra
- Protein
Production Facility, St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Richard Heath
- Protein
Production Facility, St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Shilpa Narina
- Center
for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Shondra M. Pruett-Miller
- Center
for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Gisele Nishiguchi
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Jun J. Yang
- Department
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Zoran Rankovic
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
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