101
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Zhang X, Pan Y, Kang S, Gu L. Combinatorial Approaches for Efficient Design of Photoswitchable Protein-Protein Interactions as In Vivo Actuators. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:844405. [PMID: 35211467 PMCID: PMC8863173 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.844405] [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: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Light switchable two-component protein dimerization systems offer versatile manipulation and dissection of cellular events in living systems. Over the past 20 years, the field has been driven by the discovery of photoreceptor-based interaction systems, the engineering of light-actuatable binder proteins, and the development of photoactivatable compounds as dimerization inducers. This perspective is to categorize mechanisms and design approaches of these dimerization systems, compare their advantages and limitations, and bridge them to emerging applications. Our goal is to identify new opportunities in combinatorial protein design that can address current engineering challenges and expand in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Yuxin Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Shoukai Kang
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Liangcai Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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102
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Halloy F, Biscans A, Bujold KE, Debacker A, Hill AC, Lacroix A, Luige O, Strömberg R, Sundstrom L, Vogel J, Ghidini A. Innovative developments and emerging technologies in RNA therapeutics. RNA Biol 2022; 19:313-332. [PMID: 35188077 PMCID: PMC8865321 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2027150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics are emerging as a powerful platform for the treatment of multiple diseases. Currently, the two main categories of nucleic acid therapeutics, antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), achieve their therapeutic effect through either gene silencing, splicing modulation or microRNA binding, giving rise to versatile options to target pathogenic gene expression patterns. Moreover, ongoing research seeks to expand the scope of RNA-based drugs to include more complex nucleic acid templates, such as messenger RNA, as exemplified by the first approved mRNA-based vaccine in 2020. The increasing number of approved sequences and ongoing clinical trials has attracted considerable interest in the chemical development of oligonucleotides and nucleic acids as drugs, especially since the FDA approval of the first siRNA drug in 2018. As a result, a variety of innovative approaches is emerging, highlighting the potential of RNA as one of the most prominent therapeutic tools in the drug design and development pipeline. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive summary of current efforts in academia and industry aimed at fully realizing the potential of RNA-based therapeutics. Towards this, we introduce established and emerging RNA-based technologies, with a focus on their potential as biosensors and therapeutics. We then describe their mechanisms of action and their application in different disease contexts, along with the strengths and limitations of each strategy. Since the nucleic acid toolbox is rapidly expanding, we also introduce RNA minimal architectures, RNA/protein cleavers and viral RNA as promising modalities for new therapeutics and discuss future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Halloy
- Department of Paediatrics, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Annabelle Biscans
- Oligonucleotide Chemistry, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&d, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Katherine E. Bujold
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, McMaster University, (Ontario), Canada
| | | | - Alyssa C. Hill
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Eth Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Aurélie Lacroix
- Sixfold Bioscience, Translation & Innovation Hub, London, UK
| | - Olivia Luige
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Roger Strömberg
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Linda Sundstrom
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&d, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jörg Vogel
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (Hiri), Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (Hzi), Würzburg, Germany
- RNA Biology Group, Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alice Ghidini
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&d, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
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103
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Shi S, Du Y, Zou Y, Niu J, Cai Z, Wang X, Qiu F, Ding Y, Yang G, Wu Y, Xu Y, Zhu Q. Rational Design for Nitroreductase (NTR)-Responsive Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) Selectively Targeting Tumor Tissues. J Med Chem 2022; 65:5057-5071. [PMID: 35175763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The catalytic properties of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) may lead to uncontrolled off-tissue target degradation that causes potential toxicity, limiting their clinical applications. The precise control of this technology in a tissue-selective manner can minimize the potential toxicity. Hypoxia is a hallmark of most solid tumors, accompanied by elevated levels of nitroreductase (NTR). Based on this character, we presented a type of NTR-responsive PROTACs to selectively degrade proteins of interest (POI) in tumor tissues. Compound 17-1 was the first NTR-responsive PROTAC synthesized by incorporating the caging group on the Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ubiquitin ligase ligand. It could be activated by NTR to release the active PROTAC 17 to efficiently degrade the EGFR protein and subsequently exert antitumor efficacy. Thus, a general strategy for the precise control of PROTAC to induce POI degradation in tumor tissues by NTR was established, which provided a generalizable platform for the development of NTR-controlled PROTACs to achieve selective degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yu Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yi Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jing Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zeyu Cai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiaonan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Feihuang Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Gengchen Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yunze Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yungen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Qihua Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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104
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Zhang S, Li Y, Li T, Zhang Y, Li H, Cheng Z, Peng N, Liu Y, Xu J, He H. Activable Targeted Protein Degradation Platform Based on Light-triggered Singlet Oxygen. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3632-3643. [PMID: 35164509 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation technologies (e.g., PROTACs) that can selectively degrade intracellular protein are an emerging class of promising therapeutic modalities. Herein, we describe the conjugation of photosensitizers and protein ligands (PS-Degrons), as an activable targeted protein degradation platform. PS-Degrons are capable of degrading protein of interest via light-triggered 1O2, which is orthogonal and complementary to existing technologies. This generalizable platform allows controllable knockdown of the target protein with high spatiotemporal precision. Our lead compound PSDalpha induces a complete degradation of human estrogen receptor α (ERα) under visible light. The high degrading ERα efficacy of PSDalpha enables an excellent anti-proliferation performance on MCF-7 cells. Our results establish a modular strategy for the controllable degradation of target proteins, which can hopefully overcome the systemic toxicity in clinical treatment of PROTACs. We anticipate that PS-Degrons would open a new chapter for biochemical research and for the therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, Wuhan 430023, P.R. China
| | - Tao Li
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
| | - Haimei Li
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
| | - Zhengzai Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
| | - Na Peng
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
| | - Yi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China.,College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300378, P. R. China
| | - Juan Xu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi 435003, P. R. China
| | - Huan He
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
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105
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Hu Z, Crews CM. Recent Developments in PROTAC-Mediated Protein Degradation: From Bench to Clinic. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202100270. [PMID: 34494353 PMCID: PMC9395155 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), an emerging paradigm-shifting technology, hijacks the ubiquitin-proteasome system for targeted protein degradation. PROTACs induce ternary complexes between an E3 ligase and POI, and this induced proximity leads to polyUb chain formation on substrates and eventual proteasomal-mediated POI degradation. PROTACs have shown great therapeutic potential by degrading many disease-causing proteins, such as the androgen receptor and BRD4. The PROTAC technology has advanced significantly in the last two decades, with the repertoire of PROTAC targets increased tremendously. Herein, we describe recent developments of PROTAC technology, focusing on mechanistic and kinetic studies, pharmacokinetic study, spatiotemporal control of PROTACs, covalent PROTACs, resistance to PROTACs, and new E3 ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyi Hu
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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106
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He S, Dong G, Cheng J, Wu Y, Sheng C. Strategies for designing proteolysis targeting chimaeras (PROTACs). Med Res Rev 2022; 42:1280-1342. [PMID: 35001407 DOI: 10.1002/med.21877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimaeras (PROTACs) is a cutting edge and rapidly growing technique for new drug discovery and development. Currently, the largest challenge in the molecular design and drug development of PROTACs is efficient identification of potent and drug-like degraders. This review aims to comprehensively summarize and analyse state-of-the-art methods and strategies in the design of PROTACs. We provide a detailed illustration of the general principles and tactics for designing potent PROTACs, highlight representative case studies, and discuss the advantages and limitations of these strategies. Particularly, structure-based rational PROTAC design and emerging new types of PROTACs (e.g., homo-PROTACs, multitargeting PROTACs, photo-control PROTACs and PROTAC-based conjugates) will be focused on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng He
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junfei Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Pharmacy, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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107
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Liu L, Shi L, Wang Z, Zeng J, Wang Y, Xiao H, Zhu Y. Targeting Oncoproteins for Degradation by Small Molecule-Based Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) in Sex Hormone-Dependent Cancers. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:839857. [PMID: 35370971 PMCID: PMC8971670 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.839857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex hormone-dependent cancers, including breast, ovary, and prostate cancer, contribute to the high number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Steroid hormones promote tumor occurrence, development, and metastasis by acting on receptors, such as estrogen receptors (ERs), androgen receptors (ARs), and estrogen-related receptors (ERRs). Therefore, endocrine therapy targeting ERs, ARs, and ERRs represents the potential and pivotal therapeutic strategy in sex hormone-dependent cancers. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are a novel strategy that can harness the potential of the endogenous ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to target and degrade specific proteins, rather than simply inhibiting the activity of target proteins. Small molecule PROTACs degrade a variety of proteins in cells, mice, and humans and are an emerging approach for novel drug development. PROTACs targeting ARs, ERs, ERRs, and other proteins in sex hormone-dependent cancers have been reported and may overcome the problem of resistance to existing endocrine therapy and receptor antagonist treatments. This review briefly introduces the PROTAC strategy and summarizes the progress on the development of small molecule PROTACs targeting oncoproteins in sex hormone-dependent cancers, focusing on breast and prostate cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lihong Shi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhaodi Wang
- Department of Gynecology, People’s Hospital of Henan University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jun Zeng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Gynecology, People’s Hospital of Henan University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongtao Xiao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongxia Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yongxia Zhu,
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108
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Liu J, Peng Y, Wei W. Cell cycle on the crossroad of tumorigenesis and cancer therapy. Trends Cell Biol 2022; 32:30-44. [PMID: 34304958 PMCID: PMC8688170 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Aberrancy in cell cycle progression is one of the fundamental mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis, making regulators of the cell cycle machinery rational anticancer therapeutic targets. A growing body of evidence indicates that the cell cycle regulatory pathway integrates into other hallmarks of cancer, including metabolism remodeling and immune escape. Thus, therapies against cell cycle machinery components can not only repress the division of cancer cells, but also reverse cancer metabolism and restore cancer immune surveillance. Besides the ongoing effects on the development of small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) of the cell cycle machinery, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have recently been used to target these oncogenic proteins related to cell cycle progression. Here, we discuss the rationale of cell cycle targeting therapies, particularly PROTACs, to more efficiently retard tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yunhua Peng
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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109
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Maresca M, Liu NQ, de Wit E. Acute Protein Depletion Strategies to Functionally Dissect the 3D Genome. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2532:311-331. [PMID: 35867256 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2497-5_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The organization of the genome inside the nucleus facilitates many nuclear processes. Because the nuclear genome is highly dynamic and often regulated by essential proteins, rapid depletion strategies are necessary to perform loss-of-function analyses. Fortunately, in recent years, various methods have been developed to manipulate the cellular levels of a protein directly and acutely. Here, we describe different methods that have been developed to rapidly deplete proteins from cells, with a focus on auxin inducible degron and dTAG methods, as these are most commonly used in 3D genome organization studies. We outline best practices for designing a knockin strategy, as well as generation and validation of knockin cell lines. Acute depletion strategies have been transformative for the study of the 3D genome and will be important tools for delineating the processes and factors that determine organization of the genome inside the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Maresca
- Division Gene Regulation, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ning Qing Liu
- Division Gene Regulation, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elzo de Wit
- Division Gene Regulation, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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110
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Cheng W, Li S, Wen X, Han S, Wang S, Wei H, Song Z, Wang Y, Tian X, Zhang X. Development of hypoxia-activated PROTAC exerting a more potent effect in tumor hypoxia than in normoxia. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:12852-12855. [PMID: 34788776 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc05715d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a hallmark of many solid tumors, and it causes the overexpression of a variety of proteins including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Many antitumor prodrugs have been designed to target hypoxia. Here we report the identification of a kind of hypoxia-activated proteolysis targeting chimera (ha-PROTAC) by introducing the hypoxia-activated leaving group (1-methyl-2-nitro-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methyl or 4-nitrobenzyl into the structure of an EGFRDel19-based PROTAC. Among the obtained molecules, ha-PROTAC 13 exhibits a more potent degradation activity for EGFRDel19 in hypoxia than in normoxia in HCC4006 cells. This is the first example of identifying a PROTAC to selectively act on tumors utilizing the characteristic of tumor hypoxia and provides a new approach for PROTAC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyan Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China. .,Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Shasha Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China. .,Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Xueqian Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China. .,Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Siyuan Han
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China. .,Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Suhua Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China. .,Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Han Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China. .,Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Zhizhen Song
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China. .,Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yueqin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China. .,Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Xin Tian
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China. .,Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Xiaojian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China. .,Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
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111
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Proteolysis-targeting chimeras: a kaleidoscope of targeted protein degradation. Future Med Chem 2021; 14:139-141. [PMID: 34814705 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2021-0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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112
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Grohmann C, Marapana DS, Ebert G. Targeted protein degradation at the host-pathogen interface. Mol Microbiol 2021; 117:670-681. [PMID: 34816514 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases remain a major burden to global health. Despite the implementation of successful vaccination campaigns and efficient drugs, the increasing emergence of pathogenic vaccine or treatment resistance demands novel therapeutic strategies. The development of traditional therapies using small-molecule drugs is based on modulating protein function and activity through the occupation of active sites such as enzyme inhibition or ligand-receptor binding. These prerequisites result in the majority of host and pathogenic disease-relevant, nonenzymatic and structural proteins being labeled "undruggable." Targeted protein degradation (TPD) emerged as a powerful strategy to eliminate proteins of interest including those of the undruggable variety. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are rationally designed heterobifunctional small molecules that exploit the cellular ubiquitin-proteasome system to specifically mediate the highly selective and effective degradation of target proteins. PROTACs have shown remarkable results in the degradation of various cancer-associated proteins, and several candidates are already in clinical development. Significantly, PROTAC-mediated TPD holds great potential for targeting and modulating pathogenic proteins, especially in the face of increasing drug resistance to the best-in-class treatments. In this review, we discuss advances in the development of TPD in the context of targeting the host-pathogen interface and speculate on their potential use to combat viral, bacterial, and parasitic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Grohmann
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danushka S Marapana
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gregor Ebert
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
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113
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Du N, Ye F, Sun J, Liu K. Stimuli-Responsive Natural Proteins and Their Applications. Chembiochem 2021; 23:e202100416. [PMID: 34773331 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Natural proteins are essential biomacromolecules that fulfill versatile functions in the living organism, such as their usage as cytoskeleton, nutriment transporter, homeostasis controller, catalyzer, or immune guarder. Due to the excellent mechanical properties and good biocompatibility/biodegradability, natural protein-based biomaterials are well equipped for prospective applications in various fields. Among these natural proteins, stimuli-responsive proteins can be reversibly and precisely manipulated on demand, rendering the protein-based biomaterials promising candidates for numerous applications, including disease detection, drug delivery, bio-sensing, and regenerative medicine. Therefore, we present some typical natural proteins with diverse physical stimuli-responsive properties, including temperature, light, force, electrical, and magnetic sensing in this review. The structure-function mechanism of these proteins is discussed in detail. Finally, we give a summary and perspective for the development of stimuli-responsive proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Du
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325001, P. R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China
| | - Fangfu Ye
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325001, P. R. China
| | - Jing Sun
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China.,Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
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114
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Zhu C, Kou T, Kadi AA, Li J, Zhang Y. Molecular platforms based on biocompatible photoreactions for photomodulation of biological targets. Org Biomol Chem 2021; 19:9358-9368. [PMID: 34632469 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob01613j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Photoirradiation provides a convenient and biocompatible approach for spatiotemporal modulation of biological systems with photoresponsive components. The construction of molecular platforms with a photoresponse to be integrated into biomolecules for photomodulation has been of great research interest in optochemical biology. In this review, we summarize typical molecular platforms that are integratable with biomolecules for photomodulation purposes. We categorize these molecular platforms according to their excitation light source, namely ultraviolet (UV), visible (Vis) or near-infrared (NIR) light. The protype chemistry of these molecular platforms is introduced along with an overview of their most recent applications for spatiotemporal regulation of biomolecular function in living cells or mice models. Challenges and the outlook are also presented. We hope this review paper will contribute to further progress in the development of molecular platforms and their biomedical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Tianzhang Kou
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Adnan A Kadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jinbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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115
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Optical Fibre-Enabled Photoswitching for Localised Activation of an Anti-Cancer Therapeutic Drug. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910844. [PMID: 34639185 PMCID: PMC8509559 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Local activation of an anti-cancer drug when and where needed can improve selectivity and reduce undesirable side effects. Photoswitchable drugs can be selectively switched between active and inactive states by illumination with light; however, the clinical development of these drugs has been restricted by the difficulty in delivering light deep into tissue where needed. Optical fibres have great potential for light delivery in vivo, but their use in facilitating photoswitching in anti-cancer compounds has not yet been explored. In this paper, a photoswitchable chemotherapeutic is switched using an optical fibre, and the cytotoxicity of each state is measured against HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells. The performance of optical-fibre-enabled photoswitching is characterised through its dose response. The UV–Vis spectra confirm light delivered by an optical fibre effectively enables photoswitching. The activated drug is shown to be twice as effective as the inactive drug in causing cancer cell death, characterised using an MTT assay and fluorescent microscopy. This is the first study in which a photoswitchable anti-cancer compound is switched using an optical fibre and demonstrates the feasibility of using optical fibres to activate photoswitchable drugs for potential future clinical applications.
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Dale B, Cheng M, Park KS, Kaniskan HÜ, Xiong Y, Jin J. Advancing targeted protein degradation for cancer therapy. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:638-654. [PMID: 34131295 PMCID: PMC8463487 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00365-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 90.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The human proteome contains approximately 20,000 proteins, and it is estimated that more than 600 of them are functionally important for various types of cancers, including nearly 400 non-enzyme proteins that are challenging to target by traditional occupancy-driven pharmacology. Recent advances in the development of small-molecule degraders, including molecular glues and heterobifunctional degraders such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), have made it possible to target many proteins that were previously considered undruggable. In particular, PROTACs form a ternary complex with a hijacked E3 ubiquitin ligase and a target protein, leading to polyubiquitination and degradation of the target protein. The broad applicability of this approach is facilitated by the flexibility of individual E3 ligases to recognize different substrates. The vast majority of the approximately 600 human E3 ligases have not been explored, thus presenting enormous opportunities to develop degraders that target oncoproteins with tissue, tumour and subcellular selectivity. In this Review, we first discuss the molecular basis of targeted protein degradation. We then offer a comprehensive account of the most promising degraders in development as cancer therapies to date. Lastly, we provide an overview of opportunities and challenges in this exciting field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Dale
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meng Cheng
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kwang-Su Park
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - H Ümit Kaniskan
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yue Xiong
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Cullgen Inc., San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Babii O, Afonin S, Diel C, Huhn M, Dommermuth J, Schober T, Koniev S, Hrebonkin A, Nesterov‐Mueller A, Komarov IV, Ulrich AS. Diarylethene-Based Photoswitchable Inhibitors of Serine Proteases. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:21789-21794. [PMID: 34268844 PMCID: PMC8519022 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202108847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A bicyclic peptide scaffold was chemically adapted to generate diarylethene-based photoswitchable inhibitors of serine protease Bos taurus trypsin 1 (T1). Starting from a prototype molecule-sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1)-we obtained light-controllable inhibitors of T1 with Ki in the low nanomolar range, whose activity could be modulated over 20-fold by irradiation. The inhibitory potency as well as resistance to proteolytic degradation were systematically studied on a series of 17 SFTI-1 analogues. The hydrogen bond network that stabilizes the structure of inhibitors and possibly the enzyme-inhibitor binding dynamics were affected by isomerization of the photoswitch. The feasibility of manipulating enzyme activity in time and space was demonstrated by controlled digestion of gelatin-based hydrogel and an antimicrobial peptide BP100-RW. Finally, our design principles of diarylethene photoswitches are shown to apply also for the development of other serine protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Babii
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2)Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)POB 364076021KarlsruheGermany
- Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT)KITHermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 176344Eggenstein-LeopoldshafenGermany
| | - Sergii Afonin
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2)Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)POB 364076021KarlsruheGermany
| | - Christian Diel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC)KITFritz-Haber-Weg 676131KarlsruheGermany
| | - Marcel Huhn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC)KITFritz-Haber-Weg 676131KarlsruheGermany
| | - Jennifer Dommermuth
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC)KITFritz-Haber-Weg 676131KarlsruheGermany
| | - Tim Schober
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC)KITFritz-Haber-Weg 676131KarlsruheGermany
- Lumobiotics GmbHAuer Straße 276227KarlsruheGermany
| | - Serhii Koniev
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyivvul. Volodymyrska 601601KyivUkraine
| | - Andrii Hrebonkin
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2)Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)POB 364076021KarlsruheGermany
| | - Alexander Nesterov‐Mueller
- Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT)KITHermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 176344Eggenstein-LeopoldshafenGermany
| | - Igor V. Komarov
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyivvul. Volodymyrska 601601KyivUkraine
- Lumobiotics GmbHAuer Straße 276227KarlsruheGermany
| | - Anne S. Ulrich
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2)Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)POB 364076021KarlsruheGermany
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC)KITFritz-Haber-Weg 676131KarlsruheGermany
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118
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Babii O, Afonin S, Diel C, Huhn M, Dommermuth J, Schober T, Koniev S, Hrebonkin A, Nesterov‐Mueller A, Komarov IV, Ulrich AS. Diarylethen‐basierte lichtschaltbare Inhibitoren von Serinproteasen. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202108847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Babii
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) POB 3640 76021 Karlsruhe Deutschland
- Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT) KIT Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Deutschland
| | - Sergii Afonin
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) POB 3640 76021 Karlsruhe Deutschland
| | - Christian Diel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC) KIT Fritz-Haber-Weg 6 76131 Karlsruhe Deutschland
| | - Marcel Huhn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC) KIT Fritz-Haber-Weg 6 76131 Karlsruhe Deutschland
| | - Jennifer Dommermuth
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC) KIT Fritz-Haber-Weg 6 76131 Karlsruhe Deutschland
| | - Tim Schober
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC) KIT Fritz-Haber-Weg 6 76131 Karlsruhe Deutschland
- Lumobiotics GmbH Auer Straße 2 76227 Karlsruhe Deutschland
| | - Serhii Koniev
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv vul. Volodymyrska 60 1601 Kyiv Ukraine
| | - Andrii Hrebonkin
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) POB 3640 76021 Karlsruhe Deutschland
| | - Alexander Nesterov‐Mueller
- Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT) KIT Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Deutschland
| | - Igor V. Komarov
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv vul. Volodymyrska 60 1601 Kyiv Ukraine
- Lumobiotics GmbH Auer Straße 2 76227 Karlsruhe Deutschland
| | - Anne S. Ulrich
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) POB 3640 76021 Karlsruhe Deutschland
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC) KIT Fritz-Haber-Weg 6 76131 Karlsruhe Deutschland
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119
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Pfaff P, Anderl F, Fink M, Balkenhohl M, Carreira EM. Azoacetylenes for the Synthesis of Arylazotriazole Photoswitches. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:14495-14501. [PMID: 34478268 PMCID: PMC8447256 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c06014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We report a modular approach toward novel arylazotriazole photoswitches and their photophysical characterization. Addition of lithiated TIPS-acetylene to aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborate salts gives a wide range of azoacetylenes, constituting an underexplored class of stable intermediates. In situ desilylation transiently leads to terminal arylazoacetylenes that undergo copper-catalyzed cycloadditions (CuAAC) with a diverse collection of organoazides. These include complex molecules derived from natural products or drugs, such as colchicine, taxol, tamiflu, and arachidonic acid. The arylazotriazoles display near-quantitative photoisomerization and long thermal Z-half-lives. Using the method, we introduce for the first time the design and synthesis of a diacetylene platform. It permits implementation of consecutive and diversity-oriented approaches linking two different conjugants to independently addressable acetylenes within a common photoswitchable azotriazole. This is showcased in the synthesis of several photoswitchable conjugates, with potential applications as photoPROTACs and biotin conjugates.
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120
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Serafim RAM, Elkins JM, Zuercher WJ, Laufer SA, Gehringer M. Chemical Probes for Understudied Kinases: Challenges and Opportunities. J Med Chem 2021; 65:1132-1170. [PMID: 34477374 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Over 20 years after the approval of the first-in-class protein kinase inhibitor imatinib, the biological function of a significant fraction of the human kinome remains poorly understood while most research continues to be focused on few well-validated targets. Given the strong genetic evidence for involvement of many kinases in health and disease, the understudied fraction of the kinome holds a large and unexplored potential for future therapies. Specific chemical probes are indispensable tools to interrogate biology enabling proper preclinical validation of novel kinase targets. In this Perspective, we highlight recent case studies illustrating the development of high-quality chemical probes for less-studied kinases and their application in target validation. We spotlight emerging techniques and approaches employed in the generation of chemical probes for protein kinases and beyond and discuss the associated challenges and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo A M Serafim
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonathan M Elkins
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - William J Zuercher
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Stefan A Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Gehringer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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121
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Liu J, Peng Y, Wei W. Light-Controllable PROTACs for Temporospatial Control of Protein Degradation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:678077. [PMID: 34350175 PMCID: PMC8326567 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.678077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) is an emerging and promising approach to target intracellular proteins for ubiquitination-mediated degradation, including those so-called undruggable protein targets, such as transcriptional factors and scaffold proteins. To date, plenty of PROTACs have been developed to degrade various disease-relevant proteins, such as estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR), RTK, and CDKs. However, the on-target off-tissue and off-target effect is one of the major limitation that prevents the usage of PROTACs in clinic. To this end, we and several other groups have recently developed light-controllable PROTACs, as the representative for the third generation controllable PROTACs, by using either photo-caging or photo-switch approaches. In this review, we summarize the emerging light-controllable PROTACs and the prospective for other potential ways to achieve temporospatial control of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yunhua Peng
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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122
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Samarasinghe KTG, Crews CM. Targeted protein degradation: A promise for undruggable proteins. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:934-951. [PMID: 34004187 PMCID: PMC8286327 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein homeostasis, or "proteostasis," is indispensable for a balanced, healthy environment within the cell. However, when natural proteostasis mechanisms are overwhelmed from excessive loads of dysregulated proteins, their accumulation can lead to disease initiation and progression. Recently, the induced degradation of such disease-causing proteins by heterobifunctional molecules, i.e., PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs), is emerging as a potential therapeutic modality. In the 2 decades since the PROTAC concept was proposed, several additional Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) strategies have also been explored to target previously undruggable proteins, such as transcription factors. In this review, we discuss the progress and evolution of the TPD field, the breadth of the proteins targeted by PROTACs and the biological effects of their degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kusal T G Samarasinghe
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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123
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Bricelj A, Steinebach C, Kuchta R, Gütschow M, Sosič I. E3 Ligase Ligands in Successful PROTACs: An Overview of Syntheses and Linker Attachment Points. Front Chem 2021; 9:707317. [PMID: 34291038 PMCID: PMC8287636 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.707317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have received tremendous attention as a new and exciting class of therapeutic agents that promise to significantly impact drug discovery. These bifunctional molecules consist of a target binding unit, a linker, and an E3 ligase binding moiety. The chemically-induced formation of ternary complexes leads to ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of target proteins. Among the plethora of E3 ligases, only a few have been utilized for the novel PROTAC technology. However, extensive knowledge on the preparation of E3 ligands and their utilization for PROTACs has already been acquired. This review provides an in-depth analysis of synthetic entries to functionalized ligands for the most relevant E3 ligase ligands, i.e. CRBN, VHL, IAP, and MDM2. Less commonly used E3 ligase and their ligands are also presented. We compare different preparative routes to E3 ligands with respect to feasibility and productivity. A particular focus was set on the chemistry of the linker attachment by discussing the synthetic opportunities to connect the E3 ligand at an appropriate exit vector with a linker to assemble the final PROTAC. This comprehensive review includes many facets involved in the synthesis of such complex molecules and is expected to serve as a compendium to support future synthetic attempts towards PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleša Bricelj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Robert Kuchta
- Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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124
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Broichhagen J, Kilian N. Chemical Biology Tools To Investigate Malaria Parasites. Chembiochem 2021; 22:2219-2236. [PMID: 33570245 PMCID: PMC8360121 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases like malaria tropica have been shaping human evolution and history since the beginning of mankind. After infection, the response of the human host ranges from asymptomatic to severe and may culminate in death. Therefore, proper examination of the parasite's biology is pivotal to deciphering unique molecular, biochemical and cell biological processes, which in turn ensure the identification of treatment strategies, such as potent drug targets and vaccine candidates. However, implementing molecular biology methods for genetic manipulation proves to be difficult for many parasite model organisms. The development of fast and straightforward applicable alternatives, for instance small-molecule probes from the field of chemical biology, is essential. In this review, we will recapitulate the highlights of previous molecular and chemical biology approaches that have already created insight and understanding of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. We discuss current developments from the field of chemical biology and explore how their application could advance research into this parasite in the future. We anticipate that the described approaches will help to close knowledge gaps in the biology of P. falciparum and we hope that researchers will be inspired to use these methods to gain knowledge - with the aim of ending this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Broichhagen
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP)Robert-Roessle-Strasse 1013125BerlinGermany
| | - Nicole Kilian
- Centre for Infectious DiseasesParasitologyHeidelberg University HospitalIm Neuenheimer Feld 32469120HeidelbergGermany
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125
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Targeted Cancer Therapy Using Compounds Activated by Light. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133237. [PMID: 34209493 PMCID: PMC8269035 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer chemotherapy is affected by a modest selectivity and toxic side effects of pharmacological interventions. Among novel approaches to overcome this limitation and to bring to therapy more potent and selective agents is the use of light for selective activation of anticancer compounds. In this review, we focus on the anticancer applications of two light-activated approaches still in the experimental phase: photoremovable protecting groups ("photocages") and photoswitches. We describe the structural considerations behind the development of novel compounds and the plethora of assays used to confirm whether the photochemical and pharmacological properties are meeting the stringent criteria for an efficient in vivo light-dependent activation. Despite its immense potential, light activation brings many challenges, and the complexity of the task is very demanding. Currently, we are still deeply in the phase of pharmacological tools, but the vivid research and rapid development bring the light of hope for potential clinical use.
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126
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Schultzke S, Walther M, Staubitz A. Active Ester Functionalized Azobenzenes as Versatile Building Blocks. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26133916. [PMID: 34206950 PMCID: PMC8272017 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26133916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Azobenzenes are important molecular switches that can still be difficult to functionalize selectively. A high yielding Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling method under mild conditions for the introduction of NHS esters to azobenzenes and diazocines has been established. Yields were consistently high with very few exceptions. The NHS functionalized azobenzenes react with primary amines quantitatively. These amines are ubiquitous in biological systems and in material science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Schultzke
- Institute for Analytical and Organic Chemistry, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 7, D-28359 Bremen, Germany; (S.S.); (M.W.)
- MAPEX Center for Materials and Processes, University of Bremen, Bibliothekstraße 1, D-28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Melanie Walther
- Institute for Analytical and Organic Chemistry, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 7, D-28359 Bremen, Germany; (S.S.); (M.W.)
- MAPEX Center for Materials and Processes, University of Bremen, Bibliothekstraße 1, D-28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Anne Staubitz
- Institute for Analytical and Organic Chemistry, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 7, D-28359 Bremen, Germany; (S.S.); (M.W.)
- MAPEX Center for Materials and Processes, University of Bremen, Bibliothekstraße 1, D-28359 Bremen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-421-218-63210
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127
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He M, Lv W, Rao Y. Opportunities and Challenges of Small Molecule Induced Targeted Protein Degradation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:685106. [PMID: 34249939 PMCID: PMC8261656 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.685106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) represents a new type of small molecule induced protein degradation technology that has emerged in recent years. PROTAC uses bifunctional small molecules to induce ubiquitination of target proteins and utilizes intracellular proteasomes for chemical knockdown. It complements the gene editing and RNA interference for protein knockdown. Compared with small molecule inhibitors, PROTAC has shown great advantages in overcoming tumor resistance, affecting the non-enzymatic function of target proteins, degrading undruggable targets, and providing new rapid and reversible chemical knockout tools. At the same time, its challenges and problems also need to be resolved as a fast-developing newchemical biology technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenxing Lv
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, 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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128
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LaPlante G, Zhang W. Targeting the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System for Cancer Therapeutics by Small-Molecule Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3079. [PMID: 34203106 PMCID: PMC8235664 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a critical regulator of cellular protein levels and activity. It is, therefore, not surprising that its dysregulation is implicated in numerous human diseases, including many types of cancer. Moreover, since cancer cells exhibit increased rates of protein turnover, their heightened dependence on the UPS makes it an attractive target for inhibition via targeted therapeutics. Indeed, the clinical application of proteasome inhibitors in treatment of multiple myeloma has been very successful, stimulating the development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting other UPS components. On the other hand, while the discovery of potent and selective chemical compounds can be both challenging and time consuming, the area of targeted protein degradation through utilization of the UPS machinery has seen promising developments in recent years. The repertoire of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which employ E3 ligases for the degradation of cancer-related proteins via the proteasome, continues to grow. In this review, we will provide a thorough overview of small-molecule UPS inhibitors and highlight advancements in the development of targeted protein degradation strategies for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel LaPlante
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada;
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada;
- CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, MaRS Centre West Tower, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G1M1, Canada
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129
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Abstract
The field of epigenetics has exploded over the last two decades, revealing an astonishing level of complexity in the way genetic information is stored and accessed in eukaryotes. This expansion of knowledge, which is very much ongoing, has been made possible by the availability of evermore sensitive and precise molecular tools. This review focuses on the increasingly important role that chemistry plays in this burgeoning field. In an effort to make these contributions more accessible to the nonspecialist, we group available chemical approaches into those that allow the covalent structure of the protein and DNA components of chromatin to be manipulated, those that allow the activity of myriad factors that act on chromatin to be controlled, and those that allow the covalent structure and folding of chromatin to be characterized. The application of these tools is illustrated through a series of case studies that highlight how the molecular precision afforded by chemistry is being used to establish causal biochemical relationships at the heart of epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Bagert
- Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA; ,
| | - Tom W Muir
- Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA; ,
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130
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Ren C, Sun N, Liu H, Kong Y, Sun R, Qiu X, Chen J, Li Y, Zhang J, Zhou Y, Zhong H, Yin Q, Song X, Yang X, Jiang B. Discovery of a Brigatinib Degrader SIAIS164018 with Destroying Metastasis-Related Oncoproteins and a Reshuffling Kinome Profile. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9152-9165. [PMID: 34138566 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) is an attractive technology in drug discovery. Canonically, targets act as a basic starting point in the most previous PROTAC design. Here, we designed degraders considering from the view of clinical benefits. With this novel design, Brigatinib was turned into a degrader SIAIS164018 and endowed with unique features. First, SIAIS164018 could degrade not only ALK fusion proteins in activating or G1202R-mutated form but also mutant EGFR with L858R + T790M, which are two most important targets in non-small-cell lung cancer. Second, SIAIS164018 strongly inhibited cell migration and invasion of Calu-1 and MDA-MB-231. Third and surprisingly, SIAIS164018 degrades several important oncoproteins involved in metastasis such as FAK, PYK2, and PTK6. Interestingly, SIAIS164018 reshuffled the kinome ranking profile when compared to Brigatinib. Finally, SIAIS164018 is orally bioavailable and well tolerated in vivo. SIAIS164018 is an enlightening degrader for us to excavate the charm of protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaowei Ren
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ning Sun
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.,Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Haixia Liu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.,School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ying Kong
- Jing Medicine Technology (Shanghai), Ltd., Y Building, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Renhong Sun
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.,Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xing Qiu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry of Natural Substances, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jinju Chen
- Jing Medicine Technology (Shanghai), Ltd., Y Building, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yan Li
- Jing Medicine Technology (Shanghai), Ltd., Y Building, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jianshui Zhang
- Jing Medicine Technology (Shanghai), Ltd., Y Building, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yuedong Zhou
- Jing Medicine Technology (Shanghai), Ltd., Y Building, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Hui Zhong
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Science, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China
| | - Qianqian Yin
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xiaoling Song
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xiaobao Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Biao Jiang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.,School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry of Natural Substances, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
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131
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Ryan A, Liu J, Deiters A. Targeted Protein Degradation through Fast Optogenetic Activation and Its Application to the Control of Cell Signaling. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:9222-9229. [PMID: 34121391 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c04324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Development of methodologies for optically triggered protein degradation enables the study of dynamic protein functions, such as those involved in cell signaling, that are difficult to be probed with traditional genetic techniques. Here, we describe the design and implementation of a novel light-controlled peptide degron conferring N-end pathway degradation to its protein target. The degron comprises a photocaged N-terminal amino acid and a lysine-rich, 13-residue linker. By caging the N-terminal residue, we were able to optically control N-degron recognition by an E3 ligase, consequently controlling ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of the target protein. We demonstrate broad applicability by applying this approach to a diverse set of target proteins, including EGFP, firefly luciferase, the kinase MEK1, and the phosphatase DUSP6 (also known as MKP3). The caged degron can be used with minimal protein engineering and provides virtually complete, light-triggered protein degradation on a second to minute time scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Ryan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Jihe Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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132
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Reynders M, Trauner D. Optical control of targeted protein degradation. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:969-986. [PMID: 34115971 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Molecular glues and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as small-molecule tools that selectively induce the degradation of a chosen protein and have shown therapeutic promise. Recently, several approaches employing light as an additional stimulus to control induced protein degradation have been reported. Here, we analyze the principles guiding the design of such systems, provide a survey of the literature published to date, and discuss opportunities for further development. Light-responsive degraders enable the precise temporal and spatial control of protein levels, making them useful research tools but also potential candidates for human precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Reynders
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; Department of Chemistry, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk Trauner
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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133
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Ito T, Yamaguchi Y, Handa H. Exploiting ubiquitin ligase cereblon as a target for small-molecule compounds in medicine and chemical biology. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:987-999. [PMID: 34033753 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cereblon (CRBN), originally identified as a gene associated with intellectual disability, was identified as primary target of thalidomide. Accumulating evidence has shown that CRBN is a substrate receptor of Cullin Ring E3 ubiquitin ligase 4 (CRL4) containing DDB1, CUL4, and RBX1, which recognizes specific neosubstrates in the presence of thalidomide or its analogs and induces their ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. A set of small-molecule, CRBN-binding drugs are known as molecular glue degraders because these compounds promote the interaction between CRBN and its neosubstrates. Moreover, CRBN-based proteolysis-targeting chimeras, heterobifunctional molecules hijacking CRBN and inducing degradation of proteins of interest, have emerged as a promising modality in drug development and are being actively investigated. Meanwhile, the original functions and regulations of CRBN are still largely elusive. In this review, we describe key findings surrounding CRBN since its discovery and then discuss a few unanswered issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Ito
- Department of Chemical Biology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku 160-8402, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamaguchi
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Handa
- Department of Chemical Biology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku 160-8402, Japan.
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134
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Liu J, Chen H, Liu Y, Shen Y, Meng F, Kaniskan HΫ, Jin J, Wei W. Cancer Selective Target Degradation by Folate-Caged PROTACs. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:7380-7387. [PMID: 33970635 PMCID: PMC8219215 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PROTACs (proteolysis targeting chimeras) are an emerging class of promising therapeutic modalities that degrade intracellular protein targets by hijacking the cellular ubiquitin-proteasome system. However, potential toxicity of PROTACs in normal cells due to the off-tissue on-target degradation effect limits their clinical applications. Precise control of a PROTAC's on-target degradation activity in a tissue-selective manner could minimize potential toxicity/side-effects. To this end, we developed a cancer cell selective delivery strategy for PROTACs by conjugating a folate group to a ligand of the VHL E3 ubiquitin ligase, to achieve targeted degradation of proteins of interest (POIs) in cancer cells versus noncancerous normal cells. We show that our folate-PROTACs, including BRD PROTAC (folate-ARV-771), MEK PROTAC (folate-MS432), and ALK PROTAC (folate-MS99), are capable of degrading BRDs, MEKs, and ALK, respectively, in a folate receptor-dependent manner in cancer cells. This design provides a generalizable platform for PROTACs to achieve selective degradation of POIs in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - He Chen
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York 10029, United States
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Yudao Shen
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York 10029, United States
| | - Fanye Meng
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York 10029, United States
| | - H. ϋmit Kaniskan
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York 10029, United States
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York 10029, United States
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
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135
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Siklos M, Kubicek S. Therapeutic targeting of chromatin: status and opportunities. FEBS J 2021; 289:1276-1301. [PMID: 33982887 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The molecular characterization of mechanisms underlying transcriptional control and epigenetic inheritance since the 1990s has paved the way for the development of targeted therapies that modulate these pathways. In the past two decades, cancer genome sequencing approaches have uncovered a plethora of mutations in chromatin modifying enzymes across tumor types, and systematic genetic screens have identified many of these proteins as specific vulnerabilities in certain cancers. Now is the time when many of these basic and translational efforts start to bear fruit and more and more chromatin-targeting drugs are entering the clinic. At the same time, novel pharmacological approaches harbor the potential to modulate chromatin in unprecedented fashion, thus generating entirely novel opportunities. Here, we review the current status of chromatin targets in oncology and describe a vision for the epigenome-modulating drugs of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marton Siklos
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Kubicek
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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136
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Izert MA, Klimecka MM, Górna MW. Applications of Bacterial Degrons and Degraders - Toward Targeted Protein Degradation in Bacteria. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:669762. [PMID: 34026843 PMCID: PMC8138137 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.669762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A repertoire of proteolysis-targeting signals known as degrons is a necessary component of protein homeostasis in every living cell. In bacteria, degrons can be used in place of chemical genetics approaches to interrogate and control protein function. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of synthetic applications of degrons in targeted proteolysis in bacteria. We describe recent advances ranging from large screens employing tunable degradation systems and orthogonal degrons, to sophisticated tools and sensors for imaging. Based on the success of proteolysis-targeting chimeras as an emerging paradigm in cancer drug discovery, we discuss perspectives on using bacterial degraders for studying protein function and as novel antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Wiktoria Górna
- Structural Biology Group, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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137
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Wang Z, Ma Z, Shen Z. Selective degradation of the estrogen receptor in the treatment of cancers. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 209:105848. [PMID: 33610801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.105848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor subtype α (ERα) plays key roles in breast cancers, and has been a target for endocrine therapy for a long time. Unfortunately, long-term treatment by Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) or Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) could cause drug resistance and also would increase the risk for uterine cancer. Therefore, novel anti-breast cancer drugs based on different mechanisms of action have received significant attention, especially through the strategies of selective degradation of ER. In this article, the latest research progress of selective targeting ER for degradation, including Selective ER Downregulators (SERDs), Proteolysis Targeting Chimaeras (PROTACs) and other techniques, was reviewed, and the applications and problems to be solved were prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zunyuan Wang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, 310013 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhen Ma
- Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, 310013 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhengrong Shen
- Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, 310013 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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138
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Cecchini C, Pannilunghi S, Tardy S, Scapozza L. From Conception to Development: Investigating PROTACs Features for Improved Cell Permeability and Successful Protein Degradation. Front Chem 2021; 9:672267. [PMID: 33959589 PMCID: PMC8093871 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.672267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional degraders that specifically eliminate targeted proteins by hijacking the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). This modality has emerged as an orthogonal approach to the use of small-molecule inhibitors for knocking down classic targets and disease-related proteins classified, until now, as "undruggable." In early 2019, the first targeted protein degraders reached the clinic, drawing attention to PROTACs as one of the most appealing technology in the drug discovery landscape. Despite these promising results, PROTACs are often affected by poor cellular permeability due to their high molecular weight (MW) and large exposed polar surface area (PSA). Herein, we report a comprehensive record of PROTAC design, pharmacology and thermodynamic challenges and solutions, as well as some of the available strategies to enhance cellular uptake, including suggestions of promising biological tools for the in vitro evaluation of PROTACs permeability toward successful protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Cecchini
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry/Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sara Pannilunghi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry/Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Tardy
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry/Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Leonardo Scapozza
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry/Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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139
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Hughes GR, Dudey AP, Hemmings AM, Chantry A. Frontiers in PROTACs. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:2377-2383. [PMID: 33872800 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Targeting protein-protein interactions (PPI) is a key focus in the development of new and emerging small-molecule therapeutics. Shallow interacting surfaces can render PPI targeting notoriously difficult. This leaves many therapeutically captivating targets 'undruggable'. Despite these challenges, there has been extraordinary progress circumventing this issue by hijacking the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) to target selected substrates for destruction using target-based degradation (TBD) strategies, including bifunctional molecules known as proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs). In this review, we discuss some of the most recent innovative concepts emerging from PROTAC research and related technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory R Hughes
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; Department of Chemistry, King's College London, SE1 1DB, UK
| | - Ashley P Dudey
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Andrew M Hemmings
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Andrew Chantry
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
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140
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Simoneschi D, Rona G, Zhou N, Jeong YT, Jiang S, Milletti G, Arbini AA, O'Sullivan A, Wang AA, Nithikasem S, Keegan S, Siu Y, Cianfanelli V, Maiani E, Nazio F, Cecconi F, Boccalatte F, Fenyö D, Jones DR, Busino L, Pagano M. CRL4 AMBRA1 is a master regulator of D-type cyclins. Nature 2021; 592:789-793. [PMID: 33854235 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03445-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
D-type cyclins are central regulators of the cell division cycle and are among the most frequently deregulated therapeutic targets in human cancer1, but the mechanisms that regulate their turnover are still being debated2,3. Here, by combining biochemical and genetics studies in somatic cells, we identify CRL4AMBRA1 (also known as CRL4DCAF3) as the ubiquitin ligase that targets all three D-type cyclins for degradation. During development, loss of Ambra1 induces the accumulation of D-type cyclins and retinoblastoma (RB) hyperphosphorylation and hyperproliferation, and results in defects of the nervous system that are reduced by treating pregnant mice with the FDA-approved CDK4 and CDK6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor abemaciclib. Moreover, AMBRA1 acts as a tumour suppressor in mouse models and low AMBRA1 mRNA levels are predictive of poor survival in cancer patients. Cancer hotspot mutations in D-type cyclins abrogate their binding to AMBRA1 and induce their stabilization. Finally, a whole-genome, CRISPR-Cas9 screen identified AMBRA1 as a regulator of the response to CDK4/6 inhibition. Loss of AMBRA1 reduces sensitivity to CDK4/6 inhibitors by promoting the formation of complexes of D-type cyclins with CDK2. Collectively, our results reveal the molecular mechanism that controls the stability of D-type cyclins during cell-cycle progression, in development and in human cancer, and implicate AMBRA1 as a critical regulator of the RB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Simoneschi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gergely Rona
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nan Zhou
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yeon-Tae Jeong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shaowen Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Giacomo Milletti
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Arnaldo A Arbini
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alfie O'Sullivan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew A Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sorasicha Nithikasem
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Keegan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yik Siu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Valentina Cianfanelli
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Cell Stress and Survival Unit, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emiliano Maiani
- Cell Stress and Survival Unit, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Computational Biology Laboratory, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Francesca Nazio
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Cecconi
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Cell Stress and Survival Unit, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Francesco Boccalatte
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Fenyö
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Drew R Jones
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Luca Busino
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Michele Pagano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. .,Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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141
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Alabi SB, Crews CM. Major advances in targeted protein degradation: PROTACs, LYTACs, and MADTACs. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100647. [PMID: 33839157 PMCID: PMC8131913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Of late, targeted protein degradation (TPD) has surfaced as a novel and innovative chemical tool and therapeutic modality. By co-opting protein degradation pathways, TPD facilitates complete removal of the protein molecules from within or outside the cell. While the pioneering Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) technology and molecular glues hijack the ubiquitin-proteasome system, newer modalities co-opt autophagy or the endo-lysosomal pathway. Using this mechanism, TPD is posited to largely expand the druggable space far beyond small-molecule inhibitors. In this review, we discuss the major advances in TPD, highlight our current understanding, and explore outstanding questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanique B Alabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
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142
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Transforming targeted cancer therapy with PROTACs: A forward-looking perspective. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 57:175-183. [PMID: 33799000 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Small-molecule targeted protein degraders have in recent years made a great impact on the strategies of many industry and academic cancer research endeavours. We seek here to provide a concise perspective on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for bifunctional degrader molecules, so-called 'Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs),' in the context of cancer therapy. We highlight high-profile studies that support the potential for PROTAC approaches to broaden drug target scope, address drug resistance, enhance target selectivity and provide tissue specificity, but also assess where the modality is yet to fully deliver in these contexts. Future opportunities presented by the unique bifunctional nature of these molecules are also discussed.
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143
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Maneiro M, De Vita E, Conole D, Kounde CS, Zhang Q, Tate EW. PROTACs, molecular glues and bifunctionals from bench to bedside: Unlocking the clinical potential of catalytic drugs. PROGRESS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2021; 60:67-190. [PMID: 34147206 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmch.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The vast majority of currently marketed drugs rely on small molecules with an 'occupancy-driven' mechanism of action (MOA). Therefore, the efficacy of these therapeutics depends on a high degree of target engagement, which often requires high dosages and enhanced drug exposure at the target site, thus increasing the risk of off-target toxicities (Churcher, 2018 [1]). Although small molecule drugs have been successfully used as treatments for decades, tackling a variety of disease-relevant targets with a defined binding site, many relevant therapeutic targets remain challenging to drug due, for example, to lack of well-defined binding pockets or large protein-protein interaction (PPI) interfaces which resist interference (Dang et al., 2017 [2]). In the quest for alternative therapeutic approaches to address different pathologies and achieve enhanced efficacy with reduced side effects, ligand-induced targeted protein degradation (TPD) has gained the attention of many research groups both in academia and in industry in the last two decades. This therapeutic modality represents a novel paradigm compared to conventional small-molecule inhibitors. To pursue this strategy, heterobifunctional small molecule degraders, termed PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) have been devised to artificially redirect a protein of interest (POI) to the cellular protein homeostasis machinery for proteasomal degradation (Chamberlain et al., 2019 [3]). In this chapter, the development of PROTACs will first be discussed providing a historical perspective in parallel to the experimental progress made to understand this novel therapeutic modality. Furthermore, common strategies for PROTAC design, including assays and troubleshooting tips will be provided for the reader, before presenting a compendium of all PROTAC targets reported in the literature to date. Due to the recent advancement of these molecules into clinical trials, consideration of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic properties will be introduced, together with the biotech landscape that has developed from the success of PROTACs. Finally, an overview of subsequent strategies for targeted protein degradation will be presented, concluding with further scientific quests triggered by the invention of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Maneiro
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - E De Vita
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - D Conole
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - C S Kounde
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Q Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - E W Tate
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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144
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Wang C, Wang H, Zheng C, Liu Z, Gao X, Xu F, Niu Y, Zhang L, Xu P. Research progress of MEK1/2 inhibitors and degraders in the treatment of cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 218:113386. [PMID: 33774345 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) are the crucial part of the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway (or ERK pathway), which is involved in the regulation of various cellular processes including proliferation, survival, and differentiation et al. Targeting MEK has become an important strategy for cancer therapy, and 4 MEK inhibitors (MEKis) have been approved by FDA to date. However, the application of MEKis is limited due to acquired resistance under long-term treatment. Fortunately, an emerging technology, named proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC), could break through this limitation by inducing MEK1/2 degradation. Compared to MEKis, MEK1/2 PROTAC is rarely studied and only three MEK1/2 PROTAC molecules, have been reported until now. This paper will outline the ERK pathway and the mechanism and research progress of MEK1/2 inhibitors, but focus on the development of MEK degraders and their optimization strategies. PAC-1 strategy which can induce MEK degradation indirectly, other PROTACs on ERK pathway, the advantages and challenges of PROTAC technology will be subsequently discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- National Pharmaceutical Teaching Laboratory Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Cangxin Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaozuo Gao
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fengrong Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Niu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Liangren Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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145
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Gutzeit VA, Acosta-Ruiz A, Munguba H, Häfner S, Landra-Willm A, Mathes B, Mony J, Yarotski D, Börjesson K, Liston C, Sandoz G, Levitz J, Broichhagen J. A fine-tuned azobenzene for enhanced photopharmacology in vivo. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:1648-1663.e16. [PMID: 33735619 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite the power of photopharmacology for interrogating signaling proteins, many photopharmacological systems are limited by their efficiency, speed, or spectral properties. Here, we screen a library of azobenzene photoswitches and identify a urea-substituted "azobenzene-400" core that offers bistable switching between cis and trans with improved kinetics, light sensitivity, and a red-shift. We then focus on the metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), neuromodulatory receptors that are major pharmacological targets. Synthesis of "BGAG12,400," a photoswitchable orthogonal, remotely tethered ligand (PORTL), enables highly efficient, rapid optical agonism following conjugation to SNAP-tagged mGluR2 and permits robust optical control of mGluR1 and mGluR5 signaling. We then produce fluorophore-conjugated branched PORTLs to enable dual imaging and manipulation of mGluRs and highlight their power in ex vivo slice and in vivo behavioral experiments in the mouse prefrontal cortex. Finally, we demonstrate the generalizability of our strategy by developing an improved soluble, photoswitchable pore blocker for potassium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa A Gutzeit
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Amanda Acosta-Ruiz
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Hermany Munguba
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Stephanie Häfner
- Université Cote d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, iBV, Nice, France; Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, Nice, France
| | - Arnaud Landra-Willm
- Université Cote d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, iBV, Nice, France; Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, Nice, France
| | - Bettina Mathes
- Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Mony
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dzianis Yarotski
- Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karl Börjesson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Conor Liston
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Guillaume Sandoz
- Université Cote d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, iBV, Nice, France; Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, Nice, France
| | - Joshua Levitz
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Johannes Broichhagen
- Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Chemical Biology, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, 13125 Berlin, Germany.
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146
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Zeng S, Zhang H, Shen Z, Huang W. Photopharmacology of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras: A New Frontier for Drug Discovery. Front Chem 2021; 9:639176. [PMID: 33777902 PMCID: PMC7987681 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.639176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Photopharmacology is an emerging field that uses light to precisely control drug activity. This strategy promises to improve drug specificity for reducing off-target effects. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are an advanced technology engineered to degrade pathogenic proteins through the ubiquitin-proteasome system for disease treatment. This approach has the potential to target the undruggable proteome via event-driven pharmacology. Recently, the combination strategy of photopharmacology and PROTACs has gained tremendous momentum for its use in the discovery and development of new therapies. This review systematically focuses on PROTAC-based photopharmacology. Herein, we provide an overview of the new and vibrant research on photoPROTACs, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this approach as a biological tool, and outline the challenges it faces in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenxin Zeng
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongjie Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhengrong Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenhai Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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147
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Lentes P, Frühwirt P, Freißmuth H, Moormann W, Kruse F, Gescheidt G, Herges R. Photoswitching of Diazocines in Aqueous Media. J Org Chem 2021; 86:4355-4360. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Lentes
- Otto Diels-Institute of Organic Chemistry, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Otto Hahn Platz 4, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Philipp Frühwirt
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, NAWI Graz, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Hilde Freißmuth
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, NAWI Graz, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Widukind Moormann
- Otto Diels-Institute of Organic Chemistry, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Otto Hahn Platz 4, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Fabian Kruse
- Otto Diels-Institute of Organic Chemistry, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Otto Hahn Platz 4, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Georg Gescheidt
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, NAWI Graz, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Rainer Herges
- Otto Diels-Institute of Organic Chemistry, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Otto Hahn Platz 4, 24118 Kiel, Germany
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148
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Ludwanowski S, Skarsetz O, Creusen G, Hoenders D, Straub P, Walther A. Wavelength-Gated Adaptation of Hydrogel Properties via Photo-Dynamic Multivalency in Associative Star Polymers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:4358-4367. [PMID: 33180989 PMCID: PMC7898538 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202011592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Responsive materials, such as switchable hydrogels, have been largely engineered for maximum changes between two states. In contrast, adaptive systems target distinct functional plateaus between these maxima. Here, we demonstrate how the photostationary state (PSS) of an E/Z-arylazopyrazole photoswitch can be tuned by the incident wavelength across a wide color spectrum, and how this behavior can be exploited to engineer the photo-dynamic mechanical properties of hydrogels based on multivalent photoswitchable interactions. We show that these hydrogels adapt to the wavelength-dependent PSS and the number of arylazopyrazole units by programmable relationships. Hence, our material design enables the facile adjustment of the mechanical properties without laborious synthetic efforts. The concept goes beyond the classical switching from state A to B, and demonstrates pathways for a truly wavelength-gated adaptation of hydrogel properties potentially useful to engineer cell fate or in soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Ludwanowski
- ABMS Lab—Active, Adaptive and Autonomous Bioinspired MaterialsInstitute for Macromolecular ChemistryUniversity of FreiburgStefan-Meier-Straße 3179104FreiburgGermany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF)University of FreiburgStefan-Meier-Straße 2179104FreiburgGermany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT)University of FreiburgGeorges-Köhler-Allee 10579110FreiburgGermany
| | - Oliver Skarsetz
- ABMS Lab—Active, Adaptive and Autonomous Bioinspired MaterialsInstitute for Macromolecular ChemistryUniversity of FreiburgStefan-Meier-Straße 3179104FreiburgGermany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF)University of FreiburgStefan-Meier-Straße 2179104FreiburgGermany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT)University of FreiburgGeorges-Köhler-Allee 10579110FreiburgGermany
| | - Guido Creusen
- ABMS Lab—Active, Adaptive and Autonomous Bioinspired MaterialsInstitute for Macromolecular ChemistryUniversity of FreiburgStefan-Meier-Straße 3179104FreiburgGermany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF)University of FreiburgStefan-Meier-Straße 2179104FreiburgGermany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT)University of FreiburgGeorges-Köhler-Allee 10579110FreiburgGermany
| | - Daniel Hoenders
- ABMS Lab—Active, Adaptive and Autonomous Bioinspired MaterialsInstitute for Macromolecular ChemistryUniversity of FreiburgStefan-Meier-Straße 3179104FreiburgGermany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF)University of FreiburgStefan-Meier-Straße 2179104FreiburgGermany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT)University of FreiburgGeorges-Köhler-Allee 10579110FreiburgGermany
- ABMS Lab—Active, Adaptive and Autonomous Bioinspired MaterialsDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of MainzDuesbergweg 10–1455128MainzGermany
| | - Paula Straub
- ABMS Lab—Active, Adaptive and Autonomous Bioinspired MaterialsInstitute for Macromolecular ChemistryUniversity of FreiburgStefan-Meier-Straße 3179104FreiburgGermany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF)University of FreiburgStefan-Meier-Straße 2179104FreiburgGermany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT)University of FreiburgGeorges-Köhler-Allee 10579110FreiburgGermany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT—Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired TechnologiesUniversity of FreiburgGeorges-Köhler-Allee 10579110FreiburgGermany
| | - Andreas Walther
- ABMS Lab—Active, Adaptive and Autonomous Bioinspired MaterialsInstitute for Macromolecular ChemistryUniversity of FreiburgStefan-Meier-Straße 3179104FreiburgGermany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF)University of FreiburgStefan-Meier-Straße 2179104FreiburgGermany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT)University of FreiburgGeorges-Köhler-Allee 10579110FreiburgGermany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT—Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired TechnologiesUniversity of FreiburgGeorges-Köhler-Allee 10579110FreiburgGermany
- ABMS Lab—Active, Adaptive and Autonomous Bioinspired MaterialsDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of MainzDuesbergweg 10–1455128MainzGermany
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149
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Gao L, Meiring JCM, Kraus Y, Wranik M, Weinert T, Pritzl SD, Bingham R, Ntouliou E, Jansen KI, Olieric N, Standfuss J, Kapitein LC, Lohmüller T, Ahlfeld J, Akhmanova A, Steinmetz MO, Thorn-Seshold O. A Robust, GFP-Orthogonal Photoswitchable Inhibitor Scaffold Extends Optical Control over the Microtubule Cytoskeleton. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:228-241.e6. [PMID: 33275880 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Optically controlled chemical reagents, termed "photopharmaceuticals," are powerful tools for precise spatiotemporal control of proteins particularly when genetic methods, such as knockouts or optogenetics are not viable options. However, current photopharmaceutical scaffolds, such as azobenzenes are intolerant of GFP/YFP imaging and are metabolically labile, posing severe limitations for biological use. We rationally designed a photoswitchable "SBT" scaffold to overcome these problems, then derivatized it to create exceptionally metabolically robust and fully GFP/YFP-orthogonal "SBTub" photopharmaceutical tubulin inhibitors. Lead compound SBTub3 allows temporally reversible, cell-precise, and even subcellularly precise photomodulation of microtubule dynamics, organization, and microtubule-dependent processes. By overcoming the previous limitations of microtubule photopharmaceuticals, SBTubs offer powerful applications in cell biology, and their robustness and druglikeness are favorable for intracellular biological control in in vivo applications. We furthermore expect that the robustness and imaging orthogonality of the SBT scaffold will inspire other derivatizations directed at extending the photocontrol of a range of other biological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Joyce C M Meiring
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584, Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Kraus
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Maximilian Wranik
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Weinert
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie D Pritzl
- Chair for Photonics and Optoelectronics, Nano-Institute Munich, Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich 80539, Germany
| | - Rebekkah Bingham
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Evangelia Ntouliou
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Klara I Jansen
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584, Netherlands
| | - Natacha Olieric
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Standfuss
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
| | - Lukas C Kapitein
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584, Netherlands
| | - Theobald Lohmüller
- Chair for Photonics and Optoelectronics, Nano-Institute Munich, Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich 80539, Germany
| | - Julia Ahlfeld
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Anna Akhmanova
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584, Netherlands
| | - Michel O Steinmetz
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen 5232, Switzerland; Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel 4056, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Thorn-Seshold
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany.
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Liu J, Cheng Y, Zheng M, Yuan B, Wang Z, Li X, Yin J, Ye M, Song Y. Targeting the ubiquitination/deubiquitination process to regulate immune checkpoint pathways. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:28. [PMID: 33479196 PMCID: PMC7819986 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00418-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system initiates robust immune responses to defend against invading pathogens or tumor cells and protect the body from damage, thus acting as a fortress of the body. However, excessive responses cause detrimental effects, such as inflammation and autoimmune diseases. To balance the immune responses and maintain immune homeostasis, there are immune checkpoints to terminate overwhelmed immune responses. Pathogens and tumor cells can also exploit immune checkpoint pathways to suppress immune responses, thus escaping immune surveillance. As a consequence, therapeutic antibodies that target immune checkpoints have made great breakthroughs, in particular for cancer treatment. While the overall efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is unsatisfactory since only a small group of patients benefited from ICB treatment. Hence, there is a strong need to search for other targets that improve the efficacy of ICB. Ubiquitination is a highly conserved process which participates in numerous biological activities, including innate and adaptive immunity. A growing body of evidence emphasizes the importance of ubiquitination and its reverse process, deubiquitination, on the regulation of immune responses, providing the rational of simultaneous targeting of immune checkpoints and ubiquitination/deubiquitination pathways to enhance the therapeutic efficacy. Our review will summarize the latest findings of ubiquitination/deubiquitination pathways for anti-tumor immunity, and discuss therapeutic significance of targeting ubiquitination/deubiquitination pathways in the future of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 210002, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 210002, Nanjing, China
| | - Yicheng Cheng
- Department of Stomatology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Ming Zheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 210002, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bingxiao Yuan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 210002, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zimu Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 210002, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 210002, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinying Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 210002, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 210002, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Yin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 210002, Nanjing, China.
| | - Mingxiang Ye
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 210002, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yong Song
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 210002, Nanjing, China.
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