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Li B, Cheng K, Wang T, Peng X, Xu P, Liu G, Xue D, Jiao N, Wang C. Research progress on GPX4 targeted compounds. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 274:116548. [PMID: 38838547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Blocking the System Xc-_ GSH_GPX4 pathway to induce ferroptosis in tumor cells is a novel strategy for cancer treatment. GPX4 serves as the core of the System Xc-/GSH/GPX4 pathway and is a predominant target for inducing ferroptosis in tumor cells. This article summarizes compounds identified in current research that directly target the GPX4 protein, including inhibitors, activators, small molecule degraders, chimeric degraders, and the application of combination therapies with other drugs, aiming to promote further research on the target and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingru Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Keguang Cheng
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, State/Ministry of Education of China Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Tzumei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Peng
- Changping Laboratory, Yard 28, Science Park Road, Changping District, Beijing, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoquan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Xue
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ning Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Changping Laboratory, Yard 28, Science Park Road, Changping District, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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2
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Ma J, Fang L, Sun Z, Li M, Fan T, Xiang G, Ma X. Folate-PEG-PROTAC Micelles for Enhancing Tumor-Specific Targeting Proteolysis In Vivo. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2400109. [PMID: 38676445 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) technology is rapidly developed as a novel and selective medicinal strategy for the degradation of cellular proteins in cancer therapy. However, the applications of PROTACs as heterobifunctional molecules are largely limited by high molecular weight, low bioavailability, poor permeability, insufficient targeting, and low efficacy in vivo. Herein, self-assembling micelles of FA-PEG-PROTAC are designed for cancer cell selective targeting and reductive-response proteolysis in tumor-bearing mice. FA-PEG-PROTAC is prepared by conjugating folic acid (FA)-PEG with EGFR-targeting PROTAC via a disulfide bond. The FA-PEG-PROTAC micelles, formed by self-assembling, are demonstrated to significantly improve tumor targeting efficacy and exhibit excellent anti-tumor efficacy in the mouse xenograft model compared to the traditional PROTACs. The strategy of applying self-assembled FA-PEG-PROTAC micelles in tumor therapy can not only improve targeted proteolysis efficiency but also broaden applications in the development of PROTAC-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lei Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhengjun Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Meijing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ting Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Guangya Xiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongren Polytechnic College, Tongren, 554300, China
- Institute of the Higher Education Edible and Medicinal Fungi Engineering Research Center, Tongren, 554300, China
| | - Xiang Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongren Polytechnic College, Tongren, 554300, China
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Zhan J, Li X, Mu Y, Yao H, Zhu JJ, Zhang J. A photoactivatable upconverting nanodevice boosts the lysosomal escape of PROTAC degraders for enhanced combination therapy. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:3686-3699. [PMID: 38873991 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00548a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras have received increasing attention due to their capability to induce potent degradation of various disease-related proteins. However, the effective and controlled cytosolic delivery of current small-molecule PROTACs remains a challenge, primarily due to their intrinsic shortcomings, including unfavorable solubility, poor cell permeability, and limited spatiotemporal precision. Here, we develop a near-infrared light-controlled PROTAC delivery device (abbreviated as USDPR) that allows the efficient photoactivation of PROTAC function to achieve enhanced protein degradation. The nanodevice is constructed by encapsulating the commercial BRD4-targeting PROTACs (dBET6) in the hollow cavity of mesoporous silica-coated upconversion nanoparticles, followed by coating a Rose Bengal (RB) photosensitizer conjugated poly-L-lysine (PLL-RB). This composition enables NIR light-activatable generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species due to the energy transfer from the UCNPs to PLL-RB, which boosts the endo/lysosomal escape and subsequent cytosolic release of dBET6. We demonstrate that USDPR is capable of effectively degrading BRD4 in a NIR light-controlled manner. This in combination with NIR light-triggered photodynamic therapy enables an enhanced antitumor effect both in vitro and in vivo. This work thus presents a versatile strategy for controlled release of PROTACs and codelivery with photosensitizers using an NIR-responsive nanodevice, providing important insight into the design of effective PROTAC-based combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayin Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yueru Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Huiqin Yao
- Department of Medical Chemistry, College of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
| | - Jun-Jie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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Li M, Zhou W, Zhou W, Liu C, Song S, Han W, Li Y, He D, Yu C. An Asymmetric NIR-II Organic Fluorophore with an Ultra-Large Stokes Shift for Imaging-Guided and Targeted Phototherapy. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:4541-4551. [PMID: 38853393 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00496] [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: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
NIR-II imaging-guided phototherapy is an attractive, yet challenging, tumor treatment strategy. By monitoring the accumulation of phototherapy reagents at the tumor site through imaging and determining the appropriate therapy window, the therapeutic effect could be significantly improved. Probes with NIR-II (1000-1700 nm) fluorescence emission and a large Stokes shift hold great promise for fluorescence imaging with deep penetration, minimized self-quenching, and high spatiotemporal resolution. However, due to the lack of a suitable molecular framework, the design of a simple small-molecule dye with a large Stokes shift and NIR-II fluorescence emission has rarely been reported. Herein, we prepare an asymmetric D-π-A type NIR-II fluorescence probe (TBy). The probe is incapsulated in an amphiphilic polymer and modified with a fibronectin targeting peptide CREKA, which could recognize the fibrin-fibronectin complex overexpressed in multiple malignant tumors. The nanoparticles thus constructed (TByC-NPs) have maximum fluorescence emission at 1037 nm with a large Stokes shift of 426 nm, which is the largest Stokes shift among organic NIR-II fluorescent dyes reported in the literature. The TByC-NPs exhibit a good NIR-II imaging performance, active tumor targeting, and good photothermal and photodynamic capabilities. In vitro and in vivo studies verify that the TByC nanoplatform shows outstanding biocompatibility for NIR-II imaging-guided phototherapy and provides an excellent antitumor effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Weiping Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Chang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Wenzhao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Di He
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Cong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Chen W, Wu Y, Xing D. New-generation advanced PROTACs as potential therapeutic agents in cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:110. [PMID: 38773495 PMCID: PMC11107062 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02024-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) technology has garnered significant attention over the last 10 years, representing a burgeoning therapeutic approach with the potential to address pathogenic proteins that have historically posed challenges for traditional small-molecule inhibitors. PROTACs exploit the endogenous E3 ubiquitin ligases to facilitate degradation of the proteins of interest (POIs) through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in a cyclic catalytic manner. Despite recent endeavors to advance the utilization of PROTACs in clinical settings, the majority of PROTACs fail to progress beyond the preclinical phase of drug development. There are multiple factors impeding the market entry of PROTACs, with the insufficiently precise degradation of favorable POIs standing out as one of the most formidable obstacles. Recently, there has been exploration of new-generation advanced PROTACs, including small-molecule PROTAC prodrugs, biomacromolecule-PROTAC conjugates, and nano-PROTACs, to improve the in vivo efficacy of PROTACs. These improved PROTACs possess the capability to mitigate undesirable physicochemical characteristics inherent in traditional PROTACs, thereby enhancing their targetability and reducing off-target side effects. The new-generation of advanced PROTACs will mark a pivotal turning point in the realm of targeted protein degradation. In this comprehensive review, we have meticulously summarized the state-of-the-art advancements achieved by these cutting-edge PROTACs, elucidated their underlying design principles, deliberated upon the prevailing challenges encountered, and provided an insightful outlook on future prospects within this burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Wujun Chen
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Yudong Wu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Dongming Xing
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Zhong J, Zhao R, Wang Y, Su YX, Lan X. Nano-PROTACs: state of the art and perspectives. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:4378-4391. [PMID: 38305466 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06059d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs), as a recently identified technique in the field of new drug development, provide new concepts for disease treatment and are expected to revolutionize drug discovery. With high specificity and flexibility, PROTACs serve as an innovative research tool to target and degrade disease-relevant proteins that are not currently pharmaceutically vulnerable to eliminating their functions by hijacking the ubiquitin-proteasome system. To date, PROTACs still face the challenges of low solubility, poor permeability, off-target effects, and metabolic instability. The combination of nanotechnology and PROTACs has been explored to enhance the in vivo performance of PROTACs regarding overcoming these challenging hurdles. In this review, we summarize the latest advancements in the building-block design of PROTAC prodrug nanoparticles and provide an overview of existing/potential delivery systems and loading approaches for PROTAC drugs. Furthermore, we discuss the current status and prospects of the split-and-mix approach for PROTAC drug optimization. Additionally, the advantages and translational potentials of carrier-free nano-PROTACs and their combinational therapeutic effects are highlighted. This review aims to foster a deeper understanding of this rapidly evolving field and facilitate the progress of nano-PROTACs that will continue to push the boundaries of achieving selectivity and controlled release of PROTAC drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhong
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
- Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.
| | - Ruiqi Zhao
- Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.
| | - Yuji Wang
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Yu-Xiong Su
- Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.
| | - Xinmiao Lan
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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Zhang X, Li X, Xia R, Zhang HS. Ferroptosis resistance in cancer: recent advances and future perspectives. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115933. [PMID: 37995980 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent, non-apoptotic form of regulated cell death and has been implicated in the occurrence and development of various diseases, including heart disease, nervous system diseases and cancer. Ferroptosis induction recently emerged as an attractive strategy for cancer therapy. Ferroptosis has become a potential target for intervention in these diseases or injuries in relevant preclinical models. This review summarizes recent progress on the mechanisms of ferroptosis resistance in cancer, highlights redox status and metabolism's role in it. Combination therapy for ferroptosis has great potential in cancer treatment, especially malignant tumors that are resistant to conventional therapies. This review will lead us to have a comprehensive understanding of the future exploration of ferroptosis and cancer therapy. A deeper understanding of the relationship between ferroptosis resistance and metabolism reprogramming may provide new strategies for tumor treatment and drug development based on ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100(#), District of Chaoyang, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100(#), District of Chaoyang, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Ran Xia
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100(#), District of Chaoyang, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Zhang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100(#), District of Chaoyang, Beijing 100124, China.
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