1
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Guan Q, Gao Z, Chen Y, Guo C, Chen Y, Sun H. Structural modification strategies of triazoles in anticancer drug development. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 275:116578. [PMID: 38889607 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The triazole functional group plays a pivotal role in the composition of biomolecules with potent anticancer activities, including numerous clinically approved drugs. The strategic utilization of the triazole fragment in the rational modification of lead compounds has demonstrated its ability to improve anticancer activities, enhance selectivity, optimize pharmacokinetic properties, and overcome resistance. There has been significant interest in triazole-containing hybrids in recent years due to their remarkable anticancer potential. However, previous reviews on triazoles in cancer treatment have failed to provide tailored design strategies specific to these compounds. Herein, we present an overview of design strategies encompassing a structure-modification approach for incorporating triazoles into hybrid molecules. This review offers valuable references and briefly introduces the synthesis of triazole derivatives, thereby paving the way for further research and advancements in the field of effective and targeted anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwen Guan
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziming Gao
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Chen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Can Guo
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Min W, Yang H, Wang D, Chen C, Wang Y, Hou Y, Zhu Y, Sun C, Wang X, Yuan K, Yang P. Discovery of Potent and Selective c-Met Degraders for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment. J Med Chem 2024; 67:12314-12330. [PMID: 38962837 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Targeting c-Met is a clinical trend for the precise treatment of HCC, but the potential issue of acquired drug resistance cannot be ignored. Targeted protein degradation technology has demonstrated promising prospects in disease treatment and overcoming drug resistance due to its special mechanism of action. In this study, we designed and synthesized two series of novel c-Met degraders and conducted a systematic biological evaluation of the optimal compound H11. H11 exhibited good c-Met degradation activity and anti-HCC activity. Importantly, H11 also demonstrated more potent inhibitory activity against Ba/F3-TPR-MET-D1228N and Ba/F3-TPR-MET-Y1230H cell lines than did tepotinib. In summary, H11 displayed potent anti-HCC activity as a degrader and may overcome resistance to type Ib inhibitors, making it a new therapeutic strategy for HCC with MET alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjian Min
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Huanaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Chunling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yanyin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yasheng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Chengliang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Kai Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Peng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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3
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Tomoshige S, Komatsu F, Kikuchi T, Sugiyama M, Kawasaki Y, Ohgane K, Furuyama Y, Sato S, Ishikawa M, Kuramochi K. A small-molecule degron with a phenylpropionic acid scaffold. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 109:117789. [PMID: 38870716 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD), employing proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) composed of ligands for both a target protein and ubiquitin ligase (E3) to redirect the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to the target protein, has emerged as a promising strategy in drug discovery. However, despite the vast number of E3 ligases, the repertoire of E3 ligands utilized in PROTACs remains limited. Here, we report the discovery of a small-molecule degron with a phenylpropionic acid skeleton, derived from a known ligand of S-phase kinase-interacting protein 2 (Skp2), an E3 ligase. We used this degron to design PROTACs inducing proteasomal degradation of HaloTag-fused proteins, and identified key structural relationships. Surprisingly, our mechanistic studies excluded the involvement of Skp2, suggesting that this degron recruits other protein(s) within the UPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shusuke Tomoshige
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan; Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan.
| | - Fumiko Komatsu
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kikuchi
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Miku Sugiyama
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Yushi Kawasaki
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Kenji Ohgane
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan; Department of Chemistry, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan
| | - Yuuki Furuyama
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan; Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, Aramaki aza Aoba 6-3, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Minoru Ishikawa
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Kouji Kuramochi
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
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4
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Zhou Y, Zhou F, Xu S, Shi D, Ding D, Wang S, Poongavanam V, Tang K, Liu X, Zhan P. Hydrophobic tagging of small molecules: an overview of the literature and future outlook. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:799-813. [PMID: 38825802 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2360416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hydrophobic tagging (HyT) technology presents a distinct therapeutic strategy diverging from conventional small molecule drugs, providing an innovative approach to drug design. This review aims to provide an overview of the HyT literature and future outlook to offer guidance for drug design. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors introduce the composition, mechanisms and advantages of HyT technology, as well as summarize the detailed applications of HyT technology in anti-cancer, neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and other fields. Furthermore, this review discusses key aspects of the future development of HyT molecules. EXPERT OPINION HyT emerges as a highly promising targeted protein degradation (TPD) strategy, following the successful development of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) and molecular glue. Based on exploring new avenues, modification of the HyT molecule itself potentially enhances the technology. Improved synthetic pathways and emphasis on pharmacokinetic (PK) properties will facilitate the development of HyT. Furthermore, elucidating the biochemical basis by which the compound's hydrophobic moiety recruits the protein homeostasis network will enable the development of more precise assays that can guide the optimization of the linker and hydrophobic moiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Fan Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Shujing Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Dazhou Shi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Dang Ding
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | | | - Kai Tang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
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5
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Guan Q, Xing S, Wang L, Zhu J, Guo C, Xu C, Zhao Q, Wu Y, Chen Y, Sun H. Triazoles in Medicinal Chemistry: Physicochemical Properties, Bioisosterism, and Application. J Med Chem 2024; 67:7788-7824. [PMID: 38699796 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00652] [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: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Triazole demonstrates distinctive physicochemical properties, characterized by weak basicity, various dipole moments, and significant dual hydrogen bond acceptor and donor capabilities. These features are poised to play a pivotal role in drug-target interactions. The inherent polarity of triazole contributes to its lower logP, suggesting the potential improvement in water solubility. The metabolic stability of triazole adds additional value to drug discovery. Moreover, the metal-binding capacity of the nitrogen atom lone pair electrons of triazole has broad applications in the development of metal chelators and antifungal agents. This Perspective aims to underscore the unique physicochemical attributes of triazole and its application. A comparative analysis involving triazole isomers and other heterocycles provides guiding insights for the subsequent design of triazoles, with the hope of offering valuable considerations for designing other heterocycles in medicinal chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwen Guan
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuaishuai Xing
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiawei Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Can Guo
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunlei Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulan Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
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6
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Haridas V, Dutta S, Munjal A, Singh S. Inhibitors to degraders: Changing paradigm in drug discovery. iScience 2024; 27:109574. [PMID: 38646175 PMCID: PMC11031827 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109574] [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] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The chemical understanding of biological processes provides not only a deeper insight but also a solution to abnormal biological functioning. Protein degradation, a natural biological process for debris removal in the cell, has been studied for years. The recent finding that natural degradation pathways can be utilized for therapeutic purposes is a paradigm shift in the drug discovery approach. Methods such as Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC), lysosomal targeting chimera, hydrophobic tagging, AUtophagy TArgeting Chimera, AUTOphagy TArgeting Chimera and several other variants of these methods have made a considerable impact on the way of drug design. Few selected examples testify that a huge wave of change is on the way. The drug design based on the targeted protein degradation is a powerful tool in our arsenal. More molecules will be invented that will uncover the hidden secrets of biological functioning and provide enduring solutions to several unmet medical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Haridas
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad, Palakkad, Kerala 678623, India
| | - Souvik Dutta
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Akshay Munjal
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, New Delhi 110067, India
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7
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Yokoo H, Tsuji G, Inoue T, Naito M, Demizu Y, Ohoka N. Expansion of targeted degradation by Gilteritinib-Warheaded PROTACs to ALK fusion proteins. Bioorg Chem 2024; 145:107204. [PMID: 38377822 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) induce the ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of targeted proteins. Numerous PROTACs have emerged as promising drug candidates for various disease-related proteins. This study investigates PROTACs targeted to degrade anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion proteins, which are implicated in diseases such as anaplastic large cell lymphoma and non-small cell lung cancer. We recently reported the development of a gilteritinib-warheaded PROTAC to target and degrade the Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) protein. Gilteritinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets FLT3, and recent studies have revealed that it also functions as an ALK inhibitor. We conducted a structure-activity relationship (SAR) study and expanded the range of target proteins for gilteritinib-warheaded PROTACs to include echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-ALK and nucleophosmin (NPM)-ALK, in addition to FLT3. Our SAR study utilized three types of ligands for E3 ligase- inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP), cereblon (CRBN), and von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)- in the PROTAC designs and we observed varied efficacy in the degradation of target proteins. The CRBN-based PROTAC effectively reduced the protein expression of FLT3, EML4-ALK, and NPM-ALK. The IAP-based PROTAC reduced expression of both FLT3 and EML4-ALK proteins but not that of NPM-ALK, while the VHL-based PROTAC was ineffective against all target proteins. Several ALK-targeted PROTACs have already been developed using CRBN or VHL as E3 ligase, but this is the first report of an IAP-based ALK degrader. The length of the linker structure utilized in PROTAC also had a significant effect on their efficacy and activity. PROTACs formed with shorter linkers demonstrated an enhanced degradation activity to target proteins compared with those formed with longer linkers. These findings provide valuable insight for the development of effective PROTACs to target and degrade ALK fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetomo Yokoo
- National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-9501, Japan
| | - Genichiro Tsuji
- National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-9501, Japan
| | - Takao Inoue
- National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-9501, Japan
| | - Mikihiko Naito
- Laboratory of Targeted Protein Degradation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 110-0033, Japan
| | - Yosuke Demizu
- National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-9501, Japan; Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29 Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan; Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Science of Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kita 700-8530, Japan
| | - Nobumichi Ohoka
- National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-9501, Japan.
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8
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Fonseca D, Alves PM, Neto E, Custódio B, Guimarães S, Moura D, Annis F, Martins M, Gomes A, Teixeira C, Gomes P, Pereira RF, Freitas P, Parreira P, Martins MCL. One-Pot Microfluidics to Engineer Chitosan Nanoparticles Conjugated with Antimicrobial Peptides Using "Photoclick" Chemistry: Validation Using the Gastric Bacterium Helicobacter pylori. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:14533-14547. [PMID: 38482690 PMCID: PMC10982938 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c18772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Surface bioconjugation of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) onto nanoparticles (AMP-NP) is a complex, multistep, and time-consuming task. Herein, a microfluidic system for the one-pot production of AMP-NP was developed. Norbornene-modified chitosan was used for NP production (NorChit-NP), and thiolated-AMP was grafted on their surface via thiol-norbornene "photoclick" chemistry over exposure of two parallel UV LEDs. The MSI-78A was the AMP selected due to its high activity against a high priority (level 2) antibiotic-resistant gastric pathogen: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). AMP-NP (113 ± 43 nm; zeta potential 14.3 ± 7 mV) were stable in gastric settings without a cross-linker (up to 5 days in pH 1.2) and bactericidal against two highly pathogenic H. pylori strains (1011 NP/mL with 96 μg/mL MSI-78A). Eradication was faster for H. pylori 26695 (30 min) than for H. pylori J99 (24 h), which was explained by the lower minimum bactericidal concentration of soluble MSI-78A for H. pylori 26695 (32 μg/mL) than for H. pylori J99 (128 μg/mL). AMP-NP was bactericidal by inducing H. pylori cell membrane alterations, intracellular reorganization, generation of extracellular vesicles, and leakage of cytoplasmic contents (transmission electron microscopy). Moreover, NP were not cytotoxic against two gastric cell lines (AGS and MKN74, ATCC) at bactericidal concentrations. Overall, the designed microfluidic setup is a greener, simpler, and faster approach than the conventional methods to obtain AMP-NP. This technology can be further explored for the bioconjugation of other thiolated-compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana
R. Fonseca
- i3S
− Instituto de Investigação e Inovação
em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto
Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, R. Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade
de Engenharia, Departamento de Engenharia Metalúrgica e de
Materiais, Universidade do Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro M. Alves
- i3S
− Instituto de Investigação e Inovação
em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto
Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, R. Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade
de Engenharia, Departamento de Engenharia Metalúrgica e de
Materiais, Universidade do Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE,
Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 685, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Estrela Neto
- i3S
− Instituto de Investigação e Inovação
em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto
Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, R. Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Custódio
- i3S
− Instituto de Investigação e Inovação
em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto
Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, R. Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS−Instituto
de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia Guimarães
- i3S
− Instituto de Investigação e Inovação
em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto
Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, R. Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Duarte Moura
- i3S
− Instituto de Investigação e Inovação
em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto
Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, R. Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade
de Engenharia, Departamento de Engenharia Metalúrgica e de
Materiais, Universidade do Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Francesca Annis
- i3S
− Instituto de Investigação e Inovação
em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto
Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, R. Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marco Martins
- INL, International
Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Av. Mte. José Veiga s/n, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Gomes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE,
Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 685, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cátia Teixeira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE,
Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 685, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Gomes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE,
Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 685, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rúben F. Pereira
- i3S
− Instituto de Investigação e Inovação
em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto
Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, R. Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS−Instituto
de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Freitas
- INL, International
Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Av. Mte. José Veiga s/n, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
- INESC-MN,
INESC Microsystems and Nanotechnologies, Rua Alves Redol 9, 1000-029 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paula Parreira
- i3S
− Instituto de Investigação e Inovação
em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto
Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, R. Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - M. Cristina L. Martins
- i3S
− Instituto de Investigação e Inovação
em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto
Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, R. Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS−Instituto
de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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9
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Bertran-Mostazo A, Putriūtė G, Álvarez-Berbel I, Busquets MA, Galdeano C, Espargaró A, Sabate R. Proximity-Induced Pharmacology for Amyloid-Related Diseases. Cells 2024; 13:449. [PMID: 38474412 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Proximity-induced pharmacology (PIP) for amyloid-related diseases is a cutting-edge approach to treating conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. By bringing small molecules close to amyloid-related proteins, these molecules can induce a plethora of effects that can break down pathogenic proteins and reduce the buildup of plaques. One of the most promising aspects of this drug discovery modality is that it can be used to target specific types of amyloid proteins, such as the beta-amyloid protein that is commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease. This level of specificity could allow for more targeted and effective treatments. With ongoing research and development, it is hoped that these treatments can be refined and optimized to provide even greater benefits to patients. As our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these diseases continues to grow, proximity-induced pharmacology treatments may become an increasingly important tool in the fight against dementia and other related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bertran-Mostazo
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabrielė Putriūtė
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Álvarez-Berbel
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Antònia Busquets
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Galdeano
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Espargaró
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raimon Sabate
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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10
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Guo Y, Cheng R, Wang Y, Gonzalez ME, Zhang H, Liu Y, Kleer CG, Xue L. Regulation of EZH2 protein stability: new mechanisms, roles in tumorigenesis, and roads to the clinic. EBioMedicine 2024; 100:104972. [PMID: 38244292 PMCID: PMC10835131 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.104972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The importance of EZH2 as a key methyltransferase has been well documented theoretically. Practically, the first EZH2 inhibitor Tazemetostat (EPZ6438), was approved by FDA in 2020 and is used in clinic. However, for most solid tumors it is not as effective as desired and the scope of clinical indications is limited, suggesting that targeting its enzymatic activity may not be sufficient. Recent technologies focusing on the degradation of EZH2 protein have drawn attention due to their potential robust effects. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms that regulate EZH2 protein stability via post-translational modifications (PTMs), mainly including ubiquitination, phosphorylation, and acetylation. In addition, we discuss recent advancements of multiple proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) strategies and the latest degraders that can downregulate EZH2 protein. We aim to highlight future directions to expand the application of novel EZH2 inhibitors by targeting both EZH2 enzymatic activity and protein stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Guo
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Cheng
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqing Wang
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Maria E Gonzalez
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Hongshan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Celina G Kleer
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Lixiang Xue
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
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11
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Wang Y, Zheng J, Long Y, Wu W, Zhu Y. Direct degradation and stabilization of proteins: New horizons in treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115989. [PMID: 38122854 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is featured with excessive hepatic lipid accumulation and its global prevalence is soaring. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the severe systemic inflammatory subtype of NAFLD, is tightly associated with metabolic comorbidities, and the hepatocytes manifest severe inflammation and ballooning. Currently the therapeutic options for treating NASH are limited. Potent small molecules specifically intervene with the signaling pathways that promote pathogenesis of NASH. Nevertheless they have obvious adverse effects and show long-term ineffectiveness in clinical trials. It poses the fundamental question to efficiently and safely inhibit the pathogenic processes. Targeted protein degradation (TPD) belongs to the direct degradation strategies and is a burgeoning strategy. It utilizes the small molecules to bind to the target proteins and recruit the endogenous proteasome, lysosome and autophagosome-mediated degradation machineries. They effectively and specifically degrade the target proteins. It has exhibited promising therapeutic effects in treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and other diseases in a catalytic manner at low doses. We critically discuss the principles of multiple direct degradation strategies, especially PROTAC and ATTEC. We extensively analyze their emerging application in degradation of excessive pathogenic proteins and lipid droplets, which promote the progression of NASH. Moreover, we discuss the opposite strategy that utilizes the small molecules to recruit deubiquinases to stabilize the NASH/MASH-suppressing proteins. Their advantages, limitations, as well as the solutions to address the limitations have been analyzed. In summary, the innovative direct degradation strategies provide new insights into design of next-generation therapeutics to combat NASH with optimal safety paradigm and efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibing Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, PR China.
| | - Jianan Zheng
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Yun Long
- Department of Endocrinology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, PR China
| | - Wenyi Wu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Yutong Zhu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China
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12
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Li X, Sun R, Wu H, Zheng C, Long YQ. Targeting the Hedgehog pathway with novel Gli1 hydrophobic tagging degraders. Bioorg Chem 2023; 138:106649. [PMID: 37307715 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The Hedgehog/Glioma-associated oncogene (Hh/Gli) signaling pathway plays an essential role in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Aberrant regulation of this pathway has been linked to various human malignancies. Gli1, the downstream transcription factor of the Hh pathway, is the ultimate effector of the canonical Hh pathway and has been identified as a common regulator of several tumorigenic pathways prevalent in Hh-independent cancers. Thus Gli1 represents a unique and promising drug target for a wide range of cancers. However, the identification and development of small molecules that directly target Gli1 protein have progressed slowly, due to an insufficient efficacy and selectivity. Herein, we developed novel small-molecule Gli1 degraders based on the hydrophobic tagging (HyT) strategy. The Gli1 HyT degrader 8e potently inhibited the proliferation of Gli1-overexpressed HT29 colorectal cancer cells, induced Gli1 degradation with a DC50 value of 5.4 μM in HT29 and achieved 70% degradation at 7.5 μM in MEFPTCH1-/- and MEFSUFU-/-cell lines, via proteasome pathway. Compared to the canonical Hh antagonist Vismodegib, 8e exhibited much stronger potency in suppressing the mRNA expression of Hh target genes in Hh-overactivated MEFPTCH1-/- and Vismodegib resistant MEFSUFU-/- cells. Our study provides small molecule Gli1 degraders effectively interfering with both canonical and noncanonical Hh signaling and overcoming current Smoothened (SMO) antagonists resistance, which might pave a new avenue for developing therapeutic modalities targeting Hh/Gli1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyang Li
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Chaonan Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ya-Qiu Long
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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13
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Xie S, Zhu J, Li J, Zhan F, Yao H, Xu J, Xu S. Small-Molecule Hydrophobic Tagging: A Promising Strategy of Druglike Technology for Targeted Protein Degradation. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10917-10933. [PMID: 37535706 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) technologies have catalyzed a paradigm shift in therapeutic strategies and offer innovative avenues for drug design. Hydrophobic tags (HyTs) are bifunctional TPD molecules consisting of a ″lipophilic small-molecule tags″ group and a small-molecule ligand for the target protein. Despite the vast potential of HyTs, they have received relatively limited attention as a promising frontier. Leveraging their lower molecular weight and reduced numbers of hydrogen bond donors/acceptors (HBDs/HBAs) in comparison with proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), HyTs present a compelling approach for enhancing druglike properties. In this Perspective, we explore the diverse range of HyT structures and their corresponding degradation mechanisms, thereby illuminating their broad applicability in targeting a diverse array of proteins, including previously elusive targets. Moreover, we scrutinize the challenges and opportunities entailed in developing this technology as a viable and fruitful strategy for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaowen Xie
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Jingjie Zhu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Junda Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Feiyan Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Hong Yao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Jinyi Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Shengtao Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Kunshan, Suzhou 215300, China
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14
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Lin R, Yang J, Liu T, Wang M, Ke C, Luo C, Lin J, Li J, Lin H. Discovery of HyT-Based Degraders of CDK9-Cyclin T1 Complex. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202300769. [PMID: 37349855 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202300769] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Direct modulation of the non-kinase functions of cyclin and CDK-cyclin complexes poses challenges. We utilize hydrophobic tag (HyT) based small-molecule degraders induced degradation of cyclin T1 and its corresponding kinase partner CDK9. LL-CDK9-12 demonstrated the most potent and selective degradation ability, with DC50 values of 0.362 μM against CDK9 and 0.680 μM against cyclin T1. In prostate cancer cells, LL-CDK9-12 showed enhanced anti-proliferative activity than its parental molecule SNS032 and LL-K9-3, the previous reported CDK9-cyclin T1 degrader. Moreover, LL-CDK9-12 suppressed the downstream signaling of CDK9 and AR efficiently. Altogether, LL-CDK9-12 was an effective dual degrader of CDK9-cyclin T1 and helped study the unknown function of CDK9-cyclin T1. These results suggest that HyT-based degraders could be used as a strategy to induce the degradation of protein complexes, providing insights for the design of protein complexes' degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongkun Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China
| | - Ting Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Mingyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chongrong Ke
- National and Local United Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microbiology and Fermentation Technology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528437, China
- Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Jin Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Jiacheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hua Lin
- Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China
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15
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Gong L, Li R, Gong J, Ning X, Sun J, Ma Q, Zhu C, Yang Y, Lin K, Li Y, Zhang Q, Li T, Lin Z. Discovery of a miniaturized PROTAC with potent activity and high selectivity. Bioorg Chem 2023; 136:106556. [PMID: 37105002 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The approved small-molecule inhibitors of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) have shown remarkable efficacy in some subset of cancer patients. However, the numerous ALK mutants or fusion partners are resistant to such drugs, greatly limiting their application in clinic. Despite the drug design strategy of proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) holds great potential to overcome drug resistance in theory, there are obvious disadvantages for the reported PROTACs that include high molecular weight, long linkers, difficult synthesis routes as well as insufficient evidence in activity for diverse ALK mutants. In this study, we designed and synthesized a miniaturized PROTAC of ALK named AP-1 following the principle of minimalist design. Two simple chemical units of ligands and a minimized linker with only two atoms were selected for synthesis of AP-1. At cellular level, AP-1 successfully degraded three types of ALK mutants including NPM-ALK, EML4-ALK and F1174L mutation ALK form with potent activity, high selectivity in ALK-positive cells. In xenograft mouse model, AP-1 showed the stronger antitumor efficacy than ceritinib as well as ALK degraders reported in literatures. AP-1 with an extremely simple PROTAC structure can be served as an effective candidate drug for therapy of various types of ALK-positive cancers. And the design principle of AP-1 has a good guiding significance for overcoming the disadvantages such as excessive molecular weight and poor solubility of PROTAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidong Gong
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Ridong Li
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Jingjing Gong
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Xianling Ning
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Jiawei Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, PR China
| | - Qiang Ma
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Chuanda Zhu
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Yang
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Kerui Lin
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Yanglonghao Li
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Tiancheng Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, PR China.
| | - Zhiqiang Lin
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, PR China.
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