1
|
Huang Y, Liu W, Zhao C, Shi X, Zhao Q, Jia J, Wang A. Targeting cyclin-dependent kinases: From pocket specificity to drug selectivity. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 275:116547. [PMID: 38852339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The development of selective modulators of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), a kinase family with numerous members and functional variations, is a significant preclinical challenge. Recent advancements in crystallography have revealed subtle differences in the highly conserved CDK pockets. Exploiting these differences has proven to be an effective strategy for achieving excellent drug selectivity. While previous reports briefly discussed the structural features that lead to selectivity in individual CDK members, attaining inhibitor selectivity requires consideration of not only the specific structures of the target CDK but also the features of off-target members. In this review, we summarize the structure-activity relationships (SARs) that influence selectivity in CDK drug development and analyze the pocket features that lead to selectivity using molecular-protein binding models. In addition, in recent years, novel CDK modulators have been developed, providing more avenues for achieving selectivity. These cases were also included. We hope that these efforts will assist in the development of novel CDK drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaoguang Huang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenwu Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Haidian Dist., Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Changhao Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, 110840, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Shi
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingchun Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China; Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, 110840, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jingming Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Anhua Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yousefi T, Mohammadi Jobani B, Taebi R, Qujeq D. Innovating Cancer Treatment Through Cell Cycle, Telomerase, Angiogenesis, and Metastasis. DNA Cell Biol 2024; 43:438-451. [PMID: 39018567 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2024.0109] [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: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a formidable challenge in the field of medicine, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies to combat its relentless progression. The cell cycle, a tightly regulated process governing cell growth and division, plays a pivotal role in cancer development. Dysregulation of the cell cycle allows cancer cells to proliferate uncontrollably. Therapeutic interventions designed to disrupt the cell cycle offer promise in restraining tumor growth and progression. Telomerase, an enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length, is often overactive in cancer cells, conferring them with immortality. Targeting telomerase presents an opportunity to limit the replicative potential of cancer cells and hinder tumor growth. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is essential for tumor growth and metastasis. Strategies aimed at inhibiting angiogenesis seek to deprive tumors of their vital blood supply, thereby impeding their progression. Metastasis, the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to distant sites, is a major challenge in cancer therapy. Research efforts are focused on understanding the underlying mechanisms of metastasis and developing interventions to disrupt this deadly process. This review provides a glimpse into the multifaceted approach to cancer therapy, addressing critical aspects of cancer biology-cell cycle regulation, telomerase activity, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Through ongoing research and innovative strategies, the field of oncology continues to advance, offering new hope for improved treatment outcomes and enhanced quality of life for cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tooba Yousefi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Mohammadi Jobani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Taebi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Durdi Qujeq
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fan L, Tong W, Wei A, Mu X. Progress of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) delivery system in tumor treatment. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 275:133680. [PMID: 38971291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133680] [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: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) can use the intrinsic protein degradation system in cells to degrade pathogenic target proteins, and are currently a revolutionary frontier of development strategy for tumor treatment with small molecules. However, the poor water solubility, low cellular permeability, and off-target side effects of most PROTACs have prevented them from passing the preclinical research stage of drug development. This requires the use of appropriate delivery systems to overcome these challenging hurdles and ensure precise delivery of PROTACs towards the tumor site. Therefore, the combination of PROTACs and multifunctional delivery systems will open up new research directions for targeted degradation of tumor proteins. In this review, we systematically reviewed the design principles and the most recent advances of various PROTACs delivery systems. Moreover, the constructive strategies for developing multifunctional PROTACs delivery systems were proposed comprehensively. This review aims to deepen the understanding of PROTACs drugs and promote the further development of PROTACs delivery system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lianlian Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Weifang Tong
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Anhui Wei
- Jilin University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xupeng Mu
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
He H, Zhang X, Wang J, Liu Q, Zhang L, Chen L, Yuan Y, Zhao Z, Li H, Chen Z. Development of Degraders of Cyclin-Dependent Kinases 4 and 6 Based on Rational Drug Design. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11354-11364. [PMID: 38943626 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00965] [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: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Degradation of target proteins has been considered to be a promising therapeutic approach, but the rational design of compounds for degradation remains a challenge. In this study, we reasonably designed and synthesized only 10 compounds to discover effective CDK4/6 protein degraders. Among the newly synthesized compounds, 7f achieved dual degradation of CDK4/6 protein, with DC50 values of 10.5 and 2.5 nM, respectively. Compound 7f also exhibited inhibitory proliferative activity against Jurkat cells with an IC50 value of 0.18 μM. Furthermore, 7f induced cell apoptosis and G1 phase cell cycle arrest in a dose-dependent manner in Jurkat cells. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the potential of 7f as a CDK4/6 degrader and a potential therapeutic strategy against cancer, thereby expanding the potential of CDK4/6 dual PROTACs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan He
- Innovation Center for AI and Drug Discovery (ICAIDD), East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xingsen Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - LeiHao Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Zhenjiang Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Honglin Li
- Innovation Center for AI and Drug Discovery (ICAIDD), East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Huang CH, Khan P, Xu S, Cohen J, Georgakis GV, Turkman N. Development of a Radiolabeled Cyclin-Dependent Kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) Inhibitor for Brain and Cancer PET Imaging. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6870. [PMID: 38999983 PMCID: PMC11241330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136870] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The synthesis, biochemical evaluation and radiosynthesis of a cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor and radioligand was performed. NT431, a newly synthesized 4-fluorobenzyl-abemaciclib, exhibited high potency to CDK4/6 and against four cancer cell lines with IC50 similar to that of the parent abemaciclib. We performed a two-step one-pot radiosynthesis to produce [18F]NT431 with good radiochemical yield (9.6 ± 3%, n = 3, decay uncorrected), high radiochemical purity (>95%), and high molar activity (>370 GBq/µmol (>10.0 Ci/µmol). In vitro autoradiography confirmed the specific binding of [18F]NT431 to CDK4/6 in brain tissues. Dynamic PET imaging supports that both [18F]NT431 and the parent abemaciclib crossed the BBB albeit with modest brain uptake. Therefore, we conclude that it is unlikely that NT431 or abemaciclib (FDA approved drug) can accumulate in the brain in sufficient concentrations to be potentially effective against breast cancer brain metastases or brain cancers. However, despite the modest BBB penetration, [18F]NT431 represents an important step towards the development and evaluation of a new generation of CDK4/6 inhibitors with superior BBB penetration for the treatment and visualization of CDK4/6 positive tumors in the CNS. Also, [18F]NT431 may have potential application in peripheral tumors such as breast cancer and other CDK4/6 positive tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Han Huang
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook, Long Island, NY 11794, USA
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Long Island, NY 11794, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Long Island, NY 11794, USA
| | - Palwasha Khan
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook, Long Island, NY 11794, USA
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Long Island, NY 11794, USA
| | - Sulan Xu
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook, Long Island, NY 11794, USA
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Long Island, NY 11794, USA
| | - Jules Cohen
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook, Long Island, NY 11794, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Long Island, NY 11794, USA
| | - Georgios V Georgakis
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook, Long Island, NY 11794, USA
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Long Island, NY 11794, USA
| | - Nashaat Turkman
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook, Long Island, NY 11794, USA
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Long Island, NY 11794, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Long Island, NY 11794, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vicente ATS, Salvador JAR. PROteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) in leukemia: overview and future perspectives. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e575. [PMID: 38845697 PMCID: PMC11154823 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Leukemia is a heterogeneous group of life-threatening malignant disorders of the hematopoietic system. Immunotherapy, radiotherapy, stem cell transplantation, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy are among the approved leukemia treatments. Unfortunately, therapeutic resistance, side effects, relapses, and long-term sequelae occur in a significant proportion of patients and severely compromise the treatment efficacy. The development of novel approaches to improve outcomes is therefore an unmet need. Recently, novel leukemia drug discovery strategies, including targeted protein degradation, have shown potential to advance the field of personalized medicine for leukemia patients. Specifically, PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are revolutionary compounds that allow the selective degradation of a protein by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Developed against a wide range of cancer targets, they show promising potential in overcoming many of the drawbacks associated with conventional therapies. Following the exponential growth of antileukemic PROTACs, this article reviews PROTAC-mediated degradation of leukemia-associated targets. Chemical structures, in vitro and in vivo activities, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical trials of PROTACs are critically discussed. Furthermore, advantages, challenges, and future perspectives of PROTACs in leukemia are covered, in order to understand the potential that these novel compounds may have as future drugs for leukemia treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André T. S. Vicente
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical ChemistryFaculty of PharmacyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB)University of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
| | - Jorge A. R. Salvador
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical ChemistryFaculty of PharmacyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB)University of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rana S, Dranchak P, Dahlin JL, Lamy L, Li W, Oliphant E, Shrimp JH, Rajacharya GH, Tharakan R, Holland DO, Whitten AS, Wilson KM, Singh PK, Durum SK, Tao D, Rai G, Inglese J. Methotrexate-based PROTACs as DHFR-specific chemical probes. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:221-233.e14. [PMID: 37875111 PMCID: PMC10922102 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.09.014] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) is a tight-binding dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibitor, used as both an antineoplastic and immunosuppressant therapeutic. MTX, like folate undergoes folylpolyglutamate synthetase-mediated γ-glutamylation, which affects cellular retention and target specificity. Mechanisms of MTX resistance in cancers include a decrease in MTX poly-γ-glutamylation and an upregulation of DHFR. Here, we report a series of potent MTX-based proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) to investigate DHFR degradation pharmacology and one-carbon biochemistry. These on-target, cell-active PROTACs show proteasome- and E3 ligase-dependent activity, and selective degradation of DHFR in multiple cancer cell lines. By comparison, treatment with MTX increases cellular DHFR protein expression. Importantly, these PROTACs produced distinct, less-lethal phenotypes compared to MTX. The chemical probe set described here should complement conventional DHFR inhibitors and serve as useful tools for studying one-carbon biochemistry and dissecting complex polypharmacology of MTX and related drugs. Such compounds may also serve as leads for potential autoimmune and antineoplastic therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Rana
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Patricia Dranchak
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Jayme L Dahlin
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Laurence Lamy
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Wenqing Li
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Erin Oliphant
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Jonathan H Shrimp
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Girish H Rajacharya
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Ravi Tharakan
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - David O Holland
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Apryl S Whitten
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Kelli M Wilson
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Pankaj K Singh
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; OU Health Stephenson Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Scott K Durum
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Dingyin Tao
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Ganesha Rai
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
| | - James Inglese
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; Metabolic Medicine Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jauslin WT, Schild M, Schaefer T, Borsari C, Orbegozo C, Bissegger L, Zhanybekova S, Ritz D, Schmidt A, Wymann M, Gillingham D. A high affinity pan-PI3K binding module supports selective targeted protein degradation of PI3Kα. Chem Sci 2024; 15:683-691. [PMID: 38179525 PMCID: PMC10763047 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04629j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Class I phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) control cellular growth, but are also essential in insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis. Pan-PI3K inhibitors thus generate substantial adverse effects, a reality that has plagued drug development against this target class. We present here evidence that a high affinity binding module with the capacity to target all class I PI3K isoforms can facilitate selective degradation of the most frequently mutated class I isoform, PI3Kα, when incorporated into a cereblon-targeted (CRBN) degrader. A systematic proteomics study guided the fine tuning of molecular features to optimize degrader selectivity and potency. Our work resulted in the creation of WJ112-14, a PI3Kα-specific nanomolar degrader that should serve as an important research tool for studying PI3K biology. Given the toxicities observed in the clinic with unselective PI3Kα inhibitors, the results here offer a new approach toward selectively targeting this frequently mutated oncogenic driver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthias Schild
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel 4056 Basel Switzerland
| | - Thorsten Schaefer
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel 4031 Basel Switzerland
| | - Chiara Borsari
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel 4031 Basel Switzerland
| | - Clara Orbegozo
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel 4031 Basel Switzerland
| | - Lukas Bissegger
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel 4031 Basel Switzerland
| | | | - Danilo Ritz
- Proteomics Core Facility, Biozentrum, University of Basel 4056 Basel Switzerland
| | - Alexander Schmidt
- Proteomics Core Facility, Biozentrum, University of Basel 4056 Basel Switzerland
| | - Matthias Wymann
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel 4031 Basel Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen S, Cui J, Chen H, Yu B, Long S. Recent progress in degradation of membrane proteins by PROTACs and alternative targeted protein degradation techniques. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 262:115911. [PMID: 37924709 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is one of the key strategies of current targeted cancer therapy, and it can eliminate some of the root causes of cancer, and effectively avoid drug resistance caused by traditional drugs. Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) is a hot branch of the TPD strategy, and it has been shown to induce the degradation of target proteins by activating the inherent ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in tumor cells. PROTACs have been developed for more than two decades, and some of them have been clinically evaluated. Although most of the proteins degraded by PROTACs are intracellular, degradation of some typical membrane proteins has also been reported, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In addition, some other effective membrane protein-degrading strategies have also emerged, such as antibody-based PROTAC (AbTAC), lysosome targeting chimera (LYTAC), molecular glue, and nanoparticle-based PROTAC (Nano-PROTAC). Herein, we discussed the advantages, disadvantages and potential applications of several important membrane protein degradation techniques. These techniques that we have summarized are insightful in paving the way for future development of more general strategies for membrane protein degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Chen
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor and Green Chemical Technology, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Advanced Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, 206 1st Rd Optics Valley, East Lake New Technology Development District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430205, China
| | - Jingliang Cui
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor and Green Chemical Technology, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Advanced Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, 206 1st Rd Optics Valley, East Lake New Technology Development District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430205, China
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor and Green Chemical Technology, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Advanced Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, 206 1st Rd Optics Valley, East Lake New Technology Development District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430205, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Tongji Hospital, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Sihui Long
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor and Green Chemical Technology, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Advanced Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, 206 1st Rd Optics Valley, East Lake New Technology Development District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430205, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang H, Ba J, Kang Y, Gong Z, Liang T, Zhang Y, Qi J, Wang J. Recent Progress in CDK4/6 Inhibitors and PROTACs. Molecules 2023; 28:8060. [PMID: 38138549 PMCID: PMC10745860 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28248060] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell division in eukaryotes is a highly regulated process that is critical to the life of a cell. Dysregulated cell proliferation, often driven by anomalies in cell Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) activation, is a key pathological mechanism in cancer. Recently, selective CDK4/6 inhibitors have shown clinical success, particularly in treating advanced-stage estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the action mechanism and recent advancements in CDK4/6 inhibitors, categorizing them based on their structural characteristics and origins. Furthermore, it explores proteolysis targeting chimers (PROTACs) targeting CDK4/6. We hope that this review could be of benefit for further research on CDK4/6 inhibitors and PROTACs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jianguo Qi
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering of Henan Province, Henan University Jinming Campus, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jianhong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering of Henan Province, Henan University Jinming Campus, Kaifeng 475004, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Peyman M, Barroso E, Turcu AL, Estrany F, Smith D, Jurado-Aguilar J, Rada P, Morisseau C, Hammock BD, Valverde ÁM, Palomer X, Galdeano C, Vázquez S, Vázquez-Carrera M. Soluble epoxide hydrolase-targeting PROTAC activates AMPK and inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115667. [PMID: 37826940 PMCID: PMC10786198 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is a drug target with the potential for therapeutic utility in the areas of inflammation, neurodegenerative disease, chronic pain, and diabetes, among others. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) molecules offer new opportunities for targeting sEH, due to its capacity to induce its degradation. Here, we describe that the new ALT-PG2, a PROTAC that degrades sEH protein in the human hepatic Huh-7 cell line, in isolated mouse primary hepatocytes, and in the liver of mice. Remarkably, sEH degradation caused by ALT-PG2 was accompanied by an increase in the phosphorylated levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), while phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) was reduced. Consistent with the key role of these kinases on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, ALT-PG2 attenuated the levels of ER stress and inflammatory markers. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that targeting sEH with degraders is a promising pharmacological strategy to promote AMPK activation and to reduce ER stress and inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mona Peyman
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Emma Barroso
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Andreea L Turcu
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Laboratori de Química Farmacèutica (Unitat Associada al CSIC), Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Estrany
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Dáire Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Javier Jurado-Aguilar
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Patricia Rada
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (CSIC/UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christophe Morisseau
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, and UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Bruce D Hammock
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, and UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Ángela M Valverde
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (CSIC/UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Palomer
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Carles Galdeano
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Santiago Vázquez
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Laboratori de Química Farmacèutica (Unitat Associada al CSIC), Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Vázquez-Carrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang L, Yang Z, Li G, Liu Y, Ai C, Rao Y. Discovery of small molecule degraders for modulating cell cycle. Front Med 2023; 17:823-854. [PMID: 37935945 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1027-5] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The cell cycle is a complex process that involves DNA replication, protein expression, and cell division. Dysregulation of the cell cycle is associated with various diseases. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and their corresponding cyclins are major proteins that regulate the cell cycle. In contrast to inhibition, a new approach called proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and molecular glues can eliminate both enzymatic and scaffold functions of CDKs and cyclins, achieving targeted degradation. The field of PROTACs and molecular glues has developed rapidly in recent years. In this article, we aim to summarize the latest developments of CDKs and cyclin protein degraders. The selectivity, application, validation and the current state of each CDK degrader will be overviewed. Additionally, possible methods are discussed for the development of degraders for CDK members that still lack them. Overall, this article provides a comprehensive summary of the latest advancements in CDK and cyclin protein degraders, which will be helpful for researchers working on this topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liguo Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zhouli Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Guangchen Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yongbo Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Chao Ai
- Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102218, 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, 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Anderson B, Rosston P, Ong HW, Hossain MA, Davis-Gilbert ZW, Drewry DH. How many kinases are druggable? A review of our current understanding. Biochem J 2023; 480:1331-1363. [PMID: 37642371 PMCID: PMC10586788 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
There are over 500 human kinases ranging from very well-studied to almost completely ignored. Kinases are tractable and implicated in many diseases, making them ideal targets for medicinal chemistry campaigns, but is it possible to discover a drug for each individual kinase? For every human kinase, we gathered data on their citation count, availability of chemical probes, approved and investigational drugs, PDB structures, and biochemical and cellular assays. Analysis of these factors highlights which kinase groups have a wealth of information available, and which groups still have room for progress. The data suggest a disproportionate focus on the more well characterized kinases while much of the kinome remains comparatively understudied. It is noteworthy that tool compounds for understudied kinases have already been developed, and there is still untapped potential for further development in this chemical space. Finally, this review discusses many of the different strategies employed to generate selectivity between kinases. Given the large volume of information available and the progress made over the past 20 years when it comes to drugging kinases, we believe it is possible to develop a tool compound for every human kinase. We hope this review will prove to be both a useful resource as well as inspire the discovery of a tool for every kinase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Anderson
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
| | - Peter Rosston
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
| | - Han Wee Ong
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
| | - Mohammad Anwar Hossain
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
| | - Zachary W. Davis-Gilbert
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
| | - David H. Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zahid H, Costello JP, Li Y, Kimbrough JR, Actis M, Rankovic Z, Yan Q, Pomerantz WCK. Design of Class I/IV Bromodomain-Targeting Degraders for Chromatin Remodeling Complexes. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:1278-1293. [PMID: 37260298 PMCID: PMC10698694 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is an emerging technology that can be used for modulating the activity of epigenetic protein targets. Among bromodomain-containing proteins, a number of degraders for the BET family have been developed, while non-BET bromodomains remain underexplored. Several of these proteins are subunits in chromatin remodeling complexes often associated with oncogenic roles. Here, we describe the design of class I (BPTF and CECR2) and IV (BRD9) bromodomain-targeting degraders based on two scaffolds derived from pyridazinone and pyrimidine-based heterocycles. We evaluate various exit vectors and linkers to identify analogues that demonstrate selectivity within these families. We further use an in-cell NanoBRET assay to demonstrate that these heterobifunctional molecules are cell-permeable, form ternary complexes, and can degrade nanoluciferase-bromodomain fusions. As a first example of a CECR2 degrader, we observe that our pyrimidine-based analogues degrade endogenous CECR2 while showing a smaller effect on BPTF levels. The pyridazinone-based compounds did not degrade BPTF when observed through Western blotting, further supporting a more challenging target for degradation and a goal for future optimization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huda Zahid
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jeff P Costello
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Yao Li
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Jennifer R Kimbrough
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Marisa Actis
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Zoran Rankovic
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Qin Yan
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - William C K Pomerantz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Li Q, Zhou L, Qin S, Huang Z, Li B, Liu R, Yang M, Nice EC, Zhu H, Huang C. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras in biotherapeutics: Current trends and future applications. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115447. [PMID: 37229829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The success of inhibitor-based therapeutics is largely constrained by the acquisition of therapeutic resistance, which is partially driven by the undruggable proteome. The emergence of proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, designed for degrading proteins involved in specific biological processes, might provide a novel framework for solving the above constraint. A heterobifunctional PROTAC molecule could structurally connect an E3 ubiquitin ligase ligand with a protein of interest (POI)-binding ligand by chemical linkers. Such technology would result in the degradation of the targeted protein via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), opening up a novel way of selectively inhibiting undruggable proteins. Herein, we will highlight the advantages of PROTAC technology and summarize the current understanding of the potential mechanisms involved in biotherapeutics, with a particular focus on its application and development where therapeutic benefits over classical small-molecule inhibitors have been achieved. Finally, we discuss how this technology can contribute to developing biotherapeutic drugs, such as antivirals against infectious diseases, for use in clinical practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Zhao Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Bowen Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Ruolan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Mei Yang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Huili Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ahmad H, Zia B, Husain H, Husain A. Recent Advances in PROTAC-Based Antiviral Strategies. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:270. [PMID: 36851148 PMCID: PMC9958553 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous mysteries of cell and molecular biology have been resolved through extensive research into intracellular processes, which has also resulted in the development of innovative technologies for the treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Some of the deadliest diseases, accounting for a staggering number of deaths, have been caused by viruses. Conventional antiviral therapies have been unable to achieve a feat in combating viral infections. As a result, the healthcare system has come under tremendous pressure globally. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover and develop newer therapeutic approaches against viruses. One such innovative approach that has recently garnered attention in the research world and can be exploited for developing antiviral therapeutic strategies is the PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTAC) technology, in which heterobifunctional compounds are employed for the selective degradation of target proteins by the intracellular protein degradation machinery. This review covers the most recent advancements in PROTAC technology, its diversity and mode of action, and how it can be applied to open up new possibilities for creating cutting-edge antiviral treatments and vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haleema Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Bushra Zia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Hashir Husain
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Afzal Husain
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhao HY, Xin M, Zhang SQ. Progress of small molecules for targeted protein degradation: PROTACs and other technologies. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:337-394. [PMID: 36606428 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed the rapid development of targeted protein degradation (TPD), especially proteolysis targeting chimeras. These degraders have manifested many advantages over small molecule inhibitors. To date, a huge number of degraders have been excavated against over 70 disease-related targets. In particular, degraders against estrogen receptor and androgen receptor have crowded into phase II clinical trial. TPD technologies largely expand the scope of druggable targets, and provide powerful tools for addressing intractable problems that can not be tackled by traditional small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we mainly focus on the structures and biological activities of small molecule degraders as well as the elucidation of mechanisms of emerging TPD technologies. We also propose the challenges that exist in the TPD field at present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yi Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minhang Xin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hill-Payne B, Dilones S, Burslem G. The importance of controls in targeted protein degradation: Determining mechanism. Methods Enzymol 2022; 681:215-240. [PMID: 36764758 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.10.006] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation has emerged as a useful approach for both basic biological investigations and therapeutic development. However, it can provide confounding results if not properly controlled. In this manuscript, we discuss the importance of proper controls and provide a detailed protocol for their application to proteolysis targeting chimera mediated degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Hill-Payne
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sebastian Dilones
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - George Burslem
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhang X, Zhang Z, Xue X, Fan T, Tan C, Liu F, Tan Y, Jiang Y. PROTAC Degrader of Estrogen Receptor α Targeting DNA-Binding Domain in Breast Cancer. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:1109-1118. [PMID: 36407946 PMCID: PMC9667539 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are a powerful class of drugs that selectively degrade the proteins of interest (POIs) through cellular ubiquitination mechanisms. Estrogen receptor α (ERα) plays a vital role in the pathogenesis and treatment of breast cancer. In this work, the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of ERα was selected as the target to avoid drug resistance caused by the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of ERα. The estrogen response element (ERE), a natural DNA sequence binding with DBD of ERα, was chosen as a recognized unit of PROTAC. Therefore, we designed a nucleic acid-conjugated PROTAC, ERE-PROTAC, via a click reaction, in which the ERE sequence recruits ERα and the typical small molecule VH032 recruits the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ligase. The proposed ERE-PROTAC showed to efficiently and reversibly degrade ERα in different breast cancer cells by targeting the DBD, indicating its potential to overcome the current resistance caused by LBD mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiaoqi Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical
Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Tingting Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical
Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chunyan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical
Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical
Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ying Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical
Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuyang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical
Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lee J, Lee Y, Jung YM, Park JH, Yoo HS, Park J. Discovery of E3 Ligase Ligands for Target Protein Degradation. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27196515. [PMID: 36235052 PMCID: PMC9573645 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Target protein degradation has emerged as a promising strategy for the discovery of novel therapeutics during the last decade. Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) harnesses a cellular ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis system for the efficient degradation of a protein of interest. PROTAC consists of a target protein ligand and an E3 ligase ligand so that it enables the target protein degradation owing to the induced proximity with ubiquitin ligases. Although a great number of PROTACs has been developed so far using previously reported ligands of proteins for their degradation, E3 ligase ligands have been mostly limited to either CRBN or VHL ligands. Those PROTACs showed their limitation due to the cell type specific expression of E3 ligases and recently reported resistance toward PROTACs with CRBN ligands or VHL ligands. To overcome these hurdles, the discovery of various E3 ligase ligands has been spotlighted to improve the current PROTAC technology. This review focuses on currently reported E3 ligase ligands and their application in the development of PROTACs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaeseok Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Youngjun Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Young Mee Jung
- Department of Chemistry, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
- Kangwon Radiation Convergence Research Support Center, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
- Kangwon Institute of Inclusive Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Park
- Kangwon Institute of Inclusive Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Hyuk Sang Yoo
- Kangwon Radiation Convergence Research Support Center, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
- Kangwon Institute of Inclusive Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Jongmin Park
- Department of Chemistry, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
- Kangwon Institute of Inclusive Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-33-250-8482
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Singh H, Agrawal DK. Recent advancements in the discovery of cereblon-based protease-targeted chimeras with potential for therapeutic intervention. Future Med Chem 2022; 14:1403-1416. [PMID: 36047364 PMCID: PMC9518005 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2022-0149] [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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Protease-targeted chimeras (PROTACs) have been employed as a novel therapeutic approach, utilizing the ubiquitin-proteasome system for targeted protein degradation. PROTACs are heterobifunctional molecules consisting of an E3 ligase ligand and a small-molecule inhibitor for recruiting a protein of interest. After binding, PROTAC molecules recruit E3 ligase for ubiquitination of the protein of interest, which is followed by its proteasome-mediated degradation. PROTAC molecules have several advantages over traditional small-molecule inhibitors. A number of PROTAC molecules based on small-molecule inhibitors have been developed against various diseases, among which cereblon-based PROTAC molecules have received the greatest interest due to their promising clinical use. This article highlights the current trends in the discovery of cereblon-based PROTAC molecules along with their medicinal chemistry, clinical progression and future outlook in cancers, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harbinder Singh
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Pu C, Wang S, Liu L, Feng Z, Zhang H, Gong Q, Sun Y, Guo Y, Li R. Current strategies for improving limitations of proteolysis targeting chimeras. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.107927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
24
|
Tang R, Liu J, Li S, Zhang J, Yu C, Liu H, Chen F, Lv L, Zhang Q, Yuan K, Shao H. A patent and literature review of CDK12 inhibitors. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2022; 32:1055-1065. [PMID: 36120913 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2022.2126765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) belongs to the CDK family of serine/threonine protein kinases and associates with cyclin K to exert its biological functions, including regulating gene transcription, mRNA processing and translation. Increasing evidences demonstrate the importance of CDK12 in various human cancers, illustrating its potential as both biomarker and therapeutic target. In addition, CDK12 is also a promising target for the treatment of myotonic dystrophy type 1. Efforts have been taken to discover small molecule inhibitors to validate this important therapeutic target. AREAS COVERED This review covers the patented CDK12 inhibitors from 2016 to present, as well as these from peer-reviewed literature. It provides the reader an update of the discovery strategies, chemical structures and molecular profiling of all available CDK12 inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION CDK12 inhibitors with various mechanism of actions have been discovered and it is a great set of tools to evaluate the therapeutic potential of CDK12 in different disease models. CDK12 inhibitors have shown promising results in myotonic dystrophy type 1 mouse model and several preclinical cancer models either as single agent or combination with other anti-cancer agents. Its therapeutic value awaits more rigorous preclinical testing and further clinical investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruijun Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,Center for Clinical Biorepositories and Biospecimen & Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Shuyao Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Chunhong Yu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Honglu Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Lu Lv
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Kai Yuan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,The Biobank of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Hao Shao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Harris R, Yang M, Schmidt C, Royet C, Singh S, Natarajan A, Morris M, Frezza C, Laman H. Fbxo7 promotes Cdk6 activity to inhibit PFKP and glycolysis in T cells. J Cell Biol 2022; 221:e202203095. [PMID: 35670764 PMCID: PMC9178409 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202203095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fbxo7 is associated with cancer and Parkinson's disease. Although Fbxo7 recruits substrates for SCF-type ubiquitin ligases, it also promotes Cdk6 activation in a ligase-independent fashion. We discovered PFKP, the gatekeeper of glycolysis, in a screen for Fbxo7 substrates. PFKP is an essential Cdk6 substrate in some T-ALL cells. We investigated the molecular relationship between Fbxo7, Cdk6, and PFKP, and the effect of Fbxo7 on T cell metabolism, viability, and activation. Fbxo7 promotes Cdk6-independent ubiquitination and Cdk6-dependent phosphorylation of PFKP. Importantly, Fbxo7-deficient cells have reduced Cdk6 activity, and hematopoietic and lymphocytic cells show high expression and significant dependency on Fbxo7. CD4+ T cells with reduced Fbxo7 show increased glycolysis, despite lower cell viability and activation levels. Metabolomic studies of activated CD4+ T cells confirm increased glycolytic flux in Fbxo7-deficient cells, alongside altered nucleotide biosynthesis and arginine metabolism. We show Fbxo7 expression is glucose-responsive at the mRNA and protein level and propose Fbxo7 inhibits PFKP and glycolysis via its activation of Cdk6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Harris
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ming Yang
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christina Schmidt
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chloe Royet
- Pôle Chimie Balard Recherche, Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron-UMR5247, Montpellier, France
| | - Sarbjit Singh
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Amarnath Natarajan
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - May Morris
- Pôle Chimie Balard Recherche, Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron-UMR5247, Montpellier, France
| | - Christian Frezza
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Heike Laman
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Pu C, Tong Y, Liu Y, Lan S, Wang S, Yan G, Zhang H, Luo D, Ma X, Yu S, Huang Q, Deng R, Li R. Selective degradation of PARP2 by PROTACs via recruiting DCAF16 for triple-negative breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 236:114321. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
27
|
Synthesis and biological evaluation of a tumor-selective degrader of PARP1. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 69:116908. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
28
|
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and CDK6 are critical mediators of cellular transition into S phase and are important for the initiation, growth and survival of many cancer types. Pharmacological inhibitors of CDK4/6 have rapidly become a new standard of care for patients with advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. As expected, CDK4/6 inhibitors arrest sensitive tumour cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. However, the effects of CDK4/6 inhibition are far more wide-reaching. New insights into their mechanisms of action have triggered identification of new therapeutic opportunities, including the development of novel combination regimens, expanded application to a broader range of cancers and use as supportive care to ameliorate the toxic effects of other therapies. Exploring these new opportunities in the clinic is an urgent priority, which in many cases has not been adequately addressed. Here, we provide a framework for conceptualizing the activity of CDK4/6 inhibitors in cancer and explain how this framework might shape the future clinical development of these agents. We also discuss the biological underpinnings of CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance, an increasingly common challenge in clinical oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shom Goel
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Johann S Bergholz
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jean J Zhao
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Burke MR, Smith AR, Zheng G. Overcoming Cancer Drug Resistance Utilizing PROTAC Technology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:872729. [PMID: 35547806 PMCID: PMC9083012 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.872729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer drug resistance presents a major barrier to continued successful treatment of malignancies. Current therapies inhibiting proteins indicated in cancer progression are consistently found to lose efficacy as a result of acquired drug resistance, often caused by mutated or overexpressed protein targets. By hijacking the cellular ubiquitin-proteasome protein degradation machinery, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) offer an alternative therapeutic modality to cancer treatments with various potential advantages. PROTACs specific for a number of known cancer targets have been developed in the last 5 years, which present new options for remission in patients with previously untreatable malignancies and provide a foundation for future-generation compounds. One notable advantage of PROTACs, supported by evidence from a number of recent studies, is that they can overcome some of the resistance mechanisms to traditional targeted therapies. More recently, some groups have begun researching the use of PROTACs to successfully degrade mutated targets conferring cancer resistance against first-line treatments. In this review, we focus on analyzing the developments in PROTACs geared towards cancer resistance and targets that confer it in the search for new and successful therapies.
Collapse
|
30
|
Sosič I, Bricelj A, Steinebach C. E3 ligase ligand chemistries: from building blocks to protein degraders. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:3487-3534. [PMID: 35393989 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00148a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), capable of achieving targeted protein degradation, have proven their great therapeutic potential and usefulness as molecular biology tools. These heterobifunctional compounds are comprised of a protein-targeting ligand, an appropriate linker, and a ligand binding to the E3 ligase of choice. A successful PROTAC induces the formation of a ternary complex, leading to the E3 ligase-mediated ubiquitination of the targeted protein and its proteasomal degradation. In over 20 years since the concept was first demonstrated, the field has grown substantially, mainly due to the advancements in the discovery of non-peptidic E3 ligase ligands. Development of small-molecule E3 binders with favourable physicochemical profiles aided the design of PROTACs, which are known for breaking the rules of established guidelines for discovering small molecules. Synthetic accessibility of the ligands and numerous successful applications led to the prevalent use of cereblon and von Hippel-Lindau as the hijacked E3 ligase. However, the pool of over 600 human E3 ligases is full of untapped potential, which is why expanding the artillery of E3 ligands could contribute to broadening the scope of targeted protein degradation. In this comprehensive review, we focus on the chemistry aspect of the PROTAC design process by providing an overview of liganded E3 ligases, their chemistries, appropriate derivatisation, and synthetic approaches towards their incorporation into heterobifunctional degraders. By covering syntheses of both established and underexploited E3 ligases, this review can serve as a chemistry blueprint for PROTAC researchers during their future ventures into the complex field of targeted protein degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izidor Sosič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleša Bricelj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Christian Steinebach
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Spirocyclic dimer SpiD7 activates the unfolded protein response to selectively inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101890. [PMID: 35378132 PMCID: PMC9062249 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an adaptation mechanism activated to resolve transient accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. Failure to resolve the transient accumulation of such proteins results in UPR-mediated programmed cell death. Loss of tumor suppressor gene or oncogene addiction in cancer cells can result in sustained higher basal UPR levels; however, it is not clear if these higher basal UPR levels in cancer cells can be exploited as a therapeutic strategy. We hypothesized that covalent modification of surface-exposed cysteine (SEC) residues could simulate unfolded/misfolded proteins to activate the UPR, and that higher basal UPR levels in cancer cells would provide the necessary therapeutic window. To test this hypothesis, here we synthesized analogs that can covalently modify multiple SEC residues and evaluated them as UPR activators. We identified a spirocyclic dimer, SpiD7, and evaluated its effects on UPR activation signals, that is, XBP1 splicing, phosphorylation of eIF2α, and a decrease in ATF 6 levels, in normal and cancer cells, which were further confirmed by RNA-Seq analyses. We found that SpiD7 selectively induced caspase-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells, whereas normal cells exhibited robust XBP1 splicing, indicating adaptation to stress. Furthermore, SpiD7 inhibited the growth of high-grade serous carcinoma cell lines ~3-15-fold more potently than immortalized fallopian tube epithelial (paired normal control) cells and reduced clonogenic growth of high-grade serous carcinoma cell lines. Our results suggest that induction of the UPR by covalent modification of SEC residues represents a cancer cell vulnerability and can be exploited to discover novel therapeutics.
Collapse
|
32
|
Torres-Ayuso P, Brognard J. Degraders: The Ultimate Weapon Against Amplified Driver Kinases in Cancer. Mol Pharmacol 2022; 101:191-200. [PMID: 35115411 PMCID: PMC9092480 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Amplification of pro-oncogenic kinases is a common genetic alteration driving tumorigenic phenotypes. Cancer cells rely on the amplified kinases to sustain cell proliferation, survival, and growth, presenting an opportunity to develop therapies targeting the amplified kinases. Utilizing small molecule catalytic inhibitors as therapies to target amplified kinases is plagued by de novo resistance driven by increased expression of the target, and amplified kinases can drive tumorigenic phenotypes independent of catalytic activity. Here, we discuss the emergence of proteolysis-targeting chimeras that provide an opportunity to target these oncogenic drivers effectively. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Protein kinases contribute to tumorigenesis through catalytic and noncatalytic mechanisms, and kinase gene amplifications are well described mechanisms of resistance to small molecule catalytic inhibitors. Repurposing catalytic inhibitors for the development of protein degraders will offer improved clinical benefits by targeting noncatalytic functions of kinases that promote tumorigenesis and overcoming resistance due to amplification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Torres-Ayuso
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - John Brognard
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Qi J, Ouyang Z. Targeting CDK4/6 for Anticancer Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:685. [PMID: 35327487 PMCID: PMC8945444 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) are key regulators of the cell cycle and are deemed as critical therapeutic targets of multiple cancers. Various approaches have been applied to silence CDK4/6 at different levels, i.e., CRISPR to knock out at the DNA level, siRNA to inhibit translation, and drugs that target the protein of interest. Here we summarize the current status in this field, highlighting the mechanisms of small molecular inhibitors treatment and drug resistance. We describe approaches to combat drug resistance, including combination therapy and PROTACs drugs that degrade the kinases. Finally, critical issues and perspectives in the field are outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiating Qi
- The Second Clinical College, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China;
| | - Zhuqing Ouyang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Xie Z, Hou S, Yang X, Duan Y, Han J, Wang Q, Liao C. Lessons Learned from Past Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Drug Discovery Efforts. J Med Chem 2022; 65:6356-6389. [PMID: 35235745 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) has become an effective therapeutic strategy for treating various diseases, especially cancer. Over almost three decades, although great efforts have been made to discover CDK inhibitors, many of which have entered clinical trials, only four CDK inhibitors have been approved. In the process of CDK inhibitor development, many difficulties and misunderstandings have hampered their discovery and clinical applications, which mainly include inadequate understanding of the biological functions of CDKs, less attention paid to pan- and multi-CDK inhibitors, nonideal isoform selectivity of developed selective CDK inhibitors, overlooking the metabolic stability of early discovered CDK inhibitors, no effective resistance solutions, and a lack of available combination therapy and effective biomarkers for CDK therapies. After reviewing the mechanisms of CDKs and the research progress of CDK inhibitors, this perspective summarizes and discusses these difficulties or lessons, hoping to facilitate the successful discovery of more useful CDK inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhouling Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Shuzeng Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Yajun Duan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Jihong Han
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology─Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, P. R. China
| | - Chenzhong Liao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Noncovalent CDK12/13 dual inhibitors-based PROTACs degrade CDK12-Cyclin K complex and induce synthetic lethality with PARP inhibitor. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 228:114012. [PMID: 34864331 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) plays a crucial role in DNA-damage response gene transcription and has recently been validated as a promising target in cancer therapy. However, existing CDK12 inhibitors potently inhibit its closest isoform CDK13, which could cause potential toxicity. Therefore, the development of CDK12 inhibitors with isoform-selectivity against CDK13 continues to be a challenge. By taking advantage of the emerging PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) approach, we have synthesized a potent PROTAC degrader PP-C8 based on the noncovalent dual inhibitors of CDK12/13 and demonstrated its specificity for CDK12 over CDK13. Notably, PP-C8 induces profound degradation of cyclin K simultaneously and downregulates the mRNA level of DNA-damage response genes. Global proteomics profiling revealed PP-C8 is highly selective toward CDK12-cyclin K complex. Importantly, PP-C8 demonstrates profound synergistic antiproliferative effects with PARP inhibitor in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The potent and selective CDK12 PROTAC degrader developed in this study could potentially be used to treat CDK12-dependent cancers as combination therapy.
Collapse
|
36
|
Ettl T, Schulz D, Bauer RJ. The Renaissance of Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:293. [PMID: 35053461 PMCID: PMC8773807 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) regulate cell cycle progression. During tumor development, altered expression and availability of CDKs strongly contribute to impaired cell proliferation, a hallmark of cancer. In recent years, targeted inhibition of CDKs has shown considerable therapeutic benefit in a variety of tumor entities. Their success is reflected in clinical approvals of specific CDK4/6 inhibitors for breast cancer. This review provides a detailed insight into the molecular mechanisms of CDKs as well as a general overview of CDK inhibition. It also summarizes the latest research approaches and current advances in the treatment of head and neck cancer with CDK inhibitors. Instead of monotherapies, combination therapies with CDK inhibitors may especially provide promising results in tumor therapy. Indeed, recent studies have shown a synergistic effect of CDK inhibition together with chemo- and radio- and immunotherapy in cancer treatment to overcome tumor evasion, which may lead to a renaissance of CDK inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Ettl
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany;
| | - Daniela Schulz
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany;
- Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Richard Josef Bauer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany;
- Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
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: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.0] [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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras are a new modality of chemical tools and potential therapeutics involving the induction of protein degradation. Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) protein, which is involved in cycles and transcription cycles, participates in regulation of the cell cycle, transcription and splicing. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras targeting CDKs show several advantages over traditional CDK small-molecule inhibitors in potency, selectivity and drug resistance. In addition, the discovery of molecule glues promotes the development of CDK degraders. Herein, the authors describe the existing CDK degraders and focus on the discussion of the structural characteristics and design of these degraders.
Collapse
|
39
|
Wang C, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Xing D. Developments of CRBN-based PROTACs as potential therapeutic agents. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 225:113749. [PMID: 34411892 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Protease-targeted chimeras (PROTACs) are a new technology that is receiving much attention in the treatment of diseases. The mechanism is to inhibit protein function by hijacking the ubiquitin E3 ligase for protein degradation. Heterogeneous bifunctional PROTACs contain a ligand for recruiting E3 ligase, a linker, and another ligand to bind to the target protein for degradation. A variety of small-molecule PROTACs (CRBN, VHL, IAPs, MDM2, DCAF15, DCAF16, and RNF114-based PROTACs) have been identified so far. In particular, CRBN-based PROTACs (e.g., ARV-110 and ARV-471) have received more attention for their promising therapeutic intervention. To date, CRBN-based PRTOACs have been extensively explored worldwide and have excelled not only in cancer diseases but also in cardiovascular diseases, immune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive update on the latest research progress in CRBN-based PRTOACs area. Following the criteria, such as disease area and drug target class, we will present the degradants in alphabetical order by target. We also provide our own perspective on the future prospects and potential challenges facing PROTACs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Yujing Zhang
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Yudong Wu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Dongming Xing
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Lv D, Pal P, Liu X, Jia Y, Thummuri D, Zhang P, Hu W, Pei J, Zhang Q, Zhou S, Khan S, Zhang X, Hua N, Yang Q, Arango S, Zhang W, Nayak D, Olsen SK, Weintraub ST, Hromas R, Konopleva M, Yuan Y, Zheng G, Zhou D. Development of a BCL-xL and BCL-2 dual degrader with improved anti-leukemic activity. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6896. [PMID: 34824248 PMCID: PMC8617031 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27210-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as an innovative drug development platform. However, most PROTACs have been generated empirically because many determinants of PROTAC specificity and activity remain elusive. Through computational modelling of the entire NEDD8-VHL Cullin RING E3 ubiquitin ligase (CRLVHL)/PROTAC/BCL-xL/UbcH5B(E2)-Ub/RBX1 complex, we find that this complex can only ubiquitinate the lysines in a defined band region on BCL-xL. Using this approach to guide our development of a series of ABT263-derived and VHL-recruiting PROTACs, we generate a potent BCL-xL and BCL-2 (BCL-xL/2) dual degrader with significantly improved antitumor activity against BCL-xL/2-dependent leukemia cells. Our results provide experimental evidence that the accessibility of lysines on a target protein plays an important role in determining the selectivity and potency of a PROTAC in inducing protein degradation, which may serve as a conceptual framework to guide the future development of PROTACs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongwen Lv
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Pratik Pal
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Xingui Liu
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Yannan Jia
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Leukemia, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Dinesh Thummuri
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Peiyi Zhang
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Wanyi Hu
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Jing Pei
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Leukemia, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Shuo Zhou
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Sajid Khan
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Xuan Zhang
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Nan Hua
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Qingping Yang
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Sebastian Arango
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Weizhou Zhang
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Digant Nayak
- grid.267309.90000 0001 0629 5880Department of Biochemistry & Structure Biology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA ,grid.267309.90000 0001 0629 5880Mays Cancer Center, the Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Shaun K. Olsen
- grid.267309.90000 0001 0629 5880Department of Biochemistry & Structure Biology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA ,grid.267309.90000 0001 0629 5880Mays Cancer Center, the Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Susan T. Weintraub
- grid.267309.90000 0001 0629 5880Department of Biochemistry & Structure Biology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Robert Hromas
- grid.267309.90000 0001 0629 5880Mays Cancer Center, the Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Marina Konopleva
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Leukemia, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Yaxia Yuan
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Daohong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Targeted protein degraders from an oncologist point of view: The Holy Grail of cancer therapy? Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 169:103532. [PMID: 34800655 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the era of precision medicine, monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors are the mainstays of the biological therapy in patients with solid tumors. However, resistance to treatment and the "undruggability" of certain key oncogenic proteins emerged as major limitations and jeopardize the clinical benefit of modern therapeutic approaches. Targeted protein degraders are novel molecules entering the early phase of clinical development that exploit the intracellular ubiquitine-proteasome system to promote a specific degradation of target proteins. Since the peculiar mechanism of action, targeted protein degraders have the potential to limit and overcome resistance to treatment and to allow a full actionability of certain cancer drivers that are actually elusive targets. Here, we discuss the state-of-the-art and the open issues in the development of these emerging biological agents from a clinical perspective and with a focus on solid tumors.
Collapse
|
42
|
Rana S, Mallareddy JR, Singh S, Boghean L, Natarajan A. Inhibitors, PROTACs and Molecular Glues as Diverse Therapeutic Modalities to Target Cyclin-Dependent Kinase. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5506. [PMID: 34771669 PMCID: PMC8583118 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) family of proteins play prominent roles in transcription, mRNA processing, and cell cycle regulation, making them attractive cancer targets. Palbociclib was the first FDA-approved CDK inhibitor that non-selectively targets the ATP binding sites of CDK4 and CDK6. In this review, we will briefly inventory CDK inhibitors that are either part of over 30 active clinical trials or recruiting patients. The lack of selectivity among CDKs and dose-limiting toxicities are major challenges associated with the development of CDK inhibitors. Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) and Molecular Glues have emerged as alternative therapeutic modalities to target proteins. PROTACs and Molecular glues utilize the cellular protein degradation machinery to destroy the target protein. PROTACs are heterobifunctional molecules that form a ternary complex with the target protein and E3-ligase by making two distinct small molecule-protein interactions. On the other hand, Molecular glues function by converting the target protein into a "neo-substrate" for an E3 ligase. Unlike small molecule inhibitors, preclinical studies with CDK targeted PROTACs have exhibited improved CDK selectivity. Moreover, the efficacy of PROTACs and molecular glues are not tied to the dose of these molecular entities but to the formation of the ternary complex. Here, we provide an overview of PROTACs and molecular glues that modulate CDK function as emerging therapeutic modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Rana
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA;
| | - Jayapal Reddy Mallareddy
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (J.R.M.); (S.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Sarbjit Singh
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (J.R.M.); (S.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Lidia Boghean
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (J.R.M.); (S.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Amarnath Natarajan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (J.R.M.); (S.S.); (L.B.)
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Genetics Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Adon T, Shanmugarajan D, Kumar HY. CDK4/6 inhibitors: a brief overview and prospective research directions. RSC Adv 2021; 11:29227-29246. [PMID: 35479560 PMCID: PMC9040853 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra03820f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) and their mechanism in regulating the cell cycle process was considered a game-changer in cancer therapy. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were both triggered by their inhibition. The CDK4/6 complex acts as a checkpoint during the cell cycle transition from cell growth (G1) to DNA synthesis (S) phase and its deregulation or overexpression induces abnormal cell proliferation and cancer development. Consequently, targeting CDK4/6 has been proposed as a paradigm shift in the anticancer approach. The design and development of effective CDK4/6 inhibitors are increasingly becoming a promising cancer therapy evident with approved drugs such as palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib, etc. In this article, we explore the biological importance of CDK4/6 in cancer therapy, the development of resistance to monotherapy, and a short overview of PROTAC (Proteolysis Targeting Chimera), a unique and pioneering technique for degrading CDK4/6 enzymes. Overall, our prime focus is to discuss novel CDK4/6 inhibitors with diverse chemical classes and their correlation with computational studies. The discovery of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) and their mechanism in regulating the cell cycle process was considered a game-changer in cancer therapy.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tenzin Adon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagar Mysuru-570015 Karnataka India +919726447802
| | - Dhivya Shanmugarajan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagar Mysuru-570015 Karnataka India +919726447802
| | - Honnavalli Yogish Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagar Mysuru-570015 Karnataka India +919726447802
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Porazzi P, De Dominici M, Salvino J, Calabretta B. Targeting the CDK6 Dependence of Ph+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12091355. [PMID: 34573335 PMCID: PMC8467343 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ph+ ALL is a poor-prognosis leukemia subtype driven by the BCR-ABL1 oncogene, either the p190- or the p210-BCR/ABL isoform in a 70:30 ratio. Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the drugs of choice in the therapy of Ph+ ALL. In combination with standard chemotherapy, TKIs have markedly improved the outcome of Ph+ ALL, in particular if this treatment is followed by bone marrow transplantation. However, resistance to TKIs develops with high frequency, causing leukemia relapse that results in <5-year overall survival. Thus, new therapies are needed to address relapsed/TKI-resistant Ph+ ALL. We have shown that expression of cell cycle regulatory kinase CDK6, but not of the highly related CDK4 kinase, is required for the proliferation and survival of Ph+ ALL cells. Comparison of leukemia suppression induced by treatment with the clinically-approved dual CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib versus CDK6 silencing revealed that the latter treatment was markedly more effective, probably reflecting inhibition of CDK6 kinase-independent effects. Thus, we developed CDK4/6-targeted proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that preferentially degrade CDK6 over CDK4. One compound termed PROTAC YX-2-107, which degrades CDK6 by recruiting the Cereblon ubiquitin ligase, markedly suppressed leukemia burden in mice injected with de novo or TKI-resistant Ph+ ALL. The effect of PROTAC YX-2-107 was comparable or superior to that of palbociclib. The development of CDK6-selective PROTACs represents an effective strategy to exploit the “CDK6 dependence” of Ph+ ALL cells while sparing a high proportion of normal hematopoietic progenitors that depend on both CDK6 and CDK6 for their survival. In combination with other agents, CDK6-selective PROTACs may be valuable components of chemotherapy-free protocols for the therapy of Ph+ ALL and other CDK6-dependent hematological malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Porazzi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Marco De Dominici
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | | | - Bruno Calabretta
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Yu F, Cai M, Shao L, Zhang J. Targeting Protein Kinases Degradation by PROTACs. Front Chem 2021; 9:679120. [PMID: 34277564 PMCID: PMC8279777 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.679120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinase dysregulation is greatly associated with cell proliferation, migration and survival, indicating the importance of kinases as therapeutic targets for anticancer drug development. However, traditional kinase inhibitors binding to catalytic or allosteric sites are associated with significant challenges. The emergence of resistance and targeting difficult-to-degrade and multi-domain proteins are significant limiting factors affecting the efficacy of targeted anticancer drugs. The next-generation treatment approaches seem to have overcome these concerns, and the use of proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology is one such method. PROTACs bind to proteins of interest and recruit E3 ligase for degrading the whole target protein via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. This review provides a detailed summary of the most recent signs of progress in PROTACs targeting different kinases, primarily focusing on new chemical entities in medicinal chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yu
- Medical School of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Ming Cai
- Medical School of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Liang Shao
- Medical School of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Jihong Zhang
- Medical School of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Liu H, Ding X, Liu L, Mi Q, Zhao Q, Shao Y, Ren C, Chen J, Kong Y, Qiu X, Elvassore N, Yang X, Yin Q, Jiang B. Discovery of novel BCR-ABL PROTACs based on the cereblon E3 ligase design, synthesis, and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 223:113645. [PMID: 34217059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Protein degradation is a promising strategy for drug development. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) hijacking the E3 ligase cereblon (CRBN) exhibit enormous potential and universal degradation performance due to the small molecular weight of CRBN ligands. In this study, the CRBN-recruiting PROTACs were explored on the degradation of oncogenic fusion protein BCR-ABL, which drives the pathogenesis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). A series of novel PROTACs were synthesized by conjugating BCR-ABL inhibitor dasatinib to the CRBN ligand including pomalidomide and lenalidomide, and the extensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies were performed focusing on optimization of linker parameters. Therein, we uncovered that pomalidomide-based degrader 17 (SIAIS056), possessing sulfur-substituted carbon chain linker, exhibits the most potent degradative activity in vitro and favorable pharmacokinetics in vivo. Besides, degrader 17 also degrades a variety of clinically relevant resistance-conferring mutations of BCR-ABL. Furthermore, degrader 17 induces significant tumor regression against K562 xenograft tumors. Our study indicates that 17 as an efficacious BCR-ABL degrader warrants intensive investigation for the future treatment of BCR-ABL+ leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Liu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China; Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xinyu Ding
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, China; School of Life Science and Technology, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Linyi Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang City, 421001, China
| | - Qianglong Mi
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, China; School of Life Science and Technology, China
| | - Quanju Zhao
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, China
| | - YuBao Shao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Chaowei Ren
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, China; School of Life Science and Technology, China
| | - Jinju Chen
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, China
| | - Ying Kong
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, China
| | - Xing Qiu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry of Natural Substances, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | | | - Xiaobao Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, China.
| | - Qianqian Yin
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, China.
| | - Biao Jiang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry of Natural Substances, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Suski JM, Braun M, Strmiska V, Sicinski P. Targeting cell-cycle machinery in cancer. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:759-778. [PMID: 33891890 PMCID: PMC8206013 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal activity of the core cell-cycle machinery is seen in essentially all tumor types and represents a driving force of tumorigenesis. Recent studies revealed that cell-cycle proteins regulate a wide range of cellular functions, in addition to promoting cell division. With the clinical success of CDK4/6 inhibitors, it is becoming increasingly clear that targeting individual cell-cycle components may represent an effective anti-cancer strategy. Here, we discuss the potential of inhibiting different cell-cycle proteins for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan M Suski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marcin Braun
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pathology, Chair of Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland
| | - Vladislav Strmiska
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Piotr Sicinski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kannt A, Đikić I. Expanding the arsenal of E3 ubiquitin ligases for proximity-induced protein degradation. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:1014-1031. [PMID: 33945791 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Efficacy and selectivity of molecules inducing protein degradation depend on their affinity to the target protein but also on the type of E3 ubiquitin ligase that is recruited to trigger proteasomal degradation. While tremendous progress has been made on the former, the latter-the arsenal of E3 ligases that can be hijacked for targeted protein degradation-is still largely unexplored. Only about 2% of the more than 600 E3 ligases have been utilized to date. Exploiting additional E3 ligases that are, for example, selectively expressed in specific tissues or cells, or regulated under certain conditions, can considerably broaden the applicability of molecular degraders as a therapeutic modality. Here, we provide an overview of major classes of E3 ligases, review the enzymes that have been exploited for induced protein degradation and approaches used to identify or design E3 ligands, and highlight challenges and opportunities for targeting new E3 ligases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aimo Kannt
- Fraunhofer Institute of Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Ivan Đikić
- Fraunhofer Institute of Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry II, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue Straße 3, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|