1
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Cheng S, Feng Y, Li W, Liu T, Lv X, Tong X, Xi G, Ye X, Li X. Development of novel antivrial agents that induce the degradation of the main protease of human-infecting coronaviruses. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 275:116629. [PMID: 38941718 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
The family of human-infecting coronaviruses (HCoVs) poses a serious threat to global health and includes several highly pathogenic strains that cause severe respiratory illnesses. It is essential that we develop effective broad-spectrum anti-HCoV agents to prepare for future outbreaks. In this study, we used PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) technology focused on degradation of the HCoV main protease (Mpro), a conserved enzyme essential for viral replication and pathogenicity. By adapting the Mpro inhibitor GC376, we produced two novel PROTACs, P2 and P3, which showed relatively broad-spectrum activity against the human-infecting CoVs HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, and SARS-CoV-2. The concentrations of these PROTACs that reduced virus replication by 50 % ranged from 0.71 to 4.6 μM, and neither showed cytotoxicity at 100 μM. Furthermore, mechanistic binding studies demonstrated that P2 and P3 effectively targeted HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, and SARS-CoV-2 by degrading Mpro within cells in vitro. This study highlights the potential of PROTAC technology in the development of broad-spectrum anti-HCoVs agents, presenting a novel approach for dealing with future viral outbreaks, particularly those stemming from CoVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuihong Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 101408, China.
| | - Yong Feng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wei Li
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Tong Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Xun Lv
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Xiaomei Tong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Gan Xi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Xin Ye
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xuebing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, Beijing, 101408, China.
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2
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Bagal SK, Astles PC, Diène C, Argyrou A, Crafter C, Cassar DJ, Fallan C, Hock A, Jones T, Moreau K, Lamont GM, Lamont S, Michaloglou C, Packer MJ, Pike A, Ramos-Montoya A, Scott JS, Shaw J, Shologu Z. Discovery of a Series of Orally Bioavailable Androgen Receptor Degraders for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11732-11750. [PMID: 38991141 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00269] [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: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) signaling plays a key role in the progression of prostate cancer. This study describes the discovery and optimization of a novel series of AR PROTAC degraders that recruit the Cereblon (CRBN) E3 ligase. Having identified a series of AR ligands based on 4-(4-phenyl-1-piperidyl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, our PROTAC optimization strategy focused on linker connectivity and CRBN ligand SAR to deliver potent degradation of AR in LNCaP cells. This work culminated in compounds 11 and 16 which demonstrated good rodent oral bioavailability. Subsequent SAR around the AR binding region brought in an additional desirable feature, degradation of the important treatment resistance mutation L702H. Compound 22 (AZ'3137) possessed an attractive profile showing degradation of AR and L702H mutant AR with good oral bioavailability across species. The compound also inhibited AR signaling in vitro and tumor growth in vivo in a mouse prostate cancer xenograft model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Coura Diène
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | | | | | | | - Andreas Hock
- Discovery Sciences R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Thomas Jones
- Discovery Sciences R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Kevin Moreau
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | - Scott Lamont
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | | | - Andy Pike
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | | | - Joseph Shaw
- Discovery Sciences R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
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3
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Sun H, Wienkers LC, Lee A. Beyond Cytotoxic Potency: Disposition Features Required to Design ADC Payload. Xenobiotica 2024:1-25. [PMID: 39017706 DOI: 10.1080/00498254.2024.2381139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have demonstrated impressive clinical usefulness in treating several types of cancer, with the notion of widening of the therapeutic index of the cytotoxic payload through the minimization of the systemic toxicity. Therefore, choosing the most appropriate payload molecule is a particularly important part of the early design phase of ADC development, especially given the highly competitive environment ADCs find themselves in today. The focus of the current review is to describe critical attributes/considerations needed in the discovery and ultimately development of cytotoxic payloads in support of ADC design. In addition to potency, several key dispositional characteristics including solubility, permeability and bystander effect, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and drug-drug interactions, are described as being an integral part of the integrated activities required in the design of clinically safe and useful ADC therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Sun
- Clinical Pharmacology and Translational Sciences, Pfizer Oncology Division, Pfizer, Inc., Bothell, Washington 98021
| | - Larry C Wienkers
- Clinical Pharmacology and Translational Sciences, Pfizer Oncology Division, Pfizer, Inc., Bothell, Washington 98021
| | - Anthony Lee
- Clinical Pharmacology and Translational Sciences, Pfizer Oncology Division, Pfizer, Inc., Bothell, Washington 98021
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4
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High P, Guernsey C, Subramanian S, Jacob J, Carmon KS. The Evolving Paradigm of Antibody-Drug Conjugates Targeting the ErbB/HER Family of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:890. [PMID: 39065587 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16070890] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Current therapies targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), are limited by drug resistance and systemic toxicities. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are one of the most rapidly expanding classes of anti-cancer therapeutics with 13 presently approved by the FDA. Importantly, ADCs represent a promising therapeutic option with the potential to overcome traditional HER-targeted therapy resistance by delivering highly potent cytotoxins specifically to HER-overexpressing cancer cells and exerting both mAb- and payload-mediated antitumor efficacy. The clinical utility of HER-targeted ADCs is exemplified by the immense success of HER2-targeted ADCs including trastuzumab emtansine and trastuzumab deruxtecan. Still, strategies to improve upon existing HER2-targeted ADCs as well as the development of ADCs against other HER family members, particularly EGFR and HER3, are of great interest. To date, no HER4-targeting ADCs have been reported. In this review, we extensively detail clinical-stage EGFR-, HER2-, and HER3-targeting monospecific ADCs as well as novel clinical and pre-clinical bispecific ADCs (bsADCs) directed against this receptor family. We close by discussing nascent trends in the development of HER-targeting ADCs, including novel ADC payloads and HER ligand-targeted ADCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyton High
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cara Guernsey
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shraddha Subramanian
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Joan Jacob
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kendra S Carmon
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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5
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Yan KN, Nie YQ, Wang JY, Yin GL, Liu Q, Hu H, Sun X, Chen XH. Accelerating PROTACs Discovery Through a Direct-to-Biology Platform Enabled by Modular Photoclick Chemistry. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400594. [PMID: 38689503 PMCID: PMC11234393 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as a promising strategy for drug discovery and exploring protein functions, offering a revolutionary therapeutic modality. Currently, the predominant approach to PROTACs discovery mainly relies on an empirical design-synthesis-evaluation process involving numerous cycles of labor-intensive synthesis-purification and bioassay data collection. Therefore, the development of innovative methods to expedite PROTAC synthesis and exploration of chemical space remains highly desired. Here, a direct-to-biology strategy is reported to streamline the synthesis of PROTAC libraries on plates, enabling the seamless transfer of reaction products to cell-based bioassays without the need for additional purification. By integrating amide coupling and light-induced primary amines and o-nitrobenzyl alcohols cyclization (PANAC) photoclick chemistry into a plate-based synthetic process, this strategy produces PROTAC libraries with high efficiency and structural diversity. Moreover, by employing this platform for PROTACs screening, we smoothly found potent PROTACs effectively inhibit triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell growth and induce rapid, selective targeted degradation of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9). The study introduces a versatile platform for assembling PROTACs on plates, followed by direct biological evaluation. This approach provides a promising opportunity for high-throughput synthesis of PROTAC libraries, thereby enhancing the efficiency of exploring chemical space and accelerating the discovery of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Nian Yan
- 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
| | - Yong-Qiang Nie
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China
| | - Jia-Yu Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Guang-Liang Yin
- 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
| | - Qia Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Hao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiaoxia Sun
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Chen
- 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
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
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6
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Ma B, Liu D, Wang Z, Zhang D, Jian Y, Zhang K, Zhou T, Gao Y, Fan Y, Ma J, Gao Y, Chen Y, Chen S, Liu J, Li X, Li L. A Top-Down Design Approach for Generating a Peptide PROTAC Drug Targeting Androgen Receptor for Androgenetic Alopecia Therapy. J Med Chem 2024; 67:10336-10349. [PMID: 38836467 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
While large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) models for protein structure prediction and design are advancing rapidly, the translation of deep learning models for practical macromolecular drug development remains limited. This investigation aims to bridge this gap by combining cutting-edge methodologies to create a novel peptide-based PROTAC drug development paradigm. Using ProteinMPNN and RFdiffusion, we identified binding peptides for androgen receptor (AR) and Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL), followed by computational modeling with Alphafold2-multimer and ZDOCK to predict spatial interrelationships. Experimental validation confirmed the designed peptide's binding ability to AR and VHL. Transdermal microneedle patching technology was seamlessly integrated for the peptide PROTAC drug delivery in androgenic alopecia treatment. In summary, our approach provides a generic method for generating peptide PROTACs and offers a practical application for designing potential therapeutic drugs for androgenetic alopecia. This showcases the potential of interdisciplinary approaches in advancing drug development and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Ma
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Donghua Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Institute of Bioengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
| | - Dize Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yanlin Jian
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Tianyang Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yizeng Fan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Jian Ma
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yule Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Si Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
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7
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Piazza GA, Chandrasekaran P, Maxuitenko YY, Budhwani KI. Assessment of KRAS G12C inhibitors for colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1412435. [PMID: 38978742 PMCID: PMC11228624 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1412435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent and lethal cancer worldwide. Approximately 45% of CRC patients harbor a gain-in-function mutation in KRAS. KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene accounting for approximately 25% of all human cancers. Gene mutations in KRAS cause constitutive activation of the KRAS protein and MAPK/AKT signaling, resulting in unregulated proliferation and survival of cancer cells and other aspects of malignant transformation, progression, and metastasis. While KRAS has long been considered undruggable, the FDA recently approved two direct acting KRAS inhibitors, Sotorasib and Adagrasib, that covalently bind and inactivate KRASG12C. Both drugs showed efficacy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) diagnosed with a KRASG12C mutation, but for reasons not well understood, were considerably less efficacious for CRC patients diagnosed with the same mutation. Thus, it is imperative to understand the basis for resistance to KRASG12C inhibitors, which will likely be the same limitations for other mutant specific KRAS inhibitors in development. This review provides an update on clinical trials involving CRC patients treated with KRASG12C inhibitors as a monotherapy or combined with other drugs. Mechanisms that contribute to resistance to KRASG12C inhibitors and the development of novel RAS inhibitors with potential to escape such mechanisms of resistance are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary A Piazza
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | | | - Yulia Y Maxuitenko
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Karim I Budhwani
- CerFlux, Birmingham, AL, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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8
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Kaya P, Schaffner-Reckinger E, Manoharan GB, Vukic V, Kiriazis A, Ledda M, Burgos Renedo M, Pavic K, Gaigneaux A, Glaab E, Abankwa DK. An Improved PDE6D Inhibitor Combines with Sildenafil To Inhibit KRAS Mutant Cancer Cell Growth. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8569-8584. [PMID: 38758695 PMCID: PMC11181323 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
The trafficking chaperone PDE6D (or PDEδ) was proposed as a surrogate target for K-Ras, leading to the development of a series of inhibitors that block its prenyl binding pocket. These inhibitors suffered from low solubility and suspected off-target effects, preventing their clinical development. Here, we developed a highly soluble, low nanomolar PDE6D inhibitor (PDE6Di), Deltaflexin3, which has the lowest off-target activity as compared to three prominent reference compounds. Deltaflexin3 reduces Ras signaling and selectively decreases the growth of KRAS mutant and PDE6D-dependent cancer cells. We further show that PKG2-mediated phosphorylation of Ser181 lowers K-Ras binding to PDE6D. Thus, Deltaflexin3 combines with the approved PKG2 activator Sildenafil to more potently inhibit PDE6D/K-Ras binding, cancer cell proliferation, and microtumor growth. As observed previously, inhibition of Ras trafficking, signaling, and cancer cell proliferation remained overall modest. Our results suggest reevaluating PDE6D as a K-Ras surrogate target in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelin Kaya
- Cancer
Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences
and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Elisabeth Schaffner-Reckinger
- Cancer
Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences
and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Ganesh babu Manoharan
- Cancer
Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences
and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Vladimir Vukic
- Faculty
of Technology, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Alexandros Kiriazis
- Turku
Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and
Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Mirko Ledda
- Luxembourg
Center for Systems Biomedicine, University
of Luxembourg, 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Maria Burgos Renedo
- Cancer
Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences
and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Karolina Pavic
- Cancer
Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences
and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Anthoula Gaigneaux
- Bioinformatics
Core, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Enrico Glaab
- Luxembourg
Center for Systems Biomedicine, University
of Luxembourg, 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Daniel Kwaku Abankwa
- Cancer
Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences
and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Turku
Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and
Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
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9
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Du Y, Shi S, Shu C, He Y, Xu W, Wu D, Tian Y, Kong M, He J, Xie W, Qiu Y, Xu Y, Zou Y, Zhu Q. Discovery of novel EGFR-PROTACs capable of degradation of multiple EGFR-mutated proteins. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116489. [PMID: 38759458 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116489] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Although three generations of Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) - TK inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of Non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC), their clinical application is still largely hindered by acquired drug resistance mediated new EGFR mutations and side effects. The Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology has the potential to overcome acquired resistance from mutant EGFR through a novel mechanism of action. In this study, we developed the candidate degrader IV-3 by structural modifications of the lead compound 13, which exhibited limited antiproliferative activity against HCC-827 cells. Compared to compound 13, IV-3 exhibited remarkable anti-proliferative activity against HCC-827 cells, NCI-H1975 cells, and NCI-H1975-TM cells (IC50 = 0.009 μM, 0.49 μM and 3.24 μM, respectively), as well as significantly inducing degradation of EGFR protein in these cell lines (DC50 = 17.93 nM, 0.25 μM and 0.63 μM, respectively). Further investigations confirmed that IV-3 exhibited superior anti-tumor activity in all xenograft tumor models through the degradation of mutant EGFR protein. Moreover, IV-3 showed no inhibitory activity against A431 and A549 cells expressing wild-type EGFR, thereby eliminating potential toxic side effects emerging from wild-type EGFR inhibition. Overall, our study provides promising insights into EGFR-PROTACs as a potential therapeutic strategy against EGFR-acquired mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Du
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Shi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; Jiangsu Lianhuan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Chen Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yezi He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wangyang Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Daochen Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yushu Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Mingyang Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jiahuan He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wenhui Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yijia Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yungen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Yi Zou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Qihua Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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10
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Xu S, Ma B, Jian Y, Yao C, Wang Z, Fan Y, Ma J, Chen Y, Feng X, An J, Chen J, Wang K, Xie H, Gao Y, Li L. Development of a PAK4-targeting PROTAC for renal carcinoma therapy: concurrent inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and enhancement of immune cell response. EBioMedicine 2024; 104:105162. [PMID: 38810561 PMCID: PMC11154127 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105162] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Finding the oncogene, which was able to inhibit tumor cells intrinsically and improve the immune answers, will be the future direction for renal cancer combined treatment. Following patient sample analysis and signaling pathway examination, we propose p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) as a potential target drug for kidney cancer. PAK4 exhibits high expression levels in patient samples and plays a regulatory role in the immune microenvironment. METHODS Utilizing AI software for peptide drug design, we have engineered a specialized peptide proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) drug with selectivity for PAK4. To address challenges related to drug delivery, we developed a nano-selenium delivery system for efficient transport of the peptide PROTAC drug, termed PpD (PAK4 peptide degrader). FINDINGS We successfully designed a peptide PROTAC drug targeting PAK4. PpD effectively degraded PAK4 with high selectivity, avoiding interference with other homologous proteins. PpD significantly attenuated renal carcinoma proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Notably, PpD demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on tumor proliferation in a fully immunocompetent mouse model, concomitantly enhancing the immune cell response. Moreover, PpD demonstrated promising tumor growth inhibitory effects in mini-PDX and PDO models, further underscoring its potential for clinical application. INTERPRETATION This PAK4-targeting peptide PROTAC drug not only curtails renal cancer cell proliferation but also improves the immune microenvironment and enhances immune response. Our study paves the way for innovative targeted therapies in the management of renal cancer. FUNDING This work is supported by Research grants from non-profit organizations, as stated in the Acknowledgments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Bohan Ma
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Yanlin Jian
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Yao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Zixi Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Yizeng Fan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian Ma
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Yule Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoyu Feng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiale An
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiani Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongjun Xie
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China.
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11
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Cai Z, Yang Z, Li H, Fang Y. Research progress of PROTACs for neurodegenerative diseases therapy. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107386. [PMID: 38643565 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) are characterized by the gradual deterioration of neuronal function and integrity, resulting in an overall decline in brain function. The existing therapeutic options for NDD, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, fall short of meeting the clinical demand. A prominent pathological hallmark observed in numerous neurodegenerative disorders is the aggregation and misfolding of proteins both within and outside neurons. These abnormal proteins play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeted degradation of irregular proteins offers a promising avenue for NDD treatment. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) function via the ubiquitin-proteasome system and have emerged as a novel and efficacious approach in drug discovery. PROTACs can catalytically degrade "undruggable" proteins even at exceptionally low concentrations, allowing for precise quantitative control of aberrant protein levels. In this review, we present a compilation of reported PROTAC structures and their corresponding biological activities aimed at addressing NDD. Spanning from 2016 to present, this review provides an up-to-date overview of PROTAC-based therapeutic interventions. Currently, most protein degraders intended for NDD treatment remain in the preclinical research phase. Overcoming several challenges is imperative, including enhancing oral bioavailability and permeability across the blood-brain barrier, before these compounds can progress to clinical research or eventually reach the market. However, armed with an enhanced comprehension of the underlying pathological mechanisms and the emergence of innovative scaffolds for protein degraders, along with further structural optimization, we are confident that PROTAC possesses the potential to make substantial breakthroughs in the field of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifang Cai
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Zunhua Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Huilan Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Manufacturing Technology of TCM Solid Preparation, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yuanying Fang
- National Engineering Research Center for Manufacturing Technology of TCM Solid Preparation, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China.
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12
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Jiang Y, Lin Y, Tetlow AM, Pan R, Ji C, Kong XP, Congdon EE, Sigurdsson EM. Single-domain antibody-based protein degrader for synucleinopathies. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:44. [PMID: 38816762 PMCID: PMC11140919 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00730-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the brain, leading to motor and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Currently, there are no known cures for synucleinopathies, and treatments mainly focus on symptom management. In this study, we developed a single-domain antibody (sdAb)-based protein degrader with features designed to enhance proteasomal degradation of α-syn. This sdAb derivative targets both α-syn and Cereblon (CRBN), a substrate-receptor for the E3-ubiquitin ligase CRL4CRBN, and thereby induces α-syn ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Our results indicate that this therapeutic candidate enhances proteasomal degradation of α-syn, in addition to the endogenous lysosomal degradation machinery. By promoting proteasomal degradation of α-syn, we improved clearance of α-syn in primary culture and mouse models of synucleinopathy. These findings indicate that our sdAb-based protein degrader is a promising therapeutic candidate for synucleinopathies. Considering that only a small percentage of antibodies enter the brain, more potent sdAbs with greater brain entry than whole antibodies could enhance clinical benefits of antibody-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiang Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Amber M Tetlow
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Ruimin Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Changyi Ji
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Xiang-Peng Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Erin E Congdon
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Einar M Sigurdsson
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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13
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Chen W, Wu Y, Xing D. New-generation advanced PROTACs as potential therapeutic agents in cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:110. [PMID: 38773495 PMCID: PMC11107062 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02024-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) technology has garnered significant attention over the last 10 years, representing a burgeoning therapeutic approach with the potential to address pathogenic proteins that have historically posed challenges for traditional small-molecule inhibitors. PROTACs exploit the endogenous E3 ubiquitin ligases to facilitate degradation of the proteins of interest (POIs) through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in a cyclic catalytic manner. Despite recent endeavors to advance the utilization of PROTACs in clinical settings, the majority of PROTACs fail to progress beyond the preclinical phase of drug development. There are multiple factors impeding the market entry of PROTACs, with the insufficiently precise degradation of favorable POIs standing out as one of the most formidable obstacles. Recently, there has been exploration of new-generation advanced PROTACs, including small-molecule PROTAC prodrugs, biomacromolecule-PROTAC conjugates, and nano-PROTACs, to improve the in vivo efficacy of PROTACs. These improved PROTACs possess the capability to mitigate undesirable physicochemical characteristics inherent in traditional PROTACs, thereby enhancing their targetability and reducing off-target side effects. The new-generation of advanced PROTACs will mark a pivotal turning point in the realm of targeted protein degradation. In this comprehensive review, we have meticulously summarized the state-of-the-art advancements achieved by these cutting-edge PROTACs, elucidated their underlying design principles, deliberated upon the prevailing challenges encountered, and provided an insightful outlook on future prospects within this burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Wujun Chen
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Yudong Wu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Dongming Xing
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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14
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Liu TT, Wang Q, Zhou Y, Ye B, Liu T, Yan L, Fan J, Xu J, Zhou Y, Xia Z, Deng X. Discovery of a Meisoindigo-Derived PROTAC as the ATM Degrader: Revolutionizing Colorectal Cancer Therapy via Synthetic Lethality with ATR Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:7620-7634. [PMID: 38634707 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00454] [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: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Meisoindigo (Mei) has long been recognized in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment. To elucidate its molecular target and mechanisms, we embarked on designing and synthesizing a series of Mei-derived PROTACs. Through this endeavor, VHL-type PROTAC 9b was identified to be highly cytotoxic against SW620, SW480, and K562 cells. Employing DiaPASEF-based quantitative proteomic analysis, in combination with extensive validation assays, we unveiled that 9b potently and selectively degraded ATM across SW620 and SW480 cells in a ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent manner. 9b-induced selective ATM degradation prompted DNA damage response cascades, thereby leading to the cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. This pioneering discovery renders the advent of ATM degradation for anti-cancer therapy. Notably, 9b-induced ATM degradation synergistically enhanced the efficacy of ATR inhibitor AZD6738 both in vitro and in vivo. This work establishes the synthetic lethality-inducing properties of ATR inhibitors in the ATM-deficient context, thereby providing new avenues to innovative therapies for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Liu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Research for Chronic Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Research for Chronic Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yuxing Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Research for Chronic Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Baixin Ye
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311106, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Research for Chronic Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Linyang Yan
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Research for Chronic Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jinbao Fan
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Research for Chronic Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jiahao Xu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Research for Chronic Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yingjun Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Research for Chronic Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Zanxian Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Xu Deng
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Research for Chronic Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
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15
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Su J, Xiao Y, Wei L, Lei H, Sun F, Wang W, Yin J, Xiong R, Li S, Zhang P, Zhou Y, Wang X, Zheng J, Wang JZ. Generation of tau dephosphorylation-targeting chimeras for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2024; 69:1137-1152. [PMID: 38341350 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.01.019] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal hyperphosphorylation and accumulation of tau protein play a pivotal role in neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and many other tauopathies. Selective elimination of hyperphosphorylated tau is promising for the therapy of these diseases. We have conceptualized a strategy, named dephosphorylation-targeting chimeras (DEPTACs), for specifically hijacking phosphatases to tau to debilitate its hyperphosphorylation. Here, we conducted the step-by-step optimization of each constituent motif to generate DEPTACs with reasonable effectiveness in facilitating the dephosphorylation and subsequent clearance of pathological tau. Specifically, for one of the selected chimeras, D16, we demonstrated its significant efficiency in rescuing the neurodegeneration caused by neurotoxic K18-tau seeds in vitro. Moreover, intravenous administration of D16 also alleviated tau pathologies in the brain and improved memory deficits in AD mice. These results suggested DEPTACs as targeted modulators of tau phosphorylation, which hold therapeutic potential for AD and other tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingfen Su
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yue Xiao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; School of Artificial Intelligence and Automation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Linyu Wei
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Sino-UK Joint Laboratory of Brain Function and Injury of Henan Province, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Huiyang Lei
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Weixia Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jun Yin
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Rui Xiong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shihong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- The Core Facility and Technical Support, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Research Center for Medicine and Structural Biology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaochuan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; School of Artificial Intelligence and Automation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Jie Zheng
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Jian-Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226000, China.
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16
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Jiang Y, Lin Y, Tetlow AM, Pan R, Ji C, Kong XP, Congdon EE, Sigurdsson EM. Single-Domain Antibody-Based Protein Degrader for Synucleinopathies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.11.584473. [PMID: 38558982 PMCID: PMC10979981 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.11.584473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the brain, leading to motor and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Currently, there are no known cures for synucleinopathies, and treatments mainly focus on symptom management. In this study, we developed a single-domain antibody (sdAb)-based protein degrader with features designed to enhance proteasomal degradation of α-syn. This sdAb derivative targets both α-syn and Cereblon (CRBN), a substrate-receptor for the E3-ubiquitin ligase CRL4CRBN, and thereby induces α-syn ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Our results indicate that this therapeutic candidate enhances proteasomal degradation of α-syn, in addition to the endogenous lysosomal degradation machinery. By promoting proteasomal degradation of α-syn, we improved clearance of α-syn in primary culture and mouse models of synucleinopathy. These findings indicate that our sdAb-based protein degrader is a promising therapeutic candidate for synucleinopathies. Considering that only a small percentage of antibodies enter the brain, more potent sdAbs with greater brain entry than whole antibodies could enhance clinical benefits of antibody-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiang Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
| | - Amber M Tetlow
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
| | - Ruimin Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
| | - Changyi Ji
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
| | - Xiang-Peng Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
| | - Erin E Congdon
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
| | - Einar M Sigurdsson
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
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17
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Xu MY, Zeng N, Liu CQ, Sun JX, An Y, Zhang SH, Xu JZ, Zhong XY, Ma SY, He HD, Hu J, Xia QD, Wang SG. Enhanced cellular therapy: revolutionizing adoptive cellular therapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:47. [PMID: 38664743 PMCID: PMC11046957 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00506-6] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhanced cellular therapy has emerged as a novel concept following the basis of cellular therapy. This treatment modality applied drugs or biotechnology to directly enhance or genetically modify cells to enhance the efficacy of adoptive cellular therapy (ACT). Drugs or biotechnology that enhance the killing ability of immune cells include immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) / antibody drugs, small molecule inhibitors, immunomodulatory factors, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC), oncolytic virus (OV), etc. Firstly, overcoming the inhibitory tumor microenvironment (TME) can enhance the efficacy of ACT, which can be achieved by blocking the immune checkpoint. Secondly, cytokines or cytokine receptors can be expressed by genetic engineering or added directly to adoptive cells to enhance the migration and infiltration of adoptive cells to tumor cells. Moreover, multi-antigen chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) can be designed to enhance the specific recognition of tumor cell-related antigens, and OVs can also stimulate antigen release. In addition to inserting suicide genes into adoptive cells, PROTAC technology can be used as a safety switch or degradation agent of immunosuppressive factors to enhance the safety and efficacy of adoptive cells. This article comprehensively summarizes the mechanism, current situation, and clinical application of enhanced cellular therapy, describing potential improvements to adoptive cellular therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yao Xu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Na Zeng
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chen-Qian Liu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jian-Xuan Sun
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ye An
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Si-Han Zhang
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jin-Zhou Xu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xing-Yu Zhong
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Si-Yang Ma
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hao-Dong He
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jia Hu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qi-Dong Xia
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Shao-Gang Wang
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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18
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Alugubelli Y, Xiao J, Khatua K, Kumar S, Sun L, Ma Y, Ma XR, Vulupala VR, Atla S, Blankenship LR, Coleman D, Xie X, Neuman BW, Liu WR, Xu S. Discovery of First-in-Class PROTAC Degraders of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6495-6507. [PMID: 38608245 PMCID: PMC11056980 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
We have witnessed three coronavirus (CoV) outbreaks in the past two decades, including the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Main protease (MPro), a highly conserved protease among various CoVs, is essential for viral replication and pathogenesis, making it a prime target for antiviral drug development. Here, we leverage proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology to develop a new class of small-molecule antivirals that induce the degradation of SARS-CoV-2 MPro. Among them, MPD2 was demonstrated to effectively reduce MPro protein levels in 293T cells, relying on a time-dependent, CRBN-mediated, and proteasome-driven mechanism. Furthermore, MPD2 exhibited remarkable efficacy in diminishing MPro protein levels in SARS-CoV-2-infected A549-ACE2 cells. MPD2 also displayed potent antiviral activity against various SARS-CoV-2 strains and exhibited enhanced potency against nirmatrelvir-resistant viruses. Overall, this proof-of-concept study highlights the potential of targeted protein degradation of MPro as an innovative approach for developing antivirals that could fight against drug-resistant viral variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yugendar
R. Alugubelli
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Jing Xiao
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Kaustav Khatua
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department
of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Long Sun
- Department
of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Yuying Ma
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Xinyu R. Ma
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Veerabhadra R. Vulupala
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Sandeep Atla
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Lauren R. Blankenship
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Demonta Coleman
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Xuping Xie
- Department
of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Benjamin W. Neuman
- Department
of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Texas
A&M Global Health Research Complex, Texas A&M University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Wenshe Ray Liu
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Institute
of Biosciences and Technology and Department of Translational Medical
Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M
University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Shiqing Xu
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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19
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Wang R, He S, Long J, Wang Y, Jiang X, Chen M, Wang J. Emerging therapeutic frontiers in cancer: insights into posttranslational modifications of PD-1/PD-L1 and regulatory pathways. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:46. [PMID: 38654302 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00515-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), which is expressed on the surface of tumor cells, and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), which is expressed on T cells, impedes the effective activation of tumor antigen-specific T cells, resulting in the evasion of tumor cells from immune-mediated killing. Blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway has been shown to be effective in preventing tumor immune evasion. PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies have garnered significant attention in recent years within the field of tumor treatments, given the aforementioned mechanism. Furthermore, clinical research has substantiated the efficacy and safety of this immunotherapy across various tumors, offering renewed optimism for patients. However, challenges persist in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies, marked by limited indications and the emergence of drug resistance. Consequently, identifying additional regulatory pathways and molecules associated with PD-1/PD-L1 and implementing judicious combined treatments are imperative for addressing the intricacies of tumor immune mechanisms. This review briefly outlines the structure of the PD-1/PD-L1 molecule, emphasizing the posttranslational modification regulatory mechanisms and related targets. Additionally, a comprehensive overview on the clinical research landscape concerning PD-1/PD-L1 post-translational modifications combined with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies to enhance outcomes for a broader spectrum of patients is presented based on foundational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Shiwei He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jun Long
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute & Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yian Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xianjie Jiang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mingfen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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20
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Hu J, Xu H, Wu T, Zhang C, Shen H, Dong R, Hu Q, Xiang Q, Chai S, Luo G, Chen X, Huang Y, Zhao X, Peng C, Wu X, Lin B, Zhang Y, Xu Y. Discovery of Highly Potent and Efficient CBP/p300 Degraders with Strong In Vivo Antitumor Activity. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38649304 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The transcriptional coactivator cAMP response element binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP) and its homologue p300 have emerged as attractive therapeutic targets for human cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a series of cereblon (CRBN)-recruiting CBP/p300 proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) based on the inhibitor CCS1477. The representative compounds 14g (XYD190) and 14h (XYD198) potently inhibited the growth of AML cells with low nanomolar IC50 values and effectively degraded CBP and p300 proteins in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies confirmed that 14g and 14h can selectively bind to CBP/p300 bromodomains and induce CBP and p300 degradation in bromodomain family proteins in a CRBN- and proteasome-dependent manner. 14g and 14h displayed remarkable antitumor efficacy in the MV4;11 xenograft model (TGI = 88% and 93%, respectively). Our findings demonstrated that 14g and 14h are useful lead compounds and deserve further optimization and activity evaluation for the treatment of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiankang Hu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongrui Xu
- Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Tianbang Wu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Hui Shen
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Ruibo Dong
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Qingqing Hu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Qiuping Xiang
- Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China
- Guoke Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China
| | - Shuang Chai
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Guolong Luo
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Xiaoshan Chen
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yumin Huang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaofan Zhao
- Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Chao Peng
- Jiangsu S&T Exchange Center with Foreign Countries, No. 175 Longpan Road, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Xishan Wu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Bin Lin
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Yong Xu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
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21
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Schwalm MP, Saxena K, Müller S, Knapp S. Luciferase- and HaloTag-based reporter assays to measure small-molecule-induced degradation pathway in living cells. Nat Protoc 2024:10.1038/s41596-024-00979-z. [PMID: 38637703 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-024-00979-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
The rational development of small-molecule degraders (e.g., proteolysis targeting chimeras) remains a challenge as the rate-limiting steps that determine degrader efficiency are largely unknown. Standard methods in the field of targeted protein degradation mostly rely on classical, low-throughput endpoint assays such as western blots or quantitative proteomics. Here we applied NanoLuciferase- and HaloTag-based screening technologies to determine the kinetics and stability of small-molecule-induced ternary complex formation between a protein of interest and a selected E3 ligase. A collection of live-cell assays were designed to probe the most critical steps of the degradation process while minimizing the number of required expression constructs, making the proposed assay pipeline flexible and adaptable to the requirements of the users. This approach evaluates the underlying mechanism of selective target degraders and reveals the exact characteristics of the developed degrader molecules in living cells. The protocol allows scientists trained in basic cell culture and molecular biology to carry out small-molecule proximity-inducer screening via tracking of the ternary complex formation within 2 weeks of establishment, while degrader screening using the HiBiT system requires a CRISPR-Cas9 engineered cell line whose generation can take up to 3 months. After cell-line generation, degrader screening and validation can be carried out in high-throughput manner within days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin P Schwalm
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)/German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), DTKT Site Frankfurt-Mainz, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Krishna Saxena
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Müller
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)/German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), DTKT Site Frankfurt-Mainz, Heidelberg, Germany.
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22
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Sciaccotta R, Gangemi S, Penna G, Giordano L, Pioggia G, Allegra A. Potential New Therapies "ROS-Based" in CLL: An Innovative Paradigm in the Induction of Tumor Cell Apoptosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:475. [PMID: 38671922 PMCID: PMC11047475 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13040475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, in spite of recent advancements, is still an incurable disease; the majority of patients eventually acquire resistance to treatment through relapses. In all subtypes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the disruption of normal B-cell homeostasis is thought to be mostly caused by the absence of apoptosis. Consequently, apoptosis induction is crucial to the management of this illness. Damaged biological components can accumulate as a result of the oxidation of intracellular lipids, proteins, and DNA by reactive oxygen species. It is possible that cancer cells are more susceptible to apoptosis because of their increased production of reactive oxygen species. An excess of reactive oxygen species can lead to oxidative stress, which can harm biological elements like DNA and trigger apoptotic pathways that cause planned cell death. In order to upset the balance of oxidative stress in cells, recent therapeutic treatments in chronic lymphocytic leukemia have focused on either producing reactive oxygen species or inhibiting it. Examples include targets created in the field of nanomedicine, natural extracts and nutraceuticals, tailored therapy using biomarkers, and metabolic targets. Current developments in the complex connection between apoptosis, particularly ferroptosis and its involvement in epigenomics and alterations, have created a new paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Sciaccotta
- Hematology Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.S.); (G.P.); (L.G.)
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giuseppa Penna
- Hematology Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.S.); (G.P.); (L.G.)
| | - Laura Giordano
- Hematology Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.S.); (G.P.); (L.G.)
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 98164 Messina, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Allegra
- Hematology Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.S.); (G.P.); (L.G.)
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23
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Fan J, Qin Z. Roles of Human Endogenous Retrovirus-K-Encoded Np9 in Human Diseases: A Small Protein with Big Functions. Viruses 2024; 16:581. [PMID: 38675923 PMCID: PMC11054019 DOI: 10.3390/v16040581] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Human Endogenous Retrovirus Sequences (HERVs) constitute up to 8% of the human genome, yet not all HERVs remain silent passengers within our genomes. Some HERVs, especially HERV type K (HERV-K), have been found to be frequently transactivated in a variety of inflammatory diseases and human cancers. Np9, a small protein translated from the HERV-K env reading frame, has been reported as an oncogenic protein and is present in a variety of tumors and transformed cells. The Np9 protein can crosstalk with many cellular factors and is involved in the pathogenicity of various diseases, including some oncogenic virus infections. In the current review, we summarize recent findings about Np9 clinical relevance/implications, its mediated cellular functions/mechanisms, and potential targeted therapies in development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhiqiang Qin
- Department of Pathology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
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24
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He T, Cheng C, Qiao Y, Cho H, Young E, Mannan R, Mahapatra S, Miner SJ, Zheng Y, Kim N, Zeng VZ, Wisniewski JP, Hou S, Jackson B, Cao X, Su F, Wang R, Chang Y, Kuila B, Mukherjee S, Dukare S, Aithal KB, D.S. S, Abbineni C, Vaishampayan U, Lyssiotis CA, Parolia A, Xiao L, Chinnaiyan AM. Development of an orally bioavailable mSWI/SNF ATPase degrader and acquired mechanisms of resistance in prostate cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322563121. [PMID: 38557192 PMCID: PMC11009648 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322563121] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian switch/sucrose nonfermentable (mSWI/SNF) ATPase degraders have been shown to be effective in enhancer-driven cancers by functioning to impede oncogenic transcription factor chromatin accessibility. Here, we developed AU-24118, an orally bioavailable proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) degrader of mSWI/SNF ATPases (SMARCA2 and SMARCA4) and PBRM1. AU-24118 demonstrated tumor regression in a model of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) which was further enhanced with combination enzalutamide treatment, a standard of care androgen receptor (AR) antagonist used in CRPC patients. Importantly, AU-24118 exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic profiles in preclinical analyses in mice and rats, and further toxicity testing in mice showed a favorable safety profile. As acquired resistance is common with targeted cancer therapeutics, experiments were designed to explore potential mechanisms of resistance that may arise with long-term mSWI/SNF ATPase PROTAC treatment. Prostate cancer cell lines exposed to long-term treatment with high doses of a mSWI/SNF ATPase degrader developed SMARCA4 bromodomain mutations and ABCB1 (ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1) overexpression as acquired mechanisms of resistance. Intriguingly, while SMARCA4 mutations provided specific resistance to mSWI/SNF degraders, ABCB1 overexpression provided broader resistance to other potent PROTAC degraders targeting bromodomain-containing protein 4 and AR. The ABCB1 inhibitor, zosuquidar, reversed resistance to all three PROTAC degraders tested. Combined, these findings position mSWI/SNF degraders for clinical translation for patients with enhancer-driven cancers and define strategies to overcome resistance mechanisms that may arise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongchen He
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan410008, China
| | - Caleb Cheng
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Yuanyuan Qiao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Hanbyul Cho
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Eleanor Young
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Rahul Mannan
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Somnath Mahapatra
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Stephanie J. Miner
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Yang Zheng
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - NamHoon Kim
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Victoria Z. Zeng
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Jasmine P. Wisniewski
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Siyu Hou
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Bailey Jackson
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Xuhong Cao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- HHMI, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Fengyun Su
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Rui Wang
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Yu Chang
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Bilash Kuila
- Aurigene Oncology Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka560100, India
| | | | - Sandeep Dukare
- Aurigene Oncology Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka560100, India
| | - Kiran B. Aithal
- Aurigene Oncology Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka560100, India
| | - Samiulla D.S.
- Aurigene Oncology Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka560100, India
| | | | - Ulka Vaishampayan
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Costas A. Lyssiotis
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Abhijit Parolia
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Lanbo Xiao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Arul M. Chinnaiyan
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- HHMI, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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Hall J, Zhang Z, Bhattacharya S, Wang D, Alcantara M, Liang Y, Swiderski P, Forman S, Kwak L, Vaidehi N, Kortylewski M. Oligo-PROTAC strategy for cell-selective and targeted degradation of activated STAT3. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102137. [PMID: 38384444 PMCID: PMC10879796 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) allow targeting undruggable transcription factors, such as STAT3, but their limited potency and lack of delivery methods hampered translation. To overcome these challenges, we conjugated a STAT3-specific decoy to thalidomide, a ligand to cereblon in E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, to generate a proteolysis-targeting chimera (STAT3DPROTAC). STAT3DPROTAC downregulated STAT3 in target cells, but not STAT1 or STAT5. Computational modeling of the STAT3DPROTAC ternary complex predicted two surface lysines, K601 and K626, in STAT3 as potential ubiquitination sites. Accordingly, K601/K626 point mutations in STAT3, as well as proteasome inhibition or cereblon deletion, alleviated STAT3DPROTAC effect. Next, we conjugated STAT3DPROTAC to a CpG oligonucleotide targeting Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) to generate myeloid/B cell-selective C-STAT3DPROTAC. Naked C-STAT3DPROTAC was spontaneously internalized by TLR9+ myeloid cells, B cells, and human and mouse lymphoma cells but not by T cells. C-STAT3DPROTAC effectively decreased STAT3 protein levels and also STAT3-regulated target genes critical for lymphoma cell proliferation and/or survival (BCL2L1, CCND2, and MYC). Finally, local C-STAT3DPROTAC administration to human Ly3 lymphoma-bearing mice triggered tumor regression, while control C-STAT3D and C-SCR treatments had limited effects. Our results underscore the feasibility of using a PROTAC strategy for cell-selective, decoy oligonucleotide-based STAT3 targeting of and potentially other tumorigenic transcription factors for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Hall
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Zhuoran Zhang
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Supriyo Bhattacharya
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Dongfang Wang
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Marice Alcantara
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yong Liang
- DNA/RNA Synthesis Core Facility, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Piotr Swiderski
- DNA/RNA Synthesis Core Facility, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Stephen Forman
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Larry Kwak
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Nagarajan Vaidehi
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Marcin Kortylewski
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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Junk L, Schmiedel VM, Guha S, Fischel K, Greb P, Vill K, Krisilia V, van Geelen L, Rumpel K, Kaur P, Krishnamurthy RV, Narayanan S, Shandil RK, Singh M, Kofink C, Mantoulidis A, Biber P, Gmaschitz G, Kazmaier U, Meinhart A, Leodolter J, Hoi D, Junker S, Morreale FE, Clausen T, Kalscheuer R, Weinstabl H, Boehmelt G. Homo-BacPROTAC-induced degradation of ClpC1 as a strategy against drug-resistant mycobacteria. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2005. [PMID: 38443338 PMCID: PMC10914731 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46218-7] [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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a global health threat that requires the development of new treatment concepts. These should not only overcome existing resistance but be designed to slow down the emergence of new resistance mechanisms. Targeted protein degradation, whereby a drug redirects cellular proteolytic machinery towards degrading a specific target, is an emerging concept in drug discovery. We are extending this concept by developing proteolysis targeting chimeras active in bacteria (BacPROTACs) that bind to ClpC1, a component of the mycobacterial protein degradation machinery. The anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) BacPROTACs are derived from cyclomarins which, when dimerized, generate compounds that recruit and degrade ClpC1. The resulting Homo-BacPROTACs reduce levels of endogenous ClpC1 in Mycobacterium smegmatis and display minimum inhibitory concentrations in the low micro- to nanomolar range in mycobacterial strains, including multiple drug-resistant Mtb isolates. The compounds also kill Mtb residing in macrophages. Thus, Homo-BacPROTACs that degrade ClpC1 represent a different strategy for targeting Mtb and overcoming drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Junk
- Organic Chemistry I, Saarland University, Campus Building C4.2, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - Volker M Schmiedel
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co. KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, 1121, Vienna, Austria
| | - Somraj Guha
- Organic Chemistry I, Saarland University, Campus Building C4.2, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Katharina Fischel
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co. KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, 1121, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Greb
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co. KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, 1121, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristin Vill
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Violetta Krisilia
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lasse van Geelen
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Klaus Rumpel
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co. KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, 1121, Vienna, Austria
| | - Parvinder Kaur
- Foundation for Neglected Disease Research, Plot No. 20A, KIADB Industrial Area, Veerapura Village, Doddaballapur, Bengaluru, 561203, Karnataka, India
| | - Ramya V Krishnamurthy
- Foundation for Neglected Disease Research, Plot No. 20A, KIADB Industrial Area, Veerapura Village, Doddaballapur, Bengaluru, 561203, Karnataka, India
| | - Shridhar Narayanan
- Foundation for Neglected Disease Research, Plot No. 20A, KIADB Industrial Area, Veerapura Village, Doddaballapur, Bengaluru, 561203, Karnataka, India
| | - Radha Krishan Shandil
- Foundation for Neglected Disease Research, Plot No. 20A, KIADB Industrial Area, Veerapura Village, Doddaballapur, Bengaluru, 561203, Karnataka, India
| | - Mayas Singh
- Foundation for Neglected Disease Research, Plot No. 20A, KIADB Industrial Area, Veerapura Village, Doddaballapur, Bengaluru, 561203, Karnataka, India
| | - Christiane Kofink
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co. KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, 1121, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Mantoulidis
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co. KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, 1121, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Biber
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co. KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, 1121, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Gmaschitz
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co. KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, 1121, Vienna, Austria
| | - Uli Kazmaier
- Organic Chemistry I, Saarland University, Campus Building C4.2, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Anton Meinhart
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Leodolter
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Hoi
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabryna Junker
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Tim Clausen
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rainer Kalscheuer
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Harald Weinstabl
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co. KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, 1121, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Guido Boehmelt
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co. KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, 1121, Vienna, Austria.
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Wang X, Xin L, Deng X, Dong C, Hu G, Zhou HB. Fluorescence theranostic PROTACs for real-time visualization of ERα degradation. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116184. [PMID: 38320426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, a groundbreaking strategy for degradation of pathogenic proteins by hijacking of the ubiquitin-proteasome-system has become a promising strategy in drug design. However, the real-time monitoring and visualization of protein degradation processes have been long-standing challenges in the realm of drug development. In this research, we sought to amalgamate the highly efficient protein-degrading capabilities of PROTAC technology with the visualization attributes of fluorescent probes, with the potential to pave the path for the design and development of a novel class of visual PROTACs. These novel PROTACs uniquely possess both fluorescence imaging and therapeutic characteristics, all with the goal of enabling real-time observations of protein degradation processes. Our approach involved the utilization of a high ER-targeting fluorescent probe, previously reported in our laboratory, which served as a warhead that specifically binds to the protein of interest (POI). Additionally, a VHL ligand for recruiting E3 ligase and linkers of various lengths were incorporated to synthesize a series of novel ER-inherent fluorescence PROTACs. Among them, compound A3 demonstrated remarkable efficiency in degrading ERα proteins (DC50 = 0.12 μM) and displaying exceptional anti-proliferative activity against MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 0.051 μM). Furthermore, it exhibited impressive fluorescence imaging performance, boasting an emission wavelength of up to 582 nm, a Stokes shift of 116 nm, and consistent optical properties. These attributes make it especially suitable for the real-time, in situ tracking of ERα protein degradation processes, thus may serve as a privileged visual theranostic PROTAC for ERα+ breast cancer. This study not only broadens the application spectrum of PROTAC technology but also introduces a novel approach for real-time visualization of protein degradation processes, ultimately enhancing the diagnostic and treatment efficacy of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Wang
- School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, China; College of Life Sciences, Wuchang University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430223, China
| | - Lilan Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xiaofei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Chune Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Guoyuan Hu
- School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, China.
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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He T, Cheng C, Qiao Y, Cho H, Young E, Mannan R, Mahapatra S, Miner SJ, Zheng Y, Kim N, Zeng VZ, Wisniewski JP, Hou S, Jackson B, Cao X, Su F, Wang R, Chang Y, Kuila B, Mukherjee S, Dukare S, Aithal KB, D.S. S, Abbineni C, Lyssiotis CA, Parolia A, Xiao L, Chinnaiyan AM. Development of an orally bioavailable mSWI/SNF ATPase degrader and acquired mechanisms of resistance in prostate cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.29.582768. [PMID: 38464081 PMCID: PMC10925251 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.29.582768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian switch/sucrose non-fermentable (mSWI/SNF) ATPase degraders have been shown to be effective in enhancer-driven cancers by functioning to impede oncogenic transcription factor chromatin accessibility. Here, we developed AU-24118, a first-in-class, orally bioavailable proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degrader of mSWI/SNF ATPases (SMARCA2 and SMARCA4) and PBRM1. AU-24118 demonstrated tumor regression in a model of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) which was further enhanced with combination enzalutamide treatment, a standard of care androgen receptor (AR) antagonist used in CRPC patients. Importantly, AU-24118 exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic profiles in preclinical analyses in mice and rats, and further toxicity testing in mice showed a favorable safety profile. As acquired resistance is common with targeted cancer therapeutics, experiments were designed to explore potential mechanisms of resistance that may arise with long-term mSWI/SNF ATPase PROTAC treatment. Prostate cancer cell lines exposed to long-term treatment with high doses of a mSWI/SNF ATPase degrader developed SMARCA4 bromodomain mutations and ABCB1 overexpression as acquired mechanisms of resistance. Intriguingly, while SMARCA4 mutations provided specific resistance to mSWI/SNF degraders, ABCB1 overexpression provided broader resistance to other potent PROTAC degraders targeting bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) and AR. The ABCB1 inhibitor, zosuquidar, reversed resistance to all three PROTAC degraders tested. Combined, these findings position mSWI/SNF degraders for clinical translation for patients with enhancer-driven cancers and define strategies to overcome resistance mechanisms that may arise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongchen He
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Caleb Cheng
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Yuanyuan Qiao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hanbyul Cho
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Eleanor Young
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rahul Mannan
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Somnath Mahapatra
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Stephanie J. Miner
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yang Zheng
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - NamHoon Kim
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Victoria Z. Zeng
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jasmine P. Wisniewski
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Siyu Hou
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bailey Jackson
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xuhong Cao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Fengyun Su
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rui Wang
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yu Chang
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Costas A. Lyssiotis
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Abhijit Parolia
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lanbo Xiao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Arul M. Chinnaiyan
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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29
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Liang X, Ren H, Han F, Liang R, Zhao J, Liu H. The new direction of drug development: Degradation of undruggable targets through targeting chimera technology. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:632-685. [PMID: 37983964 DOI: 10.1002/med.21992] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Imbalances in protein and noncoding RNA levels in vivo lead to the occurrence of many diseases. In addition to the use of small molecule inhibitors and agonists to restore these imbalances, recently emerged targeted degradation technologies provide a new direction for disease treatment. Targeted degradation technology directly degrades target proteins or RNA by utilizing the inherent degradation pathways, thereby eliminating the functions of pathogenic proteins (or RNA) to treat diseases. Compared with traditional therapies, targeted degradation technology which avoids the principle of traditional inhibitor occupation drive, has higher efficiency and selectivity, and widely expands the range of drug targets. It is one of the most promising and hottest areas for future drug development. Herein, we systematically introduced the in vivo degradation systems applied to degrader design: ubiquitin-proteasome system, lysosomal degradation system, and RNA degradation system. We summarized the development progress, structural characteristics, and limitations of novel chimeric design technologies based on different degradation systems. In addition, due to the lack of clear ligand-binding pockets, about 80% of disease-associated proteins cannot be effectively intervened with through traditional therapies. We deeply elucidated how to use targeted degradation technology to discover and design molecules for representative undruggable targets including transcription factors, small GTPases, and phosphatases. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of targeted degradation technology-related research advances and a new guidance for the chimeric design of undruggable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewu Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hairu Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengyang Han
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Renwen Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayan Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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30
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Zheng LL, Wang LT, Pang YW, Sun LP, Shi L. Recent advances in the development of deubiquitinases inhibitors as antitumor agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 266:116161. [PMID: 38262120 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Ubiquitination is a type of post-translational modification that covalently links ubiquitin to a target protein, which plays a critical role in modulating protein activity, stability, and localization. In contrast, this process is reversed by deubiquitinases (DUBs), which remove ubiquitin from ubiquitinated substrates. Dysregulation of DUBs is associated with several human diseases, such as cancer, inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune diseases. Thus, DUBs have become promising targets for drug development. Although the physiological and pathological effects of DUBs are increasingly well understood, the clinical drug discovery of selective DUB inhibitors has been challenging. Herein, we summarize the structures and functions of main classes of DUBs and discuss the recent progress in developing selective small-molecule DUB inhibitors as antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Li Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Li-Ting Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Ye-Wei Pang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Li-Ping Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
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31
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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.
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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.
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Peng X, Hu Z, Zeng L, Zhang M, Xu C, Lu B, Tao C, Chen W, Hou W, Cheng K, Bi H, Pan W, Chen J. Overview of epigenetic degraders based on PROTAC, molecular glue, and hydrophobic tagging technologies. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:533-578. [PMID: 38322348 PMCID: PMC10840439 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic pathways play a critical role in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer. Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in the development of targeted epigenetic modulators (e.g., inhibitors). However, epigenetic inhibitors have faced multiple challenges, including limited clinical efficacy, toxicities, lack of subtype selectivity, and drug resistance. As a result, the design of new epigenetic modulators (e.g., degraders) such as PROTACs, molecular glue, and hydrophobic tagging (HyT) degraders has garnered significant attention from both academia and pharmaceutical industry, and numerous epigenetic degraders have been discovered in the past decade. In this review, we aim to provide an in-depth illustration of new degrading strategies (2017-2023) targeting epigenetic proteins for cancer therapy, focusing on the rational design, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical status, and crystal structure information of these degraders. Importantly, we also provide deep insights into the potential challenges and corresponding remedies of this approach to drug design and development. Overall, we hope this review will offer a better mechanistic understanding and serve as a useful guide for the development of emerging epigenetic-targeting degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Peng
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Zhihao Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Limei Zeng
- College of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Meizhu Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Congcong Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Benyan Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Chengpeng Tao
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Weiming Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Wen Hou
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Kui Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Huichang Bi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wanyi Pan
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Hu X, Zhu Z, Liu K, Liu J, Li J, Wang Z. Proteome-wide identification and functional analysis of ubiquitinated proteins in Hepa1-6 cells by knockdown of E3 ubiquitin ligase SIAH1. Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:102-111. [PMID: 38410210 PMCID: PMC10894337 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy that poses a serious threat to human life. The conventional therapies for HCC cannot substantially improve overall survival (OS), disease duration, and prognosis. Therefore, it is important to study the underlying mechanism of HCC and seek better methods for HCC prevention and treatment. Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification that modulates great cellular function by cooperating with E1, E2, and E3 ligases. Yet, the ubiquitination and lysine residues in HCC are still elusive. Seven in absentia homolog 1 (SIAH1), as an important E3 ubiquitin ligase, regulates ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis to function as a tumor suppressor in HCC. In the present study, we downregulated SIAH1 in the mouse HCC cell line Hepa1-6 and studied its function by using proteome-wide identification. Methods SIAH1 was knocked down by SIAH1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in mouse HCC cell line Hepa1-6 cells, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis was conducted to analyze the ubiquitinated proteins. Functional analysis was performed using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment. Results The systematic profiling showed a total of 550 differently expressed proteins (DEPs), including 263 upregulated DEPs and 287 downregulated DEPs. Considering the amino acid sequences around the modified lysine residues, seven proteins were identified as conserved ubiquitination motifs in the peptides. The ubiquitinated proteins were mainly distributed in the cytoplasm, nucleus, and plasma membrane. Functional analysis suggested that the ubiquitinated proteins were mostly enriched in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and extracellular space; in addition, the ubiquitinated proteins were mostly attributed to the protein binding, and disease. The ubiquitinated proteins modulate HCC by mapping lysine modification sites. Conclusions The use of high-throughput characterization to identify novel and specific targets associated with SIAH1 is of great significance in terms of functional weight. The results obtained in this paper from the analysis of proteomic data provided novel insights into ubiquitination regulation in HCC, which pave the way for further research and mechanism discovery of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Hu
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- Department of Biological Sample Bank, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kehan Liu
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinlin Liu
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingpei Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery/Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengyang Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Pathology, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Saqib U, Demaree IS, Obukhov AG, Baig MS, Khan MS, Altwaijry N, Nasution MAF, Mizuguchi K, Hajela K. Structural and accessibility studies highlight the differential binding of clemizole to TRPC5 and TRPC6. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38279926 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2306198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 5 (T RP C5) and T RP C6 channels play critical physiological roles in various cell types. Their involvement in numerous disease progression mechanisms has led to extensive searches for their inhibitors. Although several potent T RP C inhibitors have been developed and the structure of their binding sites were mapped using cryo electron microscopy, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular interactions within the inhibitor binding site of T RP Cs remains elusive. This study aimed to decipher the structural determinants and molecular mechanisms contributing to the differential binding of clemizole to T RP C5 and T RP C6, with a particular focus on the accessibility of binding site residues. This information can help better understand what molecular features allow for selective binding, which is a key characteristic of clinically effective pharmacological agents. Using computational methodologies, we conducted an in-depth molecular docking analysis of clemizole with T RP C5 and T RP C6 channels. The protein structures were retrieved from publicly accessible protein databases. Discovery Studio 2020 Client Visualizer and Chimera software facilitated our in-silico mutation experiments and enabled us to identify the critical structural elements influencing clemizole binding. Our study reveals key molecular determinants at the clemizole binding site, specifically outlining the role of residues' Accessible Surface Area (ASA) and Relative Accessible Surface Area (RASA) in differential binding. We found that lower accessibility of T RP C6 binding site residues, compared to those in T RP C5, could account for the lower affinity binding of clemizole to T RP C6. This work illuminates the pivotal role of binding site residue accessibility in determining the affinity of clemizole to T RP C5 and T RP C6. A nuanced understanding of the distinct binding properties between these homologous proteins may pave the way for the development of more selective inhibitors, promising improved therapeutic efficacy and fewer off-target effects. By demystifying the structural and molecular subtleties of T RP C inhibitors, this research could significantly accelerate the drug discovery process, offering hope to patients afflicted with T RP C-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzma Saqib
- School of Life Sciences, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, MP, India
| | - Isaac S Demaree
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Alexander G Obukhov
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Mirza S Baig
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering (BSBE), Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IITI), Indore, India
| | - Mohd Shahnawaz Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nojood Altwaijry
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mochammad Arfin Fardiansyah Nasution
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Artificial Intelligence Center for Health and Biomedical Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kenji Mizuguchi
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Artificial Intelligence Center for Health and Biomedical Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan
| | - Krishnan Hajela
- School of Life Sciences, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, MP, India
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Zhou C, Fan Z, Gu Y, Ge Z, Tao Z, Cui R, Li Y, Zhou G, Huo R, Gao M, Wang D, He W, Zheng M, Zhang S, Xu T. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Potent and Selective PROTAC Degraders of Oncogenic KRAS G12D. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1147-1167. [PMID: 38197882 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01622] [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: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
KRASG12D, the most frequent KRAS oncogenic mutation, is a promising target for cancer therapy. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a series of KRASG12D PROTACs by connecting the analogues of MRTX1133 and the VHL ligand. Structural modifications of the linker moiety and KRAS inhibitor part suggested a critical role of membrane permeability in the degradation activity of the KRASG12D PROTACs. Mechanism studies with the representative compound 8o demonstrated that the potent, rapid, and selective degradation of KRASG12D induced by 8o was via a VHL- and proteasome-dependent manner. This compound selectively and potently suppressed the growth of multiple KRASG12D mutant cancer cells, displayed favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties in mice, and showed significant antitumor efficacy in the AsPC-1 xenograft mouse model. Further optimization of 8o appears to be promising for the development of a new chemotherapy for KRASG12D-driven cancers as the complementary therapeutic strategy to KRAS inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zisheng Fan
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuejiao Gu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhiming Ge
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Zhaofan Tao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Rongrong Cui
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yupeng Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas at EI Paso, EI Paso, Texas 79902, United States
| | - Guizhen Zhou
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ruifeng Huo
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mingshan Gao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dan Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wei He
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Mingyue Zheng
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Sulin Zhang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tianfeng Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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Tian Y, Miao Y, Guo P, Wang J, Han D. Insulin-like Growth Factor 2-Tagged Aptamer Chimeras (ITACs) Modular Assembly for Targeted and Efficient Degradation of Two Membrane Proteins. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202316089. [PMID: 38059276 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202316089] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of pathogenic membrane proteins drives abnormal proliferation and invasion of tumor cells. Various strategies to durably knockdown membrane proteins with heterobifunctional degraders have been successfully developed, including LYTAC, KineTAC, and AbTAC. However, challenges including complicated synthetic procedures and the inability to simultaneously degrade multiple pathogenic proteins still exist. Herein, we developed insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2)-tagged aptamer chimeras (ITACs) that link the cell-surface lysosome-targeting receptor IGF2R and membrane proteins of interest (POIs) based on specific recognition of aptamers to the POIs and high-affinity binding of IGF2 to IGF2R. We demonstrated that ITACs exhibit robust degradation efficiency of various membrane proteins in multiple cell lines. Furthermore, systematic studies revealed that a moderate cell-surface IGF2R level is responsible for the excellent degradation performance of ITACs. Importantly, we further established a modular assembly strategy that allows assembly of one IGF2 with two aptamers with precise stoichiometry (dITACs), enabling cooperative and simultaneous degradation of two membrane proteins. This work provides an efficient and facile target membrane protein degradation platform and will shed light on the treatment of diseases related to the overexpression of membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tian
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yanyan Miao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Pei Guo
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Junyan Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Da Han
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
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Liu X, Cheng Y, Mu Y, Zhang Z, Tian D, Liu Y, Hu X, Wen T. Diverse drug delivery systems for the enhancement of cancer immunotherapy: an overview. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1328145. [PMID: 38298192 PMCID: PMC10828056 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1328145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the clear benefits demonstrated by immunotherapy, there is still an inevitable off-target effect resulting in serious adverse immune reactions. In recent years, the research and development of Drug Delivery System (DDS) has received increased prominence. In decades of development, DDS has demonstrated the ability to deliver drugs in a precisely targeted manner to mitigate side effects and has the advantages of flexible control of drug release, improved pharmacokinetics, and drug distribution. Therefore, we consider that combining cancer immunotherapy with DDS can enhance the anti-tumor ability. In this paper, we provide an overview of the latest drug delivery strategies in cancer immunotherapy and briefly introduce the characteristics of DDS based on nano-carriers (liposomes, polymer nano-micelles, mesoporous silica, extracellular vesicles, etc.) and coupling technology (ADCs, PDCs and targeted protein degradation). Our aim is to show readers a variety of drug delivery platforms under different immune mechanisms, and analyze their advantages and limitations, to provide more superior and accurate targeting strategies for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Infectious Disease of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Cheng
- Department of Respiratory and Infectious Disease of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yao Mu
- Department of Respiratory and Infectious Disease of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | | | - Dan Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunpeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Clinical Cancer Treatment and Research Center of Shenyang, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xuejun Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Infectious Disease of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ti Wen
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Clinical Cancer Treatment and Research Center of Shenyang, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Wang H, Chen M, Zhang X, Xie S, Qin J, Li J. Peptide-based PROTACs: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:208-222. [PMID: 36718000 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230130121822] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are an attractive means to target previously undruggable or drug-resistant mutant proteins. While small molecule-based PROTACs are stable and can cross cell membranes, there is limited availability of suitable small molecule warheads capable of recruiting proteins to an E3 ubiquitin ligase for degradation. With advances in structural biology and in silico protein structure prediction, it is now becoming easier to define highly selective peptides suitable for PROTAC design. As a result, peptide-based PROTACs are becoming a feasible proposition for targeting previously "undruggable" proteins not amenable to small molecule inhibition. In this review, we summarize recent progress in the design and application of peptide-based PROTACs as well as several practical approaches for obtaining candidate peptides for PROTACs. We also discuss the major hurdles preventing the translation of peptide-based PROTACs from bench to bedside, such as their delivery and bioavailability, with the aim of stimulating discussion about how best to accelerate the clinical development of peptide- based PROTACs in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huidan Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255000, China
| | - Miao Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255000, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255000, China
| | - Songbo Xie
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255000, China
| | - Jie Qin
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255000, China
| | - Jingrui Li
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255000, China
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Wang AF, Ayyar VS. Pharmacodynamic Models of Indirect Effects and Irreversible Inactivation with Turnover: Applicability to Mechanism-Based Modeling of Gene Silencing and Targeted Protein Degradation. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:191-201. [PMID: 37884193 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.10.027] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Indirect response (IDR) and turnover with inactivation (TI) comprise two arrays of mechanism-based pharmacodynamic (PD) models widely used to describe delayed drug effects. IDR Model-IV (stimulation of response loss) and TI (irreversible loss) have been described with discerning "signature" profiles; classical IDR-IV response-time profiles display slow declines where peak response shifts later with increasing dose, whereas TI profiles feature steep response declines with earlier-shifting nadirs. Herein, we demonstrate mathematical convergence of IDR-IV and TI models upon implementation with identical linear versus nonlinear pharmacologic effect terms. Time of peak response in IDR-IV can in fact shift earlier or later depending on PK or PD parameters (e.g., kel, Smax) and effect type. A generalized dynamic model linking mRNA and protein turnover is proposed. Applicability of IDR-IV and TI, with either linear or nonlinear terms acting on degradation/catabolism/loss of response, is demonstrated through model-fitting PK-PD effects of three proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and two ligand-conjugated small interfering RNAs (siRNA). This work clarifies mathematical properties, convergence, and expected responses of IDR-IV and TI, demonstrates their applicability for targeted gene-silencing and protein-degrading agents, and illustrates how well-designed in vivo studies covering broad dose ranges with richly sampled time-points can influence PK-PD model structure and parameter resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelia F Wang
- Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacometrics, Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Vivaswath S Ayyar
- Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacometrics, Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, PA, USA.
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Zeng S, Ye Y, Xia H, Min J, Xu J, Wang Z, Pan Y, Zhou X, Huang W. Current advances and development strategies of orally bioavailable PROTACs. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115793. [PMID: 37708797 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have been an area of intensive research with the potential to extend drug space not target to traditional molecules. In the last half decade, we have witnessed several PROTACs initiated phase I/II/III clinical trials, which inspired us a lot. However, the structure of PROTACs beyond "rule of 5" resulted in developing PROTACs with acceptable oral pharmacokinetic (PK) properties remain one of the biggest bottleneck tasks. Many reports have demonstrated that it is possible to access orally bioavailable PROTACs through rational ligand and linker modifications. In this review, we systematically reviewed and highlighted the most recent advances in orally bioavailable PROTACs development, especially focused on the medicinal chemistry campaign of discovery process and in vivo oral PK properties. Moreover, the constructive strategies for developing oral PROTACs were proposed comprehensively. Collectively, we believe that the strategies summarized here may provide references for further development of oral PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenxin Zeng
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China.
| | - Yingqiao Ye
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Heye Xia
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Jingli Min
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Jiamei Xu
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Zunyuan Wang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Youlu Pan
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Xinglu Zhou
- HealZen Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China.
| | - Wenhai Huang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China.
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Ahmed IMM, Beveridge R. Native mass spectrometry interrogation of complexes formed during targeted protein degradation. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2023; 37:e9604. [PMID: 37817340 PMCID: PMC10909470 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Protein degraders are small molecules that promote cellular degradation of a target protein. Degraders simultaneously bind to their target and an E3 ligase, bringing them into close spatial proximity, but the formation of this ternary complex is difficult to measure with many biophysical techniques. METHODS Native mass spectrometry (nMS) is an effective label-free technique to identify the complexes formed by proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs). It can monitor the formation of ternary E3-PROTAC-target complexes and detect intermediate binary species. Experiments are described using a Synapt G2Si (Waters) equipped with a nano-electrospray ionisation source. RESULTS The protocol describes nMS experiments for measuring the complexes formed by PROTAC molecules. It also describes how to investigate differences in the affinity of PROTAC complexes, whether a PROTAC shows specificity for a given target and whether a PROTAC shows cooperative behaviour. CONCLUSIONS Here, we provide step-by-step instructions for the sample preparation of PROTAC complexes and their nMS interrogation to obtain optimal information on their binding modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikhlas M. M. Ahmed
- Department of Pure and Applied ChemistryUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Rebecca Beveridge
- Department of Pure and Applied ChemistryUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
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42
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Tender GS, Bertozzi CR. Bringing enzymes to the proximity party. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:986-1002. [PMID: 38033727 PMCID: PMC10685825 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00084b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Enzymes are used to treat a wide variety of human diseases, including lysosomal storage disorders, clotting disorders, and cancers. While enzyme therapeutics catalyze highly specific reactions, they often suffer from a lack of cellular or tissue selectivity. Targeting an enzyme to specific disease-driving cells and tissues can mitigate off-target toxicities and provide novel therapeutic avenues to treat otherwise intractable diseases. Targeted enzymes have been used to treat cancer, in which the enzyme is either carefully selected or engineered to reduce on-target off-tumor toxicity, or to treat lysosomal storage disorders in cell types that are not addressed by standard enzyme replacement therapies. In this review, we discuss the different targeted enzyme modalities and comment on the future of these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle S Tender
- Stanford University, Department of Chemistry and Sarafan ChEM-H Stanford CA 94305 USA
| | - Carolyn R Bertozzi
- Stanford University, Department of Chemistry and Sarafan ChEM-H Stanford CA 94305 USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute Stanford CA 94305 USA
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43
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Ouyang M, Feng Y, Chen H, Liu Y, Tan C, Tan Y. Recent Advances in Optically Controlled PROTAC. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1368. [PMID: 38135959 PMCID: PMC10740939 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10121368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology is a groundbreaking therapeutic approach with significant clinical potential for degrading disease-inducing proteins within targeted cells. However, challenges related to insufficient target selectivity raise concerns about PROTAC toxicity toward normal cells. To address this issue, researchers are modifying PROTACs using various approaches to enhance their target specificity. This review highlights innovative optically controlled PROTACs as anti-cancer therapies currently used in clinical practice and explores the challenges associated with their efficacy and safety. The development of optically controlled PROTACs holds the potential to significantly expand the clinical applicability of PROTAC-based technology within the realm of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzi Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ying Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
| | - Hui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yanping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
| | - Chunyan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ying Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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44
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Wang ZQ, Zhang ZC, Wu YY, Pi YN, Lou SH, Liu TB, Lou G, Yang C. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins: biological functions, diseases, and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:420. [PMID: 37926722 PMCID: PMC10625992 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01647-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BET proteins, which influence gene expression and contribute to the development of cancer, are epigenetic interpreters. Thus, BET inhibitors represent a novel form of epigenetic anticancer treatment. Although preliminary clinical trials have shown the anticancer potential of BET inhibitors, it appears that these drugs have limited effectiveness when used alone. Therefore, given the limited monotherapeutic activity of BET inhibitors, their use in combination with other drugs warrants attention, including the meaningful variations in pharmacodynamic activity among chosen drug combinations. In this paper, we review the function of BET proteins, the preclinical justification for BET protein targeting in cancer, recent advances in small-molecule BET inhibitors, and preliminary clinical trial findings. We elucidate BET inhibitor resistance mechanisms, shed light on the associated adverse events, investigate the potential of combining these inhibitors with diverse therapeutic agents, present a comprehensive compilation of synergistic treatments involving BET inhibitors, and provide an outlook on their future prospects as potent antitumor agents. We conclude by suggesting that combining BET inhibitors with other anticancer drugs and innovative next-generation agents holds great potential for advancing the effective targeting of BET proteins as a promising anticancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Zhao-Cong Zhang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yu-Yang Wu
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ya-Nan Pi
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Sheng-Han Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Tian-Bo Liu
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Ge Lou
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
| | - Chang Yang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
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45
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Zhao D, Liu Y, Yi F, Zhao X, Lu K. Recent advances in the development of inhibitors targeting KRAS-G12C and its related pathways. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115698. [PMID: 37542991 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
The RAS gene, also known as the mouse sarcoma virus, includes three genes (KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS) that are associated with human tumors. Among them, KRAS has the highest incidence of mutations in cancer, accounting for around 80% of cases. At the molecular level, the RAS gene plays a regulatory role in transcription and translation, while at the cellular level, it affects cell proliferation and migration, making it crucial for cancer development. In 2021, the FDA approved AMG510, the first direct inhibitor targeting the KRAS-G12C mutation, which has shown tumor regression, prolonged survival, and low off-target activity. However, with the increase of drug resistance, a single inhibitor is no longer sufficient to achieve the desired effect on tumors. Therefore, a large number of other highly efficient inhibitors are being developed at different stages. This article provides an overview of the mechanism of action targeting KRAS-G12C in the KRASGTP-KRASGDP cycle pathway, as well as the structure-activity relationship, structure optimization, and biological activity effects of inhibitors that target the upstream and downstream pathways, or combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqiang Zhao
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Yu Liu
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Fengchao Yi
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- College of Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Structure and Performance for Functional Molecules, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Kui Lu
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
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46
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Zheng H, Li G, Min J, Xu X, Huang W. Lysosome and related protein degradation technologies. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103767. [PMID: 37708931 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103767] [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: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Recently, targeted protein degradation technologies based on lysosomal pathways have been developed. Lysosome-based targeted protein degradation technology has a broad range of substrates and the potential to degrade intracellular and extracellular proteins, protein aggregates, damaged organelles and non-protein molecules. Thus, they hold great promise for drug R&D. This study has focused on the biogenesis of lysosomes, their basic functions, lysosome-associated diseases and targeted protein degradation technologies through the lysosomal pathway. In addition, we thoroughly examine the potential applications and limitations of this technology and engage in insightful discussions on potential avenues for future research. Our primary objective is to foster preclinical research on this technology and facilitate its successful clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Zheng
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Gangjian Li
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Jingli Min
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Xiangwei Xu
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Wenhai Huang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China.
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47
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Tokareva OS, Li K, Travaline TL, Thomson TM, Swiecicki JM, Moussa M, Ramirez JD, Litchman S, Verdine GL, McGee JH. Recognition and reprogramming of E3 ubiquitin ligase surfaces by α-helical peptides. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6992. [PMID: 37914719 PMCID: PMC10620186 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42395-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecules that induce novel interactions between proteins hold great promise for the study of biological systems and the development of therapeutics, but their discovery has been limited by the complexities of rationally designing interactions between three components, and because known binders to each protein are typically required to inform initial designs. Here, we report a general and rapid method for discovering α-helically constrained (Helicon) polypeptides that cooperatively induce the interaction between two target proteins without relying on previously known binders or an intrinsic affinity between the proteins. We show that Helicons are capable of binding every major class of E3 ubiquitin ligases, which are of great biological and therapeutic interest but remain largely intractable to targeting by small molecules. We then describe a phage-based screening method for discovering "trimerizer" Helicons, and apply it to reprogram E3s to cooperatively bind an enzyme (PPIA), a transcription factor (TEAD4), and a transcriptional coactivator (β-catenin).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kunhua Li
- FOG Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
- Kymera Therapeutics, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Jean-Marie Swiecicki
- FOG Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
- Relay Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Gregory L Verdine
- FOG Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard, University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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48
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Suhail M, AlZahrani WM, Shakil S, Tarique M, Tabrez S, Zughaibi TA, Rehan M. Analysis of some flavonoids for inhibitory mechanism against cancer target phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) using computational tool. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1236173. [PMID: 37900167 PMCID: PMC10612336 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1236173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer has been one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide over the past few years. Some progress has been made in the development of more effective cancer therapeutics, resulting in improved survival rates. However, the desired outcome in the form of successful treatment is yet to be achieved. There is high demand for the development of innovative, inexpensive, and effective anticancer treatments using natural resources. Natural compounds have been increasingly discovered and used for cancer therapy owing to their high molecular diversity, novel biofunctionality, and minimal side effects. These compounds can be utilized as chemopreventive agents because they can efficiently inhibit cell growth, control cell cycle progression, and block several tumor-promoting signaling pathways. PI3K is an important upstream protein of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway and a well-established cancer therapeutic target. This study aimed to explore the small molecules, natural flavonoids, viz. quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, genistein, wogonin, daidzein, and flavopiridol for PI3Kγ kinase activity inhibition. In this study, the binding pose, interacting residues, molecular interactions, binding energies, and dissociation constants were investigated. Our results showed that these flavonoids bound well with PI3Kγ with adequate binding strength scores and binding energy ranging from (-8.19 to -8.97 Kcal/mol). Among the explored ligands, flavopiridol showed the highest binding energy of -8.97 Kcal/mol, dock score (-44.40), and dissociation constant term, p K d of 6.58 against PI3Kγ. Based on the above results, the stability of the most promising ligand, flavopiridol, against PI3Kγ was evaluated by molecular dynamics simulations for 200 ns, confirming the stable flavopiridol and PI3Kγ complex. Our study suggests that among the selected flavonoids specifically flavopiridol may act as potential inhibitors of PI3Kγ and could be a therapeutic alternative to inhibit the PI3Kγ pathway, providing new insights into rational drug discovery research for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Suhail
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wejdan M. AlZahrani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shazi Shakil
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Tarique
- Department of Child Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Shams Tabrez
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Torki A. Zughaibi
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Rehan
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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49
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He H, Zhou C, Chen X. ATNC: Versatile Nanobody Chimeras for Autophagic Degradation of Intracellular Unligandable and Undruggable Proteins. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145. [PMID: 37826913 PMCID: PMC10655170 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c08843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) through the autophagy pathway displays broad substrate scope and is gaining increasing interest in biology and medicine. However, current approaches using small-molecule degraders have limitations due to the lack of versatility, modularity, and ease of implementation and are restricted to addressing only ligandable proteins. Herein, we report a nonsmall molecule-based autophagy-targeting nanobody chimera (ATNC), or phagobody, for selective degradation of intracellular targets, which overcomes these limitations. The core of an ATNC features a nanobody for recruiting proteins as well as an autophagic pathway-directing module. ATNC turns out to be a general, modular, and versatile degradation platform. We show that ATNC can be versatilely implemented in different ways including expressed ATNC intrabodies for ease of use, chemically induced proximity (CIP)-operated logic-gated conditional and tunable degradation, and cyclic cell-penetrating peptide-tethered cell-permeable phagobodies that selectively degrade the undruggable therapeutically relevant HE4 protein, resulting in effective suppression of ovarian cancer cell proliferation and migration. Overall, ATNC represents a general, modular, and versatile targeted degradation platform that degrades unligandable proteins and offers therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping He
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology and Frontier Biotechnologies, The HIT Center for
Life Sciences (HCLS), Harbin Institute of
Technology (HIT), Harbin 150001, P. R. China
- School
of Life Science and Technology, HIT, Harbin 150001, P. R. China
| | - Chengjian Zhou
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology and Frontier Biotechnologies, The HIT Center for
Life Sciences (HCLS), Harbin Institute of
Technology (HIT), Harbin 150001, P. R. China
- School
of Life Science and Technology, HIT, Harbin 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xi Chen
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology and Frontier Biotechnologies, The HIT Center for
Life Sciences (HCLS), Harbin Institute of
Technology (HIT), Harbin 150001, P. R. China
- School
of Life Science and Technology, HIT, Harbin 150001, P. R. China
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50
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Li J, Li C, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Wu Z, Liao J, Wang Z, McReynolds M, Xie H, Guo L, Fan Q, Peng J, Tang W. A platform for the rapid synthesis of molecular glues (Rapid-Glue) under miniaturized conditions for direct biological screening. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 258:115567. [PMID: 37390512 PMCID: PMC10529953 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115567] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Molecular glues, functioning via inducing degradation of the target protein while having similar molecular weight as traditional small molecule drugs, are emerging as a promising modality for the development of therapeutic agents. However, the development of molecular glues is limited by the lack of general principles and systematic methods. Not surprisingly, most molecular glues have been identified serendipitously or through phenotypic screening of large libraries. However, the preparation of large and diverse molecular glue libraries is not an easy task and requires extensive resources. We previously developed platforms for rapid synthesis of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that can be used directly for biological screening with minimal resources. Herein, we report a platform of rapid synthesis of molecular glues (Rapid-Glue) via a micromolar scale coupling reaction between hydrazide motif on the E3 ligase ligands and commercially available aldehydes with diverse structures. A pilot library of 1520 compounds is generated under miniaturized conditions in a high throughput manner without any further manipulation including purification after the synthesis. Through this platform, we identified two highly selective GSPT1 molecular glues through direct screening in cell-based assays. Three additional analogues were prepared from readily available starting materials by replacing the hydrolytic labile acylhydrazone linker with a more stable amide linker based on the two hits. All three analogues showed significant GSPT1 degradation activity and two of them possess comparable activity to the corresponding hit. The feasibility of our strategy is thus verified. Further studies by increasing the diversity and size of the library followed by appropriate assays will likely yield distinct molecular glues targeting novel neo-substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyao Li
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Chunrong Li
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhongrui Zhang
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhiping Wu
- Department of Structural Biology, Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Junzhuo Liao
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Structural Biology, Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Meghan McReynolds
- Department of Structural Biology, Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Haibo Xie
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Le Guo
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Qiuhua Fan
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Junmin Peng
- Department of Structural Biology, Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Weiping Tang
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
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