1
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Yu S, Shi T, Li C, Xie C, Wang F, Liu X. Programming DNA Nanoassemblies into Polyvalent Lysosomal Degraders for Potent Degradation of Pathogenic Membrane Proteins. NANO LETTERS 2024. [PMID: 39225423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c03102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Lysosome-targeting chimera (LYTAC) shows great promise for protein-based therapeutics by targeted degradation of disease-associated membrane or extracellular proteins, yet its efficiency is constrained by the limited binding affinity between LYTAC reagents and designated proteins. Here, we established a programmable and multivalent LYTAC system by tandem assembly of DNA into a high-affinity protein degrader, a heterodimer aptamer nanostructure targeting both pathogenic membrane protein and lysosome-targeting receptor (insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor, IGF2R) with adjustable spatial distribution or organization pattern. The DNA-based multivalent LYTACs showed enhanced efficacy in removing immune-checkpoint protein programmable death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in tumor cell membrane that respectively motivated a significant increase in T cell activity and a potent effect on cancer cell growth inhibition. With high programmability and versatility, this multivalent LYTAC system holds considerable promise for realizing protein therapeutics with enhanced activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Yu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Tianhui Shi
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Chenbiao Li
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Chongyu Xie
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Fuan Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing 102209, China
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2
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Bell LE, Bardelle C, Packer MJ, Kastl J, Holdgate GA, Davies G. Characterisation of high throughput screening outputs for small molecule degrader discovery. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2024; 29:100162. [PMID: 38797285 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2024.100162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is an important mechanism carried out by the cellular machinery, one that is gaining momentum as an exploitable strategy for the development of drug-like compounds. Molecules which are able to induce proximity between elusive therapeutic targets of interest and E3 ligases which subsequently leads to proteasomal degradation of the target are beginning to decrease the percentage of the human proteome described as undruggable. Therefore, having the ability to screen for, and understand the mechanism of, such molecules is becoming an increasingly attractive scientific focus. We have established a number of cascade experiments including cell-based assays and orthogonal triage steps to provide annotation to the selectivity and mechanism of action for compounds identified as putative degraders from a primary high throughput screen against a high value oncology target. We will describe our current position, using PROTACs as proof-of-concept, on the analysis of these novel outputs and highlight challenges encountered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillie E Bell
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-BioCenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Catherine Bardelle
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, UK
| | | | - Johanna Kastl
- Assay.Works GmbH, Am Biopark 11, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Geoffrey A Holdgate
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, UK.
| | - Gareth Davies
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, UK
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3
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Robinson SA, Co JA, Banik SM. Molecular glues and induced proximity: An evolution of tools and discovery. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1089-1100. [PMID: 38688281 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.04.001] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Small molecule molecular glues can nucleate protein complexes and rewire interactomes. Molecular glues are widely used as probes for understanding functional proximity at a systems level, and the potential to instigate event-driven pharmacology has motivated their application as therapeutics. Despite advantages such as cell permeability and the potential for low off-target activity, glues are still rare when compared to canonical inhibitors in therapeutic development. Their often simple structure and specific ability to reshape protein-protein interactions pose several challenges for widespread, designer applications. Molecular glue discovery and design campaigns can find inspiration from the fields of synthetic biology and biophysics to mine chemical libraries for glue-like molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steven Mark Banik
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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4
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Jeong J, Usman M, Li Y, Zhou XZ, Lu KP. Pin1-Catalyzed Conformation Changes Regulate Protein Ubiquitination and Degradation. Cells 2024; 13:731. [PMID: 38727267 PMCID: PMC11083468 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The unique prolyl isomerase Pin1 binds to and catalyzes cis-trans conformational changes of specific Ser/Thr-Pro motifs after phosphorylation, thereby playing a pivotal role in regulating the structure and function of its protein substrates. In particular, Pin1 activity regulates the affinity of a substrate for E3 ubiquitin ligases, thereby modulating the turnover of a subset of proteins and coordinating their activities after phosphorylation in both physiological and disease states. In this review, we highlight recent advancements in Pin1-regulated ubiquitination in the context of cancer and neurodegenerative disease. Specifically, Pin1 promotes cancer progression by increasing the stabilities of numerous oncoproteins and decreasing the stabilities of many tumor suppressors. Meanwhile, Pin1 plays a critical role in different neurodegenerative disorders via the regulation of protein turnover. Finally, we propose a novel therapeutic approach wherein the ubiquitin-proteasome system can be leveraged for therapy by targeting pathogenic intracellular targets for TRIM21-dependent degradation using stereospecific antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Jeong
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (J.J.)
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Muhammad Usman
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (J.J.)
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Yitong Li
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (J.J.)
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Xiao Zhen Zhou
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (J.J.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Kun Ping Lu
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (J.J.)
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
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5
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Son S, Song WJ. Programming interchangeable and reversible heterooligomeric protein self-assembly using a bifunctional ligand. Chem Sci 2024; 15:2975-2983. [PMID: 38404387 PMCID: PMC10882485 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05448a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein design for self-assembly allows us to explore the emergence of protein-protein interfaces through various chemical interactions. Heterooligomers, unlike homooligomers, inherently offer a comprehensive range of structural and functional variations. Besides, the macromolecular repertoire and their applications would significantly expand if protein components could be easily interchangeable. This study demonstrates that a rationally designed bifunctional linker containing an enzyme inhibitor and maleimide can guide the formation of diverse protein heterooligomers in an easily applicable and exchangeable manner without extensive sequence optimizations. As proof of concept, we selected four structurally and functionally unrelated proteins, carbonic anhydrase, aldolase, acetyltransferase, and encapsulin, as building block proteins. The combinations of two proteins with the bifunctional linker yielded four two-component heterooligomers with discrete sizes, shapes, and enzyme activities. Besides, the overall size and formation kinetics of the heterooligomers alter upon adding metal chelators, acidic buffer components, and reducing agents, showing the reversibility and tunability in the protein self-assembly. Given that the functional groups of both the linker and protein components are readily interchangeable, our work broadens the scope of protein-assembled architectures and their potential applications as functional biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyeun Son
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Woon Ju Song
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
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6
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Wells JA, Kumru K. Extracellular targeted protein degradation: an emerging modality for drug discovery. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:126-140. [PMID: 38062152 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00833-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has emerged in the past decade as a major new drug modality to remove intracellular proteins with bispecific small molecules that recruit the protein of interest (POI) to an E3 ligase for degradation in the proteasome. Unlike classic occupancy-based drugs, intracellular TPD (iTPD) eliminates the target and works catalytically, and so can be more effective and sustained, with lower dose requirements. Recently, this approach has been expanded to the extracellular proteome, including both secreted and membrane proteins. Extracellular targeted protein degradation (eTPD) uses bispecific antibodies, conjugates or small molecules to degrade extracellular POIs by trafficking them to the lysosome for degradation. Here, we focus on recent advances in eTPD, covering degrader systems, targets, molecular designs and parameters to advance them. Now almost any protein, intracellular or extracellular, is addressable in principle with TPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Wells
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Kaan Kumru
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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7
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Mukerjee N, Maitra S, Sharma R. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras in antiviral therapy: Leveraging influenza virus and exosome-mediated delivery for targeted protein degradation and therapeutic advancements. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22145. [PMID: 38349265 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Nobendu Mukerjee
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
- Department of Health Sciences, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Swastika Maitra
- Department of Microbiology, Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Ayurveda, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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8
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Jin J, He J, Li X, Ni X, Jin X. The role of ubiquitination and deubiquitination in PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway: A potential target for cancer therapy. Gene 2023; 889:147807. [PMID: 37722609 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway controls key cellular processes, including proliferation and tumor progression, and abnormally high activation of this pathway is a hallmark in human cancers. The post-translational modification, such as Ubiquitination and deubiquitination, fine-tuning the protein level and the activity of members in this pathway play a pivotal role in maintaining normal physiological process. Emerging evidence show that the unbalanced ubiquitination/deubiquitination modification leads to human diseases via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the ubiquitination/deubiquitination regulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway may be helpful to uncover the underlying mechanism and improve the potential treatment of cancer via targeting this pathway. Herein, we summarize the latest research progress of ubiquitination and deubiquitination of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, systematically discuss the associated crosstalk between them, as well as focus the clinical transformation via targeting ubiquitination process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabei Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Jian He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Xinming Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Xiaoqi Ni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China.
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9
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Cui Q, Huang C, Liu JY, Zhang JT. Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting the "Undruggable" Survivin: The Past, Present, and Future from a Medicinal Chemist's Perspective. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16515-16545. [PMID: 38092421 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Survivin, a homodimeric protein and a member of the IAP family, plays a vital function in cell survival and cycle progression by interacting with various proteins and complexes. Its expression is upregulated in cancers but not detectable in normal tissues. Thus, it has been regarded and validated as an ideal cancer target. However, survivin is "undruggable" due to its lack of enzymatic activities or active sites for small molecules to bind/inhibit. Academic and industrial laboratories have explored different strategies to overcome this hurdle over the past two decades, with some compounds advanced into clinical testing. These strategies include inhibiting survivin expression, its interaction with binding partners and homodimerization. Here, we provide comprehensive analyses of these strategies and perspective on different small molecule survivin inhibitors to help drug discovery targeting "undruggable" proteins in general and survivin specifically with a true survivin inhibitor that will prevail in the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingbin Cui
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio 43614, United States
| | - Caoqinglong Huang
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio 43614, United States
| | - Jing-Yuan Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio 43614, United States
| | - Jian-Ting Zhang
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio 43614, United States
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10
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Sun Y, Florio TJ, Gupta S, Young MC, Marshall QF, Garfinkle SE, Papadaki GF, Truong HV, Mycek E, Li P, Farrel A, Church NL, Jabar S, Beasley MD, Kiefel BR, Yarmarkovich M, Mallik L, Maris JM, Sgourakis NG. Structural principles of peptide-centric chimeric antigen receptor recognition guide therapeutic expansion. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eadj5792. [PMID: 38039376 PMCID: PMC10782944 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adj5792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Peptide-centric chimeric antigen receptors (PC-CARs) recognize oncoprotein epitopes displayed by cell-surface human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) and offer a promising strategy for targeted cancer therapy. We have previously developed a PC-CAR targeting a neuroblastoma-associated PHOX2B peptide, leading to robust tumor cell lysis restricted by two common HLA allotypes. Here, we determine the 2.1-angstrom crystal structure of the PC-CAR-PHOX2B-HLA-A*24:02-β2m complex, which reveals the basis for antigen-specific recognition through interactions with CAR complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). This PC-CAR adopts a diagonal docking mode, where interactions with both conserved and polymorphic HLA framework residues permit recognition of multiple HLA allotypes from the A9 serological cross-reactive group, covering a combined global population frequency of up to 46.7%. Biochemical binding assays, molecular dynamics simulations, and structural and functional analyses demonstrate that high-affinity PC-CAR recognition of cross-reactive pHLAs necessitates the presentation of a specific peptide backbone, where subtle structural adaptations of the peptide are critical for high-affinity complex formation, and CAR T cell killing. Our results provide a molecular blueprint for engineering CARs with optimal recognition of tumor-associated antigens in the context of different HLAs, while minimizing cross-reactivity with self-epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sun
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tyler J. Florio
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sagar Gupta
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael C. Young
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Quinlen F. Marshall
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Samuel E. Garfinkle
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Georgia F. Papadaki
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hau V. Truong
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emily Mycek
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peiyao Li
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alvin Farrel
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Mark Yarmarkovich
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leena Mallik
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John M. Maris
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nikolaos G. Sgourakis
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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11
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Porta EOJ. Mapping the Evolution of Activity-Based Protein Profiling: A Bibliometric Review. Adv Pharm Bull 2023; 13:639-645. [PMID: 38022804 PMCID: PMC10676541 DOI: 10.34172/apb.2023.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) is a chemoproteomic approach that employs small-molecule probes to directly evaluate protein functionality within complex proteomes. This technology has proven to be a potent strategy for mapping ligandable sites in organisms and has significantly impacted drug discovery processes by enabling the development of highly selective small-molecule inhibitors and the identification of new therapeutic molecular targets. Despite being nearly a quarter of a century old as a chemoproteomic tool, ABPP has yet to undergo a bibliometric analysis. In order to gauge its scholarly impact and evolution, a bibliometric analysis was performed, comparing all 1919 reported articles with the articles published in the last five years. Through a comprehensive data analysis, including a 5-step workflow, the most influential articles were identified, and their bibliometric parameters were determined. The 1919 analyzed articles span from 1999 to 2022, providing a comprehensive overview of the historical and current state of ABPP research. This analysis presents, for the first time, the characteristics of the most influential ABPP articles, offering valuable insight into the research conducted in this field and its potential future directions. The findings underscore the crucial role of ABPP in drug discovery and novel therapeutic target identification, as well as the need for continued advancements in the development of novel chemical probes and proteomic technologies to further expand the utility of ABPP.
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12
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Xie X, Yu T, Li X, Zhang N, Foster LJ, Peng C, Huang W, He G. Recent advances in targeting the "undruggable" proteins: from drug discovery to clinical trials. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:335. [PMID: 37669923 PMCID: PMC10480221 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01589-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Undruggable proteins are a class of proteins that are often characterized by large, complex structures or functions that are difficult to interfere with using conventional drug design strategies. Targeting such undruggable targets has been considered also a great opportunity for treatment of human diseases and has attracted substantial efforts in the field of medicine. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the recent development of drug discovery targeting "undruggable" proteins and their application in clinic. To make this review well organized, we discuss the design strategies targeting the undruggable proteins, including covalent regulation, allosteric inhibition, protein-protein/DNA interaction inhibition, targeted proteins regulation, nucleic acid-based approach, immunotherapy and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tingting Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
| | - Gu He
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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13
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Borutzki Y, Skos L, Gerner C, Meier‐Menches SM. Exploring the Potential of Metal-Based Candidate Drugs as Modulators of the Cytoskeleton. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300178. [PMID: 37345897 PMCID: PMC10946712 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300178] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
During recent years, accumulating evidence suggested that metal-based candidate drugs are promising modulators of cytoskeletal and cytoskeleton-associated proteins. This was substantiated by the identification and validation of actin, vimentin and plectin as targets of distinct ruthenium(II)- and platinum(II)-based modulators. Despite this, structural information about molecular interaction is scarcely available. Here, we compile the scattered reports about metal-based candidate molecules that influence the cytoskeleton, its associated proteins and explore their potential to interfere in cancer-related processes, including proliferation, invasion and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Advances in this field depend crucially on determining binding sites and on gaining comprehensive insight into molecular drug-target interactions. These are key steps towards establishing yet elusive structure-activity relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Borutzki
- Institute of Inorganic ChemistryFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of Vienna1090ViennaAustria
- Department of Analytical ChemistryFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of Vienna1090ViennaAustria
- Doctoral School of ChemistryUniversity of Vienna1090ViennaAustria
| | - Lukas Skos
- Department of Analytical ChemistryFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of Vienna1090ViennaAustria
- Doctoral School of ChemistryUniversity of Vienna1090ViennaAustria
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Department of Analytical ChemistryFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of Vienna1090ViennaAustria
- Joint Metabolome FacilityUniversity of Vienna and Medical University Vienna1090ViennaAustria
| | - Samuel M. Meier‐Menches
- Institute of Inorganic ChemistryFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of Vienna1090ViennaAustria
- Department of Analytical ChemistryFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of Vienna1090ViennaAustria
- Joint Metabolome FacilityUniversity of Vienna and Medical University Vienna1090ViennaAustria
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14
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Xie L, Xie L. Elucidation of genome-wide understudied proteins targeted by PROTAC-induced degradation using interpretable machine learning. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010974. [PMID: 37590332 PMCID: PMC10464998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010974] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are hetero-bifunctional molecules that induce the degradation of target proteins by recruiting an E3 ligase. PROTACs have the potential to inactivate disease-related genes that are considered undruggable by small molecules, making them a promising therapy for the treatment of incurable diseases. However, only a few hundred proteins have been experimentally tested for their amenability to PROTACs, and it remains unclear which other proteins in the entire human genome can be targeted by PROTACs. In this study, we have developed PrePROTAC, an interpretable machine learning model based on a transformer-based protein sequence descriptor and random forest classification. PrePROTAC predicts genome-wide targets that can be degraded by CRBN, one of the E3 ligases. In the benchmark studies, PrePROTAC achieved a ROC-AUC of 0.81, an average precision of 0.84, and over 40% sensitivity at a false positive rate of 0.05. When evaluated by an external test set which comprised proteins from different structural folds than those in the training set, the performance of PrePROTAC did not drop significantly, indicating its generalizability. Furthermore, we developed an embedding SHapley Additive exPlanations (eSHAP) method, which extends conventional SHAP analysis for original features to an embedding space through in silico mutagenesis. This method allowed us to identify key residues in the protein structure that play critical roles in PROTAC activity. The identified key residues were consistent with existing knowledge. Using PrePROTAC, we identified over 600 novel understudied proteins that are potentially degradable by CRBN and proposed PROTAC compounds for three novel drug targets associated with Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xie
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Lei Xie
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Ph.D. Program in Computer Science, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer’s Disease Research Institute, Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York City, New York, United States of America
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15
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Tang R, Wang Z, Xiang S, Wang L, Yu Y, Wang Q, Deng Q, Hou T, Sun H. Uncovering the Kinetic Characteristics and Degradation Preference of PROTAC Systems with Advanced Theoretical Analyses. JACS AU 2023; 3:1775-1789. [PMID: 37388700 PMCID: PMC10301679 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00195] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which can selectively induce the degradation of target proteins, represent an attractive technology in drug discovery. A large number of PROTACs have been reported, but due to the complicated structural and kinetic characteristics of the target-PROTAC-E3 ligase ternary interaction process, the rational design of PROTACs is still quite challenging. Here, we characterized and analyzed the kinetic mechanism of MZ1, a PROTAC that targets the bromodomain (BD) of the bromodomain and extra terminal (BET) protein (Brd2, Brd3, or Brd4) and von Hippel-Lindau E3 ligase (VHL), from the kinetic and thermodynamic perspectives of view by using enhanced sampling simulations and free energy calculations. The simulations yielded satisfactory predictions on the relative residence time and standard binding free energy (rp > 0.9) for MZ1 in different BrdBD-MZ1-VHL ternary complexes. Interestingly, the simulation of the PROTAC ternary complex disintegration illustrates that MZ1 tends to remain on the surface of VHL with the BD proteins dissociating alone without a specific dissociation direction, indicating that the PROTAC prefers more to bind with E3 ligase at the first step in the formation of the target-PROTAC-E3 ligase ternary complex. Further exploration of the degradation difference of MZ1 in different Brd systems shows that the PROTAC with higher degradation efficiency tends to leave more lysine exposed on the target protein, which is guaranteed by the stability (binding affinity) and durability (residence time) of the target-PROTAC-E3 ligase ternary complex. It is quite possible that the underlying binding characteristics of the BrdBD-MZ1-VHL systems revealed by this study may be shared by different PROTAC systems as a general rule, which may accelerate rational PROTAC design with higher degradation efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfan Tang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical
University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Innovation
Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University,
College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang
University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Sutong Xiang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical
University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical
University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical
University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Qinghua Wang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical
University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Qirui Deng
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical
University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Tingjun Hou
- Innovation
Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University,
College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang
University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Huiyong Sun
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical
University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, P. R. China
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16
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Gao J, Yang L, Lei S, Zhou F, Nie H, Peng B, Xu T, Chen X, Yang X, Sheng C, Rao Y, Pu K, Jin J, Xu Z, Yu H. Stimuli-activatable PROTACs for precise protein degradation and cancer therapy. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2023; 68:1069-1085. [PMID: 37169612 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) approach has attracted extensive attention in the past decade, which represents an emerging therapeutic modality with the potential to tackle disease-causing proteins that are historically challengeable for conventional small molecular inhibitors. PROTAC harnesses the endogenic E3 ubiquitin ligase to degrade protein of interest (POI) via ubiquitin-proteasome system in a cycle-catalytic manner. The event-driven pharmacology of PROTAC is poised to pursue those targets that are conventionally undruggable, which enormously extends the space of drug development. Furthermore, PROTAC has the potential to address drug resistance of small molecular inhibitors by degrading the whole POI. Nevertheless, PROTACs display high-efficiency and always-on properties to degrade POI, they may cause severe side effects due to an "on-target but off-tissue" protein degradation profile at the undesirable tissues and cells. Given that, the stimuli-activatable PROTAC prodrugs have been recently exploited to confine precise protein degradation of the favorable targets, which may conquer the adverse effects of PROTAC due to uncontrollable protein degradation. Herein, we summarized the cutting-edge advances of the stimuli-activatable PROTAC prodrugs. We also overviewed the progress of PROTAC prodrug-based nanomedicine to improve PROTAC delivery to the tumors and precise POI degradation in the targeted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Gao
- Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shumin Lei
- Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Huijun Nie
- Center of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Information Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tianfeng Xu
- Center of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- Center of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Xiaobao Yang
- Gluetacs Therapeutics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yu Rao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Kanyi Pu
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York NY 10029, USA
| | - Zhiai Xu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Haijun Yu
- Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
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17
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Sun Y, Florio TJ, Gupta S, Young MC, Marshall QF, Garfinkle SE, Papadaki GF, Truong HV, Mycek E, Li P, Farrel A, Church NL, Jabar S, Beasley MD, Kiefel BR, Yarmarkovich M, Mallik L, Maris JM, Sgourakis NG. Structural principles of peptide-centric Chimeric Antigen Receptor recognition guide therapeutic expansion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.24.542108. [PMID: 37292750 PMCID: PMC10245919 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.24.542108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Peptide-Centric Chimeric Antigen Receptors (PC-CARs), which recognize oncoprotein epitopes displayed by human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) on the cell surface, offer a promising strategy for targeted cancer therapy 1 . We have previously developed a PC-CAR targeting a neuroblastoma- associated PHOX2B peptide, leading to robust tumor cell lysis restricted by two common HLA allotypes 2 . Here, we determine the 2.1 Å structure of the PC-CAR:PHOX2B/HLA-A*24:02/β2m complex, which reveals the basis for antigen-specific recognition through interactions with CAR complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). The PC-CAR adopts a diagonal docking mode, where interactions with both conserved and polymorphic HLA framework residues permit recognition of multiple HLA allotypes from the A9 serological cross-reactivity group, covering a combined American population frequency of up to 25.2%. Comprehensive characterization using biochemical binding assays, molecular dynamics simulations, and structural and functional analyses demonstrate that high-affinity PC-CAR recognition of cross-reactive pHLAs necessitates the presentation of a specific peptide backbone, where subtle structural adaptations of the peptide are critical for high-affinity complex formation and CAR-T cell killing. Our results provide a molecular blueprint for engineering CARs with optimal recognition of tumor-associated antigens in the context of different HLAs, while minimizing cross-reactivity with self-epitopes.
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18
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Sobhia ME, Kumar H, Kumari S. Bifunctional robots inducing targeted protein degradation. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 255:115384. [PMID: 37119667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The gaining importance of Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) and PROTACs (PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras) have drawn the scientific community's attention. PROTACs are considered bifunctional robots owing to their avidity for the protein of interest (POI) and E3-ligase, which induce the ubiquitination of POI. These molecules are based on event-driven pharmacology and are applicable in different conditions such as oncology, antiviral, neurodegenerative disease, acne etc., offering tremendous scope to researchers. In this review, primarily, we attempted to compile the recent works available in the literature on PROTACs for various targeted proteins. We summarized the design and development strategies with a focus on molecular information of protein residues and linker design. Rationalization of the ternary complex formation using Artificial Intelligence including machine & deep learning models and traditionally followed computational tools are also included in this study. Moreover, details describing the optimization of PROTACs chemistry and pharmacokinetic properties are added. Advanced PROTAC designs and targeting complex proteins, is summed up to cover the wide spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Elizabeth Sobhia
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India.
| | - Harish Kumar
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India
| | - Sonia Kumari
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India
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19
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Sharma C, Donu D, Curry AM, Barton E, Cen Y. Multifunctional activity-based chemical probes for sirtuins. RSC Adv 2023; 13:11771-11781. [PMID: 37063743 PMCID: PMC10103746 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra02133e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The sirtuin family of NAD+-dependent protein deacylases has gained significant attention during the last two decades, owing to their unique enzymatic activities as well as their critical roles in a broad array of cellular events. Innovative chemical probes are heavily pursued for the functional annotation and pharmacological perturbation of this group of "eraser" enzymes. We have developed several series of activity-based chemical probes (ABPs) to interrogate the functional state of active sirtuins in complex biological samples. They feature a simple Ala-Ala-Lys tripeptide backbone with a thioacyl "warhead", a photoaffinity group (benzophenone or diazirine), and a bioorthogonal group (terminal alkyne or azido) for conjugation to reporters. When applied in a comparative fashion, these probes reveal the changes of active sirtuin contents under different physiological conditions. Additionally, they can also be utilized in a competitive manner for inhibitor discovery. The Nobel-winning "click" conjugation to a fluorophore allows the visualization of the active enzymes, while the covalent adduct to a biotin leads to the affinity capture of the protein of interest. Furthermore, the "clickable" tag enables the easy access to proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that effectively degrade human SIRT2 in HEK293 cells, albeit at micromolar concentrations. These small molecule probes offer unprecedented opportunities to investigate the biological functions and physiological relevance of the sirtuin family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiranjeev Sharma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA 23219 USA +1-804-828-7405
| | - Dickson Donu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA 23219 USA +1-804-828-7405
| | - Alyson M Curry
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA 23219 USA +1-804-828-7405
| | - Elizabeth Barton
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA 23219 USA +1-804-828-7405
| | - Yana Cen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA 23219 USA +1-804-828-7405
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA 23219 USA
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20
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Emerging Strategies in Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs): Highlights from 2022. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065190. [PMID: 36982263 PMCID: PMC10049114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is a promising therapeutic modality that has garnered attention in academic, industrial, and pharmaceutical research for treating diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammation, and viral infections. In this context, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) present a reliable technology for degrading disease-causing proteins. PROTACs complement small-molecule inhibitors, which primarily rely on direct protein regulation. From concept-to-clinic, PROTACs have evolved from cell impermeable peptide molecules to orally bioavailable drugs. Despite their potential in medicinal chemistry, certain aspects regarding PROTACs remain unclear. The clinical significance of PROTACs is primarily limited owing to their lack of selectivity and drug-like properties. This review focused on recently reported PROTAC strategies, particularly in 2022. It aimed to address and overcome the challenges posed by classical PROTACs by correlating them with emerging approaches with improved selectivity and controllability, cell permeability, linker flexibility, druggability, and PROTAC-based approaches, developed in 2022. Furthermore, recently reported PROTAC-based approaches are discussed, highlighting each of their advantages and limitations. We predict that several improved PROTAC molecules will be accessible for treating patients exhibiting various conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammation, and viral infections.
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21
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Xie L, Xie L. Elucidation of Genome-wide Understudied Proteins targeted by PROTAC-induced degradation using Interpretable Machine Learning. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.23.529828. [PMID: 36865212 PMCID: PMC9980153 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.23.529828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are hetero-bifunctional molecules. They induce the degradation of a target protein by recruiting an E3 ligase to the target. The PROTAC can inactivate disease-related genes that are considered as understudied, thus has a great potential to be a new type of therapy for the treatment of incurable diseases. However, only hundreds of proteins have been experimentally tested if they are amenable to the PROTACs. It remains elusive what other proteins can be targeted by the PROTAC in the entire human genome. For the first time, we have developed an interpretable machine learning model PrePROTAC, which is based on a transformer-based protein sequence descriptor and random forest classification to predict genome-wide PROTAC-induced targets degradable by CRBN, one of the E3 ligases. In the benchmark studies, PrePROTAC achieved ROC-AUC of 0.81, PR-AUC of 0.84, and over 40% sensitivity at a false positive rate of 0.05, respectively. Furthermore, we developed an embedding SHapley Additive exPlanations (eSHAP) method to identify positions in the protein structure, which play key roles in the PROTAC activity. The key residues identified were consistent with our existing knowledge. We applied PrePROTAC to identify more than 600 novel understudied proteins that are potentially degradable by CRBN, and proposed PROTAC compounds for three novel drug targets associated with Alzheimer's disease. Author Summary Many human diseases remain incurable because disease-causing genes cannot by selectively and effectively targeted by small molecules. Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC), an organic compound that binds to both a target and a degradation-mediating E3 ligase, has emerged as a promising approach to selectively target disease-driving genes that are not druggable by small molecules. Nevertheless, not all of proteins can be accommodated by E3 ligases, and be effectively degraded. Knowledge on the degradability of a protein will be crucial for the design of PROTACs. However, only hundreds of proteins have been experimentally tested if they are amenable to the PROTACs. It remains elusive what other proteins can be targeted by the PROTAC in the entire human genome. In this paper, we propose an intepretable machine learning model PrePROTAC that takes advantage of powerful protein language modeling. PrePROTAC achieves high accuracy when evaluated by an external dataset which comes from different gene families from the proteins in the training data, suggesting the generalizability of PrePROTAC. We apply PrePROTAC to the human genome, and identify more than 600 understudied proteins that are potentially responsive to the PROTAC. Furthermore, we design three PROTAC compounds for novel drug targets associated with Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xie
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Lei Xie
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, 10065, USA
- Ph.D. Program in Computer Science, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, 10016, USA
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer’s Disease Research Institute, Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, 10021, USA
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22
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Cassidy K, Zhao H. Redefining the Scope of Targeted Protein Degradation: Translational Opportunities in Hijacking the Autophagy-Lysosome Pathway. Biochemistry 2023; 62:580-587. [PMID: 34569233 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The advent of multi-specific targeted protein degradation (TPD) therapies has made it possible to drug targets that have long been considered to be inaccessible. For this reason, the foremost TPD modalities - molecular glues and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) -have been widely adopted and developed in therapeutic programs across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. While there are many clear advantages to these two approaches, there are also blind spots. Specifically, PROTACs and molecular glues are inherently mechanistically analogous in that targets of both are degraded via the 26s proteasome; however, not all disease-relevant targets are suitable for ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS)-mediated degradation. The alternative mammalian protein degradation pathway, the autophagy-lysosome system (or ALS), is capable of degrading targets that elude the UPS such as long-lived proteins, insoluble protein aggregates, and even abnormal organelles. Emerging TPD strategies- such as ATTEC, AUTAC, and LYTAC- take advantage of the substrate diversity of the ALS to greatly expand the clinical utility of TPD. In this Perspective, we will discuss the array of current TPD modalities, with a focus on critical evaluation of these novel ALS-mediated degradation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Cassidy
- Discovery Biology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Heng Zhao
- Discovery Biology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
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23
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Emerging TACnology: Heterobifunctional Small Molecule Inducers of Targeted Posttranslational Protein Modifications. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28020690. [PMID: 36677746 PMCID: PMC9867477 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) play an important role in cell signaling and they are often deregulated in disease. This review addresses recent advances in the development of heterobifunctional small molecules that enable targeting or hijacking PTMs. This emerging field is spearheaded by proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), that induce ubiquitination of their targets and, thus, tag them for degradation by the proteasome. Within the last decade, several improvements have been made to enhance spatiotemporal control of PROTAC-induced degradation as well as cell permeability. Inspired by the success story of PROTACs, additional concepts based on chimeric small molecules have emerged such as phosphatase-recruiting chimeras (PhoRCs). Herein, an overview of strategies causing (de-)phosphorylation, deubiquitination as well as acetylation is provided, and the opportunities and challenges of heterobifunctional molecules for drug discovery are highlighted. Although significant progress has been achieved, a plethora of PTMs have not yet been covered and PTM-inducing chimeras will be helpful tools for chemical biology and could even find application in pharmacotherapy.
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24
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Zhai F, Wang J, Yang W, Ye M, Jin X. The E3 Ligases in Cervical Cancer and Endometrial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5354. [PMID: 36358773 PMCID: PMC9658772 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial (EC) and cervical (CC) cancers are the most prevalent malignancies of the female reproductive system. There is a global trend towards increasing incidence and mortality, with a decreasing age trend. E3 ligases label substrates with ubiquitin to regulate their activity and stability and are involved in various cellular functions. Studies have confirmed abnormal expression or mutations of E3 ligases in EC and CC, indicating their vital roles in the occurrence and progression of EC and CC. This paper provides an overview of the E3 ligases implicated in EC and CC and discusses their underlying mechanism. In addition, this review provides research advances in the target of ubiquitination processes in EC and CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengguang Zhai
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jie Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Weili Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315040, China
| | - Meng Ye
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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25
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Salerno A, Seghetti F, Caciolla J, Uliassi E, Testi E, Guardigni M, Roberti M, Milelli A, Bolognesi ML. Enriching Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras with a Second Modality: When Two Are Better Than One. J Med Chem 2022; 65:9507-9530. [PMID: 35816671 PMCID: PMC9340767 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC)-mediated protein degradation has prompted a radical rethink and is at a crucial stage in driving a drug discovery transition. To fully harness the potential of this technology, a growing paradigm toward enriching PROTACs with other therapeutic modalities has been proposed. Could researchers successfully combine two modalities to yield multifunctional PROTACs with an expanded profile? In this Perspective, we try to answer this question. We discuss how this possibility encompasses different approaches, leading to multitarget PROTACs, light-controllable PROTACs, PROTAC conjugates, and macrocycle- and oligonucleotide-based PROTACs. This possibility promises to further enhance PROTAC efficacy and selectivity, minimize side effects, and hit undruggable targets. While PROTACs have reached the clinical investigation stage, additional steps must be taken toward the translational development of multifunctional PROTACs. A deeper and detailed understanding of the most critical challenges is required to fully exploit these opportunities and decisively enrich the PROTAC toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Salerno
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Seghetti
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Jessica Caciolla
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Uliassi
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleonora Testi
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Melissa Guardigni
- Department
for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum
- University of Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Marinella Roberti
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Milelli
- Department
for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum
- University of Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bolognesi
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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26
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Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 6 n-Terminal-like Protein (USP6NL) and the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Signaling Axis Regulates Ubiquitin-Mediated DNA Repair and Temozolomide-Resistance in Glioblastoma. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071531. [PMID: 35884836 PMCID: PMC9312792 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant glioma, with a 30–60% epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. This mutation is associated with unrestricted cell growth and increases the possibility of cancer invasion. Patients with EGFR-mutated GBM often develop resistance to the available treatment modalities and higher recurrence rates. The drug resistance observed is associated with multiple genetic or epigenetic factors. The ubiquitin-specific protease 6 N-terminal-like protein (USP6NL) is a GTPase-activating protein that functions as a deubiquitinating enzyme and regulates endocytosis and signal transduction. It is highly expressed in many cancer types and may promote the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. We hypothesized that USP6NL affects GBM chemoresistance and tumorigenesis, and that its inhibition may be a novel therapeutic strategy for GBM treatment. The USP6NL level, together with EGFR expression in human GBM tissue samples and cell lines associated with therapy resistance, tumor growth, and cancer invasion, were investigated. Its pivotal roles and potential mechanism in modulating tumor growth, and the key mechanism associated with therapy resistance of GBM cells, were studied, both in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we found that deubiquitinase USP6NL and growth factor receptor EGFR were strongly associated with the oncogenicity and resistance of GBM, both in vitro and in vivo, toward temozolomide, as evidenced by enhanced migration, invasion, and acquisition of a highly invasive and drug-resistant phenotype by the GBM cells. Furthermore, abrogation of USP6NL reversed the properties of GBM cells and resensitized them toward temozolomide by enhancing autophagy and reducing the DNA damage repair response. Our results provide novel insights into the probable mechanism through which USP6NL/EGFR signaling might suppress the anticancer therapeutic response, induce cancer invasiveness, and facilitate reduced sensitivity to temozolomide treatment in GBM in an autolysosome-dependent manner. Therefore, controlling the USP6NL may offer an alternative, but efficient, therapeutic strategy for targeting and eradicating otherwise resistant and recurrent phenotypes of aggressive GBM cells.
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Jimenez DG, Sebastiano MR, Caron G, Ermondi G. Are we ready to design oral PROTACs®? ADMET AND DMPK 2022; 9:243-254. [PMID: 35300370 PMCID: PMC8920102 DOI: 10.5599/admet.1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PROTACs® are expected to strongly impact the future of drug discovery. Therefore, in this work we firstly performed a statistical study to highlight the distribution of E3 ligases and POIs collected in PROTAC-DB, the main online database focused on degraders. Moreover, since the emerging technology of protein degradation deals with large and complex chemical structures, the second part of the paper focuses on how to set up a property-based design strategy to obtain oral degraders. For this purpose, we calculated a pool of seven previously ad hoc selected 2D descriptors for the 2258 publicly available degraders in PROTAC-DB (average values: MW= 972.9 Da, nC= 49.5, NAR= 4.5, PHI= 17.3, nHDon= 4.5, nHAcc= 17.7 and TPSA= 240 Å2) and compared them to a dataset of 50 bRo5 orally approved drugs. Then, a chemical space based on nC, PHI and TPSA was built and subregions with optimal permeability and bioavailability were identified. Bioavailable degraders (ARV-110 and ARV-471) tend to be closer to the Ro5 region, using mainly semi-rigid linkers. Permeable degraders, on the other hand, are placed in an average central region of the chemical space but chameleonicity could allow them to be located closer to the two Arvinas compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Garcia Jimenez
- University of Torino, Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences Dept., CASSMedChem, via Quarello 15, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Matteo Rossi Sebastiano
- University of Torino, Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences Dept., CASSMedChem, via Quarello 15, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Caron
- University of Torino, Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences Dept., CASSMedChem, via Quarello 15, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ermondi
- University of Torino, Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences Dept., CASSMedChem, via Quarello 15, 10135 Torino, Italy
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Zhao P, Liu S, Koriath AT, Gao X. Partial Magneto-Endosomalysis for Cytosolic Delivery of Antibodies. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:363-368. [PMID: 35098715 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Modulation of protein functions and interactions is the most direct and effective means to intervene in cellular processes and pathogenesis. The majority of the critical intracellular signaling pathways, however, are considered undruggable using small molecules. In this regard, antibodies are superior in structural and functional diversity and are significantly easier to raise compared to the screening of small molecules. Despite these advantages, the uses of antibodies in live cells (either as an imaging agent or as a therapeutic compound) are substantially undermined, only acting on extracellular targets. The inability of targeting intracellular proteins is because of a fundamental issue: antibodies enter cells through endocytosis where the vast majority are trapped in endosomes for degradation. Here, we report a nanoparticle self-assembly strategy enabling antibody endosomal escape. We demonstrate the intracellular bioavailability of antibodies and the preserved binding specificity to their cytosolic targets. This technology is simple and opens exciting opportunities for live-cell imaging, therapeutics development, and cell engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Avenue Northeast, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Sangmo Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Avenue Northeast, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Alexandra True Koriath
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Avenue Northeast, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Xiaohu Gao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Avenue Northeast, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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29
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Li Y, Glass Z, Xu Q. Chemical Modification of Proteins and Their Intracellular Delivery Using Lipidoid Nanoparticles. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2394:555-573. [PMID: 35094346 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1811-0_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based therapeutics are a class of drugs considered to be one of most safe and straightforward approaches for manipulating cell function and treating diseases. However, in contrast to traditional small-molecule drugs, most protein drugs cannot easily pass through biological membrane barriers due to their large size and surface chemistry. Consequently, most of the current FDA approved protein pharmaceuticals target secreted domains or cell surface-bound receptors, for which the drug does not need to pass through the cell membrane. Effective delivery systems that can transport functionally intact protein molecules to their intracellular targets can contribute to further expanding the therapeutic modalities of protein-based drugs. Furthermore, proteins themselves can be engineered, either to facilitate their interaction with the delivery system, or to improve their specificity and efficacy upon intracellular delivery. Both physical and biochemical methods have been developed for intracellular protein delivery and each strategy has its own advantages and drawbacks. We describe here the methods of chemical modification of therapeutic proteins in combination of the lipid-like molecules or lipidoids to enhance their intracellular delivery efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamin Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Zachary Glass
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Qiaobing Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA.
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30
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Samarasinghe KTG, An E, Genuth MA, Chu L, Holley SA, Crews CM. OligoTRAFTACs: A generalizable method for transcription factor degradation. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:1144-1153. [PMID: 36128504 PMCID: PMC9428672 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00138a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted transcription factor degradation using oligonucleotide-based transcription factor targeting chimeras (TRAFTACs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kusal T. G. Samarasinghe
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Elvira An
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Miriam A. Genuth
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Ling Chu
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Scott A. Holley
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Craig M. Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
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31
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Hershman RL, Li Y, Ma F, Xu Q, Van Deventer J. Intracellular Delivery of Antibodies for Selective Cell Signaling Interference. ChemMedChem 2021; 17:e202100678. [PMID: 34890114 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100678] [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: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Many intracellular signaling events remain poorly characterized due to a general lack of tools to interfere with "undruggable" targets. Antibodies have the potential to elucidate intracellular mechanisms via targeted disruption of cell signaling cascades because of their ability to bind to a target with high specificity and affinity. However, due to their size and chemical composition, antibodies cannot innately cross the cell membrane, and thus access to the cytosol with these macromolecules has been limited. Here, we describe strategies for accessing the intracellular space with recombinant antibodies mediated by cationic lipid nanoparticles to selectively disrupt intracellular signaling events. Together, our results demonstrate the use of recombinantly produced antibodies, delivered at concentrations of 10 nM, to selectively interfere with signaling driven by a single posttranslational modification. Efficient intracellular delivery of engineered antibodies opens up possibilities for modulation of previously "undruggable" targets, including for potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yamin Li
- Tufts University, Biomedical Engineering, UNITED STATES
| | - Feihe Ma
- Tufts University, Biomedical Engineering, UNITED STATES
| | - Qioabing Xu
- Tufts University, Biomedical Engineering, UNITED STATES
| | - James Van Deventer
- Tufts University, Chemical and Biological Engineering, 4 Colby St. Room 148, 02155, Medford, UNITED STATES
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Killing by Degradation: Regulation of Apoptosis by the Ubiquitin-Proteasome-System. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123465. [PMID: 34943974 PMCID: PMC8700063 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is a cell suicide process that is essential for development, tissue homeostasis and human health. Impaired apoptosis is associated with a variety of human diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmunity and cancer. As the levels of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins can determine the life or death of cells, tight regulation of these proteins is critical. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is essential for maintaining protein turnover, which can either trigger or inhibit apoptosis. In this review, we will describe the E3 ligases that regulate the levels of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins and assisting proteins that regulate the levels of these E3 ligases. We will provide examples of apoptotic cell death modulations using the UPS, determined by positive and negative feedback loop reactions. Specifically, we will review how the stability of p53, Bcl-2 family members and IAPs (Inhibitor of Apoptosis proteins) are regulated upon initiation of apoptosis. As increased levels of oncogenes and decreased levels of tumor suppressor proteins can promote tumorigenesis, targeting these pathways offers opportunities to develop novel anti-cancer therapies, which act by recruiting the UPS for the effective and selective killing of cancer cells.
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33
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Takács G, Sándor M, Szalai Z, Kiss R, Balogh GT. Analysis of the uncharted, druglike property space by self-organizing maps. Mol Divers 2021; 26:2427-2441. [PMID: 34709525 PMCID: PMC9532340 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-021-10343-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Physicochemical properties are fundamental to predict the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior of drug candidates. Easily calculated descriptors such as molecular weight and logP have been found to correlate with the success rate of clinical trials. These properties have been previously shown to highlight a sweet-spot in the chemical space associated with favorable pharmacokinetics, which is superior against other regions during hit identification and optimization. In this study, we applied self-organizing maps (SOMs) trained on sixteen calculated properties of a subset of known drugs for the analysis of commercially available compound databases, as well as public biological and chemical databases frequently used for drug discovery. Interestingly, several regions of the property space have been identified that are highly overrepresented by commercially available chemical libraries, while we found almost completely unoccupied regions of the maps (commercially neglected chemical space resembling the properties of known drugs). Moreover, these underrepresented portions of the chemical space are compatible with most rigorous property filters applied by the pharma industry in medicinal chemistry optimization programs. Our results suggest that SOMs may be directly utilized in the strategy of library design for drug discovery to sample previously unexplored parts of the chemical space to aim at yet-undruggable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Takács
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Process Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rakpart 3, Budapest, 1111, Hungary
- Mcule.com Kft, Bartók Béla út 105-113, Budapest, 1115, Hungary
| | - Márk Sándor
- Mcule.com Kft, Bartók Béla út 105-113, Budapest, 1115, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szalai
- Mcule.com Kft, Bartók Béla út 105-113, Budapest, 1115, Hungary
| | - Róbert Kiss
- Mcule.com Kft, Bartók Béla út 105-113, Budapest, 1115, Hungary.
| | - György T Balogh
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Process Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rakpart 3, Budapest, 1111, Hungary.
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, 6720, Hungary.
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34
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Chakraborty R, Chatterjee P, Dave JM, Ostriker AC, Greif DM, Rzucidlo EM, Martin KA. Targeting smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching in vascular disease. JVS Vasc Sci 2021; 2:79-94. [PMID: 34617061 PMCID: PMC8489222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvssci.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The phenotypic plasticity of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is central to vessel growth and remodeling, but also contributes to cardiovascular pathologies. New technologies including fate mapping, single cell transcriptomics, and genetic and pharmacologic inhibitors have provided fundamental new insights into the biology of VSMC. The goal of this review is to summarize the mechanisms underlying VSMC phenotypic modulation and how these might be targeted for therapeutic benefit. Methods We summarize findings from extensive literature searches to highlight recent discoveries in the mechanisms underlying VSMC phenotypic switching with particular relevance to intimal hyperplasia. PubMed was searched for publications between January 2001 and December 2020. Search terms included VSMCs, restenosis, intimal hyperplasia, phenotypic switching or modulation, and drug-eluting stents. We sought to highlight druggable pathways as well as recent landmark studies in phenotypic modulation. Results Lineage tracing methods have determined that a small number of mature VSMCs dedifferentiate to give rise to oligoclonal lesions in intimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis and aneurysm, single cell transcriptomics reveal a striking diversity of phenotypes that can arise from these VSMCs. Mechanistic studies continue to identify new pathways that influence VSMC phenotypic plasticity. We review the mechanisms by which the current drug-eluting stent agents prevent restenosis and note remaining challenges in peripheral and diabetic revascularization for which new approaches would be beneficial. We summarize findings on new epigenetic (DNA methylation/TET methylcytosine dioxygenase 2, histone deacetylation, bromodomain proteins), transcriptional (Hippo/Yes-associated protein, peroxisome proliferator-activity receptor-gamma, Notch), and β3-integrin-mediated mechanisms that influence VSMC phenotypic modulation. Pharmacologic and genetic targeting of these pathways with agents including ascorbic acid, histone deacetylase or bromodomain inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, and integrin inhibitors suggests potential therapeutic value in the setting of intimal hyperplasia. Conclusions Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie the remarkable plasticity of VSMCs may lead to novel approaches to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease and restenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Chakraborty
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Payel Chatterjee
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Jui M Dave
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.,Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Allison C Ostriker
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Daniel M Greif
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.,Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Eva M Rzucidlo
- Department Surgery, Section of Vascular Surgery, McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence, SC
| | - Kathleen A Martin
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
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35
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Stephens EA, Ludwicki MB, Meksiriporn B, Li M, Ye T, Monticello C, Forsythe KJ, Kummer L, Zhou P, Plückthun A, DeLisa MP. Engineering Single Pan-Specific Ubiquibodies for Targeted Degradation of All Forms of Endogenous ERK Protein Kinase. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:2396-2408. [PMID: 34399052 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquibodies (uAbs) are a customizable proteome editing technology that utilizes E3 ubiquitin ligases genetically fused to synthetic binding proteins to steer otherwise stable proteins of interest (POIs) to the 26S proteasome for degradation. The ability of engineered uAbs to accelerate the turnover of exogenous or endogenous POIs in a post-translational manner offers a simple yet robust tool for dissecting diverse functional properties of cellular proteins as well as for expanding the druggable proteome to include tumorigenic protein families that have yet-to-be successfully drugged by conventional inhibitors. Here, we describe the engineering of uAbs composed of human carboxyl-terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein (CHIP), a highly modular human E3 ubiquitin ligase, tethered to differently designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) that bind to nonphosphorylated (inactive) and/or doubly phosphorylated (active) forms of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Two of the resulting uAbs were found to be global ERK degraders, pan-specifically capturing all endogenous ERK1/2 protein forms and redirecting them to the proteasome for degradation in different cell lines, including MCF7 breast cancer cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate how the substrate specificity of an E3 ubiquitin ligase can be reprogrammed to generate designer uAbs against difficult-to-drug targets, enabling a modular platform for remodeling the mammalian proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin A Stephens
- Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Morgan B Ludwicki
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Bunyarit Meksiriporn
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Mingji Li
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Tianzheng Ye
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Connor Monticello
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Katherine J Forsythe
- College of Arts and Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Lutz Kummer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Pengbo Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Joan and Stanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Matthew P DeLisa
- Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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36
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Yokoo H, Ohoka N, Takyo M, Ito T, Tsuchiya K, Kurohara T, Fukuhara K, Inoue T, Naito M, Demizu Y. Peptide Stapling Improves the Sustainability of a Peptide-Based Chimeric Molecule That Induces Targeted Protein Degradation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168772. [PMID: 34445478 PMCID: PMC8396023 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based target protein degradation inducers called PROTACs/SNIPERs have low cell penetrability and poor intracellular stability as drawbacks. These shortcomings can be overcome by easily modifying these peptides by conjugation with cell penetrating peptides and side-chain stapling. In this study, we succeeded in developing the stapled peptide stPERML-R7, which is based on the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-binding peptide PERML and composed of natural amino acids. stPERML-R7, which includes a hepta-arginine motif and a hydrocarbon stapling moiety, showed increased α-helicity and similar binding affinity toward ERα when compared with those of the parent peptide PERML. Furthermore, we used stPERML-R7 to develop a peptide-based degrader LCL-stPERML-R7 targeting ERα by conjugating stPERML-R7 with a small molecule LCL161 (LCL) that recruits the E3 ligase IAPs to induce proteasomal degradation via ubiquitylation. The chimeric peptide LCL-stPERML-R7 induced sustained degradation of ERα and potently inhibited ERα-mediated transcription more effectively than the unstapled chimera LCL-PERML-R7. These results suggest that a stapled structure is effective in maintaining the intracellular activity of peptide-based degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetomo Yokoo
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan; (H.Y.); (M.T.); (T.I.); (K.T.); (T.K.)
- Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 606-0823, Japan
| | - Nobumichi Ohoka
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan; (N.O.); (T.I.)
| | - Mami Takyo
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan; (H.Y.); (M.T.); (T.I.); (K.T.); (T.K.)
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takahito Ito
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan; (H.Y.); (M.T.); (T.I.); (K.T.); (T.K.)
| | - Keisuke Tsuchiya
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan; (H.Y.); (M.T.); (T.I.); (K.T.); (T.K.)
- Graduate School of Pharmacy, Showa University, Tokyo 142-0064, Japan;
| | - Takashi Kurohara
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan; (H.Y.); (M.T.); (T.I.); (K.T.); (T.K.)
| | - Kiyoshi Fukuhara
- Graduate School of Pharmacy, Showa University, Tokyo 142-0064, Japan;
| | - Takao Inoue
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan; (N.O.); (T.I.)
| | - Mikihiko Naito
- Laboratory of Targeted Protein Degradation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan;
| | - Yosuke Demizu
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan; (H.Y.); (M.T.); (T.I.); (K.T.); (T.K.)
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-44-270-6578
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Samarasinghe KTG, Crews CM. Targeted protein degradation: A promise for undruggable proteins. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:934-951. [PMID: 34004187 PMCID: PMC8286327 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein homeostasis, or "proteostasis," is indispensable for a balanced, healthy environment within the cell. However, when natural proteostasis mechanisms are overwhelmed from excessive loads of dysregulated proteins, their accumulation can lead to disease initiation and progression. Recently, the induced degradation of such disease-causing proteins by heterobifunctional molecules, i.e., PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs), is emerging as a potential therapeutic modality. In the 2 decades since the PROTAC concept was proposed, several additional Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) strategies have also been explored to target previously undruggable proteins, such as transcription factors. In this review, we discuss the progress and evolution of the TPD field, the breadth of the proteins targeted by PROTACs and the biological effects of their degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kusal T G Samarasinghe
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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Abstract
A current bottleneck in the development of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) is the empirical nature of linker length structure-activity relationships (SARs). A multidisciplinary approach to alleviate the bottleneck is detailed here. First, we examine four published synthetic approaches that have been developed to increase synthetic throughput. We then discuss advances in structural biology and computational chemistry that have led to successful rational PROTAC design efforts and give promise to de novo linker design in silico. Lastly, we present a model generated from a curated list of linker SARs studies normalized to reflect how linear linker length affects the observed degradation potency (DC50).
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy A. Bemis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093–0358, United States
| | - James J. La Clair
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093–0358, United States
| | - Michael D. Burkart
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093–0358, United States
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Yarza R, Bover M, Agulló-Ortuño MT, Iglesias-Docampo LC. Current approach and novel perspectives in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: the role of targeting proteasome dysregulation as a molecular landmark in nasopharyngeal cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:202. [PMID: 34154654 PMCID: PMC8215824 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02010-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) represents a molecularly paradigmatic tumor given the complex diversity of environmental as well as host dependent factors that are closely implicated in tissue transformation and carcinogenesis. Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) plays a key role in tissue invasion, hyperplasia and malignant transformation. Therefore, EBV related oncoviral proteins such as Latent Membrane Protein family (LMP1, LMP2), Epstein Barr Nuclear Antigen 1 (EBNA1) and EBV related glycoprotein B (gB) are responsible for inducing intracellular signalling aberrations leading to sustained proliferation and further acquisition of NPC related invasive nature and metastatic potential.Dysregulation of proteasome signaling seems to be centrally implicated in oncoviral protein stabilization as well as in modulating tumor microenvironment. Different studies in vitro and in vivo suggest a potential role of proteasome inhibitors in the therapeutic setting of NPC. Furthermore, alterations affecting proteasome signalling in NPC have been associated to tumor growth and invasion, distant metastasis, immune exclusion and resistance as well as to clinical poor prognosis. So on, recent studies have shown the efficacy of immunotherapy as a suitable therapeutic approach to NPC. Nevertheless, novel strategies seem to look for combinatorial regimens aiming to potentiate immune recognition as well as to restore both primary and acquired immune resistance.In this work, our goal is to thoroughly review the molecular implications of proteasome dysregulation in the molecular pathogenesis of NPC, together with their direct relationship with EBV related oncoviral proteins and their role in promoting immune evasion and resistance. We also aim to hypothesize about the feasibility of the use of proteasome inhibitors as part of immunotherapy-including combinatorial regimens for their potential role in reversing immune resistance and favouring tumor recognition and eventual tumor death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Yarza
- Medical Oncology Division, Hospital Universitarioss 12 de Octubre, Avda. Córdoba s/n, E-28041, Madrid, Spain. .,Clinical and Translational Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (I+12), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mateo Bover
- Medical Oncology Division, Hospital Universitarioss 12 de Octubre, Avda. Córdoba s/n, E-28041, Madrid, Spain.,Clinical and Translational Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (I+12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Agulló-Ortuño
- Clinical and Translational Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (I+12), Madrid, Spain. .,Lung Cancer Group, Clinical Research Program (H12O-CNIO), Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain. .,Biomedical Research Networking Centre: Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. .,Facultad de Fisioterapia y Enfermería, Universidad de Castilla La Mancha (UCLM), Toledo, Spain.
| | - Lara Carmen Iglesias-Docampo
- Medical Oncology Division, Hospital Universitarioss 12 de Octubre, Avda. Córdoba s/n, E-28041, Madrid, Spain.,Clinical and Translational Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (I+12), Madrid, Spain.,Lung Cancer Group, Clinical Research Program (H12O-CNIO), Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
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40
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Nguyen K, Wang Y, England WE, Chaput JC, Spitale RC. Allele-Specific RNA Knockdown with a Biologically Stable and Catalytically Efficient XNAzyme. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:4519-4523. [PMID: 33750115 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c11353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic targeting of allele-specific single nucleotide mutations in RNA is a major challenge in biology and medicine. Herein, we describe the utility of the XNAzyme X10-23 to knock down allele-specific mRNA sequences in cells. We demonstrate the value of this approach by targeting the "undruggable" mutation G12V in oncogenic KRAS. Our results demonstrate how catalytic XNAs could be employed to suppress the expression of mRNAs carrying disease-causing mutations that are difficult to target at the protein level with small molecule therapeutics.
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Maneiro M, De Vita E, Conole D, Kounde CS, Zhang Q, Tate EW. PROTACs, molecular glues and bifunctionals from bench to bedside: Unlocking the clinical potential of catalytic drugs. PROGRESS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2021; 60:67-190. [PMID: 34147206 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmch.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The vast majority of currently marketed drugs rely on small molecules with an 'occupancy-driven' mechanism of action (MOA). Therefore, the efficacy of these therapeutics depends on a high degree of target engagement, which often requires high dosages and enhanced drug exposure at the target site, thus increasing the risk of off-target toxicities (Churcher, 2018 [1]). Although small molecule drugs have been successfully used as treatments for decades, tackling a variety of disease-relevant targets with a defined binding site, many relevant therapeutic targets remain challenging to drug due, for example, to lack of well-defined binding pockets or large protein-protein interaction (PPI) interfaces which resist interference (Dang et al., 2017 [2]). In the quest for alternative therapeutic approaches to address different pathologies and achieve enhanced efficacy with reduced side effects, ligand-induced targeted protein degradation (TPD) has gained the attention of many research groups both in academia and in industry in the last two decades. This therapeutic modality represents a novel paradigm compared to conventional small-molecule inhibitors. To pursue this strategy, heterobifunctional small molecule degraders, termed PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) have been devised to artificially redirect a protein of interest (POI) to the cellular protein homeostasis machinery for proteasomal degradation (Chamberlain et al., 2019 [3]). In this chapter, the development of PROTACs will first be discussed providing a historical perspective in parallel to the experimental progress made to understand this novel therapeutic modality. Furthermore, common strategies for PROTAC design, including assays and troubleshooting tips will be provided for the reader, before presenting a compendium of all PROTAC targets reported in the literature to date. Due to the recent advancement of these molecules into clinical trials, consideration of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic properties will be introduced, together with the biotech landscape that has developed from the success of PROTACs. Finally, an overview of subsequent strategies for targeted protein degradation will be presented, concluding with further scientific quests triggered by the invention of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Maneiro
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - E De Vita
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - D Conole
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - C S Kounde
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Q Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - E W Tate
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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42
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de la Fuente IF, Sawant SS, Tolentino MQ, Corrigan PM, Rouge JL. Viral Mimicry as a Design Template for Nucleic Acid Nanocarriers. Front Chem 2021; 9:613209. [PMID: 33777893 PMCID: PMC7987652 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.613209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic nucleic acids hold immense potential in combating undruggable, gene-based diseases owing to their high programmability and relative ease of synthesis. While the delivery of this class of therapeutics has successfully entered the clinical setting, extrahepatic targeting, endosomal escape efficiency, and subcellular localization. On the other hand, viruses serve as natural carriers of nucleic acids and have acquired a plethora of structures and mechanisms that confer remarkable transfection efficiency. Thus, understanding the structure and mechanism of viruses can guide the design of synthetic nucleic acid vectors. This review revisits relevant structural and mechanistic features of viruses as design considerations for efficient nucleic acid delivery systems. This article explores how viral ligand display and a metastable structure are central to the molecular mechanisms of attachment, entry, and viral genome release. For comparison, accounted for are details on the design and intracellular fate of existing nucleic acid carriers and nanostructures that share similar and essential features to viruses. The review, thus, highlights unifying themes of viruses and nucleic acid delivery systems such as genome protection, target specificity, and controlled release. Sophisticated viral mechanisms that are yet to be exploited in oligonucleotide delivery are also identified as they could further the development of next-generation nonviral nucleic acid vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jessica L. Rouge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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43
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Ammazzalorso A, Agamennone M, De Filippis B, Fantacuzzi M. Development of CDK4/6 Inhibitors: A Five Years Update. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26051488. [PMID: 33803309 PMCID: PMC7967197 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibition of cyclin dependent kinases 4 and 6 plays a role in aromatase inhibitor resistant metastatic breast cancer. Three dual CDK4/6 inhibitors have been approved for the breast cancer treatment that, in combination with the endocrine therapy, dramatically improved the survival outcomes both in first and later line settings. The developments of the last five years in the search for new selective CDK4/6 inhibitors with increased selectivity, treatment efficacy, and reduced adverse effects are reviewed, considering the small-molecule inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) approaches, mainly pointing at structure-activity relationships, selectivity against different kinases and antiproliferative activity.
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44
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Ferguson FM. Harnessing Antibody-Mimetic Selectivity for Activation-State-Specific Targeted Degradation of Endogenous K-Ras. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2021; 7:222-224. [PMID: 33655060 PMCID: PMC7908021 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.1c00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fleur M. Ferguson
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry,
Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0657, United States
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45
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Sinatra L, Kolano L, Icker M, Fritzsche SR, Volke D, Gockel I, Thieme R, Hoffmann R, Hansen FK. Hybrid Peptides Based on α-Aminoxy Acids as Antimicrobial and Anticancer Foldamers. Chempluschem 2021; 86:827-835. [PMID: 33656810 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202000812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
α-Aminoxy peptides represent an interesting group of peptidomimetics with high proteolytic stability and the ability to fold into specific, predictable secondary structures. Here, we present a series of hybrid peptides consisting of α-aminoxy acids and α-amino acids with cationic and aromatic, hydrophobic side chains in an alternating manner synthesized using an efficient protocol that combines solution- and solid-phase synthesis. 2D ROESY experiments with a representative hexamer suggested the presence of a 7/8 helical conformation in solution. Biological evaluation revealed a significant impact of the peptide chain length and the N-terminal cap on the antimicrobial and anticancer properties of this series of hybrid peptides. The Fmoc-capped peptide 6e displayed the most potent antimicrobial activity against a panel of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains (e. g. against E. Coli: MIC=8 mg/L; S. aureus: MIC=4 mg/L).
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sinatra
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lisa Kolano
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Leipzig University, Deutscher Platz 5, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BBZ), Deutscher Platz 5, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maik Icker
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 29, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan R Fritzsche
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniela Volke
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Leipzig University, Deutscher Platz 5, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BBZ), Deutscher Platz 5, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ines Gockel
- Department of Visceral, Transplant, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Leipzig, Liebigstraße 20, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - René Thieme
- Department of Visceral, Transplant, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Leipzig, Liebigstraße 20, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ralf Hoffmann
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Leipzig University, Deutscher Platz 5, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BBZ), Deutscher Platz 5, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Finn K Hansen
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Cell Biological Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Germany
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46
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Long MJC, Rogg C, Aye Y. An Oculus to Profile and Probe Target Engagement In Vivo: How T-REX Was Born and Its Evolution into G-REX. Acc Chem Res 2021; 54:618-631. [PMID: 33228351 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.0c00537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Here we provide a personal account of innovation and design principles underpinning a method to interrogate precision electrophile signaling that has come to be known as "REX technologies". This Account is framed in the context of trying to improve methods of target mining and understanding of individual target-ligand engagement by a specific natural electrophile and the ramifications of this labeling event in cells and organisms. We start by explaining from a practical standpoint why gleaning such understanding is critical: we are constantly assailed by a battery of electrophilic molecules that exist as a consequence of diet, food preparation, ineluctable endogenous metabolic processes, and potentially disease. The resulting molecules, which are detectable in the body, appear to be able to modify function of specific proteins. Aside from potentially being biologically relevant in their own right, these labeling events are essentially identical to protein-covalent drug interactions. Thus, on what proteins and even in what ways a covalent drug will work can be understood through the eyes of natural electrophiles; extending this logic leads to the postulate that target identification of specific electrophiles can inform on drug design. However, when we entered this field, there was no way to interrogate how a specific labeling event impacted a specific protein in an unperturbed cell. Methods to evaluate stoichiometry of labeling, and even chemospecificity of a specific phenotype were limited. There were further no generally accepted ways to study electrophile signaling that did not hugely disturb physiology.We developed T-REX, a method to study single-protein-specific electrophile engagement, to interrogate how single-protein electrophile labeling shapes pathway flux. Using T-REX, we discovered that labeling of several proteins by a specific electrophile, even at low occupancy, leads to biologically relevant signaling outputs. Further experimentation using T-REX showed that in some instances, single-protein isoforms were electrophile responsive against other isoforms, such as Akt3. Selective electrophile-labeling of Akt3 elicited inhibition of Akt-pathway flux in cells and in zebrafish embryos. Using these data, we rationally designed a molecule to selectively target Akt3. This was a fusion of the naturally derived electrophile and an isoform-nonspecific, reversible Akt inhibitor in phase-II trials, MK-2206. The resulting molecule was a selective inhibitor of Akt3 and was shown to fare better than MK-2206 in breast cancer xenograft mouse models. Recently, we have also developed a means to screen electrophile sensors that is unbiased and uses a precise burst of electrophiles. Using this method, dubbed G-REX, in conjunction with T-REX, we discovered new DNA-damage response upregulation pathways orchestrated by simple natural electrophiles. We thus emphasize how deriving a quantitative understanding of electrophile signaling that is linked to thorough and precise mechanistic studies can open doors to numerous medicinally and biologically relevant insights, from gleaning better understanding of target engagement and target mining to rational design of targeted covalent medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus J. C. Long
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Geneva, 30 quai Ernest-Ansermet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chloé Rogg
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Route Cantonale, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yimon Aye
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Route Cantonale, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Bemis TA, La Clair JJ, Burkart MD. Traceless Staudinger ligation enabled parallel synthesis of proteolysis targeting chimera linker variants. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:1026-1029. [PMID: 33406191 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc05395c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A parallel, one-pot assembly approach to proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) is demonstrated utilizing activated esters generated in situ, and traceless Staudinger ligation chemistry. The method described allows for rapid structure-activity relationship studies of PROTAC linker variants. Two previously studied systems, cereblon and BRD4 degraders, are examined as test cases for the synthetic method. The two related strategies to assemble PROTAC linker variants discussed can accommodate the chromotographic separations capabilities of labs of many sizes and incorporates commercially available degrader building blocks, thereby easing synthetic entry into PROTAC chemical space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy A Bemis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0358, USA.
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48
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Koravović M, Tasić G, Rmandić M, Marković B. Photocontrollable PROTAC molecules: Structure and mechanism of action. ARHIV ZA FARMACIJU 2021. [DOI: 10.5937/arhfarm71-30785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional drug discovery strategies are usually focused on occupancy of binding sites that directly affect functions of proteins. Hence, proteins that lack such binding sites are generally considered pharmacologically intractable. Modulators of protein activity, especially inhibitors, must be applied in appropriate dosage regimens that often lead to high systemic drug exposures in order to maintain sufficient protein inhibition in vivo. Consequently, there is a risk of undesirable off-target drug binding and side effects. Recently, PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) technology has emerged as a new pharmacological modality that exploits PROTAC molecules for induced protein degradation. PROTAC molecule is a heterobifunctional structure consisting of a ligand that binds a protein of interest (POI), a ligand for recruiting an E3 ubiquitin ligase (an enzyme involved in the POI ubiquitination) and a linker that connects these two. After POI-PROTAC-E3 ubiquitin ligase ternary complex formation, the POI undergoes ubiquitination (an enzymatic post-translational modification in which ubiquitin is attached to the POI) and degradation. By merging the principles of photopharmacology and PROTAC technology, photocontrollable PROTACs for spatiotemporal control of induced protein degradation have recently emerged. The main advantage of photocontrollable over conventional PROTACs is the possible prevention of off-target toxicity thanks to local photoactivation.
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49
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Scholz N, Kurian KM, Siebzehnrubl FA, Licchesi JDF. Targeting the Ubiquitin System in Glioblastoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:574011. [PMID: 33324551 PMCID: PMC7724090 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.574011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumor in adults with poor overall outcome and 5-year survival of less than 5%. Treatment has not changed much in the last decade or so, with surgical resection and radio/chemotherapy being the main options. Glioblastoma is highly heterogeneous and frequently becomes treatment-resistant due to the ability of glioblastoma cells to adopt stem cell states facilitating tumor recurrence. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. The ubiquitin system, in particular E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes, have emerged as a promising source of novel drug targets. In addition to conventional small molecule drug discovery approaches aimed at modulating enzyme activity, several new and exciting strategies are also being explored. Among these, PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) aim to harness the endogenous protein turnover machinery to direct therapeutically relevant targets, including previously considered "undruggable" ones, for proteasomal degradation. PROTAC and other strategies targeting the ubiquitin proteasome system offer new therapeutic avenues which will expand the drug development toolboxes for glioblastoma. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes in the context of glioblastoma and their involvement in core signaling pathways including EGFR, TGF-β, p53 and stemness-related pathways. Finally, we offer new insights into how these ubiquitin-dependent mechanisms could be exploited therapeutically for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Scholz
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Kathreena M. Kurian
- Brain Tumour Research Group, Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Florian A. Siebzehnrubl
- Cardiff University School of Biosciences, European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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50
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Long MJC. Time to Get Turned on by Chemical Biology. Chembiochem 2020; 22:814-817. [PMID: 33174365 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The pressing need for innovation in drug discovery is spurring the emergence of drugs that turn on protein function, as opposed to shutting activity down. Several pharmacophores usher protein target gain-of-function, for instance: PROTACs promote protein target degradation; other drug candidates have been reported to function through dominant-negative inhibition of their target enzyme. Such classes of molecules are typically active at low target occupancy and display numerous advantages relative to canonical inhibitors, whose function is intrinsically tied to achieving, or exceeding a threshold occupancy. However, our ability to generally tap into gain-of-function processes through small molecule interventions is overall in its infancy. Herein, I outline how chemical biology is poised to help us bring this powerful idea to fruition. I further outline means through which gain-of-function events can be identified and harnessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus J C Long
- Départment de Biologie Moleculaire; Sciences II, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, 1211, Genève 4, Switzerland
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