1
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Kumar S, Basu M, Ghosh MK. E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases in colorectal cancer: Emerging molecular insights and therapeutic opportunities. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119827. [PMID: 39187067 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents ongoing challenges due to limited treatment effectiveness and a discouraging prognosis, underscoring the need for ground-breaking therapeutic approaches. This review delves into the pivotal role of E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases (DUBs), underscoring their role as crucial regulators for tumor suppression and oncogenesis in CRC. We spotlight the diverse impact of E3 ligases and DUBs on CRC's biological processes and their remarkable versatility. We closely examine their specific influence on vital signaling pathways, particularly Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB. Understanding these regulatory mechanisms is crucial for unravelling the complexities of CRC progression. Importantly, we explore the untapped potential of E3 ligases and DUBs as novel CRC treatment targets, discussing aspects that may guide more effective therapeutic strategies. In conclusion, our concise review illuminates the E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases pivotal role in CRC, offering insights to inspire innovative approaches for transforming the treatment landscape in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny Kumar
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), TRUE Campus, CN-6, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700091 & Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201 002, India
| | - Malini Basu
- Department of Microbiology, Dhruba Chand Halder College, Dakshin Barasat, South 24 Paraganas, PIN - 743372, India
| | - Mrinal K Ghosh
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), TRUE Campus, CN-6, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700091 & Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201 002, India.
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2
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De S, Sahu R, Palei S, Narayan Nanda L. Synthesis, SAR, and application of JQ1 analogs as PROTACs for cancer therapy. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 112:117875. [PMID: 39178586 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117875] [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: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
JQ1 is a wonder therapeutic molecule that selectively inhibits the BRD4 signaling pathway and is thus widely used in the anticancer drug discovery program. Due to its unique selective BRD4 binding property, its applications are further extended in the design and synthesis of bi-functional PROTAC molecules. This BRD4 targeting PROTAC molecule selectively degrades the protein by proteolysis. There are several modifications of JQ1 known to date and extensively explored for their applications in PROTAC technology by several research groups in academia as well as industry for targeting oncogenic genes. In this review, we have covered the discovery and synthesis of the JQ1 molecule. The SAR of the JQ1 analogs will help researchers develop potent JQ1 compounds with improved inhibitory properties against malignant cells. Furthermore, we explored the potential application of JQ1 analogs in PROTAC technology. The brief history of the bromodomain family of proteins, as well as the obstacles connected with PROTAC technology, can help comprehend the context of the current research, which has the potential to improve the drug development process. Overall, this review comprehensively appraises JQ1 molecules and their prior implementation in PROTAC technology and cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumik De
- School of Chemical Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, An OCC of Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Khurda, Odisha 752050, India
| | - Raghaba Sahu
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Shubhendu Palei
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Laxmi Narayan Nanda
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge 02142, United States; P.G. Department of Chemistry, Government Autonomous College, Utkal University, Angul 759143, Odisha, India.
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3
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Chen Y, Zhang L, Fang L, Chen C, Zhang D, Peng T. Modular Development of Enzyme-Activatable Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras for Selective Protein Degradation and Cancer Targeting. JACS AU 2024; 4:2564-2577. [PMID: 39055140 PMCID: PMC11267540 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00298] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
As an emerging therapeutic modality, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) indiscriminately degrade proteins in both healthy and diseased cells, posing a risk of on-target off-site toxicity in normal tissues. Herein, we present the modular development of enzyme-activatable PROTACs, which utilize enzyme-recognition moieties to block protein degradation activities and can be specifically activated by elevated enzymes in cancer cells to enable cell-selective protein degradation and cancer targeting. We identified the methylene alkoxy carbamate (MAC) unit as an optimal self-immolative linker, possessing high stability and release efficiency for conjugating enzyme-recognition moieties with PROTACs. Leveraging the MAC linker, we developed a series of enzyme-activatable PROTACs, harnessing distinct enzymes for cancer-cell-selective protein degradation. Significantly, we introduced the first dual-enzyme-activatable PROTAC that requires the presence of two cancer-associated enzymes for activation, demonstrating highly selective protein degradation in cancer cells over nonmalignant cells, potent in vivo antitumor efficacy, and no off-tumor toxicity to normal tissues. The broad applicability of enzyme-activatable PROTACs was further demonstrated by caging other PROTACs via the MAC linker to target different proteins and E3 ligases. Our work underscores the substantial potential of enzyme-activatable PROTACs in overcoming the off-site toxicity associated with conventional PROTACs and offers new opportunities for targeted cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchi Chen
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- National
Key Laboratory of Non-Food Biomass Energy Technology, National Engineering
Research Center for Non-Food Biorefinery, Institute of Grand Health, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, 98 Daling Road, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lincheng Fang
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chengjie Chen
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Tao Peng
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Institute
of Chemical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
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4
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Cheng J, Zhang J, He S, Li M, Dong G, Sheng C. Photoswitchable PROTACs for Reversible and Spatiotemporal Regulation of NAMPT and NAD . Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202315997. [PMID: 38282119 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202315997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+ ) is an essential coenzyme with diverse biological functions in DNA synthesis. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is a key rate-limiting enzyme involved in NAD+ biosynthesis in mammals. We developed the first chemical tool for optical control of NAMPT and NAD+ in biological systems using photoswitchable proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PS-PROTACs). An NAMPT activator and dimethylpyrazolazobenzene photoswitch were used to design highly efficient PS-PROTACs, enabling up- and down-reversible regulation of NAMPT and NAD+ in a light-dependent manner and reducing the toxicity associated with inhibitor-based PS-PROTACs. PS-PROTAC was activated under 620 nm irradiation, realizing in vivo optical manipulation of antitumor activity, NAMPT, and NAD+ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfei Cheng
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China
- Nautical Medicine Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Educational Institutions, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Shipeng He
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Minyong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China
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5
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Weng W, Xue G, Pan Z. Development of visible-light-activatable photocaged PROTACs. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116062. [PMID: 38128235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Photocaged proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which employ light as a stimulus to control protein degradation, have recently garnered considerable attention as both powerful chemical tools and a promising therapeutic strategy. However, the poor penetration depth of traditionally used ultraviolet light and the deficiency of alternative caging positions have restricted their applications in biological systems. By installing a diverse array of photocaged groups, with excitation wavelengths ranging from 365 nm to 405 nm, onto different positions of cereblon (CRBN) and Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)-recruiting Brd4 degraders, we conducted the first comprehensive study on visible-light-activatable photocaged PROTACs to the best of our knowledge. We found the A2, A4 and B3 positions to be most effective at regulating the activity of the degraders, and to provide the resulting molecules (9-12 and 17) as potent visible-light-controlled degraders in live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhi Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Gang Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhengying Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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6
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Prozzillo Y, Santopietro MV, Messina G, Dimitri P. Unconventional roles of chromatin remodelers and long non-coding RNAs in cell division. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:365. [PMID: 37982870 PMCID: PMC10661750 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04949-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review article is to focus on the unconventional roles of epigenetic players (chromatin remodelers and long non-coding RNAs) in cell division, beyond their well-characterized functions in chromatin regulation during cell differentiation and development. In the last two decades, diverse experimental evidence has shown that subunits of SRCAP and p400/TIP60 chromatin remodeling complexes in humans relocate from interphase nuclei to centrosomes, spindle or midbody, with their depletion yielding an array of aberrant outcomes of mitosis and cytokinesis. Remarkably, this behavior is shared by orthologous subunits of the Drosophila melanogaster DOM/TIP60 complex, despite fruit flies and humans diverged over 700 million years ago. In short, the available data support the view that subunits of these complexes are a new class of moonlighting proteins, in that they lead a "double life": during the interphase, they function in chromatin regulation within the nucleus, but as the cell progresses through mitosis, they interact with established mitotic factors, thus becoming integral components of the cell division apparatus. By doing so, they contribute to ensuring the correct distribution of chromosomes in the two daughter cells and, when dysfunctional, can cause genomic instability, a condition that can trigger tumorigenesis and developmental diseases. Research over the past few years has unveiled a major contribution of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the epigenetics regulation of gene expression which also impacts on cell division control. Here, we focus on possible structural roles of lncRNAs in the execution of cytokinesis: in particular, we suggest that specific classes of lncRNAs relocate to the midbody to form an architectural scaffold ensuring its proper assembly and function during abscission. Drawing attention to experimental evidence for non-canonical extranuclear roles of chromatin factors and lncRNAs has direct implications on important and novel aspects concerning both the epigenetic regulation and the evolutionary dynamics of cell division with a significant impact on differentiation, development, and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Prozzillo
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Messina
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.
- Universita degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell' Ateneo Nuovo, 1, 20126, Milano, Italy.
| | - Patrizio Dimitri
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.
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7
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Yang Z, Pang Q, Zhou J, Xuan C, Xie S. Leveraging aptamers for targeted protein degradation. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:776-785. [PMID: 37380531 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) technologies, particularly proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), have emerged as a significant advancement in drug discovery. However, several hurdles - such as the difficulty of identifying suitable ligands for traditionally undruggable proteins, poor solubility and impermeability, nonspecific biodistribution, and on-target off-tissue toxicity - present challenges to their clinical applications. Aptamers are promising ligands for broad-ranging molecular recognition. Utilizing aptamers in TPD has shown potential advantages in overcoming these challenges. Here, we provide an overview of recent developments in aptamer-based TPD, emphasizing their potential to achieve targeted delivery and their promise for the spatiotemporal degradation of undruggable proteins. We also discuss the challenges and future directions of aptamer-based TPD with the goal of facilitating their clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Yang
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiuxiang Pang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China; Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenghao Xuan
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Songbo Xie
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China; Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China.
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8
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Kuismi CC, Nabet B. Lighting the way to tumor destruction. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:750-752. [PMID: 37758537 PMCID: PMC10691509 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Achieving tumor-specific protein loss remains a challenge in the delivery of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) as cancer therapeutics. As a solution, Wang et al. recently developed nanoformulated PROTACs (NAPs), a novel photoactivatable degradation approach. This innovative class of compounds harnesses near-infrared (NIR) light for precise PROTAC release and protein degradation in mouse tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina C Kuismi
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Behnam Nabet
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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9
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Noblejas-López MDM, Tébar-García D, López-Rosa R, Alcaraz-Sanabria A, Cristóbal-Cueto P, Pinedo-Serrano A, Rivas-García L, Galán-Moya EM. TACkling Cancer by Targeting Selective Protein Degradation. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2442. [PMID: 37896202 PMCID: PMC10610449 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation has emerged as an alternative therapy against cancer, offering several advantages over traditional inhibitors. The new degrader drugs provide different therapeutic strategies: they could cross the phospholipid bilayer membrane by the addition of specific moieties to extracellular proteins. On the other hand, they could efficiently improve the degradation process by the generation of a ternary complex structure of an E3 ligase. Herein, we review the current trends in the use of TAC-based technologies (TACnologies), such as PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTAC), PHOtochemically TArgeting Chimeras (PHOTAC), CLIck-formed Proteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (CLIPTAC), AUtophagy TArgeting Chimeras (AUTAC), AuTophagosome TEthering Compounds (ATTEC), LYsosome-TArgeting Chimeras (LYTAC), and DeUBiquitinase TArgeting Chimeras (DUBTAC), in experimental development and their progress towards clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- María del Mar Noblejas-López
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - David Tébar-García
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Raquel López-Rosa
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Ana Alcaraz-Sanabria
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Pablo Cristóbal-Cueto
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
| | - Alejandro Pinedo-Serrano
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
| | - Lorenzo Rivas-García
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
| | - Eva M. Galán-Moya
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Facultad de Enfermería, Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02006 Albacete, Spain
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10
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Yao R, Luo T, Wang M. Delivering on Cell-Selective Protein Degradation Using Chemically Tailored PROTACs. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300413. [PMID: 37496112 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
PROTACs (Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras) have emerged as a groundbreaking class of chemical tools that facilitate the degradation of target proteins by leveraging the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). However, the effective utilization of PROTACs in chemical biology studies and therapeutics encounters significant challenges when it comes to achieving cell-selective protein degradation and in vivo applications. This review article aims to shed light on recent advancements in the development of Pro-PROTACs, which exhibit controlled protein degradation capabilities in response to external stimuli or disease-related endogenous biochemical signals. The article delves into the specific chemical strategies employed to regulate the interaction between PROTACs and E3 ubiquitin ligases or target proteins. These strategies enable spatial and temporal control over the protein degradation potential of Pro-PROTACs. Furthermore, the review summarizes recent investigations regarding the delivery of PROTACs using biodegradable nanoparticles for in vivo applications and targeted protein degradation. Such delivery systems hold great promise for enabling efficient and selective protein degradation in vivo. Lastly, the article provides a perspective on the future design of multifunctional PROTACs and their intracellular delivery mechanisms, with a particular focus on achieving cell-selective protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100490, China
| | - Tianli Luo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100490, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100490, China
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11
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An K, Deng X, Chi H, Zhang Y, Li Y, Cheng M, Ni Z, Yang Z, Wang C, Chen J, Bai J, Ran C, Wei Y, Li J, Zhang P, Xu F, Tan W. Stimuli-Responsive PROTACs for Controlled Protein Degradation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202306824. [PMID: 37470380 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202306824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) represent a promising therapeutic modality to address undruggable and resistant issues in drug discovery. However, potential on-target toxicity remains clinically challenging. We developed a generalized caging strategy to synthesize a series of stimuli-responsive PROTACs (sr-PROTACs) with diverse molecular blocks bearing robust and cleavable linkers, presenting "turn on" features in manipulating protein degradation. By leveraging pathological cues, such as elevated ROS, phosphatase, H2 S, or hypoxia, and external triggers, such as ultraviolet light, X-Ray, or bioorthogonal reagents, we achieved site-specific activation and traceless release of original PROTACs through de-caging and subsequent self-immolative cleavage, realizing selective uptake and controlled protein degradation in vitro. An in vivo study revealed that two sr-PROTACs with phosphate- and fluorine-containing cages exhibited high solubility and long plasma exposure, which were specifically activated by tumor overexpressing phosphatase or low dosage of X-Ray irradiation in situ, leading to efficient protein degradation and potent tumor remission. With more reactive biomarkers to be screened from clinical practice, our caging library could provide a general tool to design activatable PROTACs, prodrugs, antibody-drug conjugates, and smart biomaterials for personalized treatment, tissue engineering or regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keli An
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Xuqian Deng
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Hongli Chi
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Yuchao Zhang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Yan Li
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Ming Cheng
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Zhigang Ni
- College of Material, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Jinling Chen
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Jianbo Bai
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Chunyan Ran
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Yong Wei
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Juan Li
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Penghui Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
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12
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Medved' M, Di Donato M, Buma WJ, Laurent AD, Lameijer L, Hrivnák T, Romanov I, Tran S, Feringa BL, Szymanski W, Woolley GA. Mechanistic Basis for Red Light Switching of Azonium Ions. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:19894-19902. [PMID: 37656631 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c06157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Azonium ions formed by the protonation of tetra-ortho-methoxy-substituted aminoazobenzenes photoisomerize with red light under physiological conditions. This property makes them attractive as molecular tools for the photocontrol of physiological processes, for example, in photopharmacology. However, a mechanistic understanding of the photoisomerization process and subsequent thermal relaxation is necessary for the rational application of these compounds as well as for guiding the design of derivatives with improved properties. Using a combination of sub-ps/ns transient absorption measurements and quantum chemical calculations, we show that the absorption of a photon by the protonated E-H+ form of the photoswitch causes rapid (ps) isomerization to the protonated Z-H+ form, which can also absorb red light. Proton transfer to solvent then occurs on a microsecond time scale, leading to an equilibrium between Z and Z-H+ species, the position of which depends on the solution pH. Whereas thermal isomerization of the neutral Z form to the neutral E form is slow (∼0.001 s-1), thermal isomerization of Z-H+ to E-H+ is rapid (∼100 s-1), so the solution pH also governs the rate at which E/E-H+ concentrations are restored after a light pulse. This analysis provides the first complete mechanistic picture that explains the observed intricate photoswitching behavior of azonium ions at a range of pH values. It further suggests features of azonium ions that could be targeted for improvement to enhance the applicability of these compounds for the photocontrol of biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Medved'
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 241/27, Olomouc, 783 71 Czech Republic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Matej Bel University, Tajovského 40, 974 01 Banská Bystrica, Slovak Republic
| | - Mariangela Di Donato
- LENS, European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, via N. Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
- CNR-ICCOM, via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Wybren Jan Buma
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory, Radboud University, Toernooiveld 7c, 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Adèle D Laurent
- Nantes Université, CNRS, CEISAM, UMR 6230, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Lucien Lameijer
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AF Groningen, The Netherlands
- Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen Hanzeplein 1, 9713GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tomáš Hrivnák
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Matej Bel University, Tajovského 40, 974 01 Banská Bystrica, Slovak Republic
- Polymer Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 41 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Ivan Romanov
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susannah Tran
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George St., Toronto M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Ben L Feringa
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AF Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wiktor Szymanski
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AF Groningen, The Netherlands
- Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen Hanzeplein 1, 9713GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - G Andrew Woolley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George St., Toronto M5S 3H6, Canada
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13
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Wang W, Zhu C, Zhang B, Feng Y, Zhang Y, Li J. Self-Assembled Nano-PROTAC Enables Near-Infrared Photodynamic Proteolysis for Cancer Therapy. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:16642-16649. [PMID: 37477624 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Confining the protein degradation activity of proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) to cancer lesions ensures precision treatment. However, it still remains challenging to precisely control PROTAC function in tumor regions in vivo. We herein describe a near-infrared (NIR) photoactivatable nano-PROTAC (NAP) for remote-controllable proteolysis in tumor-bearing mice. NAP is formed by molecular self-assembly from an amphiphilic conjugate of PROTAC linked with an NIR photosensitizer through a singlet oxygen (1O2)-cleavable linker. The activity of PROTAC is initially silenced but can be remotely switched on upon NIR photoirradiation to generate 1O2 by the photosensitizer. We demonstrated that NAP enabled tumor-specific degradation of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) in an NIR light-instructed manner. This in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) elicited an effective suppression of tumor growth. This work thus presents a novel approach for spatiotemporal control over targeted protein degradation by PROTAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weishan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chenghong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jinbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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14
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Sincere NI, Anand K, Ashique S, Yang J, You C. PROTACs: Emerging Targeted Protein Degradation Approaches for Advanced Druggable Strategies. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28104014. [PMID: 37241755 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28104014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A potential therapeutic strategy to treat conditions brought on by the aberrant production of a disease-causing protein is emerging for targeted protein breakdown using the PROTACs technology. Few medications now in use are tiny, component-based and utilize occupancy-driven pharmacology (MOA), which inhibits protein function for a short period of time to temporarily alter it. By utilizing an event-driven MOA, the proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) technology introduces a revolutionary tactic. Small-molecule-based heterobifunctional PROTACs hijack the ubiquitin-proteasome system to trigger the degradation of the target protein. The main challenge PROTAC's development facing now is to find potent, tissue- and cell-specific PROTAC compounds with favorable drug-likeness and standard safety measures. The ways to increase the efficacy and selectivity of PROTACs are the main focus of this review. In this review, we have highlighted the most important discoveries related to the degradation of proteins by PROTACs, new targeted approaches to boost proteolysis' effectiveness and development, and promising future directions in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuwayo Ishimwe Sincere
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Krishnan Anand
- Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Sumel Ashique
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Bharat Institute of Technology (BIT), School of Pharmacy, Meerut 250103, India
| | - Jing Yang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Chongge You
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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15
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Arp CJ, Reynders M, Sreekanth V, Kokkonda P, Pagano M, Choudhary A, Trauner D. Photoswitchable Molecular Glues Enable Optical Control of Transcription Factor Degradation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.09.536172. [PMID: 37066279 PMCID: PMC10104231 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.09.536172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), which include thalidomide and its derivatives, have emerged as the standard of care against multiple myeloma. They function as molecular glues that bind to the E3 ligase cereblon (CRBN) and induce protein interactions with neosubstrates, including the transcription factors Ikaros (IKZF1) and Aiolos (IKZF3). The subsequent ubiquitylation and degradation of these transcription factors underlies the antiproliferative activity of IMiDs. Here, we introduce photoswitchable immunomodulatory drugs (PHOIMiDs) that can be used to degrade Ikaros and Aiolos in a light-dependent fashion. Our lead compound shows minimal activity in the dark and becomes an active degrader upon irradiation with violet light. It shows high selectivity over other transcription factors, regardless of its state, and could therefore be used to control the levels of Ikaros and Aiolos with high spatiotemporal precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Arp
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Sq E, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Martin Reynders
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Sq E, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Vedagopuram Sreekanth
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Praveen Kokkonda
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Michele Pagano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Amit Choudhary
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Dirk Trauner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, College of Arts and Sciences, 231 South 34 Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, United States
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Sq E, New York, New York 10003, United States
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16
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Chirnomas D, Hornberger KR, Crews CM. Protein degraders enter the clinic - a new approach to cancer therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:265-278. [PMID: 36781982 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00736-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 137.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Heterobifunctional protein degraders, such as PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) protein degraders, constitute a novel therapeutic modality that harnesses the cell's natural protein-degradation machinery - that is, the ubiquitin-proteasome system - to selectively target proteins involved in disease pathogenesis for elimination. Protein degraders have several potential advantages over small-molecule inhibitors that have traditionally been used for cancer treatment, including their event-driven (rather than occupancy-driven) pharmacology, which permits sub-stoichiometric drug concentrations for activity, their capacity to act iteratively and target multiple copies of a protein of interest, and their potential to target nonenzymatic proteins that were previously considered 'undruggable'. Following numerous innovations in protein degrader design and rigorous evaluation in preclinical models, protein degraders entered clinical testing in 2019. Currently, 18 protein degraders are in phase I or phase I/II clinical trials that involve patients with various tumour types, with a phase III trial of one initiated in 2022. The first safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetic data from these studies are now materializing and, although considerably more evidence is needed, protein degraders are showing promising activity as cancer therapies. Herein, we review advances in protein degrader development, the preclinical research that supported their entry into clinical studies, the available data for protein degraders in patients and future directions for this new class of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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17
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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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18
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Chen M, Zhou P, Kong Y, Li J, Li Y, Zhang Y, Ran J, Zhou J, Chen Y, Xie S. Inducible Degradation of Oncogenic Nucleolin Using an Aptamer-Based PROTAC. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1339-1348. [PMID: 36608275 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
While proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are showing promise for targeting previously undruggable molecules, their application has been limited by difficulties in identifying suitable ligands and undesired on-target toxicity. Aptamers can virtually recognize any protein through their unique and switchable conformations. Here, by exploiting aptamers as targeting warheads, we developed a novel strategy for inducible degradation of undruggable proteins. As a proof of concept, we chose oncogenic nucleolin (NCL) as the target and generated a series of NCL degraders, and demonstrated that dNCL#T1 induced NCL degradation in a ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent manner, thereby inhibiting NCL-mediated breast cancer cell proliferation. To reduce on-target toxicity, we further developed a light-controllable PROTAC, opto-dNCL#T1, by introducing a photolabile complementary oligonucleotide to hybridize with dNCL#T1. UVA irradiation liberated dNCL#T1 from caged opto-dNCL#T1, leading to dNCL#T1 activation and NCL degradation. These results indicate that aptamer-based PROTACs are a viable alternative approach to degrade proteins of interest in a highly tunable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255000, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Yun Kong
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jingrui Li
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255000, China
| | - Yan Li
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jie Ran
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China.,College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Songbo Xie
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255000, China.,Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
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19
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Zhao HY, Xin M, Zhang SQ. Progress of small molecules for targeted protein degradation: PROTACs and other technologies. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:337-394. [PMID: 36606428 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed the rapid development of targeted protein degradation (TPD), especially proteolysis targeting chimeras. These degraders have manifested many advantages over small molecule inhibitors. To date, a huge number of degraders have been excavated against over 70 disease-related targets. In particular, degraders against estrogen receptor and androgen receptor have crowded into phase II clinical trial. TPD technologies largely expand the scope of druggable targets, and provide powerful tools for addressing intractable problems that can not be tackled by traditional small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we mainly focus on the structures and biological activities of small molecule degraders as well as the elucidation of mechanisms of emerging TPD technologies. We also propose the challenges that exist in the TPD field at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yi Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minhang Xin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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20
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Zhang Q, Kounde CS, Mondal M, Greenfield JL, Baker JR, Kotelnikov S, Ignatov M, Tinworth CP, Zhang L, Conole D, De Vita E, Kozakov D, McCluskey A, Harling JD, Fuchter MJ, Tate EW. Light-mediated multi-target protein degradation using arylazopyrazole photoswitchable PROTACs (AP-PROTACs). Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:10933-10936. [PMID: 36065962 PMCID: PMC9521323 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc03092f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Light-activable spatiotemporal control of PROTAC-induced protein degradation was achieved with novel arylazopyrazole photoswitchable PROTACs (AP-PROTACs). The use of a promiscuous kinase inhibitor in the design enables this unique photoswitchable PROTAC to selectively degrade four protein kinases together with on/off optical control using different wavelengths of light. A new class of arylazopyrazole photoswitchable PROTACs (AP-PROTACs) enables light-triggered degradation of a specific ensemble of protein kinases.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Qisi Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
| | - Cyrille S Kounde
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
| | - Milon Mondal
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
| | - Jake L Greenfield
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
| | - Jennifer R Baker
- Chemistry, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, the University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Sergei Kotelnikov
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.,Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Mikhail Ignatov
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.,Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Christopher P Tinworth
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Leran Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
| | - Daniel Conole
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
| | - Elena De Vita
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
| | - Dima Kozakov
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.,Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Adam McCluskey
- Chemistry, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, the University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - John D Harling
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Matthew J Fuchter
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
| | - Edward W Tate
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
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21
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Feng Z, Ducos B, Scerbo P, Aujard I, Jullien L, Bensimon D. The Development and Application of Opto-Chemical Tools in the Zebrafish. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196231. [PMID: 36234767 PMCID: PMC9572478 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is one of the most widely adopted animal models in both basic and translational research. This popularity of the zebrafish results from several advantages such as a high degree of similarity to the human genome, the ease of genetic and chemical perturbations, external fertilization with high fecundity, transparent and fast-developing embryos, and relatively low cost-effective maintenance. In particular, body translucency is a unique feature of zebrafish that is not adequately obtained with other vertebrate organisms. The animal’s distinctive optical clarity and small size therefore make it a successful model for optical modulation and observation. Furthermore, the convenience of microinjection and high embryonic permeability readily allow for efficient delivery of large and small molecules into live animals. Finally, the numerous number of siblings obtained from a single pair of animals offers large replicates and improved statistical analysis of the results. In this review, we describe the development of opto-chemical tools based on various strategies that control biological activities with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. We also discuss the reported applications of these tools in zebrafish and highlight the current challenges and future possibilities of opto-chemical approaches, particularly at the single cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiping Feng
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (D.B.)
| | - Bertrand Ducos
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- High Throughput qPCR Core Facility, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, 46 Rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Pierluigi Scerbo
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- Inovarion, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Aujard
- Laboratoire PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Jullien
- Laboratoire PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
| | - David Bensimon
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (D.B.)
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22
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Zhao C, Dekker FJ. Novel Design Strategies to Enhance the Efficiency of Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:710-723. [PMID: 36110375 PMCID: PMC9469497 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite the success of drug discovery over the past decades, many potential drug targets still remain intractable for small molecule modulation. The development of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that trigger degradation of the target proteins provides a conceptually novel approach to address drug targets that remained previously elusive. Currently, the main challenge of PROTAC development is the identification of efficient, tissue- and cell-selective PROTAC molecules with good drug-likeness and favorable safety profiles. This review focuses on strategies to enhance the effectiveness and selectivity of PROTACs. We provide a comprehensive summary of recently reported PROTAC design strategies and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these strategies. Future perspectives for PROTAC design will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlong Zhao
- Department of Chemical and
Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J. Dekker
- Department of Chemical and
Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
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23
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Luo H, Wu L, He Y, Qin C, Tang X. Major Advances in Emerging Degrader Technologies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:921958. [PMID: 35813205 PMCID: PMC9257139 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.921958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, degrader technologies have attracted increasing interest in the academic field and the pharmaceuticals industry. As one of the degrader technologies, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as an attractive pharmaceutical development approach due to their catalytic ability to degrade numerous undruggable disease-causing proteins. Despite the remarkable progress, many aspects of traditional PROTACs still remain elusive. Its expansion could lead to PROTACs with new paradigm. Currently, many reviews focused on the design and optimization strategies through summarizing classical PROTACs, application in diseases and prospect of PROTACs. In this review, we categorize various emerging PROTACs ranging from simply modified classical PROTACs to atypical PROTACs such as nucleic acid-based PROTACs, and we put more emphasis on molecular design of PROTACs with different strategies. Furthermore, we summarize alternatives of PROTACs as lysosome-targeting chimeras (LYTACs) and macroautophagy degradation targeting chimeras (MADTACs) based on different degradation mechanism despite of lysosomal pathway. Beyond these protein degraders, targeting RNA degradation with the potential for cancer and virus therapeutics has been discussed. In doing so, we provide our perspective on the potential development or concerns of each degrader technology. Overall, we hope this review will offer a better mechanistic understanding of emerging degraders and prove as useful guide for the development of the coming degrader technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Luo
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Wu
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yujian He
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chong Qin
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinjing Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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24
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Negi A, Kieffer C, Voisin‐Chiret AS. Azobenzene Photoswitches in Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras: Photochemical Control Strategies and Therapeutic Benefits. ChemistrySelect 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202200981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Negi
- Department of Bioproduct and Biosystems Aalto University Espoo 02150 Finland
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25
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Chen L, Wan X, Shan X, Zha W, Fan R. Smart PROTACs Enable Controllable Protein Degradation for Precision Cancer Therapy. Mol Diagn Ther 2022; 26:283-291. [PMID: 35471699 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00586-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional chemicals that degrade proteins at the post-translational level, which represent an emerging therapeutic modality to fight cancer and other diseases. Although several PROTACs have now entered clinical trials, potential off-tissue side effects have resulted from nonspecific accumulation at non-cancerous sites after systemic administration, and this remains a major challenge. To this end, in the past 3 years, activatable PROTACs whose activity can only be launched on demand have gained tremendous momentum. In this review, we provide an overview of these new smart activatable PROTACs, which exert protein degradation action only in response to internal or external stimuli. We categorize these activatable PROTACs according to their activation mechanism contributed by different stimuli, including reduction-activatable, hypoxia-activatable, and enzyme-activatable PROTACs and photo-caged or photo-switchable PROTACs. The use of stimuli-responsive chemical blocks in these activatable PROTACs allows local activation of the antitumor effects while reducing the incidence of off-site side effects for precision cancer therapy. The design principle and category of smart PROTACs are introduced along with an overview of their therapeutic prospects and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Chen
- Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xinqiang Wan
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, China
| | - Xiangxiang Shan
- Department of Geraeology, Yancheng City No. 1 People's Hospital, Yancheng, China
| | - Wenzhang Zha
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, 166 Yulong Road, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Rengen Fan
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, 166 Yulong Road, Yancheng, 224001, China.
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26
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Welfare JG, Mortelliti MJ, McGlade CA, Hartman TW, Dempsey JL, Lawrence DS. Assessment of Photoreleasable Linkers and Light-Capturing Antennas on a Photoresponsive Cobalamin Scaffold. J Org Chem 2022; 87:5076-5084. [PMID: 35353509 PMCID: PMC9727707 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c02931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cobalamin has shown promise as a light-sensitive drug delivery platform owing to its ease of modification and the high quantum yields for drug photorelease. However, studies to date on the general photochemistry of alkyl cobalamins have primarily focused on methyl and adenosyl-substituted derivatives, the natural cofactors present in various enzymatic species. We describe the synthesis and photolytic behavior of cobalamin conjugates comprised of different combinations of fluorophores and β-axial ligands. In general, cobalamin conjugates containing β-axial alkyl substituents undergo efficient photolysis under aqueous conditions, with quantum yields up to >40%. However, substituents that are large and hydrophobic, or unable to readily support the presumed radical intermediate, suffer less efficient photolysis (<15%) than smaller, water-soluble, analogs. By contrast, quantum yields improve by 2-fold in DMF for cobalamins containing large hydrophobic β-axial substituents. This suggests that drug release from carriers comprised of membranous compartments, such as liposomes, may be significantly more efficient than the corresponding photorelease in an aqueous environment. Finally, we explored the impact of fluorophores on the photolysis of alkyl cobalamins under tissue-mimetic conditions. Cobalamins substituted with efficient photon-capturing fluorophores display up to 4-fold enhancements in photolysis relative to unsubstituted derivatives. In summary, we have shown that the photosensitivity of alkyl cobalamin conjugates can be tuned by altering the Co-appended alkyl moiety, modulating the polarity of the environment (solvent), and installing photon-capturing fluorophores onto the cobalamin framework.
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27
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Wu Y, Xue J, Li J. Chemical degrader enhances the treatment of androgen receptor-positive triple-negative breast cancer. Arch Biochem Biophys 2022; 721:109194. [PMID: 35337811 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2022.109194] [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: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) is a promising therapeutic target for AR-positive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, clinical trials of AR inhibitors only reveal modest therapeutic efficacy for AR-positive TNBC, and drug resistance is also inevitable. To address these challenges, we herein report the use of an AR-targeting proteolysis targeting chimera (AR-PROTAC) to treat AR-positive TNBC. We demonstrated that AR-PROTAC potently degraded AR protein via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in AR-positive TNBC BT549 cells, with a half degradation concentration of ∼46.9 nM. By evaluating the therapeutic efficacies in vitro and in vivo, we validated that AR-PROTAC was superior to enzalutamide, an AR inhibitor. Specifically, AR-PROTAC at 100 nM reduced BT549 cell viability by up to ∼80%, and AR-PRTOAC at 10 mg/kg suppressed tumor growth by ∼60% when administrated intratumorally in subcutaneous BT549 tumor mice model. Overall, these results demonstrate for the first time that PROTAC holds promise to enhance the treatment of AR-positive TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchun Wu
- Ultrasonic Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinqiu Xue
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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28
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Shi S, Du Y, Zou Y, Niu J, Cai Z, Wang X, Qiu F, Ding Y, Yang G, Wu Y, Xu Y, Zhu Q. Rational Design for Nitroreductase (NTR)-Responsive Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) Selectively Targeting Tumor Tissues. J Med Chem 2022; 65:5057-5071. [PMID: 35175763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The catalytic properties of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) may lead to uncontrolled off-tissue target degradation that causes potential toxicity, limiting their clinical applications. The precise control of this technology in a tissue-selective manner can minimize the potential toxicity. Hypoxia is a hallmark of most solid tumors, accompanied by elevated levels of nitroreductase (NTR). Based on this character, we presented a type of NTR-responsive PROTACs to selectively degrade proteins of interest (POI) in tumor tissues. Compound 17-1 was the first NTR-responsive PROTAC synthesized by incorporating the caging group on the Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ubiquitin ligase ligand. It could be activated by NTR to release the active PROTAC 17 to efficiently degrade the EGFR protein and subsequently exert antitumor efficacy. Thus, a general strategy for the precise control of PROTAC to induce POI degradation in tumor tissues by NTR was established, which provided a generalizable platform for the development of NTR-controlled PROTACs to achieve selective degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yu Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yi Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jing Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zeyu Cai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiaonan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Feihuang Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Gengchen Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yunze Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yungen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Qihua Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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29
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Wang T, Long K, Zhou Y, Jiang X, Liu J, Fong JH, Wong AS, Ng WL, Wang W. Optochemical Control of mTOR Signaling and mTOR-Dependent Autophagy. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:149-155. [PMID: 35311017 PMCID: PMC8922298 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
As an important regulator of cell metabolism, proliferation, and survival, mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling provides both a potential target for cancer treatment and a research tool for investigation of cell metabolism. One inhibitor for both mTORC1 and mTORC2 pathways, OSI-027, exhibited robust anticancer efficacy but induced side effects. Herein, we designed a photoactivatable OSI-027 prodrug, which allowed the release of OSI-027 after light irradiation to inhibit the mTOR signaling pathway, triggering autophagy and leading to cell death. This photoactivatable prodrug can provide novel strategies for mTOR-targeting cancer therapy and act as a new tool for investigating mTOR signaling and its related biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Wang
- State
Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,Department
of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,Dr.
Li Dak-Sum Research Centre, The University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 0000, China
| | - Kaiqi Long
- State
Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,Department
of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,Dr.
Li Dak-Sum Research Centre, The University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 0000, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- State
Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,Department
of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,Dr.
Li Dak-Sum Research Centre, The University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 0000, China
| | - Xiaoding Jiang
- School
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese
University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jinzhao Liu
- Dr.
Li Dak-Sum Research Centre, The University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 0000, China
| | - John H.C. Fong
- Laboratory
of Combinatorial Genetics and Synthetic Biology, School of Biomedical
Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong China
| | - Alan S.L. Wong
- Laboratory
of Combinatorial Genetics and Synthetic Biology, School of Biomedical
Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong China,Department
of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong
Kong, China
| | - Wai-Lung Ng
- School
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese
University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Weiping Wang
- State
Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,Department
of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,Dr.
Li Dak-Sum Research Centre, The University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 0000, China,
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30
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Juan A, del Mar Noblejas-López M, Arenas-Moreira M, Alonso-Moreno C, Ocaña A. Options to Improve the Action of PROTACs in Cancer: Development of Controlled Delivery Nanoparticles. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:805336. [PMID: 35186955 PMCID: PMC8851355 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.805336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical targeting in cancer focuses on the development of chemical structures able to bind to protein pockets with enzymatic activity. Some of these molecules are designed to bind the ATP side of the kinase domain avoiding protein activation and the subsequent oncogenic activity. A further improvement of these agents relies on the generation of non-allosteric inhibitors that once bound are able to limit the kinase function by producing a conformational change at the protein and, therefore, augmenting the antitumoural potency. Unfortunately, not all oncogenic proteins have enzymatic activity and cannot be chemically targeted with these types of molecular entities. Very recently, exploiting the protein degradation pathway through the ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of key target proteins has gained momentum. With this approach, non-enzymatic proteins such as Transcription Factors can be degraded. In this regard, we provide an overview of current applications of the PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) compounds for the treatment of solid tumours and ways to overcome their limitations for clinical development. Among the different constraints for their development, improvements in bioavailability and safety, due to an optimized delivery, seem to be relevant. In this context, it is anticipated that those targeting pan-essential genes will have a narrow therapeutic index. In this article, we review the advantages and disadvantages of the potential use of drug delivery systems to improve the activity and safety of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Juan
- Unidad NanoCRIB, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Albacete, Spain
| | - María del Mar Noblejas-López
- Oncología Traslacional, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Albacete, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Oncología Traslacional, Albacete, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Alonso-Moreno
- Unidad NanoCRIB, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Albacete, Spain
- Facultad de Farmacia de Albacete Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Alberto Ocaña
- Unidad de Investigación del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Oncología Traslacional, Albacete, Spain
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC and CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
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31
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He S, Dong G, Cheng J, Wu Y, Sheng C. Strategies for designing proteolysis targeting chimaeras (PROTACs). Med Res Rev 2022; 42:1280-1342. [PMID: 35001407 DOI: 10.1002/med.21877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimaeras (PROTACs) is a cutting edge and rapidly growing technique for new drug discovery and development. Currently, the largest challenge in the molecular design and drug development of PROTACs is efficient identification of potent and drug-like degraders. This review aims to comprehensively summarize and analyse state-of-the-art methods and strategies in the design of PROTACs. We provide a detailed illustration of the general principles and tactics for designing potent PROTACs, highlight representative case studies, and discuss the advantages and limitations of these strategies. Particularly, structure-based rational PROTAC design and emerging new types of PROTACs (e.g., homo-PROTACs, multitargeting PROTACs, photo-control PROTACs and PROTAC-based conjugates) will be focused on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng He
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junfei Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Pharmacy, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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32
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Zhu C, Kou T, Kadi AA, Li J, Zhang Y. Molecular platforms based on biocompatible photoreactions for photomodulation of biological targets. Org Biomol Chem 2021; 19:9358-9368. [PMID: 34632469 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob01613j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Photoirradiation provides a convenient and biocompatible approach for spatiotemporal modulation of biological systems with photoresponsive components. The construction of molecular platforms with a photoresponse to be integrated into biomolecules for photomodulation has been of great research interest in optochemical biology. In this review, we summarize typical molecular platforms that are integratable with biomolecules for photomodulation purposes. We categorize these molecular platforms according to their excitation light source, namely ultraviolet (UV), visible (Vis) or near-infrared (NIR) light. The protype chemistry of these molecular platforms is introduced along with an overview of their most recent applications for spatiotemporal regulation of biomolecular function in living cells or mice models. Challenges and the outlook are also presented. We hope this review paper will contribute to further progress in the development of molecular platforms and their biomedical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Tianzhang Kou
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Adnan A Kadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jinbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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