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Fan L, Tong W, Wei A, Mu X. Progress of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) delivery system in tumor treatment. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 275:133680. [PMID: 38971291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) can use the intrinsic protein degradation system in cells to degrade pathogenic target proteins, and are currently a revolutionary frontier of development strategy for tumor treatment with small molecules. However, the poor water solubility, low cellular permeability, and off-target side effects of most PROTACs have prevented them from passing the preclinical research stage of drug development. This requires the use of appropriate delivery systems to overcome these challenging hurdles and ensure precise delivery of PROTACs towards the tumor site. Therefore, the combination of PROTACs and multifunctional delivery systems will open up new research directions for targeted degradation of tumor proteins. In this review, we systematically reviewed the design principles and the most recent advances of various PROTACs delivery systems. Moreover, the constructive strategies for developing multifunctional PROTACs delivery systems were proposed comprehensively. This review aims to deepen the understanding of PROTACs drugs and promote the further development of PROTACs delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianlian Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Weifang Tong
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Anhui Wei
- Jilin University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xupeng Mu
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China.
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2
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Kanbar K, El Darzi R, Jaalouk DE. Precision oncology revolution: CRISPR-Cas9 and PROTAC technologies unleashed. Front Genet 2024; 15:1434002. [PMID: 39144725 PMCID: PMC11321987 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1434002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer continues to present a substantial global health challenge, with its incidence and mortality rates persistently reflecting its significant impact. The emergence of precision oncology has provided a breakthrough in targeting oncogenic drivers previously deemed "undruggable" by conventional therapeutics and by limiting off-target cytotoxicity. Two groundbreaking technologies that have revolutionized the field of precision oncology are primarily CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and more recently PROTAC (PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras) targeted protein degradation technology. CRISPR-Cas9, in particular, has gained widespread recognition and acclaim due to its remarkable ability to modify DNA sequences precisely. Rather than editing the genetic code, PROTACs harness the ubiquitin proteasome degradation machinery to degrade proteins of interest selectively. Even though CRISPR-Cas9 and PROTAC technologies operate on different principles, they share a common goal of advancing precision oncology whereby both approaches have demonstrated remarkable potential in preclinical and promising data in clinical trials. CRISPR-Cas9 has demonstrated its clinical potential in this field due to its ability to modify genes directly and indirectly in a precise, efficient, reversible, adaptable, and tissue-specific manner, and its potential as a diagnostic tool. On the other hand, the ability to administer in low doses orally, broad targeting, tissue specificity, and controllability have reinforced the clinical potential of PROTAC. Thus, in the field of precision oncology, gene editing using CRISPR technology has revolutionized targeted interventions, while the emergence of PROTACs has further expanded the therapeutic landscape by enabling selective protein degradation. Rather than viewing them as mutually exclusive or competing methods in the field of precision oncology, their use is context-dependent (i.e., based on the molecular mechanisms of the disease) and they potentially could be used synergistically complementing the strengths of CRISPR and vice versa. Herein, we review the current status of CRISPR and PROTAC designs and their implications in the field of precision oncology in terms of clinical potential, clinical trial data, limitations, and compare their implications in precision clinical oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Kanbar
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Roy El Darzi
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Diana E. Jaalouk
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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3
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Chen S, Deng Z, Ji D. Advances in the development of lipid nanoparticles for ophthalmic therapeutics. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117108. [PMID: 39067162 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117108] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Previously, researchers have employed Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to directly encapsulate medicines. In the realm of gene therapy, researchers have begun to employ lipid nanoparticles to encapsulate nucleic acids such as messenger RNA, small interfering RNA, and plasmid DNA, which are known as nucleic acid lipid nanoparticles. Recent breakthroughs in LNP-based medicine have provided significant prospects for the treatment of ocular disorders, such as corneal, choroidal, and retinal diseases. The use of LNP as a delivery mechanism for medicines and therapeutic genes can increase their effectiveness while avoiding undesired immune reactions. However, LNP-based medicines may pose ocular concerns. In this review, we discuss the general framework of LNP. Additionally, we review adjustable approaches and evaluate their possible risks. In addition, we examine newly described ocular illnesses in which LNP was utilized as a delivery mechanism. Finally, we provide perspectives for solving these potential issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Chen
- The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhihong Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Dan Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China.
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4
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Rej RK, Allu SR, Roy J, Acharyya RK, Kiran INC, Addepalli Y, Dhamodharan V. Orally Bioavailable Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras: An Innovative Approach in the Golden Era of Discovering Small-Molecule Cancer Drugs. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:494. [PMID: 38675453 PMCID: PMC11054475 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are an emerging therapeutic modality that show promise to open a target space not accessible to conventional small molecules via a degradation-based mechanism. PROTAC degraders, due to their bifunctional nature, which is categorized as 'beyond the Rule of Five', have gained attention as a distinctive therapeutic approach for oral administration in clinical settings. However, the development of PROTACs with adequate oral bioavailability remains a significant hurdle, largely due to their large size and less than ideal physical and chemical properties. This review encapsulates the latest advancements in orally delivered PROTACs that have entered clinical evaluation as well as developments highlighted in recent scholarly articles. The insights and methodologies elaborated upon in this review could be instrumental in supporting the discovery and refinement of novel PROTAC degraders aimed at the treatment of various human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Kalyan Rej
- Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.R.A.); (R.K.A.)
| | - Srinivasa Rao Allu
- Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.R.A.); (R.K.A.)
| | - Joyeeta Roy
- Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Ranjan Kumar Acharyya
- Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.R.A.); (R.K.A.)
| | - I. N. Chaithanya Kiran
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Yesu Addepalli
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - V. Dhamodharan
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Center for Nanosystems Chemistry, University of Wuerzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;
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5
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Xie H, Zhang C. Potential of the nanoplatform and PROTAC interface to achieve targeted protein degradation through the Ubiquitin-Proteasome system. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116168. [PMID: 38310686 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a crucial role in selectively breaking down specific proteins. The ability of the UPS to target proteins effectively and expedite their removal has significantly contributed to the evolution of UPS-based targeted protein degradation (TPD) strategies. In particular, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are an immensely promising tool due to their high efficiency, extensive target range, and negligible drug resistance. This breakthrough has overcome the limitations posed by traditionally "non-druggable" proteins. However, their high molecular weight and constrained solubility impede the delivery of PROTACs. Fortunately, the field of nanomedicine has experienced significant growth, enabling the delivery of PROTACs through nanoscale drug-delivery systems, which effectively improves the stability, solubility, drug distribution, tissue-specific accumulation, and stimulus-responsive release of PROTACs. This article reviews the mechanism of action attributed to PROTACs and their potential implications for clinical applications. Moreover, we present strategies involving nanoplatforms for the effective delivery of PROTACs and evaluate recent advances in targeting nanoplatforms to the UPS. Ultimately, an assessment is conducted to determine the feasibility of utilizing PROTACs and nanoplatforms for UPS-based TPD. The primary aim of this review is to provide innovative, reliable solutions to overcome the current challenges obstructing the effective use of PROTACs in the management of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, this is a promising technology for improving the treatment status of major diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanshu Xie
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China.
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Zhong J, Zhao R, Wang Y, Su YX, Lan X. Nano-PROTACs: state of the art and perspectives. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:4378-4391. [PMID: 38305466 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06059d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs), as a recently identified technique in the field of new drug development, provide new concepts for disease treatment and are expected to revolutionize drug discovery. With high specificity and flexibility, PROTACs serve as an innovative research tool to target and degrade disease-relevant proteins that are not currently pharmaceutically vulnerable to eliminating their functions by hijacking the ubiquitin-proteasome system. To date, PROTACs still face the challenges of low solubility, poor permeability, off-target effects, and metabolic instability. The combination of nanotechnology and PROTACs has been explored to enhance the in vivo performance of PROTACs regarding overcoming these challenging hurdles. In this review, we summarize the latest advancements in the building-block design of PROTAC prodrug nanoparticles and provide an overview of existing/potential delivery systems and loading approaches for PROTAC drugs. Furthermore, we discuss the current status and prospects of the split-and-mix approach for PROTAC drug optimization. Additionally, the advantages and translational potentials of carrier-free nano-PROTACs and their combinational therapeutic effects are highlighted. This review aims to foster a deeper understanding of this rapidly evolving field and facilitate the progress of nano-PROTACs that will continue to push the boundaries of achieving selectivity and controlled release of PROTAC drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhong
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
- Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.
| | - Ruiqi Zhao
- Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.
| | - Yuji Wang
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Yu-Xiong Su
- Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.
| | - Xinmiao Lan
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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Liu HJ, Chen W, Wu G, Zhou J, Liu C, Tang Z, Huang X, Gao J, Xiao Y, Kong N, Joshi N, Cao Y, Abdi R, Tao W. Glutathione-Scavenging Nanoparticle-Mediated PROTACs Delivery for Targeted Protein Degradation and Amplified Antitumor Effects. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2207439. [PMID: 37066758 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are an emerging class of promising therapeutic modalities that selectively degrade intracellular proteins of interest by hijacking the ubiquitin-proteasome system. However, the lack of techniques to efficiently transport these degraders to targeted cells and consequently the potential toxicity of PROTACs limit their clinical applications. Here, a strategy of nanoengineered PROTACs, that is, Nano-PROTACs, is reported, which improves the bioavailability of PROTACs and maximizes their capacity to therapeutically degrade intracellular oncogenic proteins for tumor therapy. The Nano-PROTACs are developed by encapsulating PROTACs in glutathione (GSH)-responsive poly(disulfide amide) polymeric (PDSA) nanoparticles and show that ARV@PDSA Nano-PROTAC, nanoengineered BRD4 degrader ARV-771, improves BRD4 protein degradation and decreases the downstream oncogene c-Myc expression. Benefiting from the GSH-scavenging ability to amply the c-Myc-related ferroptosis and cell cycle arrest, this ARV@PDSA Nano-PROTACs strategy shows superior anti-tumor efficacy with a low dose administration and good biocompatibility in vivo. The findings reveal the potential of the Nano-PROTACs strategy to treat a broad range of diseases by dismantling associated pathogenic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Jun Liu
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Transplantation Research Center, Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Gongwei Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jun Zhou
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Chuang Liu
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Zhongmin Tang
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Xiangang Huang
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jingjing Gao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Yufen Xiao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nitin Joshi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Yihai Cao
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Reza Abdi
- Transplantation Research Center, Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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8
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Si R, Hai P, Zheng Y, Wang J, Zhang Q, Li Y, Pan X, Zhang J. Discovery of intracellular self-assembly protein degraders driven by tumor-specific activatable bioorthogonal reaction. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115497. [PMID: 37216813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115497] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) is a type of bifunctional chimeric molecule that can directly degrade the binding proteins through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. PROTAC has shown great potential in overcoming drug resistance and targeting undruggable targets. However, there are still many shortcomings that need to be solved urgently, including worse membrane permeability and bioavailability induced by their large molecular weight. Herein, we used intracellular self-assembly strategy to construct tumor-specific PROTACs via small molecular precursors. We developed two types of precursors incorporated with azide and alkyne as biorthogonal groups, respectively. These small precursors with improved membrane permeability could react facilely with each other under the catalysis of copper ions with high concentration in tumor tissues, affording novel PROTACs. These novel intracellular self-assembled PROTACs could effectly induce degradation of VEGFR-2 and EphB4 in U87 cells. Meanwhile, they could also promote apoptosis and block cells in S phase. These tumor-specific intracellular self-assembled PROTACs exhibited high selectivity due to the high concentration of copper content in tumor tissue. Moreover, this new strategy could reduce the molecular weight of PROTACs, as well as improve the membrane permeability. These results will greatly expand the applications of bioorthogonal reaction in discovery of novel PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Si
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Ping Hai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese and Tibetan Medicine, Qinghai Provincial Drug Inspection and Testing Institute, Xining, 810016, China
| | - Yongbiao Zheng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese and Tibetan Medicine, Qinghai Provincial Drug Inspection and Testing Institute, Xining, 810016, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yanchen Li
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xiaoyan Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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Li Q, Zhou L, Qin S, Huang Z, Li B, Liu R, Yang M, Nice EC, Zhu H, Huang C. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras in biotherapeutics: Current trends and future applications. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115447. [PMID: 37229829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The success of inhibitor-based therapeutics is largely constrained by the acquisition of therapeutic resistance, which is partially driven by the undruggable proteome. The emergence of proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, designed for degrading proteins involved in specific biological processes, might provide a novel framework for solving the above constraint. A heterobifunctional PROTAC molecule could structurally connect an E3 ubiquitin ligase ligand with a protein of interest (POI)-binding ligand by chemical linkers. Such technology would result in the degradation of the targeted protein via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), opening up a novel way of selectively inhibiting undruggable proteins. Herein, we will highlight the advantages of PROTAC technology and summarize the current understanding of the potential mechanisms involved in biotherapeutics, with a particular focus on its application and development where therapeutic benefits over classical small-molecule inhibitors have been achieved. Finally, we discuss how this technology can contribute to developing biotherapeutic drugs, such as antivirals against infectious diseases, for use in clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Zhao Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Bowen Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Ruolan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Mei Yang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Huili Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China.
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10
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Jiang Q, Hu Y, Liu Q, Tang Y, Wu X, Liu J, Tu G, Li G, Lin X, Qu M, Cai Y, Huang X, Xu J, Deng Y, Chen Z, Wu L. Albumin-encapsulated HSP90-PROTAC BP3 nanoparticles not only retain protein degradation ability but also enhance the antitumour activity of BP3 in vivo. J Drug Target 2023; 31:411-420. [PMID: 36866593 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2185247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimaera (PROTAC) has received extensive attention in industry. However, there are still some limitations that hinder its further development. In a previous study, our group first demonstrated that the HSP90 degrader BP3 synthesised by the principle of PROTACs showed therapeutic potential for cancer. However, its application was hindered by its high molecular weight and water insolubility. Herein, we aimed to improve these properties of HSP90-PROTAC BP3 by encapsulating it into human serum albumin nanoparticles (BP3@HSA NPs). The results demonstrated that BP3@HSA NPs showed a uniform spherical shape with a size of 141.01 ± 1.07 nm and polydispersity index < 0.2; moreover, BP3@HSA NPs were more readily taken up by breast cancer cells and had a stronger inhibitory effect in vitro than free BP3. BP3@HSA NPs also demonstrated the ability to degrade HSP90. Mechanistically, the improved inhibitory effect of BP3@HSA NPs on breast cancer cells was related to its stronger ability to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, BP3@HSA NPs improved PK properties and showed stronger tumour suppression in mice. Taken together, this study demonstrated that hydrophobic HSP90-PROTAC BP3 nanoparticles encapsulated by human serum albumin could improve the safety and antitumour efficacy of BP3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingna Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Public Technology Service Center, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Quanyu Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yuanling Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xinhua Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jingwen Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Guihui Tu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ge Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqing Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Minghui Qu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yajuan Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiuwang Huang
- Department of Public Technology Service Center, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jianhua Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yanping Deng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fujian Academy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lixian Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
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11
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Moon Y, Jeon SI, Shim MK, Kim K. Cancer-Specific Delivery of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) and Their Application to Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020411. [PMID: 36839734 PMCID: PMC9965039 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are rapidly emerging as a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy by inducing the degradation of tumor-overexpressing oncogenic proteins. They can specifically catalyze the degradation of target oncogenic proteins by recruiting E3 ligases and utilizing the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Since their mode of action is universal, irreversible, recyclable, long-lasting, and applicable to 'undruggable' proteins, PROTACs are gradually replacing the role of conventional small molecular inhibitors. Moreover, their application areas are being expanded to cancer immunotherapy as various types of oncogenic proteins that are involved in immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. However, poor water solubility and low cell permeability considerably restrict the pharmacokinetic (PK) property, which necessitates the use of appropriate delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, the general characteristics, developmental status, and PK of PROTACs are first briefly covered. Next, recent studies on the application of various types of passive or active targeting delivery systems for PROTACs are introduced, and their effects on the PK and tumor-targeting ability of PROTACs are described. Finally, recent drug delivery systems of PROTACs for cancer immunotherapy are summarized. The adoption of an adequate delivery system for PROTAC is expected to accelerate the clinical translation of PROTACs, as well as improve its efficacy for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujeong Moon
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Ik Jeon
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Woman’s University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Kyu Shim
- Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangmeyung Kim
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Woman’s University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence:
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12
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Saraswat AL, Vartak R, Hegazy R, Patel A, Patel K. Drug delivery challenges and formulation aspects of proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTACs). Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103387. [PMID: 36184017 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have been extensively explored for targeted proteasomal degradation of disease-related proteins with enormous potential in the treatment of intractable diseases. However, PROTACs are poorly soluble and permeable bulky molecules facing several bioavailability challenges irrespective of the route of administration. Our review lays out crucial challenges in the delivery of target protein degraders and nanoformulation approaches to overcome physicochemical and biological hurdles that can aid in transporting these target-protein degraders to the disease site. We have elaborated on the current formulation approaches and further highlighted the prospective delivery strategies that could be probed for disease-specific targeted delivery of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya L Saraswat
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Richa Vartak
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Rehab Hegazy
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA; Pharmacology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Akanksha Patel
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Ketan Patel
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA.
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13
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Pu C, Wang S, Liu L, Feng Z, Zhang H, Gong Q, Sun Y, Guo Y, Li R. Current strategies for improving limitations of proteolysis targeting chimeras. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.107927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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14
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Liu Z, Zhang Y, Xiang Y, Kang X. Small-Molecule PROTACs for Cancer Immunotherapy. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175439. [PMID: 36080223 PMCID: PMC9458232 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Unsatisfactory physicochemical properties of macromolecular drugs seriously hinder their application in tumor immunotherapy. However, these problems can be effectively solved by small-molecule compounds. In the promising field of small-molecule drug development, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) offers a novel mode of action in the interactions between small molecules and therapeutic targets (mainly proteins). This revolutionary technology has shown considerable impact on several proteins related to tumor survival but is rarely exploited in proteins associated with immuno-oncology up until now. This review attempts to comprehensively summarize the well-studied and less-developed immunological targets available for PROTAC technology, as well as some targets to be explored, aiming to provide more options and opportunities for the development of small-molecule-based tumor immunotherapy. In addition, some novel directions that can magnify and broaden the protein degradation efficiency are mentioned to improve PROTAC design in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xin Kang
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-19138939183
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15
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Chen Y, Tandon I, Heelan W, Wang Y, Tang W, Hu Q. Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) delivery system: advancing protein degraders towards clinical translation. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:5330-5350. [PMID: 35713468 PMCID: PMC9382890 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00762a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs), an emerging therapeutic entity designed to degrade target proteins by hijacking the ubiquitin-proteasome system, have the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry. The broad applicability of this protein degradation strategy has been verified with a few E3 ligases and a variety of distinct targets through the construction of modular chimeric structures. Despite recent efforts to promote the use of PROTACs for clinical applications, most PROTACs do not make it beyond the preclinical stage of drug development. There are several reasons that prevent PROTACs from reaching the market, and the inadequate delivery to the target site is one of the most challenging hurdles. With the increasing need for accelerating the translational process, combining the concepts of PROTACs and delivery systems has been explored to enhance the in vivo performance of PROTACs. These improved delivery strategies can eliminate unfavorable physicochemical properties of PROTACs, improve their targetability, and decrease their off-target side effects. The integration of powerful PROTACs and versatile delivery systems will inaugurate a burgeoning orientation for the field of targeted protein degradation. In this review, we will survey the latest progress in improving the in vivo degradation efficacy of PROTACs through delivery strategies, outline design principles for PROTAC-based delivery systems, discuss the current challenges with PROTACs, and outlook future opportunities in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Ira Tandon
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - William Heelan
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - Yixin Wang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Weiping Tang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - Quanyin Hu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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16
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He M, Cao C, Ni Z, Liu Y, Song P, Hao S, He Y, Sun X, Rao Y. PROTACs: great opportunities for academia and industry (an update from 2020 to 2021). Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:181. [PMID: 35680848 PMCID: PMC9178337 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00999-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) technology is a new protein-degradation strategy that has emerged in recent years. It uses bifunctional small molecules to induce the ubiquitination and degradation of target proteins through the ubiquitin–proteasome system. PROTACs can not only be used as potential clinical treatments for diseases such as cancer, immune disorders, viral infections, and neurodegenerative diseases, but also provide unique chemical knockdown tools for biological research in a catalytic, reversible, and rapid manner. In 2019, our group published a review article “PROTACs: great opportunities for academia and industry” in the journal, summarizing the representative compounds of PROTACs reported before the end of 2019. In the past 2 years, the entire field of protein degradation has experienced rapid development, including not only a large increase in the number of research papers on protein-degradation technology but also a rapid increase in the number of small-molecule degraders that have entered the clinical and will enter the clinical stage. In addition to PROTAC and molecular glue technology, other new degradation technologies are also developing rapidly. In this article, we mainly summarize and review the representative PROTACs of related targets published in 2020–2021 to present to researchers the exciting developments in the field of protein degradation. The problems that need to be solved in this field will also be briefly introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming He
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Chaoguo Cao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhihao Ni
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yongbo Liu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Peilu Song
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Hao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yuna He
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiuyun Sun
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yu Rao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China. .,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 450001, Zhengzhou, China.
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17
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Li Y, Ye Z, Yang H, Xu Q. Tailoring combinatorial lipid nanoparticles for intracellular delivery of nucleic acids, proteins, and drugs. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:2624-2639. [PMID: 35755280 PMCID: PMC9214058 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yamin Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Zhongfeng Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Hanyi Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Qiaobing Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
- Corresponding author.
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18
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Dai M, Radhakrishnan S, Li R, Tan R, Yan K, Fan G, Liu M. Targeted Protein Degradation: An Important Tool for Drug Discovery for "Undruggable" Tumor Transcription Factors. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2022; 21:15330338221095950. [PMID: 35466792 PMCID: PMC9047787 DOI: 10.1177/15330338221095950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional small-molecule drugs (SMDs) are compounds characterized by low
molecular weight, high cell permeability, and high selectivity. In clinical
translation, SMDs are regarded as good candidates for oral drug formulation. SMD
inhibitors play an important role in cancer treatment; however, resistance and
low effectiveness have been major bottlenecks in clinical application.
Generally, only 20% of cell proteins can potentially be targeted and have been
developed as SMDs; thus, some types of tumor targets are considered
“undruggable.” Among these are transcription factors (TFs), an important class
of proteins that regulate the occurrence, formation, and development of tumors.
It is difficult for SMDs and macromolecular drugs to identify bioactive sites in
TFs and hence for use as pharmacological inhibitors in targeting TF proteins.
For this reason, technologies that enable targeted protein degradation, such as
proteolysis-targeting chimera or molecular glues, could serve as a potential
tool to solve these conundrums.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Dai
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, 89674Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sridhar Radhakrishnan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, 37580National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruirong Tan
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, 598782Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Kuo Yan
- Institute of Cell and Neurobiology, Charité Medical University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gang Fan
- Department of Urology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,477382The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Pathology, 1861Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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19
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Levin-Kravets O, Kordonsky A, Shusterman A, Biswas S, Persaud A, Elias S, Langut Y, Florentin A, Simpson-Lavy KJ, Yariv E, Avishid R, Sror M, Almog O, Marshanski T, Kadosh S, Ben David N, Manori B, Fischer Z, Lilly J, Borisova E, Ambrozkiewicz MC, Tarabykin V, Kupiec M, Thaker M, Rotin D, Prag G. Split Chloramphenicol Acetyl-Transferase Assay Reveals Self-Ubiquitylation-Dependent Regulation of UBE3B. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167276. [PMID: 34599943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167276] [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: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Split reporter protein-based genetic section systems are widely used to identify and characterize protein-protein interactions (PPI). The assembly of split markers that antagonize toxins, rather than required for synthesis of missing metabolites, facilitates the seeding of high density of cells and selective growth. Here we present a newly developed split chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (split-CAT) -based genetic selection system. The N terminus fragment of CAT is fused downstream of the protein of interest and the C terminus fragment is tethered upstream to its postulated partner. We demonstrate the system's advantages for the study of PPIs. Moreover, we show that co-expression of a functional ubiquitylation cascade where the target and ubiquitin are tethered to the split-CAT fragments results in ubiquitylation-dependent selective growth. Since proteins do not have to be purified from the bacteria and due to the high sensitivity of the split-CAT reporter, detection of challenging protein cascades and post-translation modifications is enabled. In addition, we demonstrate that the split-CAT system responds to small molecule inhibitors and molecular glues (GLUTACs). The absence of ubiquitylation-dependent degradation and deubiquitylation in E. coli significantly simplify the interpretation of the results. We harnessed the developed system to demonstrate that like NEDD4, UBE3B also undergoes self-ubiquitylation-dependent inactivation. We show that self-ubiquitylation of UBE3B on K665 induces oligomerization and inactivation in yeast and mammalian cells respectively. Finally, we showcase the advantages of split-CAT in the study of human diseases by demonstrating that mutations in UBE3B that cause Kaufman oculocerebrofacial syndrome exhibit clear E. coli growth phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Levin-Kravets
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alina Kordonsky
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anna Shusterman
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sagnik Biswas
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Avinash Persaud
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children and Biochemistry Department, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sivan Elias
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Langut
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amir Florentin
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Kobi J Simpson-Lavy
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Elon Yariv
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Reut Avishid
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mor Sror
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ofir Almog
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tal Marshanski
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel. https://twitter.com/@TalMarsh
| | - Shira Kadosh
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nicole Ben David
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Bar Manori
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Zohar Fischer
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jeremiah Lilly
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ekaterina Borisova
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center Neuroscience, Lobachevsky University of the Russian Academy of Sciences Nizhny Novgorod, pr. Gagarina 24, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mateusz C Ambrozkiewicz
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany. https://twitter.com/@MAmbrozkiewicz
| | - Victor Tarabykin
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Kupiec
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Maulik Thaker
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Daniela Rotin
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children and Biochemistry Department, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gali Prag
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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20
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Coiled coil exposure and histidine tags drive function of an intracellular protein drug carrier. J Control Release 2021; 339:248-258. [PMID: 34563592 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, protein engineering efforts have yielded a diverse set of binding proteins that hold promise for various therapeutic applications. Despite this, their inability to reach intracellular targets limits their applications to cell surface or soluble targets. To address this challenge, we previously reported a protein carrier that binds antibodies and delivers them to therapeutic targets inside cancer cells. This carrier, known as the Hex carrier, is comprised of a self-assembling coiled coil hexamer at the core, with each alpha helix fused to a linker, an antibody binding domain, and a six Histidine-tag (His-tag). In this work, we designed different versions of the carrier to determine the role of each building block in cytosolic protein delivery. We found that increasing exposure of the Hex coiled coil on the carriers, through molecular design or removing antibodies, increased internalization, pointing to a role of the coiled coil in promoting endocytosis. We observed a clear increase in endosomal disruption events when His-tags were present on the carrier relative to when they were removed, due to an endosomal buffering effect. Finally, we found that the antibody binding domains of the Hex carrier could be replaced with monomeric ultra-stable GFP for intracellular delivery and endosomal escape. Our results demonstrate that the Hex coiled coil, in conjunction with His-tags, could be a generalizable vehicle for delivering small and large proteins to intracellular targets. This work also highlights new biological applications for oligomeric coiled coils and shows the direct and quantifiable impact of histidine residues on endosomal disruption. These findings could inform the design of future drug delivery vehicles in applications beyond intracellular protein delivery.
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