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Zhou C, Sun C, Huang M, Tang X, Pi L, Li C. Exploring Degradation of Intrinsically Disordered Protein Yes-Associated Protein Induced by Proteolysis TArgeting Chimeras. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39189384 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a key oncogene in the Hippo tumor suppression pathway, historically challenging to target due to its intrinsically disordered nature. Leveraging recent advances in high-throughput screening that identified several YAP binders, we employed proteolysis-targeting chimera technology to develop a series of YAP degraders. Utilizing NSC682769, a known YAP binder, linked with VHL ligand 2 or pomalidomide via diverse linkers, we synthesized degraders including YZ-6. This degrader not only recruits the E3 ligase VHL for the rapid and sustained degradation of YAP but also effectively inhibits its nuclear localization, curtailing YAP/TEAD-mediated transcription in cancer cell lines such as NCI-H226 and Huh7. This dual action significantly diminishes YAP's oncogenic activity, contributing to the potent antiproliferative effects observed both in vitro and in a Huh7 xenograft mouse model. These results underscore the potential of PROTAC-mediated YAP degradation as a strategy for treating YAP-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Chunbao Sun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, United States
| | - Miao Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Liya Pi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, United States
| | - Chenglong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
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2
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Feng Y, Hu X, Wang X. Targeted protein degradation in hematologic malignancies: clinical progression towards novel therapeutics. Biomark Res 2024; 12:85. [PMID: 39169396 PMCID: PMC11340087 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00638-1] [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: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies, such as small molecule kinase inhibitors, have made significant progress in the treatment of hematologic malignancies by directly modulating protein activity. However, issues such as drug toxicity, drug resistance due to target mutations, and the absence of key active sites limit the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs. Targeted protein degradation (TPD) presents an emergent and rapidly evolving therapeutic approach that selectively targets proteins of interest (POI) based on endogenous degradation processes. With an event-driven pharmacology of action, TPD achieves efficacy with catalytic amounts, avoiding drug-related toxicity. Furthermore, TPD has the unique mode of degrading the entire POI, such that resistance derived from mutations in the targeted protein has less impact on its degradation function. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and molecular glue degraders (MGDs) are the most maturely developed TPD techniques. In this review, we focus on both preclinical experiments and clinical trials to provide a comprehensive summary of the safety and clinical effectiveness of PROTACs and MGDs in hematologic malignancies over the past two decades. In addition, we also delineate the challenges and opportunities associated with these burgeoning degradation techniques. TPD, as an approach to the precise degradation of specific proteins, provides an important impetus for its future application in the treatment of patients with hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yupiao Feng
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, No.324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Xinting Hu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, No.324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, No.324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, No.324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, No.324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.
- Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.
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3
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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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4
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Zheng X, Ji N, Campbell V, Slavin A, Zhu X, Chen D, Rong H, Enerson B, Mayo M, Sharma K, Browne CM, Klaus CR, Li H, Massa G, McDonald AA, Shi Y, Sintchak M, Skouras S, Walther DM, Yuan K, Zhang Y, Kelleher J, Liu G, Luo X, Mainolfi N, Weiss MM. Discovery of KT-474─a Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable IRAK4 Degrader for the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39151120 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) is an essential mediator of the IL-1R and TLR signaling pathways, both of which have been implicated in multiple autoimmune conditions. Hence, blocking the activity of IRAK4 represents an attractive approach for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The activity of this serine/threonine kinase is dependent on its kinase and scaffolding activities; thus, degradation represents a potentially superior approach to inhibition. Herein, we detail the exploration of structure-activity relationships that ultimately led to the identification of KT-474, a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable heterobifunctional IRAK4 degrader. This represents the first heterobifunctional degrader evaluated in a nononcology indication and dosed to healthy human volunteers. This molecule successfully completed phase I studies in healthy adult volunteers and patients with atopic dermatitis or hidradenitis suppurativa. Phase II clinical trials in both of these indications have been initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhang Zheng
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Nan Ji
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Veronica Campbell
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Anthony Slavin
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Dapeng Chen
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Haojing Rong
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Brad Enerson
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Michele Mayo
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Kirti Sharma
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Chris M Browne
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Christine R Klaus
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Haoran Li
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Ginny Massa
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Alice A McDonald
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Yatao Shi
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Mike Sintchak
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Stephanie Skouras
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Dirk M Walther
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Karen Yuan
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Yi Zhang
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Joe Kelleher
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Guang Liu
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Xinbo Luo
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Nello Mainolfi
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
| | - Matthew M Weiss
- Kymera Therapeutics, 500 N. Beacon Street, Fourth Floor, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, United States
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Gough SM, Flanagan JJ, Teh J, Andreoli M, Rousseau E, Pannone M, Bookbinder M, Willard R, Davenport K, Bortolon E, Cadelina G, Gordon D, Pizzano J, Macaluso J, Soto L, Corradi J, Digianantonio K, Drulyte I, Morgan A, Quinn C, Békés M, Ferraro C, Chen X, Wang G, Dong H, Wang J, Langley DR, Houston J, Gedrich R, Taylor IC. Oral Estrogen Receptor PROTAC Vepdegestrant (ARV-471) Is Highly Efficacious as Monotherapy and in Combination with CDK4/6 or PI3K/mTOR Pathway Inhibitors in Preclinical ER+ Breast Cancer Models. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:3549-3563. [PMID: 38819400 PMCID: PMC11325148 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-3465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Estrogen receptor (ER) alpha signaling is a known driver of ER-positive (ER+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer. Combining endocrine therapy (ET) such as fulvestrant with CDK4/6, mTOR, or PI3K inhibitors has become a central strategy in the treatment of ER+ advanced breast cancer. However, suboptimal ER inhibition and resistance resulting from the ESR1 mutation dictates that new therapies are needed. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN A medicinal chemistry campaign identified vepdegestrant (ARV-471), a selective, orally bioavailable, and potent small molecule PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) degrader of ER. We used biochemical and intracellular target engagement assays to demonstrate the mechanism of action of vepdegestrant, and ESR1 wild-type (WT) and mutant ER+ preclinical breast cancer models to demonstrate ER degradation-mediated tumor growth inhibition (TGI). RESULTS Vepdegestrant induced ≥90% degradation of wild-type and mutant ER, inhibited ER-dependent breast cancer cell line proliferation in vitro, and achieved substantial TGI (87%-123%) in MCF7 orthotopic xenograft models, better than those of the ET agent fulvestrant (31%-80% TGI). In the hormone independent (HI) mutant ER Y537S patient-derived xenograft (PDX) breast cancer model ST941/HI, vepdegestrant achieved tumor regression and was similarly efficacious in the ST941/HI/PBR palbociclib-resistant model (102% TGI). Vepdegestrant-induced robust tumor regressions in combination with each of the CDK4/6 inhibitors palbociclib, abemaciclib, and ribociclib; the mTOR inhibitor everolimus; and the PI3K inhibitors alpelisib and inavolisib. CONCLUSIONS Vepdegestrant achieved greater ER degradation in vivo compared with fulvestrant, which correlated with improved TGI, suggesting vepdegestrant could be a more effective backbone ET for patients with ER+/HER2- breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jessica Teh
- Arvinas Operations, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut.
| | | | | | | | | | - Ryan Willard
- Arvinas Operations, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Leofal Soto
- Arvinas Operations, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - John Corradi
- Arvinas Operations, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut.
| | | | - Ieva Drulyte
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Materials and Structural Analysis, Eindhoven, Netherlands.
| | | | - Connor Quinn
- Arvinas Operations, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Miklós Békés
- Arvinas Operations, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut.
| | | | - Xin Chen
- Arvinas Operations, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Gan Wang
- Arvinas Operations, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Hanqing Dong
- Arvinas Operations, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Jing Wang
- Arvinas Operations, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut.
| | | | - John Houston
- Arvinas Operations, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut.
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6
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Agarwal P, Reid DL, Amiji M. CNS delivery of targeted protein degraders. J Control Release 2024; 372:661-673. [PMID: 38936742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.06.057] [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: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Heterobifunctional small molecule degraders are a subset of targeted protein degraders (TPDs), consisting of two ligands joined by a linker to induce proteasomal degradation of a target protein. As compared to traditional small molecules these compounds generally demonstrate inflated physicochemical properties, which may require innovative formulation strategies to enable their delivery and exert pharmacodynamic effect. The blood brain barrier (BBB) serves an essential function in human physiology, but its presence requires advanced approaches for treating central nervous system (CNS) diseases. By integrating emerging modalities like TPDs with conventional concepts of drug delivery, novel strategies to overcome the BBB can be developed. Amongst the available routes, lipid and polymer-based long-acting delivery seems to be the most amenable to TPDs, due to their ability to encapsulate lipophilic cargo and potential to be functionalized for targeted delivery. Another key consideration will be understanding E3 ligase expression in the different regions of the brain. Discovery of new brain or CNS disease specific E3 ligases could help overcome some of the barriers currently associated with CNS delivery of TPDs. This review discusses the current strategies that exist to overcome and improve therapeutic delivery of TPDs to the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Agarwal
- Drug Product Technologies, Process Development, Amgen, Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, United States of America; Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America
| | - Darren L Reid
- Drug Product Technologies, Process Development, Amgen, Inc., 360 Binney St, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States of America
| | - Mansoor Amiji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America; Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America.
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7
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Brodermann MH, Henderson EK, Sellar RS. The emerging role of targeted protein degradation to treat and study cancer. J Pathol 2024; 263:403-417. [PMID: 38886898 DOI: 10.1002/path.6301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of cancer treatment has provided increasingly targeted strategies both in the upfront and relapsed disease settings. Small-molecule inhibitors and immunotherapy have risen to prominence with chimeric antigen receptor T-cells, checkpoint inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibody therapies being deployed across a range of solid organ and haematological malignancies. However, novel approaches are required to target transcription factors and oncogenic fusion proteins that are central to cancer biology and have generally eluded successful drug development. Thalidomide analogues causing protein degradation have been a cornerstone of treatment in multiple myeloma, but a lack of in-depth mechanistic understanding initially limited progress in the field. When the protein cereblon (CRBN) was found to mediate thalidomide analogues' action and CRBN's neo-targets were identified, existing and novel drug development accelerated, with applications outside multiple myeloma, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and acute leukaemias. Critically, transcription factors were the first canonical targets described. In addition to broadening the application of protein-degrading drugs, resistance mechanisms are being overcome and targeted protein degradation is widening the scope of druggable proteins against which existing approaches have been ineffective. Examples of targeted protein degraders include molecular glues and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs): heterobifunctional molecules that bind to proteins of interest and cause proximity-induced ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation via a linked E3 ligase. Twenty years since their inception, PROTACs have begun progressing through clinical trials, with early success in targeting the oestrogen receptor and androgen receptor in breast and prostate cancer respectively. This review explores important developments in targeted protein degradation to both treat and study cancer. It also considers the potential advantages and challenges in the translational aspects of developing new treatments. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth K Henderson
- Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rob S Sellar
- Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
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8
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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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9
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Ning Y, Zhu Z, Wang Y, Fan X, Wang J, Qian H, Qiu X, Wang Y. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of RSL3-based GPX4 degraders with hydrophobic tags. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 277:116719. [PMID: 39094276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116719] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a new type of programmed cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, during which glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) plays an essential role and is well-recognized as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Although some GPX4 degradation molecules have been developed to induce ferroptosis, the discovery of GPX4 degraders with hydrophobic tagging (HyT) as an innovative approach is more challenging. Herein, we designed and synthesized a series of HyT degraders by linking the GPX4 inhibitor RSL3 with a hydrophobic and bulky group of adamantane. Among them, compound R8 is a potent degrader (DC50, 24h = 0.019 μM) which can effectively degrade GPX4 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, compound R8 exhibited superior in vitro antitumor potency against HT1080 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines with IC50 values of 24 nM and 32 nM respectively, which are 4 times more potent than parental compound RSL3. Mechanistic investigation evidenced that R8 consumes GPX4 protein mainly through the ubiquitin proteasome (UPS) and enables to induce the accumulation of LPO, thereby triggering ferroptosis. Our work presented the novel GPX4 degrader of R8 by HyT strategy, and provided a promising pathway of degradation agents for the treatment of ferroptosis relevant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Ning
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Zeqi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Yicheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Xuejing Fan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Huimei Qian
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Xue Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, PR China.
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10
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Shi Y, Shen Q, Long R, Mao Y, Tong S, Yang Y, Gao J, Zhou H, Chen Y, Zhou B. Discovery of Potent and Selective G9a Degraders for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39041067 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
G9a, which was initially identified as a histone H3 Lys9 (H3K9) methyltransferase, is potentially an attractive therapeutic target for human cancers. Despite its importance, there is no available selective G9a chemical probe because its homologous protein GLP shares approximately 80% of its sequence with G9a. The development of G9a chemical probes with high selectivity for G9a over GLP is a big challenge but is extremely valuable for understanding G9a-related biology. Herein, we developed a first-in-class selective G9a degrader G9D-4, which induced a dose- and time-dependent G9a degradation without degradation of GLP. G9D-4 exhibited effective antiproliferative activities in a panel of pancreatic cancer cell lines and was able to sensitize KRASG12D mutant pancreatic cancer cells to KRASG12D inhibitor MRTX1133. These data clearly demonstrated the practicality and importance of a selective G9a degrader as a preliminary chemical probe suitable for understanding G9a-related biology and a promising strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunkai Shi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qianqian Shen
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ruikai Long
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yiwen Mao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuaihang Tong
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yaxi Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bing Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
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11
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Loy CA, Trader DJ. Primed for Interactions: Investigating the Primed Substrate Channel of the Proteasome for Improved Molecular Engagement. Molecules 2024; 29:3356. [PMID: 39064934 PMCID: PMC11279888 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29143356] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein homeostasis is a tightly conserved process that is regulated through the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) in a ubiquitin-independent or ubiquitin-dependent manner. Over the past two decades, the proteasome has become an excellent therapeutic target through inhibition of the catalytic core particle, inhibition of subunits responsible for recognizing and binding ubiquitinated proteins, and more recently, through targeted protein degradation using proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs). The majority of the developed inhibitors of the proteasome's core particle rely on gaining selectivity through binding interactions within the unprimed substrate channel. Although this has allowed for selective inhibitors and chemical probes to be generated for the different proteasome isoforms, much remains unknown about the interactions that could be harnessed within the primed substrate channel to increase potency or selectivity. Herein, we discuss small molecules that interact with the primed substrate pocket and how their differences may give rise to altered activity. Taking advantage of additional interactions with the primed substrate pocket of the proteasome could allow for the generation of improved chemical tools for perturbing or monitoring proteasome activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Darci J. Trader
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA;
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12
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Xiong X, Huang B, Gan Z, Liu W, Xie Y, Zhong J, Zeng X. Ubiquitin-modifying enzymes in thyroid cancer:Mechanisms and functions. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34032. [PMID: 39091932 PMCID: PMC11292542 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34032] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the endocrine system, and evidence suggests that post-translational modifications (PTMs) and epigenetic alterations play an important role in its development. Recently, there has been increasing evidence linking dysregulation of ubiquitinating enzymes and deubiquitinases with thyroid cancer. This review aims to summarize our current understanding of the role of ubiquitination-modifying enzymes in thyroid cancer, including their regulation of oncogenic pathways and oncogenic proteins. The role of ubiquitination-modifying enzymes in thyroid cancer development and progression requires further study, which will provide new insights into thyroid cancer prevention, treatment and the development of novel agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingmin Xiong
- Department of Thyroid and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, 323 National Road, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - BenBen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, 323 National Road, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhe Gan
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Thyroid Cancer, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Weixiang Liu
- Institute of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Yang Xie
- Department of Thyroid and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Thyroid Cancer, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Jianing Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, 323 National Road, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiangtai Zeng
- Department of Thyroid and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
- Institute of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
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13
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Zeng Y, Ren X, Jin P, Fan Z, Liu M, Zhang Y, Li L, Zhuo M, Wang J, Li Z, Wu M. Inhibitors and PROTACs of CDK2: challenges and opportunities. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024:1-24. [PMID: 38994606 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2376655] [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: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Abundant evidence suggests that the overexpression of CDK2-cyclin A/E complex disrupts normal cell cycle regulation, leading to uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. Thus, CDK2 has become a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In recent years, insights into the structures of the CDK2 catalytic site and allosteric pockets have provided notable opportunities for developing more effective clinical candidates of CDK2 inhibitors. AREA COVERED This article reviews the latest CDK2 inhibitors that have entered clinical trials and discusses the design and discovery of the most promising new preclinical CDK2 inhibitors in recent years. Additionally, it summarizes the development of allosteric CDK2 inhibitors and CDK2-targeting PROTACs. The review encompasses strategies for inhibitor and PROTAC design, structure-activity relationships, as well as in vitro and in vivo biological assessments. EXPERT OPINION Despite considerable effort, no CDK2 inhibitor has yet received FDA approval for marketing due to poor selectivity and observed toxicity in clinical settings. Future research must prioritize the optimization of the selectivity, potency, and pharmacokinetics of CDK2 inhibitors and PROTACs. Moreover, exploring combination therapies incorporating CDK2 inhibitors with other targeted agents, or the design of multi-target inhibitors, presents significant promise for advancing cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangjie Zeng
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiaodong Ren
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Pengyao Jin
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhida Fan
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | | | - Yali Zhang
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Linzhao Li
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ming Zhuo
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jubo Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
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14
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Zhang H, Zhang Y, Feng Z, Shuai M, Ma X, Wang S, Yu S, Deng R, Luo D, Shi J, Pu C, Li R. Discovery of Novel Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera Molecules as Degraders of Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 for Breast Cancer Therapy. J Med Chem 2024; 67:10589-10600. [PMID: 38889052 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The immune checkpoint blockade represents a pivotal strategy for tumor immunotherapy. At present, various programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies have been successfully applied to tumor treatment. Additionally, numerous small molecule inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction have also been developed, with some advancing into clinical trials. Here, a novel PD-L1 proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) library was designed and synthesized utilizing the PD-L1 inhibitor BMS202 and the E3 ligand PG as foundational components. Among these, we identified a highly potent molecule PA8 for PD-L1 degradation in 4T1 cells (DC50 = 0.609 μM). Significantly, compound PA8 potentially inhibits 4T1 cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Further mechanistic studies revealed that PA8 effectively promoted the immune activation of model mice. Thus, these results suggest that PA8 could be a novel strategy for cancer immunotherapy in the 4T1 tumor model. Although PA8 exhibits weaker degradation activity in some human cancer cells, it still provides a certain basis for further research on PD-L1 PROTAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjia Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Lung Cancer Center/Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Lung Cancer Center/Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zhanzhan Feng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ming Shuai
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Xinyu Ma
- Department of Nanomedicine & Drug Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Shirui Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Su Yu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rui Deng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Chunlan Pu
- Medical Research Center, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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15
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Li B, Raji IO, Gordon AGR, Sun L, Raimondo TM, Oladimeji FA, Jiang AY, Varley A, Langer RS, Anderson DG. Accelerating ionizable lipid discovery for mRNA delivery using machine learning and combinatorial chemistry. NATURE MATERIALS 2024; 23:1002-1008. [PMID: 38740955 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-024-01867-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
To unlock the full promise of messenger (mRNA) therapies, expanding the toolkit of lipid nanoparticles is paramount. However, a pivotal component of lipid nanoparticle development that remains a bottleneck is identifying new ionizable lipids. Here we describe an accelerated approach to discovering effective ionizable lipids for mRNA delivery that combines machine learning with advanced combinatorial chemistry tools. Starting from a simple four-component reaction platform, we create a chemically diverse library of 584 ionizable lipids. We screen the mRNA transfection potencies of lipid nanoparticles containing those lipids and use the data as a foundational dataset for training various machine learning models. We choose the best-performing model to probe an expansive virtual library of 40,000 lipids, synthesizing and experimentally evaluating the top 16 lipids flagged. We identify lipid 119-23, which outperforms established benchmark lipids in transfecting muscle and immune cells in several tissues. This approach facilitates the creation and evaluation of versatile ionizable lipid libraries, advancing the formulation of lipid nanoparticles for precise mRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Li
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Idris O Raji
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Akiva G R Gordon
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lizhuang Sun
- Department of Statistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Theresa M Raimondo
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Favour A Oladimeji
- Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Allen Y Jiang
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrew Varley
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert S Langer
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Statistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel G Anderson
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Statistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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16
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Jin X, Jin W, Tong L, Zhao J, Zhang L, Lin N. Therapeutic strategies of targeting non-apoptotic regulated cell death (RCD) with small-molecule compounds in cancer. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:2815-2853. [PMID: 39027232 PMCID: PMC11252466 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.04.020] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulated cell death (RCD) is a controlled form of cell death orchestrated by one or more cascading signaling pathways, making it amenable to pharmacological intervention. RCD subroutines can be categorized as apoptotic or non-apoptotic and play essential roles in maintaining homeostasis, facilitating development, and modulating immunity. Accumulating evidence has recently revealed that RCD evasion is frequently the primary cause of tumor survival. Several non-apoptotic RCD subroutines have garnered attention as promising cancer therapies due to their ability to induce tumor regression and prevent relapse, comparable to apoptosis. Moreover, they offer potential solutions for overcoming the acquired resistance of tumors toward apoptotic drugs. With an increasing understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing these non-apoptotic RCD subroutines, a growing number of small-molecule compounds targeting single or multiple pathways have been discovered, providing novel strategies for current cancer therapy. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the current regulatory mechanisms of the emerging non-apoptotic RCD subroutines, mainly including autophagy-dependent cell death, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, disulfidptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, alkaliptosis, oxeiptosis, parthanatos, mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT)-driven necrosis, entotic cell death, NETotic cell death, lysosome-dependent cell death, and immunogenic cell death (ICD). Furthermore, we focused on discussing the pharmacological regulatory mechanisms of related small-molecule compounds. In brief, these insightful findings may provide valuable guidance for investigating individual or collaborative targeting approaches towards different RCD subroutines, ultimately driving the discovery of novel small-molecule compounds that target RCD and significantly enhance future cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jin
- Department of Ultrasound, Department of Medical Oncology and Department of Hematology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Wenke Jin
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Linlin Tong
- Department of Ultrasound, Department of Medical Oncology and Department of Hematology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- Department of Ultrasound, Department of Medical Oncology and Department of Hematology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Na Lin
- Department of Ultrasound, Department of Medical Oncology and Department of Hematology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
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17
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Yang J, Wang QL, Wang GN, Ye JC, Li ZQ, Wang JY, Liang ZH, Li SX, Sun C, Liao WT, Gao YJ, Wang J, Mao Y, Yu C, Feng GK, Zeng MS. A pan-KRAS degrader for the treatment of KRAS-mutant cancers. Cell Discov 2024; 10:70. [PMID: 38937452 PMCID: PMC11211324 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-024-00699-4] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
KRAS mutations are highly prevalent in a wide range of lethal cancers, and these mutant forms of KRAS play a crucial role in driving cancer progression and conferring resistance to treatment. While there have been advancements in the development of small molecules to target specific KRAS mutants, the presence of undruggable mutants and the emergence of secondary mutations continue to pose challenges in the clinical treatment of KRAS-mutant cancers. In this study, we developed a novel molecular tool called tumor-targeting KRAS degrader (TKD) that effectively targets a wide range of KRAS mutants. TKD is composed of a KRAS-binding nanobody, a cell-penetrating peptide selectively targeting cancer cells, and a lysosome-binding motif. Our data revealed that TKD selectively binds to KRAS in cancer cells and effectively induces KRAS degradation via a lysosome-dependent process. Functionally, TKD suppresses tumor growth with no obvious side effects and enhances the antitumor effects of PD-1 antibody and cetuximab. This study not only provides a strategy for developing drugs targeting "undruggable" proteins but also reveals that TKD is a promising therapeutic for treating KRAS-mutant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiao-Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guan-Nan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jia-Cong Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zi-Qian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing-Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shu-Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-Ting Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi-Jun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong Mao
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunjing Yu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guo-Kai Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Mu-Sheng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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18
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Wang S, Li H, Liu X, Yin T, Li T, Zheng M, Liu M, Meng X, Zhou J, Wang Y, Chen Y. VHL suppresses UBE3B-mediated breast tumor growth and metastasis. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:446. [PMID: 38914543 PMCID: PMC11196597 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06844-x] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Protein homeostasis is predominantly governed through post-translational modification (PTM). UBE3B, identified as an oncoprotein, exhibits elevated protein levels in breast cancer. However, the impact of PTM on UBE3B remains unexplored. In this study, we show that VHL is a bona fide E3 ligase for UBE3B. Mechanistically, VHL directly binds to UBE3B, facilitating its lysine 48 (K48)-linked polyubiquitination at K286 and K427 in a prolyl hydroxylase (PHD)-independent manner. Consequently, this promotes the proteasomal degradation of UBE3B. The K286/427R mutation of UBE3B dramatically abolishes the inhibitory effect of VHL on breast tumor growth and lung metastasis. Additionally, the protein levels of UBE3B and VHL exhibit a negative correlation in breast cancer tissues. These findings delineate an important layer of UBE3B regulation by VHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Center for Cell Structure and Function, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Huiyan Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Center for Cell Structure and Function, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Xiong Liu
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - Tingting Yin
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Center for Cell Structure and Function, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Tingru Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Center for Cell Structure and Function, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Miaomiao Zheng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Center for Cell Structure and Function, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Min Liu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Center for Cell Structure and Function, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Xiaoqian Meng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Center for Cell Structure and Function, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Center for Cell Structure and Function, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Yijie Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Center for Cell Structure and Function, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China.
| | - Yan Chen
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Center for Cell Structure and Function, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China.
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China.
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19
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Czompa A, Bogdán D, Balogh B, Erdei E, Selymes P, Csomos A, Mándity IM. Sustainable and Safe N-alkylation of N-heterocycles by Propylene Carbonate under Neat Reaction Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5523. [PMID: 38791560 PMCID: PMC11122188 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105523] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
A new, eco-friendly process utilising the green solvent propylene carbonate (PC) has been developed to perform N-alkylation of N-, O- and/or S-containing heterocyclic compounds. PC in these reactions served as both the reagent and solvent. Importantly, no genotoxic alkyl halides were required. No auxiliary was necessary when using anhydrous PC. Product formation includes nucleophilic substitution with the concomitant loss of water and carbon dioxide. Substrates prepared, including the newly invented PROTAC drugs, are widely used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Czompa
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre utca 7, H-1092 Budapest, Hungary; (A.C.); (D.B.); (B.B.); (E.E.); (P.S.)
| | - Dóra Bogdán
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre utca 7, H-1092 Budapest, Hungary; (A.C.); (D.B.); (B.B.); (E.E.); (P.S.)
- HUN-REN Artificial Transporters Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences Magyar Tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Balogh
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre utca 7, H-1092 Budapest, Hungary; (A.C.); (D.B.); (B.B.); (E.E.); (P.S.)
| | - Eszter Erdei
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre utca 7, H-1092 Budapest, Hungary; (A.C.); (D.B.); (B.B.); (E.E.); (P.S.)
- HUN-REN Artificial Transporters Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences Magyar Tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Patrik Selymes
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre utca 7, H-1092 Budapest, Hungary; (A.C.); (D.B.); (B.B.); (E.E.); (P.S.)
| | - Attila Csomos
- Femtonics Ltd., Tüzoltó utca 59, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary;
- Hevesy György PhD School of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - István M. Mándity
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre utca 7, H-1092 Budapest, Hungary; (A.C.); (D.B.); (B.B.); (E.E.); (P.S.)
- HUN-REN Artificial Transporters Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences Magyar Tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
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20
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Zhang C, Yang X, Wu L, Liu F, Dong K, Guo C, Gong L, Dong G, Shi Y, Gu Z, Liu X, Liu S, Wu J, Su F. Site-Specifically Modified Peptide Inhibitors of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B and T-Cell Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase with Enhanced Stability and Improved In Vivo Long-Acting Activity. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1426-1437. [PMID: 38751623 PMCID: PMC11091969 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00054] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and TC-PTP can function in a coordinated manner to regulate diverse biological processes including insulin and leptin signaling, T-cell activation, and tumor antigen presentation, which makes them potential targets for several therapeutic applications. We have previously demonstrated that the lipidated BimBH3 peptide analogues were a new class of promising PTP1B inhibitors with once-weekly antidiabetic potency. Herein, we chemically synthesized two series of BimBH3 analogues via site-specific modification and studied their structure-activity relationship. The screened analogues S2, S6, A2-14, A2-17, A2-20, and A2-21 exhibited an improved PTP1B/TC-PTP dual inhibitory activity and achieved good stability in the plasma of mice and dogs, which indicated long-acting potential. In mouse models of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the selected analogues S6, S7, A2-20, and A2-21 with an excellent target activity and plasma stability generated once-weekly therapeutic potency for T2DM at lower dosage (0.5 μmol/kg). In addition, evidence was provided to confirm the cell permeability and targeted enrichment of the BimBH3 analogues. In summary, we report here that site-specific modification and long fatty acid conjugation afforded cell-permeable peptidomimetic analogues of BimBH3 with enhanced stability, in vivo activity, and long-acting pharmacokinetic profile. Our findings could guide the further optimization of BimBH3 analogues and provide a proof-of-concept for PTP1B/TC-PTP targeting as a new therapeutic approach for T2DM, which may facilitate the discovery and development of alternative once-weekly anti-T2DM drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanliang Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory Base of Eco-chemical Engineering, College of Chemical
Engineering, Qingdao University of Science
and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
- School
of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University
of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Marine
Biomedical Research Institute, Ocean University
of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xianmin Yang
- State
Key Laboratory Base of Eco-chemical Engineering, College of Chemical
Engineering, Qingdao University of Science
and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Lijuan Wu
- School
of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University
of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Marine
Biomedical Research Institute, Ocean University
of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Joincare
Pharmaceutical Group Industry Co., Ltd, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Kehong Dong
- State
Key Laboratory Base of Eco-chemical Engineering, College of Chemical
Engineering, Qingdao University of Science
and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Chuanlong Guo
- State
Key Laboratory Base of Eco-chemical Engineering, College of Chemical
Engineering, Qingdao University of Science
and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Liyan Gong
- State
Key Laboratory Base of Eco-chemical Engineering, College of Chemical
Engineering, Qingdao University of Science
and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Guozhen Dong
- State
Key Laboratory Base of Eco-chemical Engineering, College of Chemical
Engineering, Qingdao University of Science
and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Yiying Shi
- State
Key Laboratory Base of Eco-chemical Engineering, College of Chemical
Engineering, Qingdao University of Science
and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Zongwen Gu
- State
Key Laboratory Base of Eco-chemical Engineering, College of Chemical
Engineering, Qingdao University of Science
and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Xiaochun Liu
- School
of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University
of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Marine
Biomedical Research Institute, Ocean University
of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Marine
Biomedical Research Institute, Ocean University
of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Juan Wu
- Marine
Biomedical Research Institute, Ocean University
of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Feng Su
- State
Key Laboratory Base of Eco-chemical Engineering, College of Chemical
Engineering, Qingdao University of Science
and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
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21
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Shah Zaib Saleem R, Schwalm MP, Knapp S. Expanding the ligand spaces for E3 ligases for the design of protein degraders. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 105:117718. [PMID: 38621319 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has recently emerged as an exciting new drug modality. However, the strategy of developing small molecule-based protein degraders has evolved over the past two decades and has now established molecular tags that are already in clinical use, as well as chimeric molecules, PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs), based mainly on ligand systems developed for the two E3 ligases CRBN and VHL. The large size of the human E3 ligase family suggests that PROTACs can be developed by targeting a large diversity of E3 ligases, some of which have restricted expression patterns with the potential to design disease- or tissue-specific degraders. Indeed, many new E3 ligands have been published recently, confirming the druggability of E3 ligases. This review summarises recent data on E3 ligases and highlights the challenges in developing these molecules into efficient PROTACs rivalling the established degrader systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahman Shah Zaib Saleem
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, SBA School of Sciences & Engineering, LUMS, Pakistan
| | - Martin P Schwalm
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Biozentrum, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Biozentrum, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt, Germany.
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22
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Berdecka D, De Smedt SC, De Vos WH, Braeckmans K. Non-viral delivery of RNA for therapeutic T cell engineering. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115215. [PMID: 38401848 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115215] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell transfer has shown great success in treating blood cancers, resulting in a growing number of FDA-approved therapies using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells. However, the effectiveness of this treatment for solid tumors is still not satisfactory, emphasizing the need for improved T cell engineering strategies and combination approaches. Currently, CAR T cells are mainly manufactured using gammaretroviral and lentiviral vectors due to their high transduction efficiency. However, there are concerns about their safety, the high cost of producing them in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), regulatory obstacles, and limited cargo capacity, which limit the broader use of engineered T cell therapies. To overcome these limitations, researchers have explored non-viral approaches, such as membrane permeabilization and carrier-mediated methods, as more versatile and sustainable alternatives for next-generation T cell engineering. Non-viral delivery methods can be designed to transport a wide range of molecules, including RNA, which allows for more controlled and safe modulation of T cell phenotype and function. In this review, we provide an overview of non-viral RNA delivery in adoptive T cell therapy. We first define the different types of RNA therapeutics, highlighting recent advancements in manufacturing for their therapeutic use. We then discuss the challenges associated with achieving effective RNA delivery in T cells. Next, we provide an overview of current and emerging technologies for delivering RNA into T cells. Finally, we discuss ongoing preclinical and clinical studies involving RNA-modified T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Berdecka
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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23
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Carmona AV, Jonnalagadda S, Case AM, Maddeboina K, Jonnalagadda SK, Dow LF, Duan L, Penning TM, Trippier PC. Discovery of an Aldo-Keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) degrader. Commun Chem 2024; 7:95. [PMID: 38684887 PMCID: PMC11059152 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01177-4] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) is a protein upregulated in prostate cancer, hematological malignancies, and other cancers where it contributes to proliferation and chemotherapeutic resistance. Androgen receptor splice variant 7 (ARv7) is the most common mutation of the AR receptor that confers resistance to clinical androgen receptor signalling inhibitors in castration-resistant prostate cancer. AKR1C3 interacts with ARv7 promoting stabilization. Herein we report the discovery of the first-in-class AKR1C3 Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) degrader. This first-generation degrader potently reduced AKR1C3 expression in 22Rv1 prostate cancer cells with a half-maximal degradation concentration (DC50) of 52 nM. Gratifyingly, concomitant degradation of ARv7 was observed with a DC50 = 70 nM, along with degradation of the AKR1C3 isoforms AKR1C1 and AKR1C2 to a lesser extent. This compound represents a highly useful chemical tool and a promising strategy for prostate cancer intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica V Carmona
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Shirisha Jonnalagadda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Alfie M Case
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Krishnaiah Maddeboina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Sravan K Jonnalagadda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Louise F Dow
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Ling Duan
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Trevor M Penning
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Paul C Trippier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA.
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA.
- UNMC Center for Drug Design and Innovation, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA.
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24
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Xu MY, Zeng N, Liu CQ, Sun JX, An Y, Zhang SH, Xu JZ, Zhong XY, Ma SY, He HD, Hu J, Xia QD, Wang SG. Enhanced cellular therapy: revolutionizing adoptive cellular therapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:47. [PMID: 38664743 PMCID: PMC11046957 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00506-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhanced cellular therapy has emerged as a novel concept following the basis of cellular therapy. This treatment modality applied drugs or biotechnology to directly enhance or genetically modify cells to enhance the efficacy of adoptive cellular therapy (ACT). Drugs or biotechnology that enhance the killing ability of immune cells include immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) / antibody drugs, small molecule inhibitors, immunomodulatory factors, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC), oncolytic virus (OV), etc. Firstly, overcoming the inhibitory tumor microenvironment (TME) can enhance the efficacy of ACT, which can be achieved by blocking the immune checkpoint. Secondly, cytokines or cytokine receptors can be expressed by genetic engineering or added directly to adoptive cells to enhance the migration and infiltration of adoptive cells to tumor cells. Moreover, multi-antigen chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) can be designed to enhance the specific recognition of tumor cell-related antigens, and OVs can also stimulate antigen release. In addition to inserting suicide genes into adoptive cells, PROTAC technology can be used as a safety switch or degradation agent of immunosuppressive factors to enhance the safety and efficacy of adoptive cells. This article comprehensively summarizes the mechanism, current situation, and clinical application of enhanced cellular therapy, describing potential improvements to adoptive cellular therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yao Xu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Na Zeng
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chen-Qian Liu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jian-Xuan Sun
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ye An
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Si-Han Zhang
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jin-Zhou Xu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xing-Yu Zhong
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Si-Yang Ma
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hao-Dong He
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jia Hu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qi-Dong Xia
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Shao-Gang Wang
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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25
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Guo J, Yu F, Zhang K, Jiang S, Zhang X, Wang T. Beyond inhibition against the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway: development of PD-L1 inhibitors targeting internalization and degradation of PD-L1. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1096-1108. [PMID: 38665824 PMCID: PMC11042118 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00636k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells hijack the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) pathway to suppress the immune response through overexpressing PD-L1 to interact with PD-1 of T cells. With in-depth ongoing research, tumor-intrinsic PD-L1 is found to play important roles in tumor progression without interaction with PD-1 expressed on T cells, which provides an additional important target and therapeutic approach for development of PD-L1 inhibitors. Existing monoclonal antibody (mAb) drugs against the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway generally behave by conformationally blocking the interactions of PD-1 with PD-L1 on the cell surface. Beyond general inhibition of the protein-protein interaction (PPI), inhibitors targeting PD-L1 currently focus on the functional inhibition of the interaction between PD-1/PD-L1 and degradation of tumor-intrinsic PD-L1. This perspective will clarify the evolution of PD-L1 inhibitors and provide insights into the current development of PD-L1 inhibitors, especially targeting internalization and degradation of PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiazheng Guo
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Fengyi Yu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Kuojun Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Sheng Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
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26
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He T, Cheng C, Qiao Y, Cho H, Young E, Mannan R, Mahapatra S, Miner SJ, Zheng Y, Kim N, Zeng VZ, Wisniewski JP, Hou S, Jackson B, Cao X, Su F, Wang R, Chang Y, Kuila B, Mukherjee S, Dukare S, Aithal KB, D.S. S, Abbineni C, Vaishampayan U, Lyssiotis CA, Parolia A, Xiao L, Chinnaiyan AM. Development of an orally bioavailable mSWI/SNF ATPase degrader and acquired mechanisms of resistance in prostate cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322563121. [PMID: 38557192 PMCID: PMC11009648 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322563121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian switch/sucrose nonfermentable (mSWI/SNF) ATPase degraders have been shown to be effective in enhancer-driven cancers by functioning to impede oncogenic transcription factor chromatin accessibility. Here, we developed AU-24118, an orally bioavailable proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) degrader of mSWI/SNF ATPases (SMARCA2 and SMARCA4) and PBRM1. AU-24118 demonstrated tumor regression in a model of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) which was further enhanced with combination enzalutamide treatment, a standard of care androgen receptor (AR) antagonist used in CRPC patients. Importantly, AU-24118 exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic profiles in preclinical analyses in mice and rats, and further toxicity testing in mice showed a favorable safety profile. As acquired resistance is common with targeted cancer therapeutics, experiments were designed to explore potential mechanisms of resistance that may arise with long-term mSWI/SNF ATPase PROTAC treatment. Prostate cancer cell lines exposed to long-term treatment with high doses of a mSWI/SNF ATPase degrader developed SMARCA4 bromodomain mutations and ABCB1 (ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1) overexpression as acquired mechanisms of resistance. Intriguingly, while SMARCA4 mutations provided specific resistance to mSWI/SNF degraders, ABCB1 overexpression provided broader resistance to other potent PROTAC degraders targeting bromodomain-containing protein 4 and AR. The ABCB1 inhibitor, zosuquidar, reversed resistance to all three PROTAC degraders tested. Combined, these findings position mSWI/SNF degraders for clinical translation for patients with enhancer-driven cancers and define strategies to overcome resistance mechanisms that may arise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongchen He
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan410008, China
| | - Caleb Cheng
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Yuanyuan Qiao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Hanbyul Cho
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Eleanor Young
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Rahul Mannan
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Somnath Mahapatra
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Stephanie J. Miner
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Yang Zheng
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - NamHoon Kim
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Victoria Z. Zeng
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Jasmine P. Wisniewski
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Siyu Hou
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Bailey Jackson
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Xuhong Cao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- HHMI, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Fengyun Su
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Rui Wang
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Yu Chang
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Bilash Kuila
- Aurigene Oncology Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka560100, India
| | | | - Sandeep Dukare
- Aurigene Oncology Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka560100, India
| | - Kiran B. Aithal
- Aurigene Oncology Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka560100, India
| | - Samiulla D.S.
- Aurigene Oncology Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka560100, India
| | | | - Ulka Vaishampayan
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Costas A. Lyssiotis
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Abhijit Parolia
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Lanbo Xiao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Arul M. Chinnaiyan
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- HHMI, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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27
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Lin C, Yu M, Wu X, Wang H, Wei M, Zhang L. Targeting Moonlighting Enzymes in Cancer. Molecules 2024; 29:1573. [PMID: 38611852 PMCID: PMC11013064 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071573] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Moonlighting enzymes are multifunctional proteins that perform multiple functions beyond their primary role as catalytic enzymes. Extensive research and clinical practice have demonstrated their pivotal roles in the development and progression of cancer, making them promising targets for drug development. This article delves into multiple notable moonlighting enzymes, including GSK-3, GAPDH, and ENO1, and with a particular emphasis on an enigmatic phosphatase, PTP4A3. We scrutinize their distinct roles in cancer and the mechanisms that dictate their ability to switch roles. Lastly, we discuss the potential of an innovative approach to develop drugs targeting these moonlighting enzymes: target protein degradation. This strategy holds promise for effectively tackling moonlighting enzymes in the context of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxu Lin
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (C.L.); (M.Y.); (X.W.); (H.W.)
| | - Mingyang Yu
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (C.L.); (M.Y.); (X.W.); (H.W.)
| | - Ximei Wu
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (C.L.); (M.Y.); (X.W.); (H.W.)
| | - Hui Wang
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (C.L.); (M.Y.); (X.W.); (H.W.)
| | - Min Wei
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (C.L.); (M.Y.); (X.W.); (H.W.)
| | - Luyong Zhang
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (C.L.); (M.Y.); (X.W.); (H.W.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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28
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Yazdi AK, Perveen S, Dong C, Song X, Dong A, Szewczyk MM, Calabrese MF, Casimiro-Garcia A, Chakrapani S, Dowling MS, Ficici E, Lee J, Montgomery JI, O'Connell TN, Skrzypek GJ, Tran TP, Troutman MD, Wang F, Young JA, Min J, Barsyte-Lovejoy D, Brown PJ, Santhakumar V, Arrowsmith CH, Vedadi M, Owen DR. Chemical tools for the Gid4 subunit of the human E3 ligase C-terminal to LisH (CTLH) degradation complex. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1066-1071. [PMID: 38516600 PMCID: PMC10953471 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00633f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
We have developed a novel chemical handle (PFI-E3H1) and a chemical probe (PFI-7) as ligands for the Gid4 subunit of the human E3 ligase CTLH degradation complex. Through an efficient initial hit-ID campaign, structure-based drug design (SBDD) and leveraging the sizeable Pfizer compound library, we identified a 500 nM ligand for this E3 ligase through file screening alone. Further exploration identified a vector that is tolerant to addition of a linker for future chimeric molecule design. The chemotype was subsequently optimized to sub-100 nM Gid4 binding affinity for a chemical probe. These novel tools, alongside the suitable negative control also identified, should enable the interrogation of this complex human E3 ligase macromolecular assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sumera Perveen
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - Cheng Dong
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - Xiaosheng Song
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - Aiping Dong
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jisun Lee
- Pfizer Research & Development Groton CT USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Feng Wang
- Pfizer Research & Development Groton CT USA
| | | | - Jinrong Min
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - Dalia Barsyte-Lovejoy
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - Peter J Brown
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | | | - Cheryl H Arrowsmith
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
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29
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Sun X, Wu Q, Bu H, Pei Y, Guan D, Guo S, Zhou J, Zhang H. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of MNK-PROTACs. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-023-10776-7. [PMID: 38498082 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10776-7] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-interacting kinases (MNKs) can regulate cellular mRNA translation by controlling the phosphorylation of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), which plays an important role in tumor initiation, development, and metastasis. Although small-molecule MNK inhibitors have made significant breakthroughs in the treatment of various malignancies, their clinical application can be limited by drug resistance, target selectivity and other factors. The strategy of MNK-PROTACs which selectively degrades MNK kinases provides a new approach for developing small-molecule drugs for related diseases. In this study, DS33059, a small-molecule compound modified based on the ongoing clinical trials drug ETC-206, was chosen as the target protein ligand. A series of novel MNK-PROTACs were designed, synthesized and evaluated biological activity. Several compounds showed good inhibitory activities against MNK1/2. Besides, compounds exhibited moderate to excellent anti-proliferative activity in A549 and TMD-8 cells in vitro. In particular, compound II-5 significantly inhibited A549 (IC50 = 1.79 μM) and TMD-8 (IC50 = 1.07 μM) cells. The protein degradation assay showed that compound II-5 had good capability to degrade MNK1. The MNK-PROTACs strategy represents a new direction in treating tumors and deserves further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qingyun Wu
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hong Bu
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yifeng Pei
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Dezhong Guan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shi Guo
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jinpei Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Huibin Zhang
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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30
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Maller C, Schedel F, Köhn M. A Modular Approach for the Synthesis of Diverse Heterobifunctional Cyanine Dyes. J Org Chem 2024; 89:3844-3856. [PMID: 38413005 PMCID: PMC10949230 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c02673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Herein, we present a straightforward synthetic route for the design and synthesis of diverse heterobifunctional cyanine 5 dyes. We optimized the workup by harnessing the pH- and functional group-dependent solubility of the asymmetric cyanine 5 dyes. Therefore, purification through chromatography is deferred until the last synthesis step. Demonstrating successful large-scale synthesis, our modular approach prevents functional group degradation by introducing them in the last synthesis step. These modifiable heterobifunctional dyes offer significant utility in advancing biological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Maller
- Signalling
Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University
of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of
Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
- Faculty
of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Franziska Schedel
- Signalling
Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University
of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of
Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
- Faculty
of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
- Spermann
Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Maja Köhn
- Signalling
Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University
of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
- Faculty
of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
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31
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He T, Cheng C, Qiao Y, Cho H, Young E, Mannan R, Mahapatra S, Miner SJ, Zheng Y, Kim N, Zeng VZ, Wisniewski JP, Hou S, Jackson B, Cao X, Su F, Wang R, Chang Y, Kuila B, Mukherjee S, Dukare S, Aithal KB, D.S. S, Abbineni C, Lyssiotis CA, Parolia A, Xiao L, Chinnaiyan AM. Development of an orally bioavailable mSWI/SNF ATPase degrader and acquired mechanisms of resistance in prostate cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.29.582768. [PMID: 38464081 PMCID: PMC10925251 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.29.582768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian switch/sucrose non-fermentable (mSWI/SNF) ATPase degraders have been shown to be effective in enhancer-driven cancers by functioning to impede oncogenic transcription factor chromatin accessibility. Here, we developed AU-24118, a first-in-class, orally bioavailable proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degrader of mSWI/SNF ATPases (SMARCA2 and SMARCA4) and PBRM1. AU-24118 demonstrated tumor regression in a model of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) which was further enhanced with combination enzalutamide treatment, a standard of care androgen receptor (AR) antagonist used in CRPC patients. Importantly, AU-24118 exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic profiles in preclinical analyses in mice and rats, and further toxicity testing in mice showed a favorable safety profile. As acquired resistance is common with targeted cancer therapeutics, experiments were designed to explore potential mechanisms of resistance that may arise with long-term mSWI/SNF ATPase PROTAC treatment. Prostate cancer cell lines exposed to long-term treatment with high doses of a mSWI/SNF ATPase degrader developed SMARCA4 bromodomain mutations and ABCB1 overexpression as acquired mechanisms of resistance. Intriguingly, while SMARCA4 mutations provided specific resistance to mSWI/SNF degraders, ABCB1 overexpression provided broader resistance to other potent PROTAC degraders targeting bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) and AR. The ABCB1 inhibitor, zosuquidar, reversed resistance to all three PROTAC degraders tested. Combined, these findings position mSWI/SNF degraders for clinical translation for patients with enhancer-driven cancers and define strategies to overcome resistance mechanisms that may arise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongchen He
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Caleb Cheng
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Yuanyuan Qiao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hanbyul Cho
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Eleanor Young
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rahul Mannan
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Somnath Mahapatra
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Stephanie J. Miner
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yang Zheng
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - NamHoon Kim
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Victoria Z. Zeng
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jasmine P. Wisniewski
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Siyu Hou
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bailey Jackson
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xuhong Cao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Fengyun Su
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rui Wang
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yu Chang
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Costas A. Lyssiotis
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Abhijit Parolia
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lanbo Xiao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Arul M. Chinnaiyan
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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32
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Yu W, Xu J, Xing D. PROTAC-biomacromolecule conjugates for precise protein degradation in cancer therapy: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 261:129864. [PMID: 38302015 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129864] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology is a promising new mode of targeted protein degradation with significant transformative implications for the clinical treatment of different diseases. Nevertheless, while this technology offers numerous advantages, on-target off-tumour toxicity in healthy cells remains a major challenge for clinical application in cancer therapy. Strategies are presently being explored to optimize degradation activity with cellular selectivity to minimize undesirable side effects. PROTAC-antibody conjugates and PROTAC-aptamer conjugates are unique innovations that combine PROTACs and biomacromolecules. These novel PROTAC-biomacromolecule conjugates (PBCs) can enhance the targetability of PROTACs and reduce their off-target side-effects. The combination of potent PROTACs and highly safe biomacromolecules will pioneer an emerging trend in targeted protein degradation. In our review, we have summarized recent advances in PBCs, discussed current challenges, and outlooked opportunities for future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Wanpeng Yu
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Jiazhen Xu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Dongming Xing
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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33
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He X, Weng Z, Zou Y. Progress in the controllability technology of PROTAC. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116096. [PMID: 38160619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimaera (PROTAC) technology functions by directly targeting proteins and catalysing their degradation through an event-driven mode of action, a novel mechanism with significant clinical application prospects for various diseases. Currently, the most advanced PROTAC drug is undergoing phase III clinical trials (NCT05654623). Although PROTACs exhibit significant advantages over traditional small-molecule inhibitors, their catalytic degradation of normal cellular proteins can potentially cause toxic side effects. Therefore, to achieve targeted release of PROTACs and minimize adverse reactions, researchers are actively exploring diverse controllable PROTACs. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the control strategies to provide a theoretical basis for the innovative application of PROTAC technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin He
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Changzhou Vocational Institute of Engineering, Changzhou, 213164, PR China.
| | - Zhibing Weng
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Changzhou Vocational Institute of Engineering, Changzhou, 213164, PR China
| | - Yi Zou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China.
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34
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Setia N, Almuqdadi HTA, Abid M. Journey of Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ligase in PROTACs design: From VHL ligands to VHL-based degraders. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116041. [PMID: 38199162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The scientific community has shown considerable interest in proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) in the last decade, indicating their remarkable potential as a means of achieving targeted protein degradation (TPD). Not only are PROTACs seen as valuable tools in molecular biology but their emergence as a modality for drug discovery has also garnered significant attention. PROTACs bind to E3 ligases and target proteins through respective ligands connected via a linker to induce proteasome-mediated protein degradation. The discovery of small molecule ligands for E3 ligases has led to the prevalent use of various E3 ligases in PROTAC design. Furthermore, the incorporation of different types of linkers has proven beneficial in enhancing the efficacy of PROTACs. By far more than 3300 PROTACs have been reported in the literature. Notably, Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)-based PROTACs have surfaced as a propitious strategy for targeting proteins, even encompassing those that were previously considered non-druggable. VHL is extensively utilized as an E3 ligase in the advancement of PROTACs owing to its widespread expression in various tissues and well-documented binders. Here, we review the discovery of VHL ligands, the types of linkers employed to develop VHL-based PROTACs, and their subsequent modulation to design advanced non-conventional degraders to target various disease-causing proteins. Furthermore, we provide an overview of other E3 ligases recruited in the field of PROTAC technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Setia
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | | | - Mohammad Abid
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India.
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35
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Yang W, Saboo S, Zhou L, Askin S, Bak A. Early evaluation of opportunities in oral delivery of PROTACs to overcome their molecular challenges. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103865. [PMID: 38154757 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) offer new opportunities in modern medicine by targeting proteins that are intractable to classic inhibitors. Heterobifunctional in nature, PROTACs are small molecules that offer a unique mechanism of protein degradation by hijacking the ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation pathway, known as the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Herein, we present an analysis on the structural characteristics of this novel chemical modality. Furthermore, we review and discuss the formulation opportunities to overcome the oral delivery challenges of PROTACs in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhan Yang
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, USA.
| | - Sugandha Saboo
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, USA
| | - Liping Zhou
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, USA
| | - Sean Askin
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Annette Bak
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, USA
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36
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Leon RG, Bassham DC. PROTAC for agriculture: learning from human medicine to generate new biotechnological weed control solutions. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:262-266. [PMID: 37612249 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Weed control has relied on the use of organic and inorganic molecules that interfere with druggable targets, especially enzymes, for almost a century. This approach, although effective, has resulted in multiple cases of herbicide resistance. Furthermore, the rate of discovery of new druggable targets that are selective and with favorable environmental profiles has slowed down, highlighting the need for innovative control tools. The arrival of the biotechnology and genomics era gave hope to many that all sorts of new control tools would be developed. However, the reality is that most efforts have been limited to the development of transgenic crops with resistance to a few existing herbicides, which in fact is just another form of selectivity. Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) is a new technology developed to treat human diseases but that has potential for multiple applications in agriculture. This technology uses a small bait molecule linked to an E3 ligand. The 3-dimensional structure of the bait favors physical interaction with a binding site in the target protein in a manner that allows E3 recruitment, ubiquitination and then proteasome-mediated degradation. This system makes it possible to circumvent the need to find druggable targets because it can degrade structural proteins, transporters, transcription factors, and enzymes without the need to interact with the active site. PROTAC can help control herbicide-resistant weeds as well as expand the number of biochemical targets that can be used for weed control. In the present article, we provide an overview of how PROTAC works and describe the possible applications for weed control as well as the challenges that this technology might face during development and implementation for field uses. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon G Leon
- Professor and University Faculty Scholar, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Diane C Bassham
- Distinguished Professor and Walter E. and Helen Parke Loomis Professor of Plant Physiology, Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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37
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Hofmann N, Harms M, Mäder K. ASDs of PROTACs: Spray-dried solid dispersions as enabling formulations. Int J Pharm 2024; 650:123725. [PMID: 38113976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are a promising class of pharmaceutical agents with a unique mode of action. PROTACs enable the targeting of a broad variety of structures including transcription factors and other "undruggable" targets. The poor solubility and slow dissolution of PROTACs currently limit the extensive use of their potential. Up to date, only very limited drug delivery options have been examined to address this challenge. Therefore, we explored the potential of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) by spray drying a model PROTAC with different polymers. The resulting formulations were assessed in terms of purity, solid state, dissolution performance, and stability. A strong increase in supersaturation compared to the physical mixture was provided, although in both systems the PROTAC molecule itself was already in the amorphous state. Evaluation of the reasons for the superiority of the ASD formulations revealed that the major factor was the homogeneous, molecular distribution of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in the polymer matrix, as well as improved wettability of the formulation containing Soluplus compared to the physical mixture. The manufactured formulations were stable over a minimum of 8 weeks when protected from light and humidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Hofmann
- Global Drug Product Development, Orals Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty I of Natural Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Strasse 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Meike Harms
- Global Drug Product Development, Orals Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Karsten Mäder
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty I of Natural Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Strasse 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Ogawa Y, Ueda TP, Obara K, Nishimura K, Kamura T. Targeted Protein Degradation Systems: Controlling Protein Stability Using E3 Ubiquitin Ligases in Eukaryotic Species. Cells 2024; 13:175. [PMID: 38247866 PMCID: PMC10814424 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This review explores various methods for modulating protein stability to achieve target protein degradation, which is a crucial aspect in the study of biological processes and drug design. Thirty years have passed since the introduction of heat-inducible degron cells utilizing the N-end rule, and methods for controlling protein stability using the ubiquitin-proteasome system have moved from academia to industry. This review covers protein stability control methods, from the early days to recent advancements, and discusses the evolution of techniques in this field. This review also addresses the challenges and future directions of protein stability control techniques by tracing their development from the inception of protein stability control methods to the present day.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kohei Nishimura
- Department of Biological Science, Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; (Y.O.); (T.P.U.); (K.O.)
| | - Takumi Kamura
- Department of Biological Science, Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; (Y.O.); (T.P.U.); (K.O.)
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Guo M, Li Z, Gu M, Gu J, You Q, Wang L. Targeting phosphatases: From molecule design to clinical trials. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:116031. [PMID: 38101039 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Phosphatase is a kind of enzyme that can dephosphorylate target proteins, which can be divided into serine/threonine phosphatase and tyrosine phosphatase according to its mode of action. Current evidence showed multiple phosphatases were highly correlated with diseases including various cancers, demonstrating them as potential targets. However, currently, targeting phosphatases with small molecules faces many challenges, resulting in no drug approved. In this case, phosphatases are even regarded as "undruggable" targets for a long time. Recently, a variety of strategies have been adopted in the design of small molecule inhibitors targeting phosphatases, leading many of them to enter into the clinical trials. In this review, we classified these inhibitors into 4 types, including (1) molecular glues, (2) small molecules targeting catalytic sites, (3) allosteric inhibition, and (4) bifunctional molecules (proteolysis targeting chimeras, PROTACs). These molecules with diverse strategies prove the feasibility of phosphatases as drug targets. In addition, the combination therapy of phosphatase inhibitors with other drugs has also entered clinical trials, which suggests a broad prospect. Thus, targeting phosphatases with small molecules by different strategies is emerging as a promising way in the modulation of pathogenetic phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mochen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zekun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Mingxiao Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Junrui Gu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Cieślak D, Kabelka I, Bartuzi D. Molecular Dynamics Simulations in Protein-Protein Docking. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2780:91-106. [PMID: 38987465 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3985-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Concerted interactions between all the cell components form the basis of biological processes. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) constitute a tremendous part of this interaction network. Deeper insight into PPIs can help us better understand numerous diseases and lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. PPI interfaces, until recently, were considered undruggable. However, it is now believed that the interfaces contain "hot spots," which could be targeted by small molecules. Such a strategy would require high-quality structural data of PPIs, which are difficult to obtain experimentally. Therefore, in silico modeling can complement or be an alternative to in vitro approaches. There are several computational methods for analyzing the structural data of the binding partners and modeling of the protein-protein dimer/oligomer structure. The major problem with in silico structure prediction of protein assemblies is obtaining sufficient sampling of protein dynamics. One of the methods that can take protein flexibility and the effects of the environment into account is Molecular Dynamics (MD). While sampling of the whole protein-protein association process with plain MD would be computationally expensive, there are several strategies to harness the method to PPI studies while maintaining reasonable use of resources. This chapter reviews known applications of MD in the PPI investigation workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Cieślak
- Laboratory of Plant Protein Phosphorylation, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ivo Kabelka
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Damian Bartuzi
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modelling Lab, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
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41
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Zhang Q, Kuang G, Wang L, Duan P, Sun W, Ye F. Designing Bioorthogonal Reactions for Biomedical Applications. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0251. [PMID: 38107023 PMCID: PMC10723801 DOI: 10.34133/research.0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Bioorthogonal reactions are a class of chemical reactions that can be carried out in living organisms without interfering with other reactions, possessing high yield, high selectivity, and high efficiency. Since the first proposal of the conception by Professor Carolyn Bertozzi in 2003, bioorthogonal chemistry has attracted great attention and has been quickly developed. As an important chemical biology tool, bioorthogonal reactions have been applied broadly in biomedicine, including bio-labeling, nucleic acid functionalization, drug discovery, drug activation, synthesis of antibody-drug conjugates, and proteolysis-targeting chimeras. Given this, we summarized the basic knowledge, development history, research status, and prospects of bioorthogonal reactions and their biomedical applications. The main purpose of this paper is to furnish an overview of the intriguing bioorthogonal reactions in a variety of biomedical applications and to provide guidance for the design of novel reactions to enrich bioorthogonal chemistry toolkits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfei Zhang
- Wenzhou Institute,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Gaizhen Kuang
- Wenzhou Institute,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Li Wang
- Wenzhou Institute,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Ping Duan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Weijian Sun
- Wenzhou Institute,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Fangfu Ye
- Wenzhou Institute,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
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42
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Neiman AM. Pharmacological interventions for lipid transport disorders. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1321250. [PMID: 38156273 PMCID: PMC10752963 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1321250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent discovery that defects in inter-organelle lipid transport are at the heart of several neurological and neurodegenerative disorders raises the challenge of identifying therapeutic strategies to correct lipid transport defects. This perspective highlights two potential strategies suggested by the study of lipid transport in budding yeast. In the first approach, small molecules are proposed that enhance the lipid transfer activity of VPS13 proteins and thereby compensate for reduced transport. In the second approach, molecules that act as inter-organelle tethers could be used to create artificial contact sites and bypass the loss of endogenous contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Neiman
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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43
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Feller F, Hansen FK. Targeted Protein Degradation of Histone Deacetylases by Hydrophobically Tagged Inhibitors. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1863-1868. [PMID: 38116436 PMCID: PMC10726458 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in alternative strategies for targeted protein degradation. In this work, we present the development of histone deacetylase (HDAC) degraders based on hydrophobic tagging technology. To this end, a library of hydrophobically tagged HDAC inhibitors was synthesized via efficient solid-phase protocols utilizing pre-loaded resins. The subsequent biological evaluation led to the identification of our best degrader, 1a, which significantly decreased HDAC1 levels in MM.1S multiple myeloma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Feller
- Department of Pharmaceutical
and Cell Biological Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Finn K. Hansen
- Department of Pharmaceutical
and Cell Biological Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
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44
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Ackerman L, Acloque G, Bacchelli S, Schwartz H, Feinstein BJ, La Stella P, Alavi A, Gollerkeri A, Davis J, Campbell V, McDonald A, Agarwal S, Karnik R, Shi K, Mishkin A, Culbertson J, Klaus C, Enerson B, Massa V, Kuhn E, Sharma K, Keaney E, Barnes R, Chen D, Zheng X, Rong H, Sabesan V, Ho C, Mainolfi N, Slavin A, Gollob JA. IRAK4 degrader in hidradenitis suppurativa and atopic dermatitis: a phase 1 trial. Nat Med 2023; 29:3127-3136. [PMID: 37957373 PMCID: PMC10719089 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02635-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptor-driven and interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor-driven inflammation mediated by IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) is involved in the pathophysiology of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and atopic dermatitis (AD). KT-474 (SAR444656), an IRAK4 degrader, was studied in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 trial where the primary objective was safety and tolerability. Secondary objectives included pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and clinical activity in patients with moderate to severe HS and in patients with moderate to severe AD. KT-474 was administered as a single dose and then daily for 14 d in 105 healthy volunteers (HVs), followed by dosing for 28 d in an open-label cohort of 21 patients. Degradation of IRAK4 was observed in HV blood, with mean reductions after a single dose of ≥93% at 600-1,600 mg and after 14 daily doses of ≥95% at 50-200 mg. In patients, similar IRAK4 degradation was achieved in blood, and IRAK4 was normalized in skin lesions where it was overexpressed relative to HVs. Reduction of disease-relevant inflammatory biomarkers was demonstrated in the blood and skin of patients with HS and patients with AD and was associated with improvement in skin lesions and symptoms. There were no drug-related infections. These results, from what, to our knowledge, is the first published clinical trial using a heterobifunctional degrader, provide initial proof of concept for KT-474 in HS and AD to be further confirmed in larger trials. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04772885 .
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kelvin Shi
- Kymera Therapeutics, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Eric Kuhn
- Kymera Therapeutics, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | | | - Erin Keaney
- Kymera Therapeutics, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | | | - Dapeng Chen
- Kymera Therapeutics, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Chris Ho
- Kymera Therapeutics, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
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45
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Ouyang M, Feng Y, Chen H, Liu Y, Tan C, Tan Y. Recent Advances in Optically Controlled PROTAC. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1368. [PMID: 38135959 PMCID: PMC10740939 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10121368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology is a groundbreaking therapeutic approach with significant clinical potential for degrading disease-inducing proteins within targeted cells. However, challenges related to insufficient target selectivity raise concerns about PROTAC toxicity toward normal cells. To address this issue, researchers are modifying PROTACs using various approaches to enhance their target specificity. This review highlights innovative optically controlled PROTACs as anti-cancer therapies currently used in clinical practice and explores the challenges associated with their efficacy and safety. The development of optically controlled PROTACs holds the potential to significantly expand the clinical applicability of PROTAC-based technology within the realm of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzi Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ying Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
| | - Hui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yanping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
| | - Chunyan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ying Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; (M.O.); (Y.F.); (H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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46
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He Q, Zhao X, Wu D, Jia S, Liu C, Cheng Z, Huang F, Chen Y, Lu T, Lu S. Hydrophobic tag-based protein degradation: Development, opportunity and challenge. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115741. [PMID: 37607438 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has emerged as a promising approach for drug development, particularly for undruggable targets. TPD technology has also been instrumental in overcoming drug resistance. While some TPD molecules utilizing proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTACs) or molecular glue strategies have been approved or evaluated in clinical trials, hydrophobic tag-based protein degradation (HyT-PD) has also gained significant attention as a tool for medicinal chemists. The increasing number of reported HyT-PD molecules possessing high efficiency in degrading protein and good pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, has further fueled interest in this approach. This review aims to present the design rationale, hydrophobic tags in use, and diverse mechanisms of action of HyT-PD. Additionally, the advantages and disadvantages of HyT-PD in protein degradation are discussed. This review may help inspire the development of more HyT-PDs with superior drug-like properties for clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qindi He
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Xiaofei Zhao
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Donglin Wu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Siming Jia
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Canlin Liu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Zitian Cheng
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Fei Huang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Yadong Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China.
| | - Tao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Shuai Lu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China.
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Yu S, Zheng J, Zhang Y, Meng D, Wang Y, Xu X, Liang N, Shabiti S, Zhang X, Wang Z, Yang Z, Mi P, Zheng X, Li W, Chen H. The mechanisms of multidrug resistance of breast cancer and research progress on related reversal agents. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 95:117486. [PMID: 37847948 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is the mainstay in the treatment of breast cancer. However, many drugs that are commonly used in clinical practice have a high incidence of side effects and multidrug resistance (MDR), which is mainly caused by overexpression of drug transporters and related enzymes in breast cancer cells. In recent years, researchers have been working hard to find newer and safer drugs to overcome MDR in breast cancer. In this review, we provide the molecule mechanism of MDR in breast cancer, categorize potential lead compounds that inhibit single or multiple drug transporter proteins, as well as related enzymes. Additionally, we have summarized the structure-activity relationship (SAR) based on potential breast cancer MDR modulators with lower side effects. The development of novel approaches to suppress MDR is also addressed. These lead compounds hold great promise for exploring effective chemotherapy agents to overcome MDR, providing opportunities for curing breast cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Yu
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, China Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research [Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department document (Approval number: 2019-56)], School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, No.28 Changshengxi Road, Hengyang 421001, PR China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Nano formulations, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Jinling Zheng
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, China Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research [Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department document (Approval number: 2019-56)], School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, No.28 Changshengxi Road, Hengyang 421001, PR China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Nano formulations, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, China Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research [Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department document (Approval number: 2019-56)], School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, No.28 Changshengxi Road, Hengyang 421001, PR China
| | - Dandan Meng
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, China Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research [Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department document (Approval number: 2019-56)], School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, No.28 Changshengxi Road, Hengyang 421001, PR China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Nano formulations, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Yujue Wang
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, China Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research [Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department document (Approval number: 2019-56)], School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, No.28 Changshengxi Road, Hengyang 421001, PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Nano formulations, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Na Liang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Nano formulations, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Shayibai Shabiti
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Nano formulations, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Nano formulations, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Zixi Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Nano formulations, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Zehua Yang
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, China Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research [Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department document (Approval number: 2019-56)], School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, No.28 Changshengxi Road, Hengyang 421001, PR China
| | - Pengbing Mi
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, China Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research [Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department document (Approval number: 2019-56)], School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, No.28 Changshengxi Road, Hengyang 421001, PR China
| | - Xing Zheng
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, China Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research [Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department document (Approval number: 2019-56)], School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, No.28 Changshengxi Road, Hengyang 421001, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Vocational College of Science and Technology, Third Zhongyi Shan Road, Changsha, Hunan Province 425101, PR China.
| | - Wenjun Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Nano formulations, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China.
| | - Hongfei Chen
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, China Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research [Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department document (Approval number: 2019-56)], School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, No.28 Changshengxi Road, Hengyang 421001, PR China.
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Chothe PP, Mitra P, Nakakariya M, Ramsden D, Rotter CJ, Sandoval P, Tohyama K. Drug transporters in drug disposition - the year 2022 in review. Drug Metab Rev 2023; 55:343-370. [PMID: 37644867 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2023.2252618] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
On behalf of all the authors, I am pleased to share our third annual review on drug transporter science with an emphasis on articles published and deemed influential in signifying drug transporters' role in drug disposition in the year 2022. As the drug transporter field is rapidly evolving several key findings were noted including promising endogenous biomarkers, rhythmic activity, IVIVE approaches in transporter-mediated clearance, new modality interaction, and transporter effect on gut microbiome. As identified previously (Chothe et Cal. 2021, 2022) the goal of this review is to highlight key findings without a comprehensive overview of each article and to this end, each coauthor independently selected 1-3 peer-reviewed articles published or available online in the year 2022 (Table 1). Each article is summarized in synopsis and commentary with unbiased viewpoints by each coauthor. We strongly encourage readers to consult original articles for specifics of the study. Finally, I would like to thank all coauthors for their continued support in writing this annual review on drug transporters and invite anyone interested in contributing to future versions of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paresh P Chothe
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Oncology Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Pallabi Mitra
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc, Ridgefield, CT, USA
| | - Masanori Nakakariya
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Diane Ramsden
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Oncology Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Charles J Rotter
- Global Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Philip Sandoval
- Global Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Kimio Tohyama
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
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Martin-Vega A, Cobb MH. Navigating the ERK1/2 MAPK Cascade. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1555. [PMID: 37892237 PMCID: PMC10605237 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The RAS-ERK pathway is a fundamental signaling cascade crucial for many biological processes including proliferation, cell cycle control, growth, and survival; common across all cell types. Notably, ERK1/2 are implicated in specific processes in a context-dependent manner as in stem cells and pancreatic β-cells. Alterations in the different components of this cascade result in dysregulation of the effector kinases ERK1/2 which communicate with hundreds of substrates. Aberrant activation of the pathway contributes to a range of disorders, including cancer. This review provides an overview of the structure, activation, regulation, and mutational frequency of the different tiers of the cascade; with a particular focus on ERK1/2. We highlight the importance of scaffold proteins that contribute to kinase localization and coordinate interaction dynamics of the kinases with substrates, activators, and inhibitors. Additionally, we explore innovative therapeutic approaches emphasizing promising avenues in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martin-Vega
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Melanie H. Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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Zhao C, Chen S, Chen D, Río-Bergé C, Zhang J, Van Der Wouden PE, Daemen T, Dekker FJ. Histone Deacetylase 3-Directed PROTACs Have Anti-inflammatory Potential by Blocking Polarization of M0-like into M1-like Macrophages. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202310059. [PMID: 37638390 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202310059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Macrophage polarization plays a crucial role in inflammatory processes. The histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) has a deacetylase-independent function that can activate pro-inflammatory gene expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated M1-like macrophages and cannot be blocked by traditional small-molecule HDAC3 inhibitors. Here we employed the proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology to target the deacetylase-independent function of HDAC3. We developed a potent and selective HDAC3-directed PROTAC, P7, which induces nearly complete HDAC3 degradation at low micromolar concentrations in both THP-1 cells and human primary macrophages. P7 increases the anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion in THP-1-derived M1-like macrophages. Importantly, P7 decreases the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in M1-like macrophages derived from human primary macrophages. This can be explained by the observed inhibition of macrophage polarization from M0-like into M1-like macrophage. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the HDAC3-directed PROTAC P7 has anti-inflammatory activity and blocks macrophage polarization, demonstrating that this molecular mechanism can be targeted with small molecule therapeutics.
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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, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Shipeng Chen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Tumor Virology and Cancer Immunotherapy, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Deng Chen
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen, Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Clàudia Río-Bergé
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Tumor Virology and Cancer Immunotherapy, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jianqiu Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen, Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Petra E Van Der Wouden
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen, Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Toos Daemen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Tumor Virology and Cancer Immunotherapy, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J Dekker
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen, Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
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