1
|
Yan S, Zhang G, Luo W, Xu M, Peng R, Du Z, Liu Y, Bai Z, Xiao X, Qin S. PROTAC technology: From drug development to probe technology for target deconvolution. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116725. [PMID: 39083982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116725] [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: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Drug development remains a critical focus within the global pharmaceutical industry. To date, more than 80 % of disease targets are considered difficult to target. The emergence of PROTAC technology has, to some extent, alleviated this challenge. Since introduction, PROTAC technology has evolved through the peptide E3 ligase ligand phase and the small molecule E3 ligase ligand phase. Currently, multiple PROTAC molecules are in the clinical research phase, showing promising potential for addressing drug resistance, disease recurrence, and intractable targets. Target deconvolution is a crucial step in the drug discovery and development process. Due to the exceptional targeting ability and specificity of PROTAC, it is widely used and promoted as an innovative technology for discovering new drug targets, leading to significant breakthroughs. The use of PROTAC probe requires only a catalytic dose and weak interaction with the target protein to achieve target degradation. Thus, it offers substantial advantages over traditional probes, particularly in identifying new targets that are low-abundance or difficult to target. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements made by PROTAC technology in drug development and drug target discovery, while also systematically reviewing the workflow of PROTAC probe. With the ongoing development of PROTAC technology, PROTAC probe is poised to become a key research area in future drug target deconvolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si Yan
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, PR China; Department of Hepatology, China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Guangshuai Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, PR China; Department of Hepatology, China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wei Luo
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, PR China
| | - Mengwei Xu
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, PR China
| | - Rui Peng
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, PR China
| | - Ziwei Du
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, PR China
| | - Yan Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, PR China
| | - Zhaofang Bai
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Department of Hepatology, China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Xiaohe Xiao
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Department of Hepatology, China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Shuanglin Qin
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, PR China; Department of Hepatology, China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang Z, Xu M, Shi R, He X, Wang Y, Shao Y, Huang C, Zhang F, Zhang P, Liu J. Natural Compound-Rhein and PROTACs Unleash Potent VEGFR-2 Degraders. Chem Biodivers 2024:e202400753. [PMID: 38818648 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202400753] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
VEGFR-2 is a prominent therapeutic target in antitumor drug research to block tumor angiogenesis. This study focused on the synthesis and optimization of PROTACs based on the natural product rhein, resulting in the successful synthesis of 15 distinct molecules. In A549 cells, D9 exhibited remarkable antitumor efficacy with an IC50 of 5.88±0.50 μM, which was 15-fold higher compared to rhein (IC50=88.45±2.77 μM). An in-depth study of the effect of D9 on the degradation of VEGFR-2 revealed that D9 was able to induce the degradation of VEGFR-2 in A549 cells in a time-dependent manner. The observed effect was reversible, contingent upon the proteasome and ubiquitination system, and demonstrably linked to CRBN. Further experiments revealed that D9 induced apoptosis in A549 cells and led to cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. Molecular docking simulations validated the binding mode of D9 to VEGFR, establishing the potential of D9 to bind to VEGFR-2 in its natural state. In summary, this study confirms the feasibility of natural product-bound PROTAC technology for the development of a new generation of VEGFR-2 degraders, offering a novel trajectory for the future development of pharmacological agents targeting VEGFR-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziqing Zhang
- Engineering Research Centre of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 3622021, Quanzhou, P. R. China
| | - Meng Xu
- Engineering Research Centre of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 3622021, Quanzhou, P. R. China
| | - Ruling Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Quanzhou Medical College, 362021, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xinyi He
- Engineering Research Centre of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 3622021, Quanzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yan Wang
- Engineering Research Centre of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 3622021, Quanzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yongying Shao
- Engineering Research Centre of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 3622021, Quanzhou, P. R. China
| | - Caixia Huang
- Engineering Research Centre of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 3622021, Quanzhou, P. R. China
| | - Fengyang Zhang
- Engineering Research Centre of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 3622021, Quanzhou, P. R. China
| | - Peixi Zhang
- Engineering Research Centre of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 3622021, Quanzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jieqing Liu
- Engineering Research Centre of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 3622021, Quanzhou, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brennan PJ, Saunders RE, Spanou M, Serafini M, Sun L, Heger GP, Konopacka A, Beveridge RD, Gordon L, Bunally SB, Saudemont A, Benowitz AB, Martinez-Fleites C, Queisser MA, An H, Deane CM, Hann MM, Brayshaw LL, Conway SJ. Orthogonal IMiD-Degron Pairs Induce Selective Protein Degradation in Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.15.585309. [PMID: 38559242 PMCID: PMC10979945 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.585309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs) including thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide, can be used to induce degradation of a protein of interest that is fused to a short zinc finger (ZF) degron motif. These IMiDs, however, also induce degradation of endogenous neosubstrates, including IKZF1 and IKZF3. To improve degradation selectivity, we took a bump-and-hole approach to design and screen bumped IMiD analogs against 8380 ZF mutants. This yielded a bumped IMiD analog that induces efficient degradation of a mutant ZF degron, while not affecting other cellular proteins, including IKZF1 and IKZF3. In proof-of-concept studies, this system was applied to induce efficient degradation of TRIM28, a disease-relevant protein with no known small molecule binders. We anticipate that this system will make a valuable addition to the current arsenal of degron systems for use in target validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Brennan
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford; Oxford, UK
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, USA
| | | | | | - Marta Serafini
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford; Oxford, UK
| | - Liang Sun
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, USA
| | | | | | - Ryan D. Beveridge
- Virus Screening Facility, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford; Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Heeseon An
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Stuart J. Conway
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford; Oxford, UK
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lv S, Zhang J, Peng X, Liu H, Liu Y, Wei F. Ubiquitin signaling in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1304639. [PMID: 38174069 PMCID: PMC10761520 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1304639] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignant tumor of the digestive system, characterized by rapid progression and being prone to metastasis. Few effective treatment options are available for PDAC, and its 5-year survival rate is less than 9%. Many cell biological and signaling events are involved in the development of PDAC, among which protein post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as ubiquitination, play crucial roles. Catalyzed mostly by a three-enzyme cascade, ubiquitination induces changes in protein activity mainly by altering their stability in PDAC. Due to their role in substrate recognition, E3 ubiquitin ligases (E3s) dictate the outcome of the modification. Ubiquitination can be reversed by deubiquitylases (DUBs), which, in return, modified proteins to their native form. Dysregulation of E3s or DUBs that disrupt protein homeostasis is involved in PDAC. Moreover, the ubiquitination system has been exploited to develop therapeutic strategies, such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs). In this review, we summarize recent progress in our understanding of the role of ubiquitination in the development of PDAC and offer perspectives in the design of new therapies against this highly challenging disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xinyu Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang H, Wu J, Zhang X, Fan M. LiBF 4-Promoted Aromatic Fluorodetriazenation under Mild Conditions. J Org Chem 2023; 88:12826-12834. [PMID: 37594375 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c01239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
An efficient and mild fluorination method through LiBF4-promoted aromatic fluorodetriazenation of 3,3-dimethyl-1-aryltriazenes is developed. The reaction proceeds smoothly and tends to complete within 2 h in the absence of a protic acid or strong Lewis acid. This method tolerates a wide range of functional groups and affords the aryl fluoride products in moderate to excellent yields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjin Zhang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine (AMT), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P.R. China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, P.R. China
| | - Jianbo Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, P.R. China
| | - Xingxian Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Mengyang Fan
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li Y, Zeng ZW, Chen D, Gu ZC, Yan WL, Yue LY, Zhu RG, Zhao YL, Chen L, Zhao QJ, He B. Facilitated Drug Repurposing with Artemisinin-Derived PROTACs: Unveiling PCLAF as a Therapeutic Target. J Med Chem 2023; 66:11335-11350. [PMID: 37552639 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00824] [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: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin, a prominent anti-malaria drug, is being investigated for its potential as a repurposed cancer treatment. However, its effectiveness in tumor cell lines remains limited, and its mechanism of action is unclear. To make more progress, the PROteolysis-TArgeting chimera (PROTAC) technique has been applied to design and synthesize novel artemisinin derivatives in this study. Among them, AD4, the most potent compound, exhibited an IC50 value of 50.6 nM in RS4;11 cells, over 12-fold better than that of its parent compound, SM1044. This was supported by prolonged survival of RS4;11-transplanted NOD/SCID mice. Meanwhile, AD4 effectively degraded PCLAF in RS4;11 cells and thus activated the p21/Rb axis to exert antitumor activity by directly targeting PCLAF. The discovery of AD4 highlights the great potential of using PROTACs to improve the efficacy of natural products, identify therapeutic targets, and facilitate drug repurposing. This opens a promising avenue for transforming other natural products into effective therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal, Plants Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Zi Wei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal, Plants Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Di Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal, Plants Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Zhi Cheng Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal, Plants Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Wan Li Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal, Plants Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Ling Yun Yue
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Ren Guang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal, Plants Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Yong Long Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal, Plants Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal, Plants Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Qing Jie Zhao
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal, Plants Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sobhia ME, Kumar H, Kumari S. Bifunctional robots inducing targeted protein degradation. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 255:115384. [PMID: 37119667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The gaining importance of Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) and PROTACs (PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras) have drawn the scientific community's attention. PROTACs are considered bifunctional robots owing to their avidity for the protein of interest (POI) and E3-ligase, which induce the ubiquitination of POI. These molecules are based on event-driven pharmacology and are applicable in different conditions such as oncology, antiviral, neurodegenerative disease, acne etc., offering tremendous scope to researchers. In this review, primarily, we attempted to compile the recent works available in the literature on PROTACs for various targeted proteins. We summarized the design and development strategies with a focus on molecular information of protein residues and linker design. Rationalization of the ternary complex formation using Artificial Intelligence including machine & deep learning models and traditionally followed computational tools are also included in this study. Moreover, details describing the optimization of PROTACs chemistry and pharmacokinetic properties are added. Advanced PROTAC designs and targeting complex proteins, is summed up to cover the wide spectrum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Elizabeth Sobhia
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India.
| | - Harish Kumar
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India
| | - Sonia Kumari
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang C, Yang L, Yang X, Gao Q, Qu Y, Wu L. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel napabucasin-melatonin hybrids as potent STAT3 inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2023; 136:106541. [PMID: 37062104 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
The current work developed diverse novel napabucasin-melatonin hybrids as potent STAT3 inhibitors. Several biological studies have suggested many compounds demonstrating potent inhibition against different tumor cells. Among these, compound 7e depicted enhanced inhibition against HepG2, MDA-MB-231, and A549 cells than napabucasin, with IC50 values of 1.06, 1.38, and 1.3 µM, respectively. Based on fluorescence polarization analysis, compound 7e was bound to the SH2 domain in STAT3, with an IC50 value of 12.95 µM. Molecular docking further confirmed the 7e binding mode inside the SH2 domain of STAT3. Further mechanistic studies indicated that 7e inhibited the activation of STAT3 (Y705), and thus reduced the expression of STAT3 downstream genes (CyclinD1, Bcl-2 and c-Myc) instead of affecting p-STAT1 expression. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation levels of its upstream kinases JAK2 and bypass kinase Erk1/2 remain unaffected. Simultaneously, 7e induced cancer cell apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Significantly, 20 mg/kg (i.p.) compound 7e suppressed the mouse HepG2 xenograft development in vivo without body weight loss, suggesting that it could be an effective antitumor agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Limin Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Xiaojuan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Qinghe Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China.
| | - Yan Qu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China.
| | - Liqiang Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kelm JM, Pandey DS, Malin E, Kansou H, Arora S, Kumar R, Gavande NS. PROTAC'ing oncoproteins: targeted protein degradation for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:62. [PMID: 36991452 PMCID: PMC10061819 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01707-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecularly targeted cancer therapies substantially improve patient outcomes, although the durability of their effectiveness can be limited. Resistance to these therapies is often related to adaptive changes in the target oncoprotein which reduce binding affinity. The arsenal of targeted cancer therapies, moreover, lacks coverage of several notorious oncoproteins with challenging features for inhibitor development. Degraders are a relatively new therapeutic modality which deplete the target protein by hijacking the cellular protein destruction machinery. Degraders offer several advantages for cancer therapy including resiliency to acquired mutations in the target protein, enhanced selectivity, lower dosing requirements, and the potential to abrogate oncogenic transcription factors and scaffolding proteins. Herein, we review the development of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for selected cancer therapy targets and their reported biological activities. The medicinal chemistry of PROTAC design has been a challenging area of active research, but the recent advances in the field will usher in an era of rational degrader design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy M Kelm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Deepti S Pandey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Evan Malin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Hussein Kansou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Sahil Arora
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Raj Kumar
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Navnath S Gavande
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Usutani H, Yamamoto K, Hashimoto K. Process Intensification of a Napabucasin Manufacturing Method Utilizing Microflow Chemistry. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:10373-10382. [PMID: 36969467 PMCID: PMC10034843 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microflow chemistry is one of the newest and most efficient technologies used today for the safe and effective production of medicines. In this paper, we show the use of this technology in the development of a manufacturing method for napabucasin, which has potential in the treatment of colorectal and pancreatic cancers. In conventional "batch-type" reactor systems, the generation of side products can be controlled with traditional techniques such as reagent reverse-addition and temperature control. However, there is a limitation to which the yield and purity can be improved by these methods, as both are constrained by the efficiency of heat/mass transfer. Applying microflow chemistry technology alters the parameters of the constraint through the use of precise mixing in a microchannel, which offers increased possibility for improving yields and process intensification of the napabucasin process. Reported herein is a proof-of-concept study for the scale-up production of napabucasin using microflow chemistry techniques for manufacturing at the kilogram scale.
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhao HY, Xin M, Zhang SQ. Progress of small molecules for targeted protein degradation: PROTACs and other technologies. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:337-394. [PMID: 36606428 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed the rapid development of targeted protein degradation (TPD), especially proteolysis targeting chimeras. These degraders have manifested many advantages over small molecule inhibitors. To date, a huge number of degraders have been excavated against over 70 disease-related targets. In particular, degraders against estrogen receptor and androgen receptor have crowded into phase II clinical trial. TPD technologies largely expand the scope of druggable targets, and provide powerful tools for addressing intractable problems that can not be tackled by traditional small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we mainly focus on the structures and biological activities of small molecule degraders as well as the elucidation of mechanisms of emerging TPD technologies. We also propose the challenges that exist in the TPD field at present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yi Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minhang Xin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang Y, Liu X, Huang W, Liang J, Chen Y. The intricate interplay between HIFs, ROS, and the ubiquitin system in the tumor hypoxic microenvironment. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108303. [PMID: 36328089 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in protein ubiquitination and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling both contribute to tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Ubiquitination is a dynamic process that is coordinately regulated by E3 ligases and deubiquitinases (DUBs), which have emerged as attractive therapeutic targets. HIF expression and transcriptional activity are usually increased in tumors, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are upregulated in tumors and have multiple effects on HIF signaling and the ubiquitin system. A growing body of evidence has shown that multiple E3 ligases and UBDs function synergistically to control the expression and activity of HIF, thereby allowing cancer cells to cope with the hypoxic microenvironment. Conversely, several E3 ligases and DUBs are regulated by hypoxia and/or HIF signaling. Hypoxia also induces ROS production, which in turn modulates the stability or activity of HIF, E3 ligases, and DUBs. Understanding the complex networks between E3 ligase, DUBs, ROS, and HIF will provide insights into the fundamental mechanism of the cellular response to hypoxia and help identify novel molecular targets for cancer treatment. We review the current knowledge on the comprehensive relationship between E3 ligase, DUBs, ROS, and HIF signaling, with a particular focus on the use of E3 ligase or DUB inhibitors in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
| | - Xiong Liu
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Weixiao Huang
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Junjie Liang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China.
| | - Yan Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China; School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yuan H, Liu X, Wang Z, Ren Y, Li Y, Gao C, Jiao T, Cai Y, Yang Y, Zhao S. Alternative splicing signature of alveolar type II epithelial cells of Tibetan pigs under hypoxia-induced. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:984703. [PMID: 36187824 PMCID: PMC9523697 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.984703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) allows the generation of multiple transcript variants from a single gene and affects biological processes by generating protein diversity in organisms. In total, 41,642 AS events corresponding to 9,924 genes were identified, and SE is the most abundant alternatively spliced type. The analysis of functional categories demonstrates that alternatively spliced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway. Proteoglycans in cancer between the normoxic (21% O2, TN and LN) and hypoxic (2% O2, TL and LL) groups, such as SLC2A1, HK1, HK2, ENO3, and PFKFB3, have the potential to rapidly proliferate alveolar type II epithelial (ATII) cells by increasing the intracellular levels of glucose and quickly divert to anabolic pathways by glycolysis intermediates under hypoxia. ACADL, EHHADH, and CPT1A undergo one or two AS types with different frequencies in ATII cells between TN and TL groups (excluding alternatively spliced DEGs shared between normoxic and hypoxic groups), and a constant supply of lipids might be obtained either from the circulation or de novo synthesis for better growth of ATII cells under hypoxia condition. MCM7 and MCM3 undergo different AS types between LN and LL groups (excluding alternatively spliced DEGs shared between normoxic and hypoxic groups), which may bind to the amino-terminal PER-SIM-ARNT domain and the carboxyl terminus of HIF-1α to maintain their stability. Overall, AS and expression levels of candidate mRNAs between Tibetan pigs and Landrace pigs revealed by RNA-seq suggest their potential involvement in the ATII cells grown under hypoxia conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haonan Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuanbo Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhengwen Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yue Ren
- Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Lhasa, China
| | - Yongqing Li
- Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Xinjiang, China
| | - Caixia Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Ting Jiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuan Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanan Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yanan Yang
| | - Shengguo Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Shengguo Zhao
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
He P, Miao Y, Sun Y, Bian A, Jin W, Chen H, Ye J, He J, Peng Y, Gu H, Liu M, Yi Z, Chen Y. Discovery of a Novel Potent STAT3 Inhibitor HP590 with Dual p-Tyr 705/Ser 727 Inhibitory Activity for Gastric Cancer Treatment. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12650-12674. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peng He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Ying Miao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Aiwu Bian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Wangrui Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Huang Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jiangnan Ye
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jia He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yangrui Peng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Haijun Gu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zhengfang Yi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Li H, Wang L, Cao F, Yu D, Yang J, Yu X, Dong J, Qin JJ, Guan X. Design, synthesis, and biological characterization of a potent STAT3 degrader for the treatment of gastric cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:944455. [PMID: 36034876 PMCID: PMC9412775 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.944455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor that threatens human health, and its occurrence and development mechanism is a complex process involving multiple genes and multiple signals. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been elucidated as a promising target for developing anticancer drugs in gastric cancer. However, there is no FDA-approved STAT3 inhibitor yet. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a class of STAT3 degraders based on proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs). We first synthesized an analog of the STAT3 inhibitor S3I-201 as a ligand, using the cereblon (CRBN)/cullin 4A E3 ligase ligand pomalidomide to synthesize a series of PROTACs. Among them, the SDL-1 achieves the degradation of STAT3 protein in vitro, and exhibits good anti-gastric cancer cell proliferation activity, inhibits invasion and metastasis of MKN1 cell, and induces MKN1 cell apoptosis and arrests cell cycle at the same time. Our study shows that SDL-1 is a potent STAT3 degrader and may serve as a potential anti-gastric cancer drug, providing ideas for further development of drugs for clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haobin Li
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Fei Cao
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dehua Yu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Yang
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuefei Yu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinyun Dong
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoqing Guan, ; Jiang-Jiang Qin,
| | - Xiaoqing Guan
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoqing Guan, ; Jiang-Jiang Qin,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
He M, Cao C, Ni Z, Liu Y, Song P, Hao S, He Y, Sun X, Rao Y. PROTACs: great opportunities for academia and industry (an update from 2020 to 2021). Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:181. [PMID: 35680848 PMCID: PMC9178337 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00999-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) technology is a new protein-degradation strategy that has emerged in recent years. It uses bifunctional small molecules to induce the ubiquitination and degradation of target proteins through the ubiquitin–proteasome system. PROTACs can not only be used as potential clinical treatments for diseases such as cancer, immune disorders, viral infections, and neurodegenerative diseases, but also provide unique chemical knockdown tools for biological research in a catalytic, reversible, and rapid manner. In 2019, our group published a review article “PROTACs: great opportunities for academia and industry” in the journal, summarizing the representative compounds of PROTACs reported before the end of 2019. In the past 2 years, the entire field of protein degradation has experienced rapid development, including not only a large increase in the number of research papers on protein-degradation technology but also a rapid increase in the number of small-molecule degraders that have entered the clinical and will enter the clinical stage. In addition to PROTAC and molecular glue technology, other new degradation technologies are also developing rapidly. In this article, we mainly summarize and review the representative PROTACs of related targets published in 2020–2021 to present to researchers the exciting developments in the field of protein degradation. The problems that need to be solved in this field will also be briefly introduced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming He
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Chaoguo Cao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhihao Ni
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yongbo Liu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Peilu Song
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Hao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yuna He
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiuyun Sun
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yu Rao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China. .,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 450001, Zhengzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang Z, Zhong L, Dan W, Chu X, Liu C, Luo X, Wan P, Liu Z, Lu Y, Wang X, Liu B. ZFP91 promotes cell proliferation and inhibits cell apoptosis in AML via inhibiting the proteasome-dependent degradation of RIP1. Int J Med Sci 2022; 19:274-285. [PMID: 35165513 PMCID: PMC8795797 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.67436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a quickly progressive and devastated hematological malignancy with large rate of relapse and the appearance of chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, the identification of new therapeutic targets is urgent. ZFP91 is a hidden oncogene. Nevertheless, how ZFP91 takes part in regulating AML is less clear. Our research aims at investigating the molecular mechanisms and uncovering the effects of ZFP91 on AML. This research demonstrates that ZFP91 boosts AML cell proliferation and stops AML cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, experimental results showed the interaction between ZFP91 and RIP1 and inhibitory effect of ZFP91 on the K48-linked ubiquitination of endogenous RIP1, which is an important molecule in AML. Taken together, our results provide the evidence that targeted inhibition of ZFP91 could be a hopeful measure to treat AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghui Zhang
- Central Laboratory of Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Liang Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Wenran Dan
- Central Laboratory of Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Xuan Chu
- Central Laboratory of Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xu Luo
- Central Laboratory of Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Peng Wan
- Central Laboratory of Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Zhenyan Liu
- Central Laboratory of Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Central Laboratory of Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Central Laboratory of Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Beizhong Liu
- Central Laboratory of Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 402160, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dai M, Radhakrishnan S, Li R, Tan R, Yan K, Fan G, Liu M. Targeted Protein Degradation: An Important Tool for Drug Discovery for "Undruggable" Tumor Transcription Factors. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2022; 21:15330338221095950. [PMID: 35466792 PMCID: PMC9047787 DOI: 10.1177/15330338221095950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional small-molecule drugs (SMDs) are compounds characterized by low
molecular weight, high cell permeability, and high selectivity. In clinical
translation, SMDs are regarded as good candidates for oral drug formulation. SMD
inhibitors play an important role in cancer treatment; however, resistance and
low effectiveness have been major bottlenecks in clinical application.
Generally, only 20% of cell proteins can potentially be targeted and have been
developed as SMDs; thus, some types of tumor targets are considered
“undruggable.” Among these are transcription factors (TFs), an important class
of proteins that regulate the occurrence, formation, and development of tumors.
It is difficult for SMDs and macromolecular drugs to identify bioactive sites in
TFs and hence for use as pharmacological inhibitors in targeting TF proteins.
For this reason, technologies that enable targeted protein degradation, such as
proteolysis-targeting chimera or molecular glues, could serve as a potential
tool to solve these conundrums.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Dai
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, 89674Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sridhar Radhakrishnan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, 37580National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruirong Tan
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, 598782Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Kuo Yan
- Institute of Cell and Neurobiology, Charité Medical University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gang Fan
- Department of Urology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,477382The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Pathology, 1861Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang C, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Xing D. Developments of CRBN-based PROTACs as potential therapeutic agents. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 225:113749. [PMID: 34411892 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Protease-targeted chimeras (PROTACs) are a new technology that is receiving much attention in the treatment of diseases. The mechanism is to inhibit protein function by hijacking the ubiquitin E3 ligase for protein degradation. Heterogeneous bifunctional PROTACs contain a ligand for recruiting E3 ligase, a linker, and another ligand to bind to the target protein for degradation. A variety of small-molecule PROTACs (CRBN, VHL, IAPs, MDM2, DCAF15, DCAF16, and RNF114-based PROTACs) have been identified so far. In particular, CRBN-based PROTACs (e.g., ARV-110 and ARV-471) have received more attention for their promising therapeutic intervention. To date, CRBN-based PRTOACs have been extensively explored worldwide and have excelled not only in cancer diseases but also in cardiovascular diseases, immune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive update on the latest research progress in CRBN-based PRTOACs area. Following the criteria, such as disease area and drug target class, we will present the degradants in alphabetical order by target. We also provide our own perspective on the future prospects and potential challenges facing PROTACs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Yujing Zhang
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Yudong Wu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Dongming Xing
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Powell M, Blaskovich MAT, Hansford KA. Targeted Protein Degradation: The New Frontier of Antimicrobial Discovery? ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:2050-2067. [PMID: 34259518 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation aims to hijack endogenous protein quality control systems to achieve direct knockdown of protein targets. This exciting technology utilizes event-based pharmacology to produce therapeutic outcomes, a feature that distinguishes it from classical occupancy-based inhibitor agents. Early degrader candidates display resilience to mutations while possessing potent nanomolar activity and high target specificity. Paired with the rapid advancement of our knowledge in the factors driving targeted degradation, the expansion of this style of therapeutic agent to a range of disease indications is eagerly awaited. In particular, the area of antibiotic discovery is sorely lacking in novel approaches, with the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) crisis looming as the next potential global health calamity. Here, the current advances in targeted protein degradation are highlighted, and potential approaches for designing novel antimicrobial protein degraders are proposed, ranging from adaptations of current strategies to completely novel approaches to targeted protein degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Powell
- Centre for Superbug Solutions, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mark A. T. Blaskovich
- Centre for Superbug Solutions, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Karl A. Hansford
- Centre for Superbug Solutions, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Dong J, Cheng XD, Zhang WD, Qin JJ. Recent Update on Development of Small-Molecule STAT3 Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy: From Phosphorylation Inhibition to Protein Degradation. J Med Chem 2021; 64:8884-8915. [PMID: 34170703 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that regulates various biological processes, including proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, immune response, and chemoresistance. In normal cells, STAT3 is tightly regulated to maintain a transiently active state, while persistent STAT3 activation occurs frequently in cancers, associating with a poor prognosis and tumor progression. Targeting the STAT3 protein is a potentially promising therapeutic strategy for tumors. Although none of the STAT3 inhibitors has been marketed yet, a few of them have succeeded in entering clinical trials. This Review aims to systematically summarize the progress of the last 5 years in the discovery of directive STAT3 small-molecule inhibitors and degraders, focusing primarily on their structural features, design strategies, and bioactivities. We hope this Review will shed light on future drug design and inhibitor optimization to accelerate the discovery process of STAT3 inhibitors or degraders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinyun Dong
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Cheng
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Wei-Dong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Reynders M, Trauner D. Optical control of targeted protein degradation. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:969-986. [PMID: 34115971 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Molecular glues and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as small-molecule tools that selectively induce the degradation of a chosen protein and have shown therapeutic promise. Recently, several approaches employing light as an additional stimulus to control induced protein degradation have been reported. Here, we analyze the principles guiding the design of such systems, provide a survey of the literature published to date, and discuss opportunities for further development. Light-responsive degraders enable the precise temporal and spatial control of protein levels, making them useful research tools but also potential candidates for human precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Reynders
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; Department of Chemistry, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk Trauner
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| |
Collapse
|