1
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Ashraf SN, Blackwell JH, Holdgate GA, Lucas SCC, Solovyeva A, Storer RI, Whitehurst BC. Hit me with your best shot: Integrated hit discovery for the next generation of drug targets. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104143. [PMID: 39173704 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104143] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Identification of high-quality hit chemical matter is of vital importance to the success of drug discovery campaigns. However, this goal is becoming ever harder to achieve as the targets entering the portfolios of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are increasingly trending towards novel and traditionally challenging to drug. This demand has fuelled the development and adoption of numerous new screening approaches, whereby the contemporary hit identification toolbox comprises a growing number of orthogonal and complementary technologies including high-throughput screening, fragment-based ligand design, affinity screening (affinity-selection mass spectrometry, differential scanning fluorimetry, DNA-encoded library screening), as well as increasingly sophisticated computational predictive approaches. Herein we describe how an integrated strategy for hit discovery, whereby multiple hit identification techniques are tactically applied, selected in the context of target suitability and resource priority, represents an optimal and often essential approach to maximise the likelihood of identifying quality starting points from which to develop the next generation of medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Neha Ashraf
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Science, AstraZeneca R&D, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - J Henry Blackwell
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Science, AstraZeneca R&D, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | | | - Simon C C Lucas
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Science, AstraZeneca R&D, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Alisa Solovyeva
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Science, AstraZeneca R&D, Gothenburg SE-431 83, Sweden
| | - R Ian Storer
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Science, AstraZeneca R&D, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK.
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2
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Xue L, Liu R, Zhang L, Qiu T, Liu L, Yin R, Jiang T. Discovery of novel nitrofuran PROTAC-like compounds as dual inhibitors and degraders targeting STING. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 279:116883. [PMID: 39303513 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116883] [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: 08/09/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the innate immune molecule STING can initiate inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Small molecule inhibitors targeting STING have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy against these conditions. Moreover, employing degradants to target STING represents a novel approach to drug design strategy. Consequently, we have designed and synthesized a series of covalent degradants targeting STING. Among them, compound P8 exhibited the highest degradation capacity, with a 24-h DC50 of 2.58 μM in THP-1 cells. In THP-1 cells, P8 specifically degraded STING proteins through the lysosomal pathway, acting as dual a degrader and inhibitor to manifest anti-inflammatory effects. Conversely, in RAW264.7 cells, P8 solely acted as an inhibitor without exhibiting degradative capacity towards the STING protein level. Additionally, P8 displayed renal-protective properties in a cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury model. These results highlight the significant potential of further investigating compound P8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xue
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Ruixue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Lican Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Tingting Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Ruijuan Yin
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China; Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao, 266237, China.
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China; Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511455, China.
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3
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Wang Z, Che S, Yu Z. PROTAC: Novel degradable approach for different targets to treat breast cancer. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 198:106793. [PMID: 38740076 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106793] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The revolutionary Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTACs) have the exciting potential to reshape the pharmaceutical industry landscape by leveraging the ubiquitin-proteasome system for targeted protein degradation. Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer in women, could be treated using PROTAC therapy. Although substantial work has been conducted, there is not yet a comprehensive overview or progress update on PROTAC therapy for breast cancer. Hence, in this article, we've compiled recent research progress focusing on different breast cancer target proteins, such as estrogen receptor (ER), BET, CDK, HER2, PARP, EZH2, etc. This resource aims to serve as a guide for future PROTAC-based breast cancer treatment design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjie Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China; Office of Drug Clinical Trials, The People's Hospital of Gaozhou, Maoming, 525200, PR China
| | - Siyao Che
- Hepatological Surgery Department, The People's Hospital of Gaozhou, Maoming, 525200, PR China.
| | - Zhiqiang Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Dongguan Institute of Clinical Cancer Research, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan 523018, PR China.
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4
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Fitzgerald P, Dixit A, Zhang C, Mobley DL, Paegel BM. Building Block-Centric Approach to DNA-Encoded Library Design. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:4661-4672. [PMID: 38860710 PMCID: PMC11200258 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
DNA-encoded library technology grants access to nearly infinite opportunities to explore the chemical structure space for drug discovery. Successful navigation depends on the design and synthesis of libraries with appropriate physicochemical properties (PCPs) and structural diversity while aligning with practical considerations. To this end, we analyze combinatorial library design constraints including the number of chemistry cycles, bond construction strategies, and building block (BB) class selection in pursuit of ideal library designs. We compare two-cycle library designs (amino acid + carboxylic acid, primary amine + carboxylic acid) in the context of PCPs and chemical space coverage, given different BB selection strategies and constraints. We find that broad availability of amines and acids is essential for enabling the widest exploration of chemical space. Surprisingly, cost is not a driving factor, and virtually, the same chemical space can be explored with "budget" BBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick
R. Fitzgerald
- Skaggs
Doctoral Program in the Chemical and Biological Sciences, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Anjali Dixit
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Chris Zhang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - David L. Mobley
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Brian M. Paegel
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
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5
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Stevens R, Thompson JDF, Fournier JCL, Burley GA, Battersby DJ, Miah AH. Innovative, combinatorial and high-throughput approaches to degrader synthesis. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:4838-4861. [PMID: 38596888 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs01127e] [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: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degraders such as PROTACs and molecular glues are a rapidly emerging therapeutic modality within industry and academia. Degraders possess unique mechanisms of action that lead to the removal of specific proteins by co-opting the cell's natural degradation mechanisms via induced proximity. Their optimisation thus far has often been largely empirical, requiring the synthesis and screening of a large number of analogues. In addition, the synthesis and development of degraders is often challenging, leading to lengthy optimisation campaigns to deliver candidate-quality compounds. This review highlights how the synthesis of degraders has evolved in recent years, in particular focusing on means of applying high-throughput chemistry and screening approaches to expedite these timelines, which we anticipate to be valuable in shaping the future of degrader optimisation campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Stevens
- Medicinal Chemistry, GSK, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK.
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XQ, UK
| | | | | | - Glenn A Burley
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XQ, UK
| | | | - Afjal H Miah
- Medicinal Chemistry, GSK, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK.
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6
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Hayhow TG, Williamson B, Lawson M, Cureton N, Braybrooke EL, Campbell A, Carbajo RJ, Cheraghchi-Bashi A, Chiarparin E, Diène CR, Fallan C, Fisher DI, Goldberg FW, Hopcroft L, Hopcroft P, Jackson A, Kettle JG, Klinowska T, Künzel U, Lamont G, Lewis HJ, Maglennon G, Martin S, Gutierrez PM, Morrow CJ, Nikolaou M, Nissink JWM, O'Shea P, Polanski R, Schade M, Scott JS, Smith A, Weber J, Wilson J, Yang B, Crafter C. Metabolism-driven in vitro/in vivo disconnect of an oral ERɑ VHL-PROTAC. Commun Biol 2024; 7:563. [PMID: 38740899 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06238-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) pathway is validated in the clinic as an effective means to treat ER+ breast cancers. Here we present the development of a VHL-targeting and orally bioavailable proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) degrader of ERα. In vitro studies with this PROTAC demonstrate excellent ERα degradation and ER antagonism in ER+ breast cancer cell lines. However, upon dosing the compound in vivo we observe an in vitro-in vivo disconnect. ERα degradation is lower in vivo than expected based on the in vitro data. Investigation into potential causes for the reduced maximal degradation reveals that metabolic instability of the PROTAC linker generates metabolites that compete for binding to ERα with the full PROTAC, limiting degradation. This observation highlights the requirement for metabolically stable PROTACs to ensure maximal efficacy and thus optimisation of the linker should be a key consideration when designing PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anne Jackson
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bin Yang
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA, USA
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7
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Kong L, Jin X. Dysregulation of deubiquitination in breast cancer. Gene 2024; 902:148175. [PMID: 38242375 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148175] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a highly frequent malignant tumor that poses a serious threat to women's health and has different molecular subtypes, histological subtypes, and biological features, which act by activating oncogenic factors and suppressing cancer inhibitors. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is the main process contributing to protein degradation, and deubiquitinases (DUBs) are reverse enzymes that counteract this process. There is growing evidence that dysregulation of DUBs is involved in the occurrence of BC. Herein, we review recent research findings in BC-associated DUBs, describe their nature, classification, and functions, and discuss the potential mechanisms of DUB-related dysregulation in BC. Furthermore, we present the successful treatment of malignant cancer with DUB inhibitors, as well as analyzing the status of targeting aberrant DUBs in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China.
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8
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Lemaitre T, Cornu M, Schwalen F, Since M, Kieffer C, Voisin-Chiret AS. Molecular glue degraders: exciting opportunities for novel drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:433-449. [PMID: 38240114 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2306845] [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] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Molecular Glue Degraders (MGDs) is a concept that refers to a class of compounds that facilitate the interaction between two proteins or molecules within a cell. These compounds act as bridge that enhances specific Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs). Over the past decade, this technology has gained attention as a potential strategy to target proteins that were traditionally considered undruggable using small molecules. AREAS COVERED This review presents the concept of cellular homeostasis and the balance between protein synthesis and protein degradation. The concept of protein degradation is concerned with molecular glues, which form part of the broader field of Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD). Next, pharmacochemical strategies for the rational design of MGDs are detailed and illustrated by examples of Ligand-Based (LBDD), Structure-Based (SBDD) and Fragment-Based Drug Design (FBDD). EXPERT OPINION Expanding the scope of what can be effectively targeted in the development of treatments for diseases that are incurable or resistant to conventional therapies offers new therapeutic options. The treatment of microbial infections and neurodegenerative diseases is a major societal challenge, and the discovery of MGDs appears to be a promising avenue. Combining different approaches to discover and exploit a variety of innovative therapeutic agents will create opportunities to treat diseases that are still incurable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie Cornu
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, CERMN, Caen, France
| | - Florian Schwalen
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, CERMN, Caen, France
- Department of Pharmacy, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Marc Since
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, CERMN, Caen, France
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9
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Bouvier C, Lawrence R, Cavallo F, Xolalpa W, Jordan A, Hjerpe R, Rodriguez MS. Breaking Bad Proteins-Discovery Approaches and the Road to Clinic for Degraders. Cells 2024; 13:578. [PMID: 38607017 PMCID: PMC11011670 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070578] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) describe compounds that bind to and induce degradation of a target by simultaneously binding to a ubiquitin ligase. More generally referred to as bifunctional degraders, PROTACs have led the way in the field of targeted protein degradation (TPD), with several compounds currently undergoing clinical testing. Alongside bifunctional degraders, single-moiety compounds, or molecular glue degraders (MGDs), are increasingly being considered as a viable approach for development of therapeutics, driven by advances in rational discovery approaches. This review focuses on drug discovery with respect to bifunctional and molecular glue degraders within the ubiquitin proteasome system, including analysis of mechanistic concepts and discovery approaches, with an overview of current clinical and pre-clinical degrader status in oncology, neurodegenerative and inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corentin Bouvier
- Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination LCC-UPR 8241-CNRS, 31077 Toulouse, France; (C.B.); (M.S.R.)
| | - Rachel Lawrence
- Sygnature Discovery, Bio City, Pennyfoot St., Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK (F.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Francesca Cavallo
- Sygnature Discovery, Bio City, Pennyfoot St., Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK (F.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Wendy Xolalpa
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62209, Morelos, Mexico;
| | - Allan Jordan
- Sygnature Discovery, Bio City, Pennyfoot St., Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK (F.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Roland Hjerpe
- Sygnature Discovery, Bio City, Pennyfoot St., Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK (F.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Manuel S. Rodriguez
- Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination LCC-UPR 8241-CNRS, 31077 Toulouse, France; (C.B.); (M.S.R.)
- Pharmadev, UMR 152, Université de Toulouse, IRD, UT3, 31400 Toulouse, France
- B Molecular, Centre Pierre Potier, Canceropôle, 31106 Toulouse, France
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10
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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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11
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Lessing A, Petrov D, Scheuermann J. Advancing small-molecule drug discovery by encoded dual-display technologies. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:817-831. [PMID: 37739829 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
DNA-encoded chemical library technology (DECL or DEL) has become an important pillar for small-molecule drug discovery. The technology rapidly identifies small-molecule hits for relevant target proteins at low cost and with a high success rate, including ligands for targeted protein degradation (TPD). More recently, the setup of DNA- or peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-encoded chemical libraries based on the simultaneous display of ligand pairs, termed dual-display, allows for more sophisticated applications which will be reviewed herein. Both stable and dynamic dual-display DEL technologies enable innovative affinity-based selection modalities, even on and in cells. Novel methods for a seamless conversion between single- and double-stranded library formats allow for even more versatility. We present the first candidates emerging from dual-display technologies and discuss the future potential of dual-display for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Lessing
- ETH Zürich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dimitar Petrov
- ETH Zürich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Scheuermann
- ETH Zürich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zürich, Switzerland.
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12
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Pasieka A, Diamanti E, Uliassi E, Laura Bolognesi M. Click Chemistry and Targeted Degradation: A Winning Combination for Medicinal Chemists? ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300422. [PMID: 37706617 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300422] [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] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Click chemistry is universally recognized as a powerful strategy for the fast and precise assembly of diverse building blocks. Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) is a new therapeutic modality based on heterobifunctional small-molecule degraders that provides new opportunities to medicinal chemists dealing with undruggable targets and incurable diseases. Here, we highlight how very recently the TPD field and that of click chemistry have merged, opening up the possibility for fine-tuning the properties of a degrader, chemically assembled through a "click" synthesis. By reviewing concrete examples, we want to provide the reader with the insight that the application of click and bioorthogonal chemistry in the TDP field may be a winning combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pasieka
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleonora Diamanti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Uliassi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bolognesi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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13
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Bhole RP, Kute PR, Chikhale RV, Bonde CG, Pant A, Gurav SS. Unlocking the potential of PROTACs: A comprehensive review of protein degradation strategies in disease therapy. Bioorg Chem 2023; 139:106720. [PMID: 37480814 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
The technology known asPROTACs (PROteolysisTArgeting Chimeras) is a method of protein degradation. Utilising bifunctional small molecules, the ubiquitin-proteosome system (UPS) is used to induce the ubiquitination and degradation of target proteins. In addition to being novel chemical knockdown agents for biological studies that are catalytic, reversible, and rapid, PROTACs used in the treatment for disorders like cancer, immunological disorders, viral diseases, and neurological disorders. The protein degradation field has advanced quickly over the last two years, with a significant rise in research articles on the subject as well as a quick rise in smallmolecule degraders that are currently in or will soon enter the clinical stage. Other new degrading technologies, in addition to PROTAC and molecular glue technology, are also emerging rapidly. In this review article, we mainly focuses on various PROTAC molecules designed with special emphasis on targeted cellular pathways for different diseases i.e., cancer, Viral diseases Immune disorders, Neurodegenerative diseases, etc. We discussed about new technologies based on PROTACs such as Antibody PROTAC, Aptamers, Dual target, Folate caged, TF PROTAC, etc. Also, we listed out the PROTACs which are in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh P Bhole
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra 411018, India.
| | - Payal R Kute
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra 411018, India
| | | | - C G Bonde
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS, Shirpur Campus 425 405, India.
| | - Amit Pant
- School of Medicine Creighton University, Omaha, Neraska, USA.
| | - Shailendra S Gurav
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Goa College of Pharmacy, Panaji, Goa University, Goa 403001, India.
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14
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Chen Z, Hu B, Rej RK, Wu D, Acharyya RK, Wang M, Xu T, Lu J, Metwally H, Wang Y, McEachern D, Bai L, Gersch CL, Wang M, Zhang W, Li Q, Wen B, Sun D, Rae JM, Wang S. Discovery of ERD-3111 as a Potent and Orally Efficacious Estrogen Receptor PROTAC Degrader with Strong Antitumor Activity. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12559-12585. [PMID: 37647546 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is a prime target for the treatment of ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Despite the development of several effective therapies targeting ERα signaling, clinical resistance remains a major challenge. In this study, we report the discovery of a new class of potent and orally bioavailable ERα degraders using the PROTAC technology, with ERD-3111 being the most promising compound. ERD-3111 exhibits potent in vitro degradation activity against ERα and demonstrates high oral bioavailability in mice, rats, and dogs. Oral administration of ERD-3111 effectively reduces the levels of wild-type and mutated ERα proteins in tumor tissues. ERD-3111 achieves tumor regression or complete tumor growth inhibition in the parental MCF-7 xenograft model with wild-type ER and two clinically relevant ESR1 mutated models in mice. ERD-3111 is a promising ERα degrader for further extensive evaluations for the treatment of ER+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Biao Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Rohan Kalyan Rej
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Dimin Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Ranjan Kumar Acharyya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Mingliang Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Tianfeng Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jianfeng Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Hoda Metwally
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Donna McEachern
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Longchuan Bai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Christina L Gersch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Meilin Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Qiuxia Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bo Wen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Duxin Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - James M Rae
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- The Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- The Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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15
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Peterson AA, Liu DR. Small-molecule discovery through DNA-encoded libraries. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:699-722. [PMID: 37328653 PMCID: PMC10924799 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00713-6] [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] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The development of bioactive small molecules as probes or drug candidates requires discovery platforms that enable access to chemical diversity and can quickly reveal new ligands for a target of interest. Within the past 15 years, DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology has matured into a widely used platform for small-molecule discovery, yielding a wide variety of bioactive ligands for many therapeutically relevant targets. DELs offer many advantages compared with traditional screening methods, including efficiency of screening, easily multiplexed targets and library selections, minimized resources needed to evaluate an entire DEL and large library sizes. This Review provides accounts of recently described small molecules discovered from DELs, including their initial identification, optimization and validation of biological properties including suitability for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Peterson
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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16
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Han X, Sun Y. PROTACs: A novel strategy for cancer drug discovery and development. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e290. [PMID: 37261210 PMCID: PMC10227178 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology has become a powerful strategy in drug discovery, especially for undruggable targets/proteins. A typical PROTAC degrader consists of three components: a small molecule that binds to a target protein, an E3 ligase ligand (consisting of an E3 ligase and its small molecule recruiter), and a chemical linker that hooks first two components together. In the past 20 years, we have witnessed advancement of multiple PROTAC degraders into the clinical trials for anticancer therapies. However, one of the major challenges of PROTAC technology is that only very limited number of E3 ligase recruiters are currently available as E3 ligand for targeted protein degradation (TPD), although human genome encodes more than 600 E3 ligases. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify additional effective E3 ligase recruiters for TPD applications. In this review, we summarized the existing RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase and their small molecule recruiters that act as effective E3 ligands of PROTAC degraders and their application in anticancer drug discovery. We believe that this review could serve as a reference in future development of efficient E3 ligands of PROTAC technology for cancer drug discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Han
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionChina National Ministry of Education) of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Cancer Center of Zhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for CANCERZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical SciencesZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Yi Sun
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionChina National Ministry of Education) of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Cancer Center of Zhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for CANCERZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical SciencesZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Research Center for Life Science and Human HealthBinjiang Institute of Zhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
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17
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Li Q, Zhou L, Qin S, Huang Z, Li B, Liu R, Yang M, Nice EC, Zhu H, Huang C. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras in biotherapeutics: Current trends and future applications. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115447. [PMID: 37229829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The success of inhibitor-based therapeutics is largely constrained by the acquisition of therapeutic resistance, which is partially driven by the undruggable proteome. The emergence of proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, designed for degrading proteins involved in specific biological processes, might provide a novel framework for solving the above constraint. A heterobifunctional PROTAC molecule could structurally connect an E3 ubiquitin ligase ligand with a protein of interest (POI)-binding ligand by chemical linkers. Such technology would result in the degradation of the targeted protein via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), opening up a novel way of selectively inhibiting undruggable proteins. Herein, we will highlight the advantages of PROTAC technology and summarize the current understanding of the potential mechanisms involved in biotherapeutics, with a particular focus on its application and development where therapeutic benefits over classical small-molecule inhibitors have been achieved. Finally, we discuss how this technology can contribute to developing biotherapeutic drugs, such as antivirals against infectious diseases, for use in clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Zhao Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Bowen Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Ruolan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Mei Yang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Huili Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China.
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18
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Chirnomas D, Hornberger KR, Crews CM. Protein degraders enter the clinic - a new approach to cancer therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:265-278. [PMID: 36781982 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00736-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 155.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Heterobifunctional protein degraders, such as PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) protein degraders, constitute a novel therapeutic modality that harnesses the cell's natural protein-degradation machinery - that is, the ubiquitin-proteasome system - to selectively target proteins involved in disease pathogenesis for elimination. Protein degraders have several potential advantages over small-molecule inhibitors that have traditionally been used for cancer treatment, including their event-driven (rather than occupancy-driven) pharmacology, which permits sub-stoichiometric drug concentrations for activity, their capacity to act iteratively and target multiple copies of a protein of interest, and their potential to target nonenzymatic proteins that were previously considered 'undruggable'. Following numerous innovations in protein degrader design and rigorous evaluation in preclinical models, protein degraders entered clinical testing in 2019. Currently, 18 protein degraders are in phase I or phase I/II clinical trials that involve patients with various tumour types, with a phase III trial of one initiated in 2022. The first safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetic data from these studies are now materializing and, although considerably more evidence is needed, protein degraders are showing promising activity as cancer therapies. Herein, we review advances in protein degrader development, the preclinical research that supported their entry into clinical studies, the available data for protein degraders in patients and future directions for this new class of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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19
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Fang X, Liao H, Fan X, Wang Y, Wang H, Zhang G, Fang W, Li Y, Li Y. Incorporation of viridicatin alkaloid-like scaffolds into DNA-encoded chemical libraries. Org Biomol Chem 2023; 21:2162-2166. [PMID: 36799438 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob02278h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Viridicatin alkaloids as natural products have attracted great interest due to their unique core scaffold. To fully exploit their potential application in DNA-encoded chemical libraries that would facilitate drug discovery, we here describe an efficient on-DNA synthesis of viridicatin alkaloid-like scaffolds from isatins and DNA-tagged aldehydes. Promoted by benzenesulfonyl hydrazide, this reaction provided the corresponding DNA-conjugated viridicatin alkaloid-like products in moderate-to-excellent conversion yields, and DNA compatibility validated by enzymatic ligation and qPCR evaluation exhibited the feasible utility of this methodology in DEL synthesis. Cross substrate scope study, together with subsequent on-DNA chemical diversification, further showed the competence of this approach in focused natural product-like encoded library construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianfu Fang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China.
| | - Huilin Liao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaohong Fan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China. .,Pharmaceutical Department of Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, 404100 Chongqing, P. R. China.
| | - Yiting Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China.
| | - Huihong Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China. .,Pharmaceutical Department of Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, 404100 Chongqing, P. R. China.
| | - Gong Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China. .,Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Wei Fang
- Pharmaceutical Department of Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, 404100 Chongqing, P. R. China.
| | - Yangfeng Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China. .,Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yizhou Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China. .,Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, 400044 Chongqing, P. R. China.,Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, 100190 Beijing, P. R. China
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20
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Chakravarty A, Yang PL. Targeted protein degradation as an antiviral approach. Antiviral Res 2023; 210:105480. [PMID: 36567024 PMCID: PMC10178900 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105480] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has emerged as a new modality in drug discovery. In this approach, small molecules are used to drive degradation of the target protein of interest. Whereas most direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) inhibit or derange the activity of their viral protein targets and have occupancy-driven pharmacology, small molecules with a TPD-based mechanism have event-driven pharmacology exerted through their ability to induce target degradation. These contrasting mechanisms can result in significant differences in drug efficacy and pharmacodynamics that may be useful in the development of new classes of antivirals. While now being widely pursued in cancer biology and autoimmune disease, TPD has not yet been widely applied as an antiviral strategy. Here, we briefly review TPD pharmacology along with the current status of tools available for developing small molecules that achieve antiviral activity through a TPD mechanism. We also highlight aspects of TPD that may be especially useful in the development of antivirals and that we hope will motivate pursuit of TPD-based antivirals by the antivirals research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antara Chakravarty
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Priscilla L Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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21
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Chen Q, Liu C, Wang W, Meng X, Cheng X, Li X, Cai L, Luo L, He X, Qu H, Luo J, Wei H, Gao S, Liu G, Wan J, Israel DI, Li J, Dou D. Optimization of PROTAC Ternary Complex Using DNA Encoded Library Approach. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:25-33. [PMID: 36606710 PMCID: PMC9872815 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) strategy results in the down-regulation of unwanted protein(s) for disease treatment. In the PROTAC process, a heterobifunctional degrader forms a ternary complex with a target protein of interest (POI) and an E3 ligase, which results in ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of the POI. While ternary complex formation is a key attribute of PROTAC degraders, modification of the PROTAC molecule to optimize ternary complex formation and protein degradation can be a labor-intensive and tedious process. In this study, we take advantage of DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology to efficiently synthesize a vast number of possible PROTAC molecules and describe a parallel screening approach that utilizes DNA barcodes as reporters of ternary complex formation and cooperative binding. We use a designed PROTAC DEL against BRD4 and CRBN to describe a dual protein affinity selection method and the direct discovery of novel, potent BRD4 PROTACs that importantly demonstrate clear SAR. Such an approach evaluates all the potential PROTACs simultaneously, avoids the interference of PROTAC solubility and permeability, and uses POI and E3 ligase proteins in an efficient manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxia Chen
- Lead
Generation Unit and Discovery Chemistry Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, China
| | - Chuan Liu
- Lead
Generation Unit and Discovery Chemistry Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Lead
Generation Unit and Discovery Chemistry Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, China
| | - Xiaoyun Meng
- Lead
Generation Unit and Discovery Chemistry Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, China
| | - Xuemin Cheng
- Lead
Generation Unit and Discovery Chemistry Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, China
| | - Xianyang Li
- Lead
Generation Unit and Discovery Chemistry Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, China
| | - Longying Cai
- Lead
Generation Unit and Discovery Chemistry Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, China
| | - Linfu Luo
- Lead
Generation Unit and Discovery Chemistry Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, China
| | - Xu He
- Lead
Generation Unit and Discovery Chemistry Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, China
| | - Huan Qu
- Lead
Generation Unit and Discovery Chemistry Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Lead
Generation Unit and Discovery Chemistry Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Lead
Generation Unit and Discovery Chemistry Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, China
| | - Sen Gao
- Lead
Generation Unit and Discovery Chemistry Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, China
| | - Guansai Liu
- Lead
Generation Unit and Discovery Chemistry Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, China
| | - Jinqiao Wan
- Lead
Generation Unit and Discovery Chemistry Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, China
| | | | - Jin Li
- HitGen
Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, China
| | - Dengfeng Dou
- Lead
Generation Unit and Discovery Chemistry Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, China
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22
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Interactions governing transcriptional activity of nuclear receptors. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1941-1952. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20220338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The key players in transcriptional regulation are transcription factors (TFs), proteins that bind specific DNA sequences. Several mechanisms exist to turn TFs ‘on’ and ‘off’, including ligand binding which induces conformational changes within TFs, subsequently influencing multiple inter- and intramolecular interactions to drive transcriptional responses. Nuclear receptors are a specific family of ligand-regulated TFs whose activity relies on interactions with DNA, coregulator proteins and other receptors. These multidomain proteins also undergo interdomain interactions on multiple levels, further modulating transcriptional outputs. Cooperation between these distinct interactions is critical for appropriate transcription and remains an intense area of investigation. In this review, we report and summarize recent findings that continue to advance our mechanistic understanding of how interactions between nuclear receptors and diverse partners influence transcription.
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23
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Li D, Yu D, Li Y, Yang R. A bibliometric analysis of PROTAC from 2001 to 2021. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 244:114838. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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24
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Zhang T, Shi L, Geng Z, Xing D. Proteolysis-targeting chimaeras (PROTACs) as pharmacological tools and therapeutic agents: advances and future challenges. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:1667-1693. [PMID: 35702041 PMCID: PMC9225776 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2076675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimaeras (PROTACs) have been developed to be an emerging technology for targeted protein degradation and attracted the favour of academic institutions, large pharmaceutical enterprises, and biotechnology companies. The mechanism is based on the inhibition of protein function by hijacking a ubiquitin E3 ligase for protein degradation. The heterobifunctional PROTACs contain a ligand for recruiting an E3 ligase, a linker, and another ligand to bind with the protein targeted for degradation. To date, PROTACs targeting ∼70 proteins, many of which are clinically validated drug targets, have been successfully developed with several in clinical trials for diseases therapy. In this review, the recent advances in PROTACs against clinically validated drug targets are summarised and the chemical structure, cellular and in vivo activity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of these PROTACs are highlighted. In addition, the potential advantages, challenges, and prospects of PROTACs technology in disease treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Lingyu Shi
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhongmin Geng
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Dongming Xing
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China.,School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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25
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Meyer SM, Tanaka T, Zanon PRA, Baisden JT, Abegg D, Yang X, Akahori Y, Alshakarchi Z, Cameron MD, Adibekian A, Disney MD. DNA-Encoded Library Screening To Inform Design of a Ribonuclease Targeting Chimera (RiboTAC). J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:21096-21102. [PMID: 36342850 PMCID: PMC10786349 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c07217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ribonuclease targeting chimeras (RiboTACs) induce degradation of an RNA target by facilitating an interaction between an RNA and a ribonuclease (RNase). We describe the screening of a DNA-encoded library (DEL) to identify binders of monomeric RNase L to provide a compound that induced dimerization of RNase L, activating its ribonuclease activity. This compound was incorporated into the design of a next-generation RiboTAC that targeted the microRNA-21 (miR-21) precursor and alleviated a miR-21-associated cellular phenotype in triple-negative breast cancer cells. The RNA-binding module in the RiboTAC is Dovitinib, a known receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor, which was previously identified to bind miR-21 as an off-target. Conversion of Dovitinib into this RiboTAC reprograms the known drug to selectively affect the RNA target. This work demonstrates that DEL can be used to identify compounds that bind and recruit proteins with effector functions in heterobifunctional compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Meyer
- The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Department of Chemistry, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Toru Tanaka
- The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Department of Chemistry, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Patrick R. A. Zanon
- The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Department of Chemistry, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Jared T. Baisden
- The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Department of Chemistry, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Daniel Abegg
- The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Department of Chemistry, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Xueyi Yang
- The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Department of Chemistry, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Yoshihiro Akahori
- The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Department of Chemistry, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Zainab Alshakarchi
- The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Department of Chemistry, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Michael D. Cameron
- The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Department of Chemistry, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Alexander Adibekian
- The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Department of Chemistry, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Matthew D. Disney
- The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Department of Chemistry, Jupiter, FL 33458
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26
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Liu J, Peng Y, Inuzuka H, Wei W. Targeting micro-environmental pathways by PROTACs as a therapeutic strategy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:269-279. [PMID: 35798235 PMCID: PMC11000491 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.07.001] [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: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) composes of multiple cell types and non-cellular components, which supports the proliferation, metastasis and immune surveillance evasion of tumor cells, as well as accounts for the resistance to therapies. Therefore, therapeutic strategies using small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) and antibodies to block potential targets in TME are practical for cancer treatment. Targeted protein degradation using PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) technic has several advantages over traditional SMIs and antibodies, including overcoming drug resistance. Thus many PROTACs are currently under development for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of PROTAC development that target TME pathways and propose the potential direction of future PROTAC technique to advance as novel cancer treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Yunhua Peng
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Hiroyuki Inuzuka
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States.
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27
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Advances in AR-targeting chimeras: a case study of proteolysis-targeting chimeras from bench to bedside. Future Med Chem 2022; 14:1471-1489. [PMID: 36214138 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2022-0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) is an emerging revolutionary technology that promotes degradation of target proteins by proteolysis. AR-targeting PROTACs marked many milestones in the history of PROTAC development. In this review, the author discusses the development of AR-targeting PROTACs over the last two decades. Also included in this focused review are medicinal chemistry strategies, pharmacokinetic profiles and clinical development. Taking AR targeting PROTACs for case study, this review provides a target specific overview of how PROTAC technology has advanced from a revolutionary concept and achieved proof of concept leading to drug candidates that benefit patients.
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28
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Diehl CJ, Ciulli A. Discovery of small molecule ligands for the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ligase and their use as inhibitors and PROTAC degraders. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:8216-8257. [PMID: 35983982 PMCID: PMC9528729 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00387b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) Cullin RING E3 ligase is an essential enzyme in the ubiquitin-proteasome system that recruits substrates such as the hypoxia inducible factor for ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway can be hijacked toward non-native neo-substrate proteins using proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), bifunctional molecules designed to simultaneously bind to an E3 ligase and a target protein to induce target ubiquitination and degradation. The availability of high-quality small-molecule ligands with good binding affinity for E3 ligases is fundamental for PROTAC development. Lack of good E3 ligase ligands as starting points to develop PROTAC degraders was initially a stumbling block to the development of the field. Herein, the journey towards the design of small-molecule ligands binding to VHL is presented. We cover the structure-based design of VHL ligands, their application as inhibitors in their own right, and their implementation into rationally designed, potent PROTAC degraders of various target proteins. We highlight the key findings and learnings that have provided strong foundations for the remarkable development of targeted protein degradation, and that offer a blueprint for designing new ligands for E3 ligases beyond VHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia J Diehl
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK.
| | - Alessio Ciulli
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK.
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29
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Kondengadan SM, Bansal S, Yang C, Liu D, Fultz Z, Wang B. Click chemistry and drug delivery: A bird’s-eye view. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 13:1990-2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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30
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Cao C, He M, Wang L, He Y, Rao Y. Chemistries of bifunctional PROTAC degraders. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:7066-7114. [PMID: 35916511 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00220e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) technology is a novel and promising therapeutic strategy using small molecules to induce ubiquitin-dependent degradation of proteins. It has received extensive attention from both academia and industry as it can potentially access previously inaccessible targets. However, the design and optimization of PROTACs present big challenges for researchers, and the general strategy for its development and optimization is a lot of trial and error based on experience. This review highlights the important advances in this rapidly growing field and critical limitations of the traditional trial-and-error approach to developing PROTACs by analyzing numerous representative examples of PROTACs development. We summarize and analyze the general principles and strategies for PROTACs design and optimization from the perspective of chemical structure design, and propose potential future pathways to facilitate the development of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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, Beijing 100084, P. R. China. .,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - 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, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
| | - Liguo Wang
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, 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, Beijing 100084, 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, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
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31
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Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional molecules consisting of one ligand that binds to a protein of interest (POI) and another that can recruit an E3 ubiquitin ligase. The chemically-induced proximity between the POI and E3 ligase results in ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of the POI by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). The event-driven mechanism of action (MOA) of PROTACs offers several advantages compared to traditional occupancy-driven small molecule inhibitors, such as a catalytic nature, reduced dosing and dosing frequency, a more potent and longer-lasting effect, an added layer of selectivity to reduce potential toxicity, efficacy in the face of drug-resistance mechanisms, targeting nonenzymatic functions, and expanded target space. Here, we highlight important milestones and briefly discuss lessons learned about targeted protein degradation (TPD) in recent years and conjecture on the efforts still needed to expand the toolbox for PROTAC discovery to ultimately provide promising therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Li
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA.
| | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
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32
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He M, Cao C, Ni Z, Liu Y, Song P, Hao S, He Y, Sun X, Rao Y. PROTACs: great opportunities for academia and industry (an update from 2020 to 2021). Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:181. [PMID: 35680848 PMCID: PMC9178337 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00999-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) technology is a new protein-degradation strategy that has emerged in recent years. It uses bifunctional small molecules to induce the ubiquitination and degradation of target proteins through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. PROTACs can not only be used as potential clinical treatments for diseases such as cancer, immune disorders, viral infections, and neurodegenerative diseases, but also provide unique chemical knockdown tools for biological research in a catalytic, reversible, and rapid manner. In 2019, our group published a review article "PROTACs: great opportunities for academia and industry" in the journal, summarizing the representative compounds of PROTACs reported before the end of 2019. In the past 2 years, the entire field of protein degradation has experienced rapid development, including not only a large increase in the number of research papers on protein-degradation technology but also a rapid increase in the number of small-molecule degraders that have entered the clinical and will enter the clinical stage. In addition to PROTAC and molecular glue technology, other new degradation technologies are also developing rapidly. In this article, we mainly summarize and review the representative PROTACs of related targets published in 2020-2021 to present to researchers the exciting developments in the field of protein degradation. The problems that need to be solved in this field will also be briefly introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming He
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Chaoguo Cao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhihao Ni
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yongbo Liu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Peilu Song
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Hao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yuna He
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiuyun Sun
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yu Rao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 450001, Zhengzhou, China.
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33
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Shi L, Yang S, Chang J, Zhong Y, Li Q, Xing D. Recent advances in IAP-based PROTACs (SNIPERs) as potential therapeutic agents. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:1437-1453. [PMID: 35589670 PMCID: PMC9122363 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2074414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolytic targeting chimaeras (PROTACs) have been developed as an effective technology for targeted protein degradation. PROTACs are heterobifunctional molecules that can trigger the polyubiquitination of proteins of interest (POIs) by recruiting the ubiquitin-proteasome system, thereby inhibiting the intracellular level of POIs. To date, a variety of small-molecule PROTACs (CRBN, VHL, IAP, and MDM2-based PROTACs) have been developed. IAP-based PROTACs, also known as specific and nongenetic IAP-dependent protein erasers (SNIPERs), are used to degrade the target proteins closely related to diseases. Their structures consist of three parts, including target protein ligand, E3 ligase ligand, and the linker between them. So far, many SNIPERs have been extensively studied worldwide and have performed well in multiple diseases, especially cancer. In this review, we will present the most relevant advances in the field of SNIPERs and provide our perspective on the opportunities and challenges for SNIPERs to become therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lingyu Shi
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shanbo Yang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Chang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yingjie Zhong
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qian Li
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dongming Xing
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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34
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Huang Y, Li Y, Li X. Strategies for developing DNA-encoded libraries beyond binding assays. Nat Chem 2022; 14:129-140. [PMID: 35121833 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-021-00877-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) have emerged as a powerful technology in drug discovery. The wide adoption of DELs in the pharmaceutical industry and the rapid advancements of DEL-compatible chemistry have further fuelled its development and applications. In general, a DEL has been considered as a massive binding assay to identify physical binders for individual protein targets. However, recent innovations demonstrate the capability of DELs to operate in the complex milieu of biological systems. In this Perspective, we discuss the recent progress in using DNA-encoded chemical libraries to interrogate complex biological targets and their potential to identify structures that elicit function or possess other useful properties. Future breakthroughs in these aspects are expected to catapult DEL to become a momentous technology platform not only for drug discovery but also to explore fundamental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Huang
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yizhou Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China. .,Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. .,Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Health@InnoHK, Innovation and Technology Commission, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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35
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Wang J, Xing D. VHL-based PROTACs as potential therapeutic agents: Recent progress and perspectives. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 227:113906. [PMID: 34656901 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which hijack proteins of interest (POIs) and recruit E3 ligases for target degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, are a novel drug discovery paradigm that has been widely used as biological tools and medicinal molecules with the potential of clinical application value. To date, a wide variety of small molecule PROTACs have been developed. Importantly, VHL-based PROTACs have emerged to be a promising approach for proteins, including those non-druggable ones, such as transcriptional factors and scaffold proteins. VHL-based PRTOACs have been developed for the treatment of diseases that are difficult to be dealt with by conventional methods, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and small molecule inhibitors. In this review, the recent advances of VHL-based PRTOACs were summarized, and the chances and challenges associated with this area were also highlighted.
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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; School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, Shandong, China.
| | - Jie Wang
- 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.
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