1
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Effah W, Khalil M, Hwang DJ, Miller DD, Narayanan R. Advances in the understanding of androgen receptor structure and function and in the development of next-generation AR-targeted therapeutics. Steroids 2024; 210:109486. [PMID: 39111362 PMCID: PMC11380798 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) and its ligand androgens are important for development and physiology of various tissues. AR and its ligands also play critical role in the development of various diseases, making it a valuable therapeutic target. AR ligands, both agonists and antagonists, are being widely used to treat pathological conditions, including prostate cancer and hypogonadism. Despite AR being studied widely over the last five decades, the last decade has seen striking advances in the knowledge on AR and discoveries that have the potential to translate to the clinic. This review provides an overview of the advances in AR biology, AR molecular mechanisms of action, and next generation molecules that are currently in development. Several of the areas described in the review are just unraveling and the next decade will bring more clarity on these developments that will put AR at the forefront of both basic biology and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Effah
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Marjana Khalil
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Dong-Jin Hwang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Duane D Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Ramesh Narayanan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States; UTHSC Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.
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2
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Sun D, Macedonia C, Chen Z, Chandrasekaran S, Najarian K, Zhou S, Cernak T, Ellingrod VL, Jagadish HV, Marini B, Pai M, Violi A, Rech JC, Wang S, Li Y, Athey B, Omenn GS. Can Machine Learning Overcome the 95% Failure Rate and Reality that Only 30% of Approved Cancer Drugs Meaningfully Extend Patient Survival? J Med Chem 2024; 67:16035-16055. [PMID: 39253942 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01684] [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: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Despite implementing hundreds of strategies, cancer drug development suffers from a 95% failure rate over 30 years, with only 30% of approved cancer drugs extending patient survival beyond 2.5 months. Adding more criteria without eliminating nonessential ones is impractical and may fall into the "survivorship bias" trap. Machine learning (ML) models may enhance efficiency by saving time and cost. Yet, they may not improve success rate without identifying the root causes of failure. We propose a "STAR-guided ML system" (structure-tissue/cell selectivity-activity relationship) to enhance success rate and efficiency by addressing three overlooked interdependent factors: potency/specificity to the on/off-targets determining efficacy in tumors at clinical doses, on/off-target-driven tissue/cell selectivity influencing adverse effects in the normal organs at clinical doses, and optimal clinical doses balancing efficacy/safety as determined by potency/specificity and tissue/cell selectivity. STAR-guided ML models can directly predict clinical dose/efficacy/safety from five features to design/select the best drugs, enhancing success and efficiency of cancer drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhigang Chen
- LabBotics.ai, Palo Alto, California 94303, United States
| | | | | | - Simon Zhou
- Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc., Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yan Li
- Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, New Jersey 07901, United States
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3
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Takei T, Hamamura Y, Hongo H, Tashiro E, Imoto M, Kosaka T, Oya M. Selective killing of castration-resistant prostate cancer cells by formycin A via the ATF4-CHOP axis. Cancer Sci 2024. [PMID: 39327674 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16349] [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: 06/23/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is initially androgen-dependent but often relapses to an androgen-independent state called castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Currently approved therapies have limited efficacy against CRPC, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. To address this need, we conducted a drug screen in our previously established aggressive CRPC cell model. We found that formycin A induced cell death in CRPC model cells but not in parental prostate cancer cells. In addition, formycin A upregulated death receptor 5 through the induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress, activating the "extrinsic" apoptosis pathway in CRPC model cells. Moreover, formycin A showed in vivo antitumor efficacy against CRPC xenografts in castrated nude mice. Thus, our findings highlight the potential of formycin A as a CRPC therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Takei
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Hamamura
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hongo
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Etsu Tashiro
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaya Imoto
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeo Kosaka
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mototsugu Oya
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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4
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Zhang Y, Ming A, Wang J, Chen W, Fang Z. PROTACs targeting androgen receptor signaling: Potential therapeutic agents for castration-resistant prostate cancer. Pharmacol Res 2024; 205:107234. [PMID: 38815882 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
After the initial androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), part of the prostate cancer may continuously deteriorate into castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The majority of patients suffer from the localized illness at primary diagnosis that could rapidly assault other organs. This disease stage is referred as metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Surgery and radiation are still the treatment of CRPC, but have some adverse effects such as urinary symptoms and sexual dysfunction. Hormonal castration therapy interfering androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway is indispensable for most advanced prostate cancer patients, and the first- and second-generation of novel AR inhibitors could effectively cure hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC). However, the resistance to these chemical agents is inevitable, so many of patients may experience relapses. The resistance to AR inhibitor mainly involves AR mutation, splice variant formation and amplification, which indicates the important role in CRPC. Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC), a potent technique to degrade targeted protein, has recently undergone extensive development as a biological tool and therapeutic drug. This technique has the potential to become the next generation of antitumor therapeutics as it could overcome the shortcomings of conventional small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms on PROTACs targeting AR signaling for CRPC, hoping to provide insights into drug development and clinical medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, China; Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Ji'nan, China
| | - Annan Ming
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, China; Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Ji'nan, China
| | - Junyan Wang
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, China
| | | | - Zhiqing Fang
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, China.
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5
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Yang M, Xiang H, Luo G. Targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) for cancer therapy: FAK inhibitors, FAK-based dual-target inhibitors and PROTAC degraders. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 224:116246. [PMID: 38685282 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116246] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, plays an essential role in regulating cell proliferation, migration and invasion through both kinase-dependent enzymatic function and kinase-independent scaffolding function. The overexpression and activation of FAK is commonly observed in various cancers and some drug-resistant settings. Therefore, targeted disruption of FAK has been identified as an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. To date, numerous structurally diverse inhibitors targeting distinct domains of FAK have been developed, encompassing kinase domain inhibitors, FERM domain inhibitors, and FAT domain inhibitors, with several FAK inhibitors advanced to clinical trials. Moreover, given the critical role of FAK scaffolding function in signal transduction, FAK-targeted PROTACs have also been developed. Although no current FAK-targeted therapeutics have been approved for the market, the combination of FAK inhibitors with other anticancer drugs has shown considerable promise in the clinic. This review provides an overview of current drug discovery strategies targeting FAK, including the development of FAK inhibitors, FAK-based dual-target inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) in both literature and patent applications. Accordingly, their design and optimization process, mechanisms of action and biological activities are discussed to offer insights into future directions of FAK-targeting drug discovery in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Hua Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
| | - Guoshun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
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6
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Xiao M, Ha S, Zhu J, Tao W, Fu Z, Wei H, Hou Q, Luo G, Xiang H. Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) Studies of Novel Monovalent AR/AR-V7 Dual Degraders with Potent Efficacy against Advanced Prostate Cancer. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5567-5590. [PMID: 38512060 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02177] [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: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) has been extensively established as a potential therapeutic target for nearly all stages of prostate cancer (PCa). However, acquired resistance to AR-targeted drugs inevitably develops and severely limits their clinical efficacy. Particularly, there currently exists no efficient treatment for patients expressing the constitutively active AR splice variants, such as AR-V7. Herein, we report the structure-activity relationship studies of 55 N-heterocycle-substituted hydantoins, which identified the structural motifs required for AR/AR-V7 degradation. Among them, the most potent compound 27c exhibited selective AR/AR-V7 degradation over other hormone receptors and excellent antiproliferative activities in LNCaP and 22RV1 cells. RNA sequence analysis confirmed that 27c effectively suppressed transcriptional activity of the AR signaling pathway. Importantly, 27c demonstrated potent antitumor efficacy in an enzalutamide-resistant 22RV1 xenograft model. These results highlight the potential of 27c as a promising dual AR/AR-V7 degrader for overcoming drug resistance in advanced PCa expressing AR splice variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoxu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Si Ha
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jiacheng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wenxiang Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zixuan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Hanlin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Qiangqiang Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Guoshun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Hua Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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7
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Zhang C, Yan W, Liu Y, Tang M, Teng Y, Wang F, Hu X, Zhao M, Yang J, Li Y. Structure-based design and synthesis of BML284 derivatives: A novel class of colchicine-site noncovalent tubulin degradation agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116265. [PMID: 38430854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Our previous studies have demonstrated that BML284 is a colchicine-site tubulin degradation agent. To improve its antiproliferative properties, 45 derivatives or analogs of BML284 were designed and synthesized based on the cocrystal structure of BML284 and tubulin. Among them, 5i was the most potent derivative, with IC50 values ranging from 0.02 to 0.05 μM against the five tested tumor cell lines. Structure-activity relationship studies verified that the N1 atom of the pyrimidine ring was the key functional group for its tubulin degradation ability. The 5i-tubulin cocrystal complex revealed that the binding pattern of 5i to tubulin is similar to that of BML284. However, replacing the benzodioxole ring with an indole ring strengthened the hydrogen bond formed by the 2-amino group with E198, which improved the antiproliferative activity of 5i. Compound 5i effectively suppressed tumor growth at an intravenous dose of 40 mg/kg (every 2 days) in paclitaxel sensitive A2780S and paclitaxel resistant A2780T ovarian xenograft models, with tumor growth inhibition values of 79.4% and 82.0%, respectively, without apparent side effects, showing its potential to overcome multidrug resistance. This study provided a successful example of crystal structure-guided discovery of 5i as a colchicine-targeted tubulin degradation agent, expanding the scope of targeted protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chufeng Zhang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Liu
- National Facility for Translational Medicine (Sichuan), West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Minghai Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yaxin Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiuying Hu
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology (Laboratory of Reconstructive Urology), West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Jianhong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yong Li
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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8
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Chen QH, Munoz E, Ashong D. Insight into Recent Advances in Degrading Androgen Receptor for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:663. [PMID: 38339414 PMCID: PMC10854644 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030663] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Induced protein degradation has emerged as an innovative drug discovery approach, complementary to the classical method of suppressing protein function. The androgen receptor signaling pathway has been identified as the primary driving force in the development and progression of lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer. Since androgen receptor degraders function differently from androgen receptor antagonists, they hold the promise to overcome the drug resistance challenges faced by current therapeutics. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), monomeric degraders, hydrophobic tagging, molecular glues, and autophagic degradation have demonstrated their capability in downregulating intracellular androgen receptor concentrations. The potential of these androgen receptor degraders to treat castration-resistant prostate cancer is substantiated by the advancement of six PROTACs and two monomeric androgen receptor degraders into phase I or II clinical trials. Although the chemical structures, in vitro and in vivo data, and degradation mechanisms of androgen receptor degraders have been reviewed, it is crucial to stay updated on recent advances in this field as novel androgen receptor degraders and new strategies continue to emerge. This review thus provides insight into recent advancements in this paradigm, offering an overview of the progress made since 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Hong Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Fresno, CA 93740, USA; (E.M.); (D.A.)
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9
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Pang X, Cui D, Lv B, Wang CY. Discovery of Potent SOS1 PROTACs with Effective Antitumor Activities against NCI-H358 Tumor Cells In Vitro/In Vivo. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1563-1579. [PMID: 38206836 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02135] [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: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Directly targeted KRAS inhibitors are now facing resistance problems, which might be partially solved by the combination of SOS1 inhibitors with KRAS inhibitors. However, this combination may still have some resistance mitigation potential. Comparatively, SOS1 PROTAC may have promising applications in addressing the drug resistance problem by degrading the SOS1 protein. Herein, we report the discovery of novel SOS1 PROTACs and their antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies demonstrated that degrader 4 had strong inhibitory effects on the proliferation of NCI-H358 cells with IC50 of 5 nM, together with significant degradation of SOS1 protein with DC50 of 13 nM. In the NCI-H358 xenograft model, degrader 4 exhibited significant antitumor activities with TGITV values of 58.8% at 30 mg/kg bid. The PK and safety profiles also supported degrader 4 for further studies as an effective tool compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Pang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Zelgen Pharma-Tech Co., Ltd., Building 3, No. 999, Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dawei Cui
- Shanghai Zelgen Pharma-Tech Co., Ltd., Building 3, No. 999, Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Binhua Lv
- Shanghai Zelgen Pharma-Tech Co., Ltd., Building 3, No. 999, Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Cheng-Yun Wang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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Zhang C, Zhao M, Wang G, Li Y. Recent Progress on Microtubule Degradation Agents. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13354-13368. [PMID: 37748178 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00517] [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: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has emerged as the most promising approach for the specific knockdown of disease-associated proteins and is achieved by exploiting the cellular quality control machinery. TPD technologies are highly advantageous in overcoming drug resistance as they degrade the whole target protein. Microtubules play important roles in many cellular processes and are among the oldest and most well-established targets for tumor chemotherapy. However, the development of drug resistance, risk of hypersensitivity reactions, and intolerable toxicities severely restrict the clinical applications of microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule degradation agents (MDgAs) operate via completely different mechanisms compared with traditional MTAs and are capable of overcoming drug resistance. The emergence of MDgAs has expanded the scope of TPD and provided new avenues for the discovery of tubulin-targeted drugs. Herein, we summarized the development of MDgAs, and discussed their degradation mechanisms, mechanisms of action on the binding sites, potential opportunities, and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chufeng Zhang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-Induced Liver Injury, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Guan Wang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
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11
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Thankan RS, Thomas E, Purushottamachar P, Weber DJ, Njar VCO. Salinization Dramatically Enhance the Anti-Prostate Cancer Efficacies of AR/AR-V7 and Mnk1/2 Molecular Glue Degraders, Galeterone and VNPP433-3β Which Outperform Docetaxel and Enzalutamide in CRPC CWR22Rv1 Xenograft Mouse Model. Bioorg Chem 2023; 139:106700. [PMID: 37392559 PMCID: PMC10528634 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Galeterone, 3β-(hydroxy)-17-(1H-benzimidazole-1-yl)androsta-5,16-diene (Gal, 1) and VNPP433-3β, 3β-(1H-imidazole-1-yl-17-(1H-benzimidazole-1-yl)androsta-5,16-diene (2) are potent molecular glue degrader modulators of AR/AR-V7 and Mnk1/2-eIF4E signaling pathways, and are promising Phase 3 and Phase 1 drug candidates, respectively. Because appropriate salts can be utilized to create new chemical entities with enhanced aqueous solubility, in vivo pharmacokinetics, and enhanced in vitro and in vivo efficacies, the monohydrochloride salt of Gal (3) and the mono- and di-hydrochlorides salts of compound 2, compounds 4 and 5, respectively, were synthesized. The salts were characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS analyses. Compound 3 displayed enhanced in vitro antiproliferative activity (7.4-fold) against three prostate cancer cell lines but surprisingly decreased plasma exposure in the pharmacokinetics study. The antiproliferative activities of the compound 2 salts (4 and 5) were equivalent to that of compound 2, but their oral pharmacokinetic profiles were significantly enhanced. Finally, and most importantly, oral administration of the parent compounds (1 and 2) and their corresponding salts (3, 4 and 5) caused dose-dependent potent inhibition/regression of aggressive and difficult-to-treat CWR22Rv1 tumor xenografts growth, with no apparent host toxicities and were highly more efficacious than the blockbuster FDA-approved prostate cancer drugs, Enzalutamide (Xtandi) and Docetaxel (Taxotere). Thus, the HCl salts of Gal (3) and VNPP433-3β (4 and 5) are excellent orally bioavailable candidates for clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Retheesh S Thankan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Isoprene Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 801 West Baltimore Street, Suite 502J, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Puranik Purushottamachar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Isoprene Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 801 West Baltimore Street, Suite 502J, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - David J Weber
- The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Isoprene Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 801 West Baltimore Street, Suite 502J, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Vincent C O Njar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Isoprene Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 801 West Baltimore Street, Suite 502J, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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12
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Wang A, Luo X, Meng X, Lu Z, Chen K, Yang Y. Discovery of a Novel Bifunctional Steroid Analog, YXG-158, as an Androgen Receptor Degrader and CYP17A1 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Enzalutamide-Resistant Prostate Cancer. J Med Chem 2023; 66:9972-9991. [PMID: 37458396 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The androgen/androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway plays an important role in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Bifunctional agents that simultaneously degrade AR and inhibit androgen synthesis are expected to block the androgen/AR signaling pathway more thoroughly, demonstrating the promising therapeutic potential for CRPC, even enzalutamide-resistant CRPC. Herein, a series of steroid analogs were designed, synthesized, and identified as selective AR degraders, among which YXG-158 (23-h) was the most potent antitumor compound with dual functions of AR degradation and CYP17A1 inhibition. In addition, 23-h abrogated the hERG inhibition and exhibited excellent PK profiles. In vivo, 23-h effectively inhibited the growth of hormone-sensitive organs in the Hershberger assay and exhibited robust antitumor efficacy both in enzalutamide-sensitive (LNCaP/AR) and enzalutamide-resistant (C4-2b-ENZ) xenograft models. Thus, 23-h was chosen as a preclinical candidate for the treatment of enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xianggang Luo
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Xin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhengyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Kaixian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yushe Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China
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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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14
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Alegre-Martí A, Jiménez-Panizo A, Martínez-Tébar A, Poulard C, Peralta-Moreno MN, Abella M, Antón R, Chiñas M, Eckhard U, Piulats JM, Rojas AM, Fernández-Recio J, Rubio-Martínez J, Le Romancer M, Aytes Á, Fuentes-Prior P, Estébanez-Perpiñá E. A hotspot for posttranslational modifications on the androgen receptor dimer interface drives pathology and anti-androgen resistance. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade2175. [PMID: 36921044 PMCID: PMC10017050 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade2175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mutations of the androgen receptor (AR) associated with prostate cancer and androgen insensitivity syndrome may profoundly influence its structure, protein interaction network, and binding to chromatin, resulting in altered transcription signatures and drug responses. Current structural information fails to explain the effect of pathological mutations on AR structure-function relationship. Here, we have thoroughly studied the effects of selected mutations that span the complete dimer interface of AR ligand-binding domain (AR-LBD) using x-ray crystallography in combination with in vitro, in silico, and cell-based assays. We show that these variants alter AR-dependent transcription and responses to anti-androgens by inducing a previously undescribed allosteric switch in the AR-LBD that increases exposure of a major methylation target, Arg761. We also corroborate the relevance of residues Arg761 and Tyr764 for AR dimerization and function. Together, our results reveal allosteric coupling of AR dimerization and posttranslational modifications as a disease mechanism with implications for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Alegre-Martí
- Structural Biology of Nuclear Receptors, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Jiménez-Panizo
- Structural Biology of Nuclear Receptors, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrián Martínez-Tébar
- Programs of Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapeutics in Oncology (ONCOBell) and Cancer Therapeutics Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Coralie Poulard
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, CNRS UMR5286, Inserm U1502, University of Lyon, 69000 Lyon, France
| | - M. Núria Peralta-Moreno
- Department of Materials Science and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Institut de Recerca en Química Teorica i Computacional (IQTCUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Abella
- Structural Biology of Nuclear Receptors, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Antón
- Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marcos Chiñas
- Programs of Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapeutics in Oncology (ONCOBell) and Cancer Therapeutics Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Cuernavaca, 61740 Morelos, Mexico
| | - Ulrich Eckhard
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep M. Piulats
- Programs of Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapeutics in Oncology (ONCOBell) and Cancer Therapeutics Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana M. Rojas
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC), 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Juan Fernández-Recio
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Vid y del Vino (ICVV-CSIC), CSIC-UR-Gobierno de La Rioja, 26007 Logroño, Spain
| | - Jaime Rubio-Martínez
- Department of Materials Science and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Institut de Recerca en Química Teorica i Computacional (IQTCUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Muriel Le Romancer
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, CNRS UMR5286, Inserm U1502, University of Lyon, 69000 Lyon, France
| | - Álvaro Aytes
- Programs of Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapeutics in Oncology (ONCOBell) and Cancer Therapeutics Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Fuentes-Prior
- Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Estébanez-Perpiñá
- Structural Biology of Nuclear Receptors, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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