1
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Chen Y, Liu F, Pal S, Hu Q. Proteolysis-targeting drug delivery system (ProDDS): integrating targeted protein degradation concepts into formulation design. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:9582-9608. [PMID: 39171633 DOI: 10.1039/d4cs00411f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has emerged as a revolutionary paradigm in drug discovery and development, offering a promising avenue to tackle challenging therapeutic targets. Unlike traditional drug discovery approaches that focus on inhibiting protein function, TPD aims to eliminate proteins of interest (POIs) using modular chimeric structures. This is achieved through the utilization of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which redirect POIs to E3 ubiquitin ligases, rendering them for degradation by the cellular ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Additionally, other TPD technologies such as lysosome-targeting chimeras (LYTACs) and autophagy-based protein degraders facilitate the transportation of proteins to endo-lysosomal or autophagy-lysosomal pathways for degradation, respectively. Despite significant growth in preclinical TPD research, many chimeras fail to progress beyond this stage in the drug development. Various factors contribute to the limited success of TPD agents, including a significant hurdle of inadequate delivery to the target site. Integrating TPD into delivery platforms could surmount the challenges of in vivo applications of TPD strategies by reshaping their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic profiles. These proteolysis-targeting drug delivery systems (ProDDSs) exhibit superior delivery performance, enhanced targetability, and reduced off-tissue side effects. In this review, we will survey the latest progress in TPD-inspired drug delivery systems, highlight the importance of introducing delivery ideas or technologies to the development of protein degraders, outline design principles of protein degrader-inspired delivery systems, discuss the current challenges, and provide an outlook on future opportunities in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Fengyuan Liu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - Samira Pal
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - Quanyin Hu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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2
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Cheng-Sánchez I, Gosselé K, Palaferri L, Laul E, Riccabella G, Bedi RK, Li Y, Müller A, Corbeski I, Caflisch A, Nevado C. Structure-Based Design of CBP/EP300 Degraders: When Cooperativity Overcomes Affinity. JACS AU 2024; 4:3466-3474. [PMID: 39328757 PMCID: PMC11423305 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
We present the development of dCE-2, a structurally novel PROTAC targeting the CREB-binding protein (CBP) and E1A-associated protein (EP300)-two homologous multidomain enzymes crucial for enhancer-mediated transcription. The design of dCE-2 was based on the crystal structure of an in-house bromodomain (BRD) inhibitor featuring a 3-methyl-cinnoline acetyl-lysine mimic acetyl-lysine mimic discovered by high-throughput fragment docking. Our study shows that, despite its modest binding affinity to CBP/EP300-BRD, dCE-2's remarkable protein degradation activity stems from its good cooperativity, which we demonstrate by the characterization of its ternary complex formation both in vitro and in cellulo. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that in aqueous solvents, this active degrader populates both folded and extended conformations, which are likely to promote cell permeability and ternary complex formation, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Cheng-Sánchez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Katherine Gosselé
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Leonardo Palaferri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Eleen Laul
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Gionata Riccabella
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Rajiv K Bedi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Yaozong Li
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Anna Müller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Corbeski
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Amedeo Caflisch
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Nevado
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
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3
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Castagna D, Gourdet B, Hjerpe R, MacFaul P, Novak A, Revol G, Rochette E, Jordan A. To homeostasis and beyond! Recent advances in the medicinal chemistry of heterobifunctional derivatives. PROGRESS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2024; 63:61-160. [PMID: 39370242 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmch.2024.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
The field of induced proximity therapeutics has expanded dramatically over the past 3 years, and heterobifunctional derivatives continue to form a significant component of the activities in this field. Here, we review recent advances in the field from the perspective of the medicinal chemist, with a particular focus upon informative case studies, alongside a review of emerging topics such as Direct-To-Biology (D2B) methodology and utilities for heterobifunctional compounds beyond E3 ligase mediated degradation. We also include a critical evaluation of the latest thinking around the optimisation of physicochemical and pharmacokinetic attributes of these beyond Role of Five molecules, to deliver appropriate therapeutic exposure in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Allan Jordan
- Sygnature Discovery, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Sygnature Discovery, Macclesfield, United Kingdom.
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4
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Kotagiri S, Wang Y, Han Y, Liang X, Blazanin N, Nguyen PK, Jiang Y, Lissanu Y. Discovery of Novel, Potent and Orally Bioavailable SMARCA2 PROTACs with Synergistic Anti-tumor Activity in Combination with KRAS G12C Inhibitors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.23.608456. [PMID: 39253520 PMCID: PMC11383272 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.23.608456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Cancer genomic studies have identified frequent mutations in subunits of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex including SMARCA4 in non-small cell lung cancer with a frequency of up to 33% in advanced stage disease, making it the most frequently mutated complex in lung cancer. We and others have identified SMARCA2 to be synthetic lethal to SMARCA4, indicating SMARCA2 is a high value therapeutic target. Here, we disclose the discovery and characterization of potent, selective and orally bioavailable Cereblon-based SMARCA2 PROTACs. Biochemically, YDR1 and YD54 are potent SMARCA2 degraders with an average DC 50 of 7.7nM and 3.5nM respectively in SMARCA4 mutant lung cancer cells. Phenotypically, both YDR1 and YD54 selectively inhibited growth of SMARCA4 mutant cancer cells. Further, we showed anti-tumor growth inhibitory activity of YDR1 and YD54 in SMARCA4 mutant xenograft models of lung cancer. Finally, we show that YDR1 and YD54 synergize with the KRAS G12C inhibitor sotorasib to inhibit growth of SMARCA4 and KRAS G12C co-mutant lung cancer cells. These findings provide additional evidence for the utility of single agent or combination regimens containing SMARCA2 PROTACs as synthetic lethal therapeutics against SMARCA4 mutant cancers.
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5
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Rovers E, Schapira M. Benchmarking Methods for PROTAC Ternary Complex Structure Prediction. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:6162-6173. [PMID: 39087481 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are bifunctional compounds that recruit an E3 ligase to a target protein to induce ubiquitination and degradation of the target. Rational optimization of PROTAC requires a structural model of the ternary complex. In the absence of an experimental structure, computational tools have emerged that attempt to predict PROTAC ternary complexes. Here, we systematically benchmark three commonly used tools: PRosettaC, MOE, and ICM. We find that these PROTAC-focused methods produce an array of ternary complex structures, including some that are observed experimentally, but also many that significantly deviate from the crystal structure. Molecular dynamics simulations show that PROTAC complexes may exist in a multiplicity of configurational states and question the use of experimentally observed structures as a reference for accurate predictions. The pioneering computational tools benchmarked here highlight the promises and challenges in the field and may be more valuable when guided by clear structural and biophysical data. The benchmarking data set that we provide may also be valuable for evaluating other and future computational tools for ternary complex modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evianne Rovers
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Toronto M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Matthieu Schapira
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Toronto M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto M5G 1L7, Canada
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6
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Wang J, Yen R, Beck AG, Aggarwal P, Kong M, Hayes M, Jabri S, Greshock TJ, Hettiarachchi K. Predictions of Chromatography Methods by Chemical Structure Similarity to Accelerate High-Throughput Medicinal Chemistry. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:1396-1401. [PMID: 39140053 PMCID: PMC11318006 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.4c00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
We introduce a new workflow that relies heavily on chemical quantitative structure-retention relationship (QSRR) models to accelerate method development for micro/mini-scale high-throughput purification (HTP). This provides faster access to new active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) through high-throughput experimentation (HTE). By comparing fingerprint structural similarity (e.g., Tanimoto index) with small training data sets containing a few hundred diverse small molecule antagonists of a lipid metabolizing enzyme, we can predict retention time (RT) of new compounds. Machine learning (ML) helps to identify optimal separation conditions for purification without performing the traditional crude QC step involving ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analyses of each compound. This green-chemistry approach with the use of predictive tools reduces cost and significantly shortens the design-make-test (DMT) cycle of new drugs by way of HTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Discovery
Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 213. E. Grand Ave., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Rose Yen
- Discovery
Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 213. E. Grand Ave., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Armen G. Beck
- Analytical
Research & Development, Merck &
Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln
Ave., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Pankaj Aggarwal
- Analytical
Research & Development, Merck &
Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln
Ave., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - May Kong
- Discovery
Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 213. E. Grand Ave., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Michael Hayes
- Discovery
Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 213. E. Grand Ave., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Salman Jabri
- Discovery
Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 213. E. Grand Ave., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Thomas J. Greshock
- Discovery
Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 213. E. Grand Ave., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Kanaka Hettiarachchi
- Discovery
Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 213. E. Grand Ave., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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7
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Lindeman SD, Booth OC, Tudi P, Schleinkofer TC, Moss JN, Kearney NB, Mukkamala R, Thompson LK, Modany MA, Srinivasarao M, Low PS. FAP Radioligand Linker Optimization Improves Tumor Dose and Tumor-to-Healthy Organ Ratios in 4T1 Syngeneic Model. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11827-11840. [PMID: 39013156 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00448] [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: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has attracted considerable attention as a possible target for the radiotherapy of solid tumors. Unfortunately, initial efforts to treat solid tumors with FAP-targeted radionuclides have yielded only modest clinical responses, suggesting that further improvements in the molecular design of FAP-targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies (RPT) are warranted. In this study, we report several advances on the previously described FAP6 radioligand that increase tumor retention and accelerate healthy tissue clearance. Seven FAP6 derivatives with different linkers or albumin binders were synthesized, radiolabeled, and investigated for their effects on binding and cellular uptake. The radioligands were then characterized in 4T1 tumor-bearing Balb/c mice using both single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and ex vivo biodistribution analyses to identify the conjugate with the best tumor retention and tumor-to-healthy organ ratios. The results reveal an optimized FAP6 radioligand that exhibits efficacy and safety properties that potentially justify its translation into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer D Lindeman
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- MorphImmune, Inc., 1281 Win Hentschel Blvd, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
| | - Owen C Booth
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Pooja Tudi
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Taylor C Schleinkofer
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jackson N Moss
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Nicholas B Kearney
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Ramesh Mukkamala
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Lauren K Thompson
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Mollie A Modany
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Madduri Srinivasarao
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- MorphImmune, Inc., 1281 Win Hentschel Blvd, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
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8
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Li Y, Qu J, Jiang L, Peng X, Wu K, Chen M, Peng Y, Cao X. Application and challenges of nitrogen heterocycles in PROTAC linker. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 273:116520. [PMID: 38788299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116520] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The absence of effective active pockets makes traditional molecularly targeted drug strategies ineffective against 80 % of human disease-related proteins. The PROTAC technology effectively makes up for the deficiency of traditional molecular targeted drugs, which produces drug activity by degrading rather than inhibiting the target protein. The degradation of PROTAC is not only affected by POI ligand and E3 ligand, but by the selection of suitable linker which can play an important role in the efficiency and selectivity of the degradation. In the early exploring stage of the PROTAC, flexible chains were priorly applied as the linker of PROTAC. Although PROTAC with flexible chains as linkers sometimes perform well in vitro bioactivity evaluations, the introduction of lipophilic flexible chains reduces the hydrophilicity of these molecules, resulting in generally poor pharmacokinetic characteristics and pharmacological activities in vivo. In addition, recent reports have also shown that some PROTAC with flexible chains have some risks to causing hemolysis in vivo. Therefore, PROTAC with flexible chains show less druggability and large difficulty to entering the clinical trial stage. On the other hand, the application of nitrogen heterocycles in the design of PROTAC linkers has been widely reported in recent years. More and more reports have shown that the introduction of nitrogen heterocycles in the linker not only can effectively improves the metabolism of PROTAC in vivo, but also can enhance the degradation efficiency and selectivity of PROTAC. These PROTAC with nitrogen heterocycle linkers have attracted much attention of pharmaceutical chemists. The introduction of nitrogen heterocycles in the linker deserves priority consideration in the primary design of the PROTAC based on various druggabilities including pharmacokinetic characteristics and pharmacological activity. In this work, we summarized the optimization process and progress of nitrogen heterocyclic rings as the PROTAC linker in recent years. However, there were still limited understanding of how to discover, design and optimize PROTAC. For example, the selection of the types of nitrogen heterocycles and the optimization sites of this linker are challenges for researchers, choosing between four to six-membered nitrogen heterocycles, selecting from saturated to unsaturated ones, and even optimizing the length and extension angle of the linker. There is a truly need for theoretical explanation and elucidation of the PROTAC to guide the developing of more effective and valuable PROTAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, College of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Junfeng Qu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, College of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Lizhi Jiang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, College of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Xiaoyu Peng
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, College of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Kaiyue Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Ezhou Central Hospital, Ezhou, Hubei, China
| | - Miaojia Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People's Hospital, Pingjiang, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Peng
- School of Electrical and Automation Engineering, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Xuan Cao
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, College of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
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9
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Paulus J, Sewald N. Small molecule- and peptide-drug conjugates addressing integrins: A story of targeted cancer treatment. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3561. [PMID: 38382900 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Targeted cancer treatment should avoid side effects and damage to healthy cells commonly encountered during traditional chemotherapy. By combining small molecule or peptidic ligands as homing devices with cytotoxic drugs connected by a cleavable or non-cleavable linker in peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) or small molecule-drug conjugates (SMDCs), cancer cells and tumours can be selectively targeted. The development of highly affine, selective peptides and small molecules in recent years has allowed PDCs and SMDCs to increasingly compete with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Integrins represent an excellent target for conjugates because they are overexpressed by most cancer cells and because of the broad knowledge about native binding partners as well as the multitude of small-molecule and peptidic ligands that have been developed over the last 30 years. In particular, integrin αVβ3 has been addressed using a variety of different PDCs and SMDCs over the last two decades, following various strategies. This review summarises and describes integrin-addressing PDCs and SMDCs while highlighting points of great interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannik Paulus
- Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Norbert Sewald
- Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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10
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Mukherjee A, Kadam VD, Miao Q, Zhang W, MacKenzie KR, Tan Z, Teng M. On-demand modular assembly for expedited PROTAC development. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:769-772. [PMID: 38842359 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2364637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ayan Mukherjee
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vilas D Kadam
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qi Miao
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wanheng Zhang
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin R MacKenzie
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhi Tan
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mingxing Teng
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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11
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Yan KN, Nie YQ, Wang JY, Yin GL, Liu Q, Hu H, Sun X, Chen XH. Accelerating PROTACs Discovery Through a Direct-to-Biology Platform Enabled by Modular Photoclick Chemistry. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400594. [PMID: 38689503 PMCID: PMC11234393 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as a promising strategy for drug discovery and exploring protein functions, offering a revolutionary therapeutic modality. Currently, the predominant approach to PROTACs discovery mainly relies on an empirical design-synthesis-evaluation process involving numerous cycles of labor-intensive synthesis-purification and bioassay data collection. Therefore, the development of innovative methods to expedite PROTAC synthesis and exploration of chemical space remains highly desired. Here, a direct-to-biology strategy is reported to streamline the synthesis of PROTAC libraries on plates, enabling the seamless transfer of reaction products to cell-based bioassays without the need for additional purification. By integrating amide coupling and light-induced primary amines and o-nitrobenzyl alcohols cyclization (PANAC) photoclick chemistry into a plate-based synthetic process, this strategy produces PROTAC libraries with high efficiency and structural diversity. Moreover, by employing this platform for PROTACs screening, we smoothly found potent PROTACs effectively inhibit triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell growth and induce rapid, selective targeted degradation of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9). The study introduces a versatile platform for assembling PROTACs on plates, followed by direct biological evaluation. This approach provides a promising opportunity for high-throughput synthesis of PROTAC libraries, thereby enhancing the efficiency of exploring chemical space and accelerating the discovery of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Nian Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Nie
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China
| | - Jia-Yu Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Guang-Liang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qia Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Hao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiaoxia Sun
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
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12
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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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13
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Kitamura S, Lin TH, Lee CCD, Takamura A, Kadam RU, Zhang D, Zhu X, Dada L, Nagai E, Yu W, Yao Y, Sharpless KB, Wilson IA, Wolan DW. Ultrapotent influenza hemagglutinin fusion inhibitors developed through SuFEx-enabled high-throughput medicinal chemistry. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310677121. [PMID: 38753503 PMCID: PMC11145270 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310677121] [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: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Seasonal and pandemic-associated influenza strains cause highly contagious viral respiratory infections that can lead to severe illness and excess mortality. Here, we report on the optimization of our small-molecule inhibitor F0045(S) targeting the influenza hemagglutinin (HA) stem with our Sulfur-Fluoride Exchange (SuFEx) click chemistry-based high-throughput medicinal chemistry (HTMC) strategy. A combination of SuFEx- and amide-based lead molecule diversification and structure-guided design led to identification and validation of ultrapotent influenza fusion inhibitors with subnanomolar EC50 cellular antiviral activity against several influenza A group 1 strains. X-ray structures of six of these compounds with HA indicate that the appended moieties occupy additional pockets on the HA surface and increase the binding interaction, where the accumulation of several polar interactions also contributes to the improved affinity. The compounds here represent the most potent HA small-molecule inhibitors to date. Our divergent HTMC platform is therefore a powerful, rapid, and cost-effective approach to develop bioactive chemical probes and drug-like candidates against viral targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiya Kitamura
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461
| | - Ting-Hui Lin
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
| | - Chang-Chun David Lee
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
| | - Akihiro Takamura
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
| | - Rameshwar U. Kadam
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
| | - Ding Zhang
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
| | - Xueyong Zhu
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
| | - Lucas Dada
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461
| | - Emiko Nagai
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461
| | - Wenli Yu
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
| | - Yao Yao
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
| | - K. Barry Sharpless
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
| | - Ian A. Wilson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
| | - Dennis W. Wolan
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
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14
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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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15
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Levterov VV, Panasiuk Y, Shablykin O, Stashkevych O, Sahun K, Rassokhin A, Sadkova I, Lesyk D, Anisiforova A, Holota Y, Borysko P, Bodenchuk I, Voloshchuk NM, Mykhailiuk PK. 2-Oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes: Synthesis, Properties, and Validation as Bioisosteres of ortho- and meta-Benzenes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202319831. [PMID: 38465464 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202319831] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
We have developed a general and practical approach towards 2-oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes with two and three exit vectors via an iodocyclization reaction. The obtained compounds have been easily converted into the corresponding building blocks for use in medicinal chemistry. 2-Oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes have been incorporated into the structure of five drugs and three agrochemicals, and validated biologically as bioisosteres of ortho- and meta-benzenes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Oleh Shablykin
- Enamine Ltd, Winston Churchill Str. 78, 02094, Kyiv, Ukraine
- V. P. Kukhar Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry and Petrochemistry NAS of Ukraine, Academician Kukhar Str. 1, 02094, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Oleksandr Stashkevych
- Enamine Ltd, Winston Churchill Str. 78, 02094, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Chemistry Department, Volodymyrska Str. 64, 01601, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Kateryna Sahun
- Enamine Ltd, Winston Churchill Str. 78, 02094, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Artur Rassokhin
- Enamine Ltd, Winston Churchill Str. 78, 02094, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Iryna Sadkova
- Enamine Ltd, Winston Churchill Str. 78, 02094, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Dmytro Lesyk
- Bienta, Winston Churchill Str. 78, 02094, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Yuliia Holota
- Bienta, Winston Churchill Str. 78, 02094, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Petro Borysko
- Bienta, Winston Churchill Str. 78, 02094, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Nataliya M Voloshchuk
- National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, V. F. Peresypkin Department of Phytopathology, Heroyiv Oborony Str. 15, 03041, Kyiv, Ukraine
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16
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Wleklinski M, Carpenter PM, Dykstra KD, Donofrio A, Nowak T, Krska SW, Ferguson RD. Parallel purification of microscale libraries via automated solid phase extraction. SLAS Technol 2024; 29:100126. [PMID: 38423211 DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2024.100126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
High-throughput experimentation (HTE) has become more widely utilized in drug discovery for rapid reaction optimization and generation of large synthetic compound arrays. While this has accelerated medicinal chemistry design, make, test (DMT) iterations, the bottleneck of purification persists, consuming time and resources. Herein we describe a general parallel purification approach based on solid phase extraction (SPE) that provides a more efficient and sustainable workflow producing compound libraries with significantly upgraded purity. This robust, user-friendly workflow is fully automated and integrated with HTE library synthesis, as demonstrated by its application to a diverse parallel library compound array generated via amide-bond coupling in HTE microscale format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Wleklinski
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Paige M Carpenter
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Kevin D Dykstra
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Anthony Donofrio
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Timothy Nowak
- Department of Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Shane W Krska
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Ronald D Ferguson
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA.
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17
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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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18
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Cheng L, Wang Y, Guo Y, Zhang SS, Xiao H. Advancing protein therapeutics through proximity-induced chemistry. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:428-445. [PMID: 37802076 PMCID: PMC10960704 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen a remarkable growth in the field of protein-based medical treatments. Nevertheless, concerns have arisen regarding the cytotoxicity limitations, low affinity, potential immunogenicity, low stability, and challenges to modify these proteins. To overcome these obstacles, proximity-induced chemistry has emerged as a next-generation strategy for advancing protein therapeutics. This method allows site-specific modification of proteins with therapeutic agents, improving their effectiveness without extensive engineering. In addition, this innovative approach enables spatial control of the reaction based on proximity, facilitating the formation of irreversible covalent bonds between therapeutic proteins and their targets. This capability becomes particularly valuable in addressing challenges such as the low affinity frequently encountered between therapeutic proteins and their targets, as well as the limited availability of small molecules for specific protein targets. As a result, proximity-induced chemistry is reshaping the field of protein drug preparation and propelling the revolution in novel protein therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linqi Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Yixian Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Yiming Guo
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Sophie S Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Biosciences, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA.
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19
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McCorkindale W, Filep M, London N, Lee AA, King-Smith E. Deconvoluting low yield from weak potency in direct-to-biology workflows with machine learning. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1015-1021. [PMID: 38516605 PMCID: PMC10953487 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00719g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
High throughput and rapid biological evaluation of small molecules is an essential factor in drug discovery and development. Direct-to-biology (D2B), whereby compound purification is foregone, has emerged as a viable technique in time efficient screening, specifically for PROTAC design and biological evaluation. However, one notable limitation is the prerequisite of high yielding reactions to ensure the desired compound is indeed the compound responsible for biological activity. Herein, we report a machine learning based yield-assay deconfounder capable of deconvoluting low yield from low potency to identify false negatives. We validated this approach by identifying promising SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors with nanomolar activity that rivaled potency observed from the standard D2B workflow. Furthermore, we show how our framework can be utilized in a broad, in silico screen to produce compounds of similar potency as a D2B assay.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mihajlo Filep
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science Israel
| | - Nir London
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science Israel
| | - Alpha A Lee
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge UK
| | - Emma King-Smith
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge UK
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20
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Errani F, Invernizzi A, Herok M, Bochenkova E, Stamm F, Corbeski I, Romanucci V, Di Fabio G, Zálešák F, Caflisch A. Proteolysis Targeting Chimera Degraders of the METTL3-14 m 6A-RNA Methyltransferase. JACS AU 2024; 4:713-729. [PMID: 38425900 PMCID: PMC10900215 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Methylation of adenine N6 (m6A) is the most frequent RNA modification. On mRNA, it is catalyzed by the METTL3-14 heterodimer complex, which plays a key role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other types of blood cancers and solid tumors. Here, we disclose the first proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for an epitranscriptomics protein. For designing the PROTACs, we made use of the crystal structure of the complex of METTL3-14 with a potent and selective small-molecule inhibitor (called UZH2). The optimization of the linker started from a desfluoro precursor of UZH2 whose synthesis is more efficient than that of UZH2. The first nine PROTAC molecules featured PEG- or alkyl-based linkers, but only the latter showed cell penetration. With this information in hand, we synthesized 26 PROTACs based on UZH2 and alkyl linkers of different lengths and rigidity. The formation of the ternary complex was validated by a FRET-based biochemical assay and an in vitro ubiquitination assay. The PROTACs 14, 20, 22, 24, and 30, featuring different linker types and lengths, showed 50% or higher degradation of METTL3 and/or METTL14 measured by Western blot in MOLM-13 cells. They also showed substantial degradation on three other AML cell lines and prostate cancer cell line PC3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Errani
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Annalisa Invernizzi
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Marcin Herok
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Elena Bochenkova
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Stamm
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Corbeski
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Valeria Romanucci
- Università
degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Cintia 4, Napoli I-80126, Italia
| | - Giovanni Di Fabio
- Università
degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Cintia 4, Napoli I-80126, Italia
| | - František Zálešák
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Amedeo Caflisch
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
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21
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Caceres-Cortes J, Falk B, Mueller L, Dhar TGM. Perspectives on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Drug Discovery Research. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1701-1733. [PMID: 38290426 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02389] [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: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The drug discovery landscape has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, owing to research endeavors in a wide range of areas leading to strategies for pursuing new drug targets and the emergence of novel drug modalities. NMR spectroscopy has been a technology of fundamental importance to these research pursuits and has seen its use expanded both within and outside of traditional medicinal chemistry applications. In this perspective, we will present advancement of NMR-derived methods that have facilitated the characterization of small molecules and novel drug modalities including macrocyclic peptides, cyclic dinucleotides, and ligands for protein degradation. We will discuss innovations in NMR spectroscopy at the chemistry and biology interface that have broadened NMR's utility from hit identification through lead optimization activities. We will also discuss the promise of emerging NMR approaches in bridging our understanding and addressing challenges in the pursuit of the therapeutic agents of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Caceres-Cortes
- Synthesis and Enabling Technologies, Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
| | - Bradley Falk
- Synthesis and Enabling Technologies, Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
| | - Luciano Mueller
- Synthesis and Enabling Technologies, Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
| | - T G Murali Dhar
- Discovery Chemistry, Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 085401, United States
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22
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Testa A. Affinity for both sides. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:134-135. [PMID: 37919550 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01473-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
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23
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Arndt CM, Bitai J, Brunner J, Opatz T, Martinelli P, Gollner A, Sokol KR, Krumb M. One-Pot Synthesis of Cereblon Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras via Photoinduced C(sp 2)-C(sp 3) Cross Coupling and Amide Formation for Proteolysis Targeting Chimera Library Synthesis. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16939-16952. [PMID: 38096359 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01613] [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: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a one-pot synthesis via photoinduced C(sp2)-C(sp3) coupling followed by amide formation to access proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) was developed. The described protocol was studied on cereblon (CRBN)-based E3-ligase binders and (+)-JQ-1, a bromodomain inhibitor, to generate BET (bromodomain and extra terminal domain) targeting protein degraders. The generated PROTACs were profiled in vitro and tested for their degradation ability with several potent candidates identified. Upfront, the individual reactions of the one-pot transformation were carefully optimized for CRBN binder functionalization and multiple heterobifunctional linker moieties were designed and synthesized. Separate scopes detailing the C(sp2)-C(sp3) coupling and one-pot PROTAC synthesis are described in this report as well as a library miniaturization study showing the high-throughput compatibility. Overall, the developed protocol provides rapid access to PROTACs in a single process, thereby allowing efficient generation of CRBN-based PROTAC libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Arndt
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Duesbergweg 10-14, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Bitai
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
| | - Jessica Brunner
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
| | - Till Opatz
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Duesbergweg 10-14, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Paola Martinelli
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
| | - Andreas Gollner
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
| | - Kevin R Sokol
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
| | - Matthias Krumb
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
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24
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Wang Z, Shaabani S, Gao X, Ng YLD, Sapozhnikova V, Mertins P, Krönke J, Dömling A. Direct-to-biology, automated, nano-scale synthesis, and phenotypic screening-enabled E3 ligase modulator discovery. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8437. [PMID: 38114468 PMCID: PMC10730884 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43614-3] [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: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalidomide and its analogs are molecular glues (MGs) that lead to targeted ubiquitination and degradation of key cancer proteins via the cereblon (CRBN) E3 ligase. Here, we develop a direct-to-biology (D2B) approach for accelerated discovery of MGs. In this platform, automated, high throughput, and nano scale synthesis of hundreds of pomalidomide-based MGs was combined with rapid phenotypic screening, enabling an unprecedented fast identification of potent CRBN-acting MGs. The small molecules were further validated by degradation profiling and anti-cancer activity. This revealed E14 as a potent MG degrader targeting IKZF1/3, GSPT1 and 2 with profound effects on a panel of cancer cells. In a more generalized view, integration of automated, nanoscale synthesis with phenotypic assays has the potential to accelerate MGs discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zefeng Wang
- University of Groningen, Department of Drug Design, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Shabnam Shaabani
- University of Groningen, Department of Drug Design, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Yuen Lam Dora Ng
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Valeriia Sapozhnikova
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Berlin and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Mertins
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Krönke
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Berlin and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Alexander Dömling
- University of Groningen, Department of Drug Design, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palackӯ University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
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25
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Plesniak MP, Taylor EK, Eisele F, Kourra CMK, Michaelides IN, Oram A, Wernevik J, Valencia ZS, Rowbottom H, Mann N, Fredlund L, Pivnytska V, Novén A, Pirmoradian M, Lundbäck T, Storer RI, Pettersson M, De Donatis GM, Rehnström M. Rapid PROTAC Discovery Platform: Nanomole-Scale Array Synthesis and Direct Screening of Reaction Mixtures. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1882-1890. [PMID: 38116431 PMCID: PMC10726452 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00314] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise length, shape, and linker attachment points are all integral components to designing efficacious proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs). Due to the synthetic complexity of these heterobifunctional degraders and the difficulty of computational modeling to aid PROTAC design, the exploration of structure-activity relationships remains mostly empirical, which requires a significant investment of time and resources. To facilitate rapid hit finding, we developed capabilities for PROTAC parallel synthesis and purification by harnessing an array of preformed E3-ligand-linker intermediates. In the next iteration of this approach, we developed a rapid, nanomole-scale PROTAC synthesis methodology using amide coupling that enables direct screening of nonpurified reaction mixtures in cell-based degradation assays, as well as logD and EPSA measurements. This approach greatly expands and accelerates PROTAC SAR exploration (5 days instead of several weeks) as well as avoids laborious and solvent-demanding purification of the reaction mixtures, thus making it an economical and more sustainable methodology for PROTAC hit finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz P. Plesniak
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and
Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Emilia K. Taylor
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and
Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Frederik Eisele
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | | | - Iacovos N. Michaelides
- Fragment
Based Lead Generation, Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K.
| | - Alice Oram
- iLAB,
Compound Synthesis & Management, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Johan Wernevik
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | | | - Hannah Rowbottom
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Nadia Mann
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Linda Fredlund
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Valentyna Pivnytska
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Anna Novén
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Pirmoradian
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Thomas Lundbäck
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - R. Ian Storer
- Hit
Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K.
| | - Mariell Pettersson
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and
Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Gian M. De Donatis
- Cellular
Assay Development, Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K.
| | - Marie Rehnström
- Cell
Culture Sciences & Banking, Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences,
R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
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26
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Stevens R, Bendito-Moll E, Battersby DJ, Miah AH, Wellaway N, Law RP, Stacey P, Klimaszewska D, Macina JM, Burley GA, Harling JD. Integrated Direct-to-Biology Platform for the Nanoscale Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of PROTACs. J Med Chem 2023; 66:15437-15452. [PMID: 37933562 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01604] [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: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional molecules that co-opt the cell's natural proteasomal degradation mechanisms to degrade undesired proteins. A challenge associated with PROTACs is the time and resource-intensive optimization; thus, the development of high-throughput platforms for their synthesis and biological evaluation is required. In this study, we establish an ultra-high-throughput experimentation (ultraHTE) platform for PROTAC synthesis, followed by direct addition of the crude reaction mixtures to cellular degradation assays without any purification. This 'direct-to-biology' (D2B) approach was validated and then exemplified in a medicinal chemistry campaign to identify novel BRD4 PROTACs. Using the D2B platform, the synthesis of 650 PROTACs was carried out in a 1536-well plate, and subsequent biological evaluation was performed by a single scientist in less than 1 month. Due to its ability to hugely accelerate the optimization of new degraders, we anticipate our platform will transform the synthesis and testing of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Stevens
- Medicines Design, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, United Kingdom
| | - Enrique Bendito-Moll
- Medicines Design, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, United Kingdom
| | - David J Battersby
- Medicines Design, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Afjal H Miah
- Medicines Design, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Wellaway
- Medicines Design, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Robert P Law
- Medicines Design, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Stacey
- Medicines Design, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Diana Klimaszewska
- Medicines Design, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Justyna M Macina
- Medicines Design, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Glenn A Burley
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, United Kingdom
| | - John D Harling
- Medicines Design, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
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27
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Steinebach C, Bricelj A, Murgai A, Sosič I, Bischof L, Ng YLD, Heim C, Maiwald S, Proj M, Voget R, Feller F, Košmrlj J, Sapozhnikova V, Schmidt A, Zuleeg MR, Lemnitzer P, Mertins P, Hansen FK, Gütschow M, Krönke J, Hartmann MD. Leveraging Ligand Affinity and Properties: Discovery of Novel Benzamide-Type Cereblon Binders for the Design of PROTACs. J Med Chem 2023; 66:14513-14543. [PMID: 37902300 PMCID: PMC10641816 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00851] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs) such as thalidomide, pomalidomide, and lenalidomide are the most common cereblon (CRBN) recruiters in proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) design. However, these CRBN ligands induce the degradation of IMiD neosubstrates and are inherently unstable, degrading hydrolytically under moderate conditions. In this work, we simultaneously optimized physiochemical properties, stability, on-target affinity, and off-target neosubstrate modulation features to develop novel nonphthalimide CRBN binders. These efforts led to the discovery of conformationally locked benzamide-type derivatives that replicate the interactions of the natural CRBN degron, exhibit enhanced chemical stability, and display a favorable selectivity profile in terms of neosubstrate recruitment. The utility of the most potent ligands was demonstrated by their transformation into potent degraders of BRD4 and HDAC6 that outperform previously described reference PROTACs. Together with their significantly decreased neomorphic ligase activity on IKZF1/3 and SALL4, these ligands provide opportunities for the design of highly selective and potent chemically inert proximity-inducing compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aleša Bricelj
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Arunima Murgai
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Luca Bischof
- Max
Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yuen Lam Dora Ng
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christopher Heim
- Max
Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Samuel Maiwald
- Max
Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matic Proj
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rabea Voget
- Pharmaceutical
Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Felix Feller
- Pharmaceutical
Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Janez Košmrlj
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University
of Ljubljana, SI 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Valeriia Sapozhnikova
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
- Max
Delbrück
Center for Molecular Medicine, D-13125 Berlin, Germany
- German
Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, DKFZ, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annika Schmidt
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maximilian Rudolf Zuleeg
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Patricia Lemnitzer
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Mertins
- Max
Delbrück
Center for Molecular Medicine, D-13125 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin
Institute of Health, D-10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Finn K. Hansen
- Pharmaceutical
Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical
Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan Krönke
- Department
of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
- German
Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, DKFZ, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcus D. Hartmann
- Max
Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Interfaculty
Institute of Biochemistry, University of
Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
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28
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Barber T. Altogether changed, and yet the same. Nat Chem 2023; 15:1495-1496. [PMID: 37907607 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01355-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Barber
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
- GSK Carbon Neutral Laboratories for Sustainable Chemistry, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
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29
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Röth S, Kocaturk NM, Sathyamurthi PS, Carton B, Watt M, Macartney TJ, Chan KH, Isidro-Llobet A, Konopacka A, Queisser MA, Sapkota GP. Identification of KLHDC2 as an efficient proximity-induced degrader of K-RAS, STK33, β-catenin, and FoxP3. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:1261-1276.e7. [PMID: 37591251 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.07.006] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD), induced by enforcing target proximity to an E3 ubiquitin ligase using small molecules has become an important drug discovery approach for targeting previously undruggable disease-causing proteins. However, out of over 600 E3 ligases encoded by the human genome, just over 10 E3 ligases are currently utilized for TPD. Here, using the affinity-directed protein missile (AdPROM) system, in which an anti-GFP nanobody was linked to an E3 ligase, we screened over 30 E3 ligases for their ability to degrade 4 target proteins, K-RAS, STK33, β-catenin, and FoxP3, which were endogenously GFP-tagged. Several new E3 ligases, including CUL2 diGly receptor KLHDC2, emerged as effective degraders, suggesting that these E3 ligases can be taken forward for the development of small-molecule degraders, such as proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs). As a proof of concept, we demonstrate that a KLHDC2-recruiting peptide-based PROTAC connected to chloroalkane is capable of degrading HALO-GFP protein in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Röth
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Nur Mehpare Kocaturk
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Preethi S Sathyamurthi
- Protein Degradation Group, Medicines Research Centre, GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, UK
| | - Bill Carton
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Matthew Watt
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Thomas J Macartney
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Kwok-Ho Chan
- Protein Degradation Group, Medicines Research Centre, GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, UK
| | - Albert Isidro-Llobet
- Chemical Biology, Medicines Research Centre, GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, UK
| | - Agnieszka Konopacka
- Protein Degradation Group, Medicines Research Centre, GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, UK
| | - Markus A Queisser
- Protein Degradation Group, Medicines Research Centre, GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, UK
| | - Gopal P Sapkota
- Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
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30
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Casamajo A, Yu Y, Schnepel C, Morrill C, Barker R, Levy CW, Finnigan J, Spelling V, Westerlund K, Petchey M, Sheppard RJ, Lewis RJ, Falcioni F, Hayes MA, Turner NJ. Biocatalysis in Drug Design: Engineered Reductive Aminases (RedAms) Are Used to Access Chiral Building Blocks with Multiple Stereocenters. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:22041-22046. [PMID: 37782882 PMCID: PMC10571080 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c07010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Novel building blocks are in constant demand during the search for innovative bioactive small molecule therapeutics by enabling the construction of structure-activity-property-toxicology relationships. Complex chiral molecules containing multiple stereocenters are an important component in compound library expansion but can be difficult to access by traditional organic synthesis. Herein, we report a biocatalytic process to access a specific diastereomer of a chiral amine building block used in drug discovery. A reductive aminase (RedAm) was engineered following a structure-guided mutagenesis strategy to produce the desired isomer. The engineered RedAm (IR-09 W204R) was able to generate the (S,S,S)-isomer 3 in 45% conversion and 95% ee from the racemic ketone 2. Subsequent palladium-catalyzed deallylation of 3 yielded the target primary amine 4 in a 73% yield. This engineered biocatalyst was used at preparative scale and represents a potential starting point for further engineering and process development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnau
Rué Casamajo
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, United
Kingdom
| | - Yuqi Yu
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, United
Kingdom
| | - Christian Schnepel
- School
of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Department
of Industrial Biotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, 11421 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Morrill
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, United
Kingdom
| | - Rhys Barker
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, United
Kingdom
| | - Colin W. Levy
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, United
Kingdom
| | - James Finnigan
- Prozomix
Ltd, Building 4, West
End Ind. Estate, Haltwhistle NE49 9HA, United Kingdom
| | - Victor Spelling
- Early
Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals
R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, 431 50 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristina Westerlund
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development; Cardiovascular, Renal and
Metabolism, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, Mölndal, 431 50 Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Mark Petchey
- Compound
Synthesis and Management, Discovery Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, 431 50 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Robert J. Sheppard
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development; Cardiovascular, Renal and
Metabolism, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, Mölndal, 431 50 Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory
and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Francesco Falcioni
- Early
Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals
R&D, AstraZeneca, CB21 6GP Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Martin A. Hayes
- Compound
Synthesis and Management, Discovery Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, 431 50 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nicholas J. Turner
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, United
Kingdom
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31
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Hales LT, Thompson PE. Solid-Phase Synthesis of PROTACs and SNIPERs on Backbone Amide Linked (BAL) Resin. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202301975. [PMID: 37526498 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202301975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Developing straightforward but flexible approaches to PROTAC synthesis that can incorporate the structural elements of emerging designs can improve the quality and efficiency of PROTAC development. Solid-phase approaches could offer many advantages over conventional PROTAC synthesis if diverse chemistries and topographies can be incorporated. We have exploited the backbone-amide-linked (BAL) resin to employ an array of solid-phase organic reactions, providing access to VHL- and IAP-targeting degraders using the BRD4-targeting JQ1 conjugates as examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Thomas Hales
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Philip Evan Thompson
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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32
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Li J, Li C, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Wu Z, Liao J, Wang Z, McReynolds M, Xie H, Guo L, Fan Q, Peng J, Tang W. A platform for the rapid synthesis of molecular glues (Rapid-Glue) under miniaturized conditions for direct biological screening. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 258:115567. [PMID: 37390512 PMCID: PMC10529953 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115567] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Molecular glues, functioning via inducing degradation of the target protein while having similar molecular weight as traditional small molecule drugs, are emerging as a promising modality for the development of therapeutic agents. However, the development of molecular glues is limited by the lack of general principles and systematic methods. Not surprisingly, most molecular glues have been identified serendipitously or through phenotypic screening of large libraries. However, the preparation of large and diverse molecular glue libraries is not an easy task and requires extensive resources. We previously developed platforms for rapid synthesis of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that can be used directly for biological screening with minimal resources. Herein, we report a platform of rapid synthesis of molecular glues (Rapid-Glue) via a micromolar scale coupling reaction between hydrazide motif on the E3 ligase ligands and commercially available aldehydes with diverse structures. A pilot library of 1520 compounds is generated under miniaturized conditions in a high throughput manner without any further manipulation including purification after the synthesis. Through this platform, we identified two highly selective GSPT1 molecular glues through direct screening in cell-based assays. Three additional analogues were prepared from readily available starting materials by replacing the hydrolytic labile acylhydrazone linker with a more stable amide linker based on the two hits. All three analogues showed significant GSPT1 degradation activity and two of them possess comparable activity to the corresponding hit. The feasibility of our strategy is thus verified. Further studies by increasing the diversity and size of the library followed by appropriate assays will likely yield distinct molecular glues targeting novel neo-substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyao Li
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Chunrong Li
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhongrui Zhang
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhiping Wu
- Department of Structural Biology, Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Junzhuo Liao
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Structural Biology, Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Meghan McReynolds
- Department of Structural Biology, Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Haibo Xie
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Le Guo
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Qiuhua Fan
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Junmin Peng
- Department of Structural Biology, Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Weiping Tang
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
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33
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Liu X, Ciulli A. Proximity-Based Modalities for Biology and Medicine. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:1269-1284. [PMID: 37521793 PMCID: PMC10375889 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Molecular proximity orchestrates biological function, and blocking existing proximities is an established therapeutic strategy. By contrast, strengthening or creating neoproximity with chemistry enables modulation of biological processes with high selectivity and has the potential to substantially expand the target space. A plethora of proximity-based modalities to target proteins via diverse approaches have recently emerged, opening opportunities for biopharmaceutical innovation. This Outlook outlines the diverse mechanisms and molecules based on induced proximity, including protein degraders, blockers, and stabilizers, inducers of protein post-translational modifications, and agents for cell therapy, and discusses opportunities and challenges that the field must address to mature and unlock translation in biology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingui Liu
- Centre for Targeted Protein
Degradation, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery,
School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, 1 James Lindsay Place, Dundee DD1 5JJ, United Kingdom
| | - Alessio Ciulli
- Centre for Targeted Protein
Degradation, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery,
School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, 1 James Lindsay Place, Dundee DD1 5JJ, United Kingdom
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34
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Thomas BAI, Lewis HL, Jones DH, Ward SE. Central Nervous System Targeted Protein Degraders. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1164. [PMID: 37627229 PMCID: PMC10452695 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Diseases of the central nervous system, which once occupied a large component of the pharmaceutical industry research and development portfolio, have for many years played a smaller part in major pharma pipelines-primarily due to the well cited challenges in target validation, valid translational models, and clinical trial design. Unfortunately, this decline in research and development interest has occurred in tandem with an increase in the medical need-in part driven by the success in treating other chronic diseases, which then results in a greater overall longevity along with a higher prevalence of diseases associated with ageing. The lead modality for drug agents targeting the brain remains the traditionally small molecule, despite potential in gene-based therapies and antibodies, particularly in the hugely anticipated anti-amyloid field, clearly driven by the additional challenge of effective distribution to the relevant brain compartments. However, in recognition of the growing disease burden, advanced therapies are being developed in tandem with improved delivery options. Hence, methodologies which were initially restricted to systemic indications are now being actively explored for a range of CNS diseases-an important class of which include the protein degradation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bedwyr ab Ion Thomas
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK (H.L.L.)
| | - H. Lois Lewis
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK (H.L.L.)
| | - D. Heulyn Jones
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK (H.L.L.)
- Chemistry Department, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Simon E. Ward
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK (H.L.L.)
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35
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Lanne A, E J Usselmann L, Llowarch P, Michaelides IN, Fillmore M, Holdgate GA. A perspective on the changing landscape of HTS. Drug Discov Today 2023:103670. [PMID: 37328053 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Recently, there has been a change in the types of drug target entering early drug discovery portfolios. A significant increase in the number of challenging targets or which would have historically been classed as intractable has been observed. Such targets often have shallow or non-existent ligand-binding sites, can have disordered structures or domains or can be involved in protein-protein or protein-DNA interactions. The nature of the screens required to identify useful hits has, by necessity, also changed. The range of drug modalities explored has also increased and the chemistry required to design and optimise these molecules has adapted. In this review, we discuss this changing landscape and provide insights into the future requirements for small-molecule hit and lead generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Lanne
- High Throughput Screening, Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, UK
| | - Laura E J Usselmann
- High Throughput Screening, Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, UK
| | - Poppy Llowarch
- High Throughput Screening, Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, UK
| | - Iacovos N Michaelides
- Fragment Based Lead Generation, Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin Fillmore
- DNA Encoded Library, Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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36
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Li YQ, Lannigan WG, Davoodi S, Daryaee F, Corrionero A, Alfonso P, Rodriguez-Santamaria JA, Wang N, Haley JD, Tonge PJ. Discovery of Novel Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase PROTACs with Enhanced Selectivity and Cellular Efficacy. J Med Chem 2023; 66:7454-7474. [PMID: 37195170 PMCID: PMC10332445 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a target for treating B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases, and several BTK inhibitors are already approved for use in humans. Heterobivalent BTK protein degraders are also in development, based on the premise that proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) may provide additional therapeutic benefits. However, most BTK PROTACs are based on the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib raising concerns about their selectivity profiles, given the known off-target effects of ibrutinib. Here, we disclose the discovery and in vitro characterization of BTK PROTACs based on the selective BTK inhibitor GDC-0853 and the cereblon recruitment ligand pomalidomide. PTD10 is a highly potent BTK degrader (DC50 0.5 nM) that inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis at lower concentrations than the two parent molecules, as well as three previously reported BTK PROTACs, and had improved selectivity compared to ibrutinib-based BTK PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Qian Li
- Center for Advanced Study of Drug Action, John S. Toll Drive, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400, United States
- Department of Chemistry, John S. Toll Drive, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400, United States
| | - William G. Lannigan
- Department of Chemistry, John S. Toll Drive, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400, United States
| | - Shabnam Davoodi
- Center for Advanced Study of Drug Action, John S. Toll Drive, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400, United States
- Department of Chemistry, John S. Toll Drive, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400, United States
| | - Fereidoon Daryaee
- Center for Advanced Study of Drug Action, John S. Toll Drive, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400, United States
- Department of Chemistry, John S. Toll Drive, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400, United States
| | - Ana Corrionero
- Enzymlogic S.L., QUBE Technology Park, C/ Santiago Grisolía, 2, 28760, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Alfonso
- Enzymlogic S.L., QUBE Technology Park, C/ Santiago Grisolía, 2, 28760, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Nan Wang
- Center for Advanced Study of Drug Action, John S. Toll Drive, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400, United States
- Department of Chemistry, John S. Toll Drive, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400, United States
| | - John D. Haley
- Department of Pathology, John S. Toll Drive, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400, United States
| | - Peter J. Tonge
- Center for Advanced Study of Drug Action, John S. Toll Drive, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400, United States
- Department of Chemistry, John S. Toll Drive, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400, United States
- Department of Radiology, John S. Toll Drive, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400, United States
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37
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Stevens C, Zhou Y, Teng P, Rault LN, Liao Y, Tang W. Development of Oligomeric Mannose-6-phosphonate Conjugates for Targeted Protein Degradation. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:719-726. [PMID: 37312839 PMCID: PMC10258825 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysosome targeting chimeras (LYTACs) are a new protein degradation strategy that has recently emerged. LYTACs utilize the native cell internalization process in the body to target and degrade therapeutically relevant extracellular proteins via the lysosomal pathways. The first lysosomal internalization receptor recently used for LYTACs is the mannose-6-phosphate receptor (M6PR). M6PR is expressed across most cell types, making it ideal for internalization and degradation of numerous extracellular proteins. Herein, we report the development of a series of structurally well-defined mannose-6-phosphonate (M6Pn)-peptide conjugates that are capable of linking to a variety of targeting ligands for proteins of interest and successfully internalizing and degrading those proteins through M6PR. This will greatly facilitate the development of M6Pn based LYTACs for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher
M. Stevens
- Lachman
Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin − Madison Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Yaxian Zhou
- Lachman
Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin − Madison Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Peng Teng
- Lachman
Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin − Madison Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Lauren N. Rault
- Lachman
Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin − Madison Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Yaxian Liao
- Lachman
Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin − Madison Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin −
Madison Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Weiping Tang
- Lachman
Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin − Madison Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin −
Madison Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
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38
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Zografou-Barredo NA, Hallatt AJ, Goujon-Ricci J, Cano C. A beginner's guide to current synthetic linker strategies towards VHL-recruiting PROTACs. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 88-89:117334. [PMID: 37224698 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Over the last two decades, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have been revolutionary in drug development rendering targeted protein degradation (TPD) as an emerging therapeutic modality. These heterobifunctional molecules are comprised of three units: a ligand for the protein of interest (POI), a ligand for an E3 ubiquitin ligase, and a linker that tethers the two motifs together. Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) is one of the most widely employed E3 ligases in PROTACs development due to its prevalent expression across tissue types and well-characterised ligands. Linker composition and length has proven to play an important role in determining the physicochemical properties and spatial orientation of the POI-PROTAC-E3 ternary complex, thus influencing the bioactivity of degraders. Numerous articles and reports have been published showcasing the medicinal chemistry aspects of the linker design, but few have focused on the chemistry around tethering linkers to E3 ligase ligands. In this review, we focus on the current synthetic linker strategies employed in the assembly of VHL-recruiting PROTACs. We aim to cover a range of fundamental chemistries used to incorporate linkers of varying length, composition and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikol A Zografou-Barredo
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Alex J Hallatt
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jennyfer Goujon-Ricci
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Céline Cano
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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39
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Sobhia ME, Kumar H, Kumari S. Bifunctional robots inducing targeted protein degradation. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 255:115384. [PMID: 37119667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The gaining importance of Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) and PROTACs (PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras) have drawn the scientific community's attention. PROTACs are considered bifunctional robots owing to their avidity for the protein of interest (POI) and E3-ligase, which induce the ubiquitination of POI. These molecules are based on event-driven pharmacology and are applicable in different conditions such as oncology, antiviral, neurodegenerative disease, acne etc., offering tremendous scope to researchers. In this review, primarily, we attempted to compile the recent works available in the literature on PROTACs for various targeted proteins. We summarized the design and development strategies with a focus on molecular information of protein residues and linker design. Rationalization of the ternary complex formation using Artificial Intelligence including machine & deep learning models and traditionally followed computational tools are also included in this study. Moreover, details describing the optimization of PROTACs chemistry and pharmacokinetic properties are added. Advanced PROTAC designs and targeting complex proteins, is summed up to cover the wide spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Elizabeth Sobhia
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India.
| | - Harish Kumar
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India
| | - Sonia Kumari
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India
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40
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Rao Z, Li K, Hong J, Chen D, Ding B, Jiang L, Qi X, Hu J, Yang B, He Q, Dong X, Cao J, Zhu CL. A practical "preTACs-cytoblot" platform accelerates the streamlined development of PROTAC-based protein degraders. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 251:115248. [PMID: 36905918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115248] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
With the growing importance of PROTAC-mediated protein degradation in drug discovery, robust synthetic methodologies and rapid screening assays are urgently needed. By harnessing the improved alkene hydroazidation reaction, we developed a novel strategy to introduce azido groups into the linker-E3 ligand conjugates and effectively created a range of prepacked terminal azide-labeled "preTACs" as PROTAC toolkit building blocks. Moreover, we demonstrated that preTACs are ready to conjugate to ligands targeting a protein of interest to generate libraries of chimeric degraders, which are subsequently screened for effective protein degradation directly from cultured cells with a cytoblot assay. Our study exemplifies that this practical "preTACs-cytoblot" platform allows efficient PROTAC assembly and rapid activity assessments. It may help industrial and academic investigators to accelerate their streamlined development of PROTAC-based protein degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Rao
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Kailin Li
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Ju Hong
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Danni Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Baoli Ding
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Li Jiang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Xuxin Qi
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Jiawen Hu
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China; Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Centre for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of ZJU, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China; Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Cancer Centre, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Xiaowu Dong
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China; Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Cancer Centre, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Ji Cao
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China; Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Cancer Centre, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Innovative Anticancer Drugs, Ministry of Education, China.
| | - Cheng-Liang Zhu
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Centre for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of ZJU, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China; Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Innovative Anticancer Drugs, Ministry of Education, China.
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41
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Ertl P, Altmann E, Racine S. The most common linkers in bioactive molecules and their bioisosteric replacement network. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 81:117194. [PMID: 36773350 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117194] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Structures of the large majority of bioactive molecules are composed of several rings that are decorated by substituents and connected by linkers. While numerous cheminformatics studies focusing on rings and substituents are available, practically nothing has been published about the third important structural constituent of bioactive molecules - the linkers. The current study attempts to fill this gap. The most common linkers present in bioactive molecules are identified, their properties analyzed and a method for linker similarity search introduced. The bioisosteric replacement network of linkers is generated based on a large corpus of structure-activity data from medicinal chemistry literature. The results are presented in a graphical form and the underlying data are also made available for download. This analysis is intended to help medicinal chemists to better understand the role of linkers, particularly heterocyclic rings in bioactive molecules and to select an optimal set of linkers in their future project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ertl
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Eva Altmann
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Racine
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
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42
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Poongavanam V, Kölling F, Giese A, Göller AH, Lehmann L, Meibom D, Kihlberg J. Predictive Modeling of PROTAC Cell Permeability with Machine Learning. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:5901-5916. [PMID: 36816707 PMCID: PMC9933238 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Approaches for predicting proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) cell permeability are of major interest to reduce resource-demanding synthesis and testing of low-permeable PROTACs. We report a comprehensive investigation of the scope and limitations of machine learning-based binary classification models developed using 17 simple descriptors for large and structurally diverse sets of cereblon (CRBN) and von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) PROTACs. For the VHL PROTAC set, kappa nearest neighbor and random forest models performed best and predicted the permeability of a blinded test set with >80% accuracy (k ≥ 0.57). Models retrained by combining the original training and the blinded test set performed equally well for a second blinded VHL set. However, models for CRBN PROTACs were less successful, mainly due to the imbalanced nature of the CRBN datasets. All descriptors contributed to the models, but size and lipophilicity were the most important. We conclude that properly trained machine learning models can be integrated as effective filters in the PROTAC design process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Florian Kölling
- Computational
Molecular Design, Bayer AG, 42096Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Anja Giese
- Drug
Discovery Sciences, Bayer AG, 13342Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Lutz Lehmann
- Drug
Discovery Sciences, Bayer AG, 42113Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Daniel Meibom
- Drug
Discovery Sciences, Bayer AG, 42113Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Jan Kihlberg
- Department
of Chemistry-BMC, Box 576, Uppsala University, 75123Uppsala, Sweden
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43
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Mai H, Zimmer MH, Miller TF. Exploring PROTAC Cooperativity with Coarse-Grained Alchemical Methods. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:446-455. [PMID: 36607139 PMCID: PMC9869335 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c05795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) is a novel drug modality that facilitates the degradation of a target protein by inducing proximity with an E3 ligase. In this work, we present a new computational framework to model the cooperativity between PROTAC-E3 binding and PROTAC-target binding principally through protein-protein interactions (PPIs) induced by the PROTAC. Due to the scarcity and low resolution of experimental measurements, the physical and chemical drivers of these non-native PPIs remain to be elucidated. We develop a coarse-grained (CG) approach to model interactions in the target-PROTAC-E3 complexes, which enables converged thermodynamic estimations using alchemical free energy calculation methods despite an unconventional scale of perturbations. With minimal parametrization, we successfully capture fundamental principles of cooperativity, including the optimality of intermediate PROTAC linker lengths that originates from configurational entropy. We qualitatively characterize the dependency of cooperativity on PROTAC linker lengths and protein charges and shapes. Minimal inclusion of sequence- and conformation-specific features in our current force field, however, limits quantitative modeling to reproduce experimental measurements, but further development of the CG model may allow for efficient computational screening to optimize PROTAC cooperativity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanghao Mai
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California91125, United States
| | - Matthew H. Zimmer
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California91125, United States
| | - Thomas F. Miller
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California91125, United States
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44
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Abstract
In order to deliver chemotherapeutics more efficiently, small-molecule-drug conjugates (SMDCs) and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have been synthesized and explored. These conjugates not only provide selective delivery but also improve the therapeutic index of toxins. By merging this conjugate concept with target protein degradation (TPD), the degrader-antibody conjugate (DAC) field has emerged, and clinical trials have even begun in recent years. In this Perspective, we provide the concepts, applications, and recent advances in the area of DACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Bum Hong
- New Drug Development Center (NDDC), Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (DGMIF), 80 Cheombok-ro, Dong-gu, 41061 Daegu, Korea
| | - Hongchan An
- New Drug Development Center (NDDC), Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (DGMIF), 80 Cheombok-ro, Dong-gu, 41061 Daegu, Korea
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Chatterjee DR, Kapoor S, Jain M, Das R, Chowdhury MG, Shard A. PROTACting the kinome with covalent warheads. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103417. [PMID: 36306996 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The dawn of targeted degradation using proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) against recalcitrant proteins has prompted numerous efforts to develop complementary drugs. Although many of these are specifically directed against undruggable proteins, there is increasing interest in small molecule-based PROTACs that target intracellular pathways, and some have recently entered clinical trials. Concurrently, small molecule-based PROTACs that target protumorigenic pathways in cancer cells, the tumor microenvironment (TME), and angiogenesis have been found to have potent effects that synergize with the action of antibodies. This has led to the augmentation of PROTACs with variable substitution patterns. Several combinations with small molecules targeting undruggable proteins are now under clinical investigation. In this review, we discuss the recent milestones achieved as well as challenges encountered in this area of drug development, as well as our opinion on the best path forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deep Rohan Chatterjee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Saumya Kapoor
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Meenakshi Jain
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Rudradip Das
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Moumita Ghosh Chowdhury
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Amit Shard
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India.
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Tran NL, Leconte GA, Ferguson FM. Targeted Protein Degradation: Design Considerations for PROTAC Development. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e611. [PMID: 36469581 PMCID: PMC9729011 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation has recently gained widespread interest as both a novel therapeutic strategy and a useful tool in biomedical research. Targeted protein degraders are often sub-stoichiometric and do not require strong binding affinity for their targets, enabling access to previously inaccessible targets. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are one class of targeted protein degraders that promote degradation by recruiting a target protein to an E3-ligase complex via a heterobifunctional molecule. The modular nature of PROTACs allows for their rational design and systematic optimization. Here we suggest resources and methodologies for developing PROTAC degraders for researchers that may be new to the field. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan L Tran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Georges A Leconte
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Fleur M Ferguson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California, USA
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California, USA
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Bhela I, Ranza A, Balestrero FC, Serafini M, Aprile S, Di Martino RMC, Condorelli F, Pirali T. A Versatile and Sustainable Multicomponent Platform for the Synthesis of Protein Degraders: Proof-of-Concept Application to BRD4-Degrading PROTACs. J Med Chem 2022; 65:15282-15299. [PMID: 36323630 PMCID: PMC9706574 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The use of small molecules to induce targeted protein degradation is increasingly growing in the drug discovery landscape, and protein degraders have progressed rapidly through the pipelines. Despite the advances made so far, their synthesis still represents a significant burden and new approaches are highly demanded. Herein we report an unprecedented platform that leverages the modular nature of both multicomponent reactions and degraders to enable the preparation of highly decorated PROTACs. As a proof of principle, our platform has been applied to the preparation of potential BRD4-degrading PROTACs, resulting in the discovery of a set of degraders endowed with high degradation efficiency. Compared to the existing methods, our approach offers a versatile and cost-effective means to access libraries of protein degraders and increase the chance of identifying successful candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene
Preet Bhela
- Department of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Università degli Studi
del Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Alice Ranza
- Department of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Università degli Studi
del Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Carolina Balestrero
- Department of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Università degli Studi
del Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | | | - Silvio Aprile
- Department of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Università degli Studi
del Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Rita Maria Concetta Di Martino
- Department of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Università degli Studi
del Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Condorelli
- Department of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Università degli Studi
del Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Tracey Pirali
- Department of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Università degli Studi
del Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Poongavanam V, Atilaw Y, Siegel S, Giese A, Lehmann L, Meibom D, Erdelyi M, Kihlberg J. Linker-Dependent Folding Rationalizes PROTAC Cell Permeability. J Med Chem 2022; 65:13029-13040. [PMID: 36170570 PMCID: PMC9574858 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) must be cell permeable to reach their target proteins. This is challenging as the bivalent structure of PROTACs puts them in chemical space at, or beyond, the outer limits of oral druggable space. We used NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations independently to gain insights into the origin of the differences in cell permeability displayed by three flexible cereblon PROTACs having closely related structures. Both methods revealed that the propensity of the PROTACs to adopt folded conformations with a low solvent-accessible 3D polar surface area in an apolar environment is correlated to high cell permeability. The chemical nature and the flexibility of the linker were essential for the PROTACs to populate folded conformations stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonds, π-π interactions, and van der Waals interactions. We conclude that MD simulations may be used for the prospective ranking of cell permeability in the design of cereblon PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoseph Atilaw
- Department of Chemistry─BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stephan Siegel
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Bayer AG, 13342 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Giese
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Bayer AG, 13342 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lutz Lehmann
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Bayer AG, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Daniel Meibom
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Bayer AG, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Mate Erdelyi
- Department of Chemistry─BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jan Kihlberg
- Department of Chemistry─BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
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