1
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Weng W, Xue G, Pan Z. Development of visible-light-activatable photocaged PROTACs. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116062. [PMID: 38128235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Photocaged proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which employ light as a stimulus to control protein degradation, have recently garnered considerable attention as both powerful chemical tools and a promising therapeutic strategy. However, the poor penetration depth of traditionally used ultraviolet light and the deficiency of alternative caging positions have restricted their applications in biological systems. By installing a diverse array of photocaged groups, with excitation wavelengths ranging from 365 nm to 405 nm, onto different positions of cereblon (CRBN) and Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)-recruiting Brd4 degraders, we conducted the first comprehensive study on visible-light-activatable photocaged PROTACs to the best of our knowledge. We found the A2, A4 and B3 positions to be most effective at regulating the activity of the degraders, and to provide the resulting molecules (9-12 and 17) as potent visible-light-controlled degraders in live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhi Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Gang Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhengying Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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2
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Liu R, Liu Z, Chen M, Xing H, Zhang P, Zhang J. Cooperatively designed aptamer-PROTACs for spatioselective degradation of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein for enhanced combinational therapy. Chem Sci 2023; 15:134-145. [PMID: 38131089 PMCID: PMC10732009 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04249a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleocytoplasmic shuttling proteins (NSPs) have emerged as a promising class of therapeutic targets for many diseases. However, most NSPs-based therapies largely rely on small-molecule inhibitors with limited efficacy and off-target effects. Inspired by proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, we report a new archetype of PROTAC (PS-ApTCs) by introducing a phosphorothioate-modified aptamer to a CRBN ligand, realizing tumor-targeting and spatioselective degradation of NSPs with improved efficacy. Using nucleolin as a model, we demonstrate that PS-ApTCs is capable of effectively degrading nucleolin in the target cell membrane and cytoplasm but not in the nucleus, through the disruption of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Moreover, PS-ApTCs exhibits superior antiproliferation, pro-apoptotic, and cell cycle arrest potencies. Importantly, we demonstrate that a combination of PS-ApTCs-mediated nucleolin degradation with aptamer-drug conjugate-based chemotherapy enables a synergistic effect on tumor inhibition. Collectively, PS-ApTCs could expand the PROTAC toolbox to more targets in subcellular localization and accelerate the discovery of new combinational therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Zheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Mohan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Hang Xing
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Nanomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University Changsha 410082 China
| | - Penghui Zhang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou 310022 China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
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3
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Yao R, Luo T, Wang M. Delivering on Cell-Selective Protein Degradation Using Chemically Tailored PROTACs. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300413. [PMID: 37496112 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
PROTACs (Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras) have emerged as a groundbreaking class of chemical tools that facilitate the degradation of target proteins by leveraging the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). However, the effective utilization of PROTACs in chemical biology studies and therapeutics encounters significant challenges when it comes to achieving cell-selective protein degradation and in vivo applications. This review article aims to shed light on recent advancements in the development of Pro-PROTACs, which exhibit controlled protein degradation capabilities in response to external stimuli or disease-related endogenous biochemical signals. The article delves into the specific chemical strategies employed to regulate the interaction between PROTACs and E3 ubiquitin ligases or target proteins. These strategies enable spatial and temporal control over the protein degradation potential of Pro-PROTACs. Furthermore, the review summarizes recent investigations regarding the delivery of PROTACs using biodegradable nanoparticles for in vivo applications and targeted protein degradation. Such delivery systems hold great promise for enabling efficient and selective protein degradation in vivo. Lastly, the article provides a perspective on the future design of multifunctional PROTACs and their intracellular delivery mechanisms, with a particular focus on achieving cell-selective protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100490, China
| | - Tianli Luo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100490, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100490, China
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4
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Ma Z, Bolinger AA, Chen H, Zhou J. Drug Discovery Targeting Nuclear Receptor Binding SET Domain Protein 2 (NSD2). J Med Chem 2023; 66:10991-11026. [PMID: 37578463 PMCID: PMC11092389 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00948] [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] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor binding SET domain proteins (NSDs) catalyze the mono- or dimethylation of histone 3 lysine 36 (H3K36me1 and H3K36me2), using S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) as a methyl donor. As a key member of the NSD family of proteins, NSD2 plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases such as cancers, inflammations, and infectious diseases, serving as a promising drug target. Developing potent and specific NSD2 inhibitors may provide potential novel therapeutics. Several NSD2 inhibitors and degraders have been discovered while remaining in the early stage of drug development. Excitingly, KTX-1001, a selective NSD2 inhibitor, has entered clinical trials. In this Perspective, the structures and functions of NSD2, its roles in various human diseases, and the recent advances in drug discovery strategies targeting NSD2 have been summarized. The challenges, opportunities, and future directions for developing NSD2 inhibitors and degraders are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghui Ma
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Andrew A Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Haiying Chen
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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5
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Deng C, Li S, Liu Y, Bao W, Xu C, Zheng W, Wang M, Ma X. Split-Cas9-based targeted gene editing and nanobody-mediated proteolysis-targeting chimeras optogenetically coordinated regulation of Survivin to control the fate of cancer cells. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1382. [PMID: 37620295 PMCID: PMC10449816 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1382] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precise regulation of partial critical proteins in cancer cells, such as anti-apoptotic proteins, is one of the crucial strategies for treating cancer and discovering related molecular mechanisms. Still, it is also challenging in actual research and practice. The widely used CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing technology and proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have played an essential role in regulating gene expression and protein function in cells. However, the accuracy and controllability of their targeting remain necessary. METHODS Construction of UMUC-3-EGFP stable transgenic cell lines using the Sleeping Beauty system, Flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, fluorescence microplate reader and fluorescence inverted microscope analysis of EGFP intensity. Characterization of Survivin inhibition was done by using Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis, calcein/PI/DAPI cell viability/cytotoxicity assay, cloning formation assay and scratch assay. The cell-derived xenograft (CDX) model was constructed to assess the in vivo effects of reducing Survivin expression. RESULTS Herein, we established a synergistic control platform that coordinated photoactivatable split-Cas9 targeted gene editing and light-induced protein degradation, on which the Survivin gene in the nucleus was controllably edited by blue light irradiation (named paCas9-Survivin) and simultaneously the Survivin protein in the cytoplasm was degraded precisely by a nanobody-mediated target (named paProtacL-Survivin). Meanwhile, in vitro experiments demonstrated that reducing Survivin expression could effectively promote apoptosis and decrease the proliferation and migration of bladder cancerous cells. Furthermore, the CDX model was constructed using UMUC-3 cell lines, results from animal studies indicated that both the paCas9-Survivin system and paProtacL-Survivin significantly inhibited tumour growth, with higher inhibition rates when combined. CONCLUSIONS In short, the coordinated regulatory strategies and combinable technology platforms offer clear advantages in controllability and targeting, as well as an excellent reference value and universal applicability in controlling the fate of cancer cells through multi-level regulation of key intracellular factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changping Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor EngineeringEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Shihui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor EngineeringEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yuping Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug DesignSchool of PharmacyEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Wen Bao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug DesignSchool of PharmacyEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Chengnan Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug DesignSchool of PharmacyEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Wenyun Zheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug DesignSchool of PharmacyEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Meiyan Wang
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering LaboratoryBiomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory BiologyInstitute of BiomedicalSciences and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Xingyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor EngineeringEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
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6
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Hanley RP, Nie DY, Tabor JR, Li F, Sobh A, Xu C, Barker NK, Dilworth D, Hajian T, Gibson E, Szewczyk MM, Brown PJ, Barsyte-Lovejoy D, Herring LE, Wang GG, Licht JD, Vedadi M, Arrowsmith CH, James LI. Discovery of a Potent and Selective Targeted NSD2 Degrader for the Reduction of H3K36me2. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:8176-8188. [PMID: 36976643 PMCID: PMC10116495 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c01421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor-binding SET domain-containing 2 (NSD2) plays important roles in gene regulation, largely through its ability to dimethylate lysine 36 of histone 3 (H3K36me2). Despite aberrant activity of NSD2 reported in numerous cancers, efforts to selectively inhibit the catalytic activity of this protein with small molecules have been unsuccessful to date. Here, we report the development of UNC8153, a novel NSD2-targeted degrader that potently and selectively reduces the cellular levels of both NSD2 protein and the H3K36me2 chromatin mark. UNC8153 contains a simple warhead that confers proteasome-dependent degradation of NSD2 through a novel mechanism. Importantly, UNC8153-mediated reduction of H3K36me2 through the degradation of NSD2 results in the downregulation of pathological phenotypes in multiple myeloma cells including mild antiproliferative effects in MM1.S cells containing an activating point mutation and antiadhesive effects in KMS11 cells harboring the t(4;14) translocation that upregulates NSD2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan P Hanley
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - David Y Nie
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - John R Tabor
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Fengling Li
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Amin Sobh
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, The University of Florida Cancer and Genetics Research Complex, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Chenxi Xu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Natalie K Barker
- UNC Proteomics Core Facility, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - David Dilworth
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Taraneh Hajian
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Elisa Gibson
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Magdalena M Szewczyk
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Peter J Brown
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Dalia Barsyte-Lovejoy
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Laura E Herring
- UNC Proteomics Core Facility, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Gang Greg Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Jonathan D Licht
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, The University of Florida Cancer and Genetics Research Complex, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Cheryl H Arrowsmith
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Lindsey I James
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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7
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Dzobo K, Dandara C. The Extracellular Matrix: Its Composition, Function, Remodeling, and Role in Tumorigenesis. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:146. [PMID: 37092398 PMCID: PMC10123695 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020146] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a ubiquitous member of the body and is key to the maintenance of tissue and organ integrity. Initially thought to be a bystander in many cellular processes, the extracellular matrix has been shown to have diverse components that regulate and activate many cellular processes and ultimately influence cell phenotype. Importantly, the ECM's composition, architecture, and stiffness/elasticity influence cellular phenotypes. Under normal conditions and during development, the synthesized ECM constantly undergoes degradation and remodeling processes via the action of matrix proteases that maintain tissue homeostasis. In many pathological conditions including fibrosis and cancer, ECM synthesis, remodeling, and degradation is dysregulated, causing its integrity to be altered. Both physical and chemical cues from the ECM are sensed via receptors including integrins and play key roles in driving cellular proliferation and differentiation and in the progression of various diseases such as cancers. Advances in 'omics' technologies have seen an increase in studies focusing on bidirectional cell-matrix interactions, and here, we highlight the emerging knowledge on the role played by the ECM during normal development and in pathological conditions. This review summarizes current ECM-targeted therapies that can modify ECM tumors to overcome drug resistance and better cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- Medical Research Council, SA Wound Healing Unit, Hair and Skin Research Laboratory, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Collet Dandara
- Division of Human Genetics and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- The South African Medical Research Council-UCT Platform for Pharmacogenomics Research and Translation, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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8
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Shade O, Ryan A, Deiters A. Targeted protein degradation through light-activated E3 ligase recruitment. Methods Enzymol 2023; 681:265-286. [PMID: 36764761 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Optical control of protein function through proteasomal degradation benefits from the noninvasive nature and spatiotemporal precision of light as a trigger. In this chapter, light activation of protein degradation with an optically controlled degron, termed optoDeg, is discussed. This method utilizes genetic code expansion to insert a photocaged analog of lysine at the N-terminal position of a protein of interest for spatial and temporal control of the N-end pathway, inducing proteasomal degradation. Methods for the use of optoDeg for degradation of the fluorescent reporter EGFP and the kinase MEK1 are described. The system is fast, with complete degradation of proteins within minutes following irradiation, and highly specific, with genetically directed introduction of the light-activated degron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Shade
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Amy Ryan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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9
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Zhang C, Xu M, He S, Huang J, Xu C, Pu K. Checkpoint Nano-PROTACs for Activatable Cancer Photo-Immunotherapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2208553. [PMID: 36427459 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Checkpoint immunotherapy holds great potential to treat malignancies via blocking the immunosuppressive signaling pathways, which however suffers from inefficiency and off-target adverse effects. Herein, checkpoint nano-proteolysis targeting chimeras (nano-PROTACs) in combination with photodynamic tumor regression and immunosuppressive protein degradation to block checkpoint signaling pathways for activatable cancer photo-immunotherapy are reported. These nano-PROTACs are composed of a photosensitizer (protoporphyrin IX, PpIX) and an Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2)-targeting PROTAC peptide (aPRO) via a caspase 3-cleavable segment. aPRO is activated by the increased expression of caspase 3 in tumor cells after phototherapeutic treatment and induces targeted degradation of SHP2 via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The persistent depletion of SHP2 blocks the immunosuppressive checkpoint signaling pathways (CD47/SIRPα and PD-1/PD-L1), thus reinvigorating antitumor macrophages and T cells. Such a checkpoint PROTAC strategy synergizes immunogenic phototherapy to boost antitumor immune response. Thus, this study represents a generalized PROTAC platform to modulate immune-related signaling pathways for improved anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
| | - Mengke Xu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
| | - Shasha He
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
| | - Jingsheng Huang
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
| | - Cheng Xu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
| | - Kanyi Pu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 636921, Singapore
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10
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Ryan A, Janosko CP, Courtney TM, Deiters A. Engineering SHP2 Phosphatase for Optical Control. Biochemistry 2022; 61:2687-2697. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Ryan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Chasity P. Janosko
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Taylor M. Courtney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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11
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Zhang S, Li Y, Li T, Zhang Y, Li H, Cheng Z, Peng N, Liu Y, Xu J, He H. Activable Targeted Protein Degradation Platform Based on Light-triggered Singlet Oxygen. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3632-3643. [PMID: 35164509 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation technologies (e.g., PROTACs) that can selectively degrade intracellular protein are an emerging class of promising therapeutic modalities. Herein, we describe the conjugation of photosensitizers and protein ligands (PS-Degrons), as an activable targeted protein degradation platform. PS-Degrons are capable of degrading protein of interest via light-triggered 1O2, which is orthogonal and complementary to existing technologies. This generalizable platform allows controllable knockdown of the target protein with high spatiotemporal precision. Our lead compound PSDalpha induces a complete degradation of human estrogen receptor α (ERα) under visible light. The high degrading ERα efficacy of PSDalpha enables an excellent anti-proliferation performance on MCF-7 cells. Our results establish a modular strategy for the controllable degradation of target proteins, which can hopefully overcome the systemic toxicity in clinical treatment of PROTACs. We anticipate that PS-Degrons would open a new chapter for biochemical research and for the therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, Wuhan 430023, P.R. China
| | - Tao Li
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
| | - Haimei Li
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
| | - Zhengzai Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
| | - Na Peng
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
| | - Yi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China.,College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300378, P. R. China
| | - Juan Xu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi 435003, P. R. China
| | - Huan He
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
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12
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Zhang C, He S, Zeng Z, Cheng P, Pu K. Smart Nano‐PROTACs Reprogram Tumor Microenvironment for Activatable Photo‐metabolic Cancer Immunotherapy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202114957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Nanyang Technological University 70 Nanyang Drive 637457 Singapore Singapore
| | - Shasha He
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Nanyang Technological University 70 Nanyang Drive 637457 Singapore Singapore
| | - Ziling Zeng
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Nanyang Technological University 70 Nanyang Drive 637457 Singapore Singapore
| | - Penghui Cheng
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Nanyang Technological University 70 Nanyang Drive 637457 Singapore Singapore
| | - Kanyi Pu
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Nanyang Technological University 70 Nanyang Drive 637457 Singapore Singapore
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Nanyang Technological University 21 Nanyang Link 637371 Singapore Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine Nanyang Technological University 59 Nanyang Drive 636921 Singapore Singapore
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13
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Zhang C, He S, Zeng Z, Cheng P, Pu K. Smart Nano-PROTACs Reprogram Tumor Microenvironment for Activatable Photo-metabolic Cancer Immunotherapy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 61:e202114957. [PMID: 34927316 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202114957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Protease inhibitors can modulate intratumoral metabolic processes to reprogram the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which however suffer from the limited efficacy and off-targeted side effects. We report smart nano-proteolysis targeting chimeras (nano-PROTACs) with phototherapeutic ablation and cancer-specific protein degradation to reprogram the TME for photo-metabolic cancer immunotherapy. This nano-PROTAC has a semiconducting polymer backbone linked with a cyclooxygenase 1/2 (COX-1/2)-targeting PROTAC peptide (CPP) via a cathepsin B (CatB)-cleavable segment. CPP can be activated by the tumor-overexpressed CatB to induce the degradation of COX-1/2 via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The persistent degradation of COX-1/2 depletes their metabolite prostaglandin E2 which is responsible for activation of immune suppressor cells. Such a smart PROTAC strategy synergized with phototherapy specifically reprograms the immunosuppressive TME and reinvigorates antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, 637457, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shasha He
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, 637457, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ziling Zeng
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, 637457, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Penghui Cheng
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, 637457, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kanyi Pu
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, 637457, Singapore, Singapore.,School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637371, Singapore, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore, Singapore
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14
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Ryan A, Hammond GRV, Deiters A. Optical Control of Phosphoinositide Binding: Rapid Activation of Subcellular Protein Translocation and Cell Signaling. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:2886-2895. [PMID: 34748306 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cells utilize protein translocation to specific compartments for spatial and temporal regulation of protein activity, in particular in the context of signaling processes. Protein recognition and binding to various subcellular membranes is mediated by a network of phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP) species bearing one or multiple phosphate moieties on the polar inositol head. Here, we report a new, highly efficient method for optical control of protein localization through the site-specific incorporation of a photocaged amino acid for steric and electrostatic disruption of inositol phosphate recognition and binding. We demonstrate general applicability of the approach by photocaging two unrelated proteins, sorting nexin 3 (SNX3) and the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of phospholipase C delta 1 (PLCδ1), with two distinct PIP binding domains and distinct subcellular localizations. We have established the applicability of this methodology through its application to Son of Sevenless 2 (SOS2), a signaling protein involved in the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) cascade. Upon fusing the photocaged plasma membrane-targeted construct PH-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), to the catalytic domain of SOS2, we demonstrated light-induced membrane localization of the construct resulting in fast and extensive activation of the ERK signaling pathway in NIH 3T3 cells. This approach can be readily extended to other proteins, with minimal protein engineering, and provides a method for acute optical control of protein translocation with rapid and complete activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Ryan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Gerald R. V. Hammond
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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15
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Zhu C, Kou T, Kadi AA, Li J, Zhang Y. Molecular platforms based on biocompatible photoreactions for photomodulation of biological targets. Org Biomol Chem 2021; 19:9358-9368. [PMID: 34632469 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob01613j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Photoirradiation provides a convenient and biocompatible approach for spatiotemporal modulation of biological systems with photoresponsive components. The construction of molecular platforms with a photoresponse to be integrated into biomolecules for photomodulation has been of great research interest in optochemical biology. In this review, we summarize typical molecular platforms that are integratable with biomolecules for photomodulation purposes. We categorize these molecular platforms according to their excitation light source, namely ultraviolet (UV), visible (Vis) or near-infrared (NIR) light. The protype chemistry of these molecular platforms is introduced along with an overview of their most recent applications for spatiotemporal regulation of biomolecular function in living cells or mice models. Challenges and the outlook are also presented. We hope this review paper will contribute to further progress in the development of molecular platforms and their biomedical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Tianzhang Kou
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Adnan A Kadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jinbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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