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Agarwal P, Reid DL, Amiji M. CNS delivery of targeted protein degraders. J Control Release 2024; 372:661-673. [PMID: 38936742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.06.057] [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: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Heterobifunctional small molecule degraders are a subset of targeted protein degraders (TPDs), consisting of two ligands joined by a linker to induce proteasomal degradation of a target protein. As compared to traditional small molecules these compounds generally demonstrate inflated physicochemical properties, which may require innovative formulation strategies to enable their delivery and exert pharmacodynamic effect. The blood brain barrier (BBB) serves an essential function in human physiology, but its presence requires advanced approaches for treating central nervous system (CNS) diseases. By integrating emerging modalities like TPDs with conventional concepts of drug delivery, novel strategies to overcome the BBB can be developed. Amongst the available routes, lipid and polymer-based long-acting delivery seems to be the most amenable to TPDs, due to their ability to encapsulate lipophilic cargo and potential to be functionalized for targeted delivery. Another key consideration will be understanding E3 ligase expression in the different regions of the brain. Discovery of new brain or CNS disease specific E3 ligases could help overcome some of the barriers currently associated with CNS delivery of TPDs. This review discusses the current strategies that exist to overcome and improve therapeutic delivery of TPDs to the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Agarwal
- Drug Product Technologies, Process Development, Amgen, Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, United States of America; Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America
| | - Darren L Reid
- Drug Product Technologies, Process Development, Amgen, Inc., 360 Binney St, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States of America
| | - Mansoor Amiji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America; Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America.
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2
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Sobierajski T, Małolepsza J, Pichlak M, Gendaszewska-Darmach E, Błażewska KM. The impact of E3 ligase choice on PROTAC effectiveness in protein kinase degradation. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104032. [PMID: 38789027 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104032] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTACs) provide a novel therapeutic approach that is revolutionizing drug discovery. The success of PROTACs largely depends on the combination of their three fragments: E3 ligase ligand, linker and protein of interest (POI)-targeting ligand. We summarize the pivotal significance of the precise combination of the E3 ligase ligand with the POI-recruiting warhead, which is crucial for the successful execution of cellular processes and achieving the desired outcomes. Therefore, the key to our selection was the use of at least two ligands recruiting two different ligases. This approach enables a direct comparison of the impacts of the specific ligases on target degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Sobierajski
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
| | - Joanna Małolepsza
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
| | - Marta Pichlak
- Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
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Pierri M, Liu X, Kroupova A, Rutter Z, Hallatt AJ, Ciulli A. Stereochemical inversion at a 1,4-cyclohexyl PROTAC linker fine-tunes conformation and binding affinity. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 110:129861. [PMID: 38942127 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129861] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional small-molecule degraders made of a linker connecting a target-binding moiety to a ubiquitin E3 ligase-binding moiety. The linker unit is known to influence the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of PROTACs, as well as the properties of ternary complexes, in turn impacting on their degradation activity in cells and in vivo. Our LRRK2 PROTAC XL01126, bearing a trans-cyclohexyl group in the linker, is a better and more cooperative degrader than its corresponding cis- analogue despite its much weaker binary binding affinities. Here, we investigate how this subtle stereocenter alteration in the linker affects the ligand binding affinity to the E3 ligase VHL. We designed a series of molecular matched pairs, truncating from the full PROTACs down to the VHL ligand, and find that across the series the trans-cyclohexyl compounds showed consistently weaker VHL-binding affinity compared to the cis- counterparts. High-resolution co-crystal structures revealed that the trans linker exhibits a rigid stick-out conformation, while the cis linker collapses into a folded-back conformation featuring a network of intramolecular contacts and long-range interactions with VHL. These observations are noteworthy as they reveal how a single stereochemical inversion within a PROTAC linker impacts conformational rigidity and binding mode, in turn fine-tuning differentiated propensity to binary and ternary complex formation, and ultimately cellular degradation activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Pierri
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, 1 James Lindsay Place, DD1 5JJ Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Xingui Liu
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, 1 James Lindsay Place, DD1 5JJ Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Alena Kroupova
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, 1 James Lindsay Place, DD1 5JJ Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe Rutter
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, 1 James Lindsay Place, DD1 5JJ Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Alex J Hallatt
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, 1 James Lindsay Place, DD1 5JJ Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Alessio Ciulli
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, 1 James Lindsay Place, DD1 5JJ Dundee, United Kingdom.
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4
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Robinson SA, Co JA, Banik SM. Molecular glues and induced proximity: An evolution of tools and discovery. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1089-1100. [PMID: 38688281 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.04.001] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Small molecule molecular glues can nucleate protein complexes and rewire interactomes. Molecular glues are widely used as probes for understanding functional proximity at a systems level, and the potential to instigate event-driven pharmacology has motivated their application as therapeutics. Despite advantages such as cell permeability and the potential for low off-target activity, glues are still rare when compared to canonical inhibitors in therapeutic development. Their often simple structure and specific ability to reshape protein-protein interactions pose several challenges for widespread, designer applications. Molecular glue discovery and design campaigns can find inspiration from the fields of synthetic biology and biophysics to mine chemical libraries for glue-like molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steven Mark Banik
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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5
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Diehl CJ, Salerno A, Ciulli A. Ternary Complex-Templated Dynamic Combinatorial Chemistry for the Selection and Identification of Homo-PROTACs. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202319456. [PMID: 38626385 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202319456] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic combinatorial chemistry (DCC) leverages a reversible reaction to generate compound libraries from constituting building blocks under thermodynamic control. The position of this equilibrium can be biased by addition of a target macromolecule towards enrichment of bound ligands. While DCC has been applied to select ligands for a single target protein, its application to identifying chimeric molecules inducing proximity between two proteins is unprecedented. In this proof-of-concept study, we develop a DCC approach to select bifunctional proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) based on their ability to stabilize the ternary complex. We focus on VHL-targeting Homo-PROTACs as model system, and show that the formation of a VHL2 : Homo-PROTAC ternary complex reversibly assembled using thiol-disulfide exchange chemistry leads to amplification of potent VHL Homo-PROTACs with degradation activities which correlated well with their biophysical ability to dimerize VHL. Ternary complex templated dynamic combinatorial libraries allowed identification of novel Homo-PROTAC degraders. We anticipate future applications of ternary-complex directed DCC to early PROTAC screenings and expansion to other proximity-inducing modalities beyond PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia J Diehl
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, 1 James Lindsay Place, DD1 5JJ, Dundee, Scotland, U.K
| | - Alessandra Salerno
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, 1 James Lindsay Place, DD1 5JJ, Dundee, Scotland, U.K
| | - Alessio Ciulli
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, 1 James Lindsay Place, DD1 5JJ, Dundee, Scotland, U.K
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6
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Zhang C, Liu Y, Li G, Yang Z, Han C, Sun X, Sheng C, Ding K, Rao Y. Targeting the undruggables-the power of protein degraders. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2024; 69:1776-1797. [PMID: 38614856 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.03.056] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Undruggable targets typically refer to a class of therapeutic targets that are difficult to target through conventional methods or have not yet been targeted, but are of great clinical significance. According to statistics, over 80% of disease-related pathogenic proteins cannot be targeted by current conventional treatment methods. In recent years, with the advancement of basic research and new technologies, the development of various new technologies and mechanisms has brought new perspectives to overcome challenging drug targets. Among them, targeted protein degradation technology is a breakthrough drug development strategy for challenging drug targets. This technology can specifically identify target proteins and directly degrade pathogenic target proteins by utilizing the inherent protein degradation pathways within cells. This new form of drug development includes various types such as proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC), molecular glue, lysosome-targeting Chimaera (LYTAC), autophagosome-tethering compound (ATTEC), autophagy-targeting chimera (AUTAC), autophagy-targeting chimera (AUTOTAC), degrader-antibody conjugate (DAC). This article systematically summarizes the application of targeted protein degradation technology in the development of degraders for challenging drug targets. Finally, the article looks forward to the future development direction and application prospects of targeted protein degradation technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yongbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Guangchen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhouli Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chi Han
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiuyun Sun
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Ke Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yu Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China.
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7
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Dederer V, Sanz Murillo M, Karasmanis EP, Hatch KS, Chatterjee D, Preuss F, Abdul Azeez KR, Nguyen LV, Galicia C, Dreier B, Plückthun A, Versees W, Mathea S, Leschziner AE, Reck-Peterson SL, Knapp S. A designed ankyrin-repeat protein that targets Parkinson's disease-associated LRRK2. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107469. [PMID: 38876305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107469] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a large multidomain protein containing two catalytic domains, a kinase and a GTPase, as well as protein interactions domains, including a WD40 domain. The association of increased LRRK2 kinase activity with both the familial and sporadic forms of Parkinson's disease has led to an intense interest in determining its cellular function. However, small molecule probes that can bind to LRRK2 and report on or affect its cellular activity are needed. Here, we report the identification and characterization of the first high-affinity LRRK2-binding designed ankyrin-repeat protein (DARPin), named E11. Using cryo-EM, we show that DARPin E11 binds to the LRRK2 WD40 domain. LRRK2 bound to DARPin E11 showed improved behavior on cryo-EM grids, resulting in higher resolution LRRK2 structures. DARPin E11 did not affect the catalytic activity of a truncated form of LRRK2 in vitro but decreased the phosphorylation of Rab8A, a LRRK2 substrate, in cells. We also found that DARPin E11 disrupts the formation of microtubule-associated LRRK2 filaments in cells, which are known to require WD40-based dimerization. Thus, DARPin E11 is a new tool to explore the function and dysfunction of LRRK2 and guide the development of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors that target the WD40 domain instead of the kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Dederer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP), Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Marta Sanz Murillo
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP), Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Eva P Karasmanis
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP), Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kathryn S Hatch
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP), Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Deep Chatterjee
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP), Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Franziska Preuss
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Kamal R Abdul Azeez
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP), Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Landon Vu Nguyen
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP), Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Christian Galicia
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Brussels, Belgium; Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Birgit Dreier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wim Versees
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Brussels, Belgium; Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sebastian Mathea
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP), Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Andres E Leschziner
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP), Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Samara L Reck-Peterson
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP), Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA.
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP), Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA.
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Naoi M, Maruyama W, Shamoto-Nagai M, Riederer P. Toxic interactions between dopamine, α-synuclein, monoamine oxidase, and genes in mitochondria of Parkinson's disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024; 131:639-661. [PMID: 38196001 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02730-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is characterized by its distinct pathological features; loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and accumulation of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites containing modified α-synuclein. Beneficial effects of L-DOPA and dopamine replacement therapy indicate dopamine deficit as one of the main pathogenic factors. Dopamine and its oxidation products are proposed to induce selective vulnerability in dopamine neurons. However, Parkinson's disease is now considered as a generalized disease with dysfunction of several neurotransmitter systems caused by multiple genetic and environmental factors. The pathogenic factors include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, α-synuclein accumulation, programmed cell death, impaired proteolytic systems, neuroinflammation, and decline of neurotrophic factors. This paper presents interactions among dopamine, α-synuclein, monoamine oxidase, its inhibitors, and related genes in mitochondria. α-Synuclein inhibits dopamine synthesis and function. Vice versa, dopamine oxidation by monoamine oxidase produces toxic aldehydes, reactive oxygen species, and quinones, which modify α-synuclein, and promote its fibril production and accumulation in mitochondria. Excessive dopamine in experimental models modifies proteins in the mitochondrial electron transport chain and inhibits the function. α-Synuclein and familiar Parkinson's disease-related gene products modify the expression and activity of monoamine oxidase. Type A monoamine oxidase is associated with neuroprotection by an unspecific dose of inhibitors of type B monoamine oxidase, rasagiline and selegiline. Rasagiline and selegiline prevent α-synuclein fibrillization, modulate this toxic collaboration, and exert neuroprotection in experimental studies. Complex interactions between these pathogenic factors play a decisive role in neurodegeneration in PD and should be further defined to develop new therapies for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Naoi
- Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aichi Gakuin University, 12 Araike, Iwasaki-cho, Nisshin, Aichi, 320-0195, Japan.
| | - Wakako Maruyama
- Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aichi Gakuin University, 12 Araike, Iwasaki-cho, Nisshin, Aichi, 320-0195, Japan
| | - Masayo Shamoto-Nagai
- Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aichi Gakuin University, 12 Araike, Iwasaki-cho, Nisshin, Aichi, 320-0195, Japan
| | - Peter Riederer
- Clinical Neurochemistry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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9
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Cai Z, Yang Z, Li H, Fang Y. Research progress of PROTACs for neurodegenerative diseases therapy. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107386. [PMID: 38643565 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107386] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) are characterized by the gradual deterioration of neuronal function and integrity, resulting in an overall decline in brain function. The existing therapeutic options for NDD, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, fall short of meeting the clinical demand. A prominent pathological hallmark observed in numerous neurodegenerative disorders is the aggregation and misfolding of proteins both within and outside neurons. These abnormal proteins play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeted degradation of irregular proteins offers a promising avenue for NDD treatment. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) function via the ubiquitin-proteasome system and have emerged as a novel and efficacious approach in drug discovery. PROTACs can catalytically degrade "undruggable" proteins even at exceptionally low concentrations, allowing for precise quantitative control of aberrant protein levels. In this review, we present a compilation of reported PROTAC structures and their corresponding biological activities aimed at addressing NDD. Spanning from 2016 to present, this review provides an up-to-date overview of PROTAC-based therapeutic interventions. Currently, most protein degraders intended for NDD treatment remain in the preclinical research phase. Overcoming several challenges is imperative, including enhancing oral bioavailability and permeability across the blood-brain barrier, before these compounds can progress to clinical research or eventually reach the market. However, armed with an enhanced comprehension of the underlying pathological mechanisms and the emergence of innovative scaffolds for protein degraders, along with further structural optimization, we are confident that PROTAC possesses the potential to make substantial breakthroughs in the field of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifang Cai
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Zunhua Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Huilan Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Manufacturing Technology of TCM Solid Preparation, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yuanying Fang
- National Engineering Research Center for Manufacturing Technology of TCM Solid Preparation, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China.
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10
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Zhang D, Ma B, Dragovich PS, Ma L, Chen S, Chen EC, Ye X, Liu J, Pizzano J, Bortolon E, Chan E, Zhang X, Chen YC, Levy ES, Yauch RL, Khojasteh SC, Hop CECA. Tissue distribution and retention drives efficacy of rapidly clearing VHL-based PROTACs. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:87. [PMID: 38755248 PMCID: PMC11099041 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00505-y] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are being developed for therapeutic use. However, they have poor pharmacokinetic profiles and their tissue distribution kinetics are not known. METHODS A typical von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor (VHL)-PROTAC 14C-A947 (BRM degrader)-was synthesized and its tissue distribution kinetics was studied by quantitative whole-body autoradiography (QWBA) and tissue excision in rats following IV dosing. Bile duct-cannulated (BDC) rats allowed the elucidation of in vivo clearance pathways. Distribution kinetics was evaluated in the tissues and tumors of mice to support PK-PD correlation. In vitro studies enabled the evaluation of cell uptake mechanisms and cell retention properties. RESULTS Here, we show that A947 quickly distributes into rat tissues after IV dosing, where it accumulates and is retained in tissues such as the lung and liver although it undergoes fast clearance from circulation. Similar uptake/retention kinetics enable tumor growth inhibition over 2-3 weeks in a lung cancer model. A947 quickly excretes in the bile of rats. Solute carrier (SLC) transporters are involved in hepatocyte uptake of PROTACs. Sustained BRM protein degradation is seen after extensive washout that supports prolonged cell retention of A947 in NCI-H1944 cells. A947 tissue exposure and pharmacodynamics are inversely correlated in tumors. CONCLUSIONS Plasma sampling for VHL-PROTAC does not represent the tissue concentrations necessary for efficacy. Understanding of tissue uptake and retention could enable less frequent IV administration to be used for therapeutic dosing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donglu Zhang
- Genentech; 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
| | - Bin Ma
- Genentech; 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | | | - Li Ma
- Genentech; 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Shu Chen
- Genentech; 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Eugene C Chen
- Genentech; 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Xiaofen Ye
- Genentech; 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Joyce Liu
- Genentech; 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Jennifer Pizzano
- Arvinas; 5 Science Park, 395 Winchester Ave, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | | | - Emily Chan
- Genentech; 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Xing Zhang
- Genentech; 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Yi-Chen Chen
- Genentech; 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | | | - Robert L Yauch
- Genentech; 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
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11
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Mousavi H, Rimaz M, Zeynizadeh B. Practical Three-Component Regioselective Synthesis of Drug-Like 3-Aryl(or heteroaryl)-5,6-dihydrobenzo[ h]cinnolines as Potential Non-Covalent Multi-Targeting Inhibitors To Combat Neurodegenerative Diseases. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1828-1881. [PMID: 38647433 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00055] [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] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are one of the prominent health challenges facing contemporary society, and many efforts have been made to overcome and (or) control it. In this research paper, we described a practical one-pot two-step three-component reaction between 3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one (1), aryl(or heteroaryl)glyoxal monohydrates (2a-h), and hydrazine monohydrate (NH2NH2•H2O) for the regioselective preparation of some 3-aryl(or heteroaryl)-5,6-dihydrobenzo[h]cinnoline derivatives (3a-h). After synthesis and characterization of the mentioned cinnolines (3a-h), the in silico multi-targeting inhibitory properties of these heterocyclic scaffolds have been investigated upon various Homo sapiens-type enzymes, including hMAO-A, hMAO-B, hAChE, hBChE, hBACE-1, hBACE-2, hNQO-1, hNQO-2, hnNOS, hiNOS, hPARP-1, hPARP-2, hLRRK-2(G2019S), hGSK-3β, hp38α MAPK, hJNK-3, hOGA, hNMDA receptor, hnSMase-2, hIDO-1, hCOMT, hLIMK-1, hLIMK-2, hRIPK-1, hUCH-L1, hPARK-7, and hDHODH, which have confirmed their functions and roles in the neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), based on molecular docking studies, and the obtained results were compared with a wide range of approved drugs and well-known (with IC50, EC50, etc.) compounds. In addition, in silico ADMET prediction analysis was performed to examine the prospective drug properties of the synthesized heterocyclic compounds (3a-h). The obtained results from the molecular docking studies and ADMET-related data demonstrated that these series of 3-aryl(or heteroaryl)-5,6-dihydrobenzo[h]cinnolines (3a-h), especially hit ones, can really be turned into the potent core of new drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), and/or due to the having some reactionable locations, they are able to have further organic reactions (such as cross-coupling reactions), and expansion of these compounds (for example, with using other types of aryl(or heteroaryl)glyoxal monohydrates) makes a new avenue for designing novel and efficient drugs for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Mousavi
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Urmia University, Urmia 5756151818, Iran
| | - Mehdi Rimaz
- Department of Chemistry, Payame Noor University, P.O. Box 19395-3697, Tehran 19395-3697, Iran
| | - Behzad Zeynizadeh
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Urmia University, Urmia 5756151818, Iran
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12
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Chen Y, Xue H, Jin J. Applications of protein ubiquitylation and deubiquitylation in drug discovery. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107264. [PMID: 38582446 PMCID: PMC11087986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107264] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome system (UPS) is the major machinery mediating specific protein turnover in eukaryotic cells. By ubiquitylating unwanted, damaged, or harmful proteins and driving their degradation, UPS is involved in many important cellular processes. Several new UPS-based technologies, including molecular glue degraders and PROTACs (proteolysis-targeting chimeras) to promote protein degradation, and DUBTACs (deubiquitinase-targeting chimeras) to increase protein stability, have been developed. By specifically inducing the interactions between different Ub ligases and targeted proteins that are not otherwise related, molecular glue degraders and PROTACs degrade targeted proteins via the UPS; in contrast, by inducing the proximity of targeted proteins to deubiquitinases, DUBTACs are created to clear degradable poly-Ub chains to stabilize targeted proteins. In this review, we summarize the recent research progress in molecular glue degraders, PROTACs, and DUBTACs and their applications. We discuss immunomodulatory drugs, sulfonamides, cyclin-dependent kinase-targeting molecular glue degraders, and new development of PROTACs. We also introduce the principle of DUBTAC and its applications. Finally, we propose a few future directions of these three technologies related to targeted protein homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Chen
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haoan Xue
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Jianping Jin
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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13
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Kuemper S, Cairns AG, Birchall K, Yao Z, Large JM. Targeted protein degradation in CNS disorders: a promising route to novel therapeutics? Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1370509. [PMID: 38685916 PMCID: PMC11057381 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1370509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is a rapidly expanding field, with various PROTACs (proteolysis-targeting chimeras) in clinical trials and molecular glues such as immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs) already well established in the treatment of certain blood cancers. Many current approaches are focused on oncology targets, leaving numerous potential applications underexplored. Targeting proteins for degradation offers a novel therapeutic route for targets whose inhibition remains challenging, such as protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases. This mini review focuses on the prospect of utilizing TPD for neurodegenerative disease targets, particularly PROTAC and molecular glue formats and opportunities for novel CNS E3 ligases. Some key challenges of utilizing such modalities including molecular design of degrader molecules, drug delivery and blood brain barrier penetrance will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Kuemper
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew G. Cairns
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, United Kingdom
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14
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Price E, Weinheimer M, Rivkin A, Jenkins G, Nijsen M, Cox PB, DeGoey D. Beyond Rule of Five and PROTACs in Modern Drug Discovery: Polarity Reducers, Chameleonicity, and the Evolving Physicochemical Landscape. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5683-5698. [PMID: 38498697 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Developing orally bioavailable drugs demands an understanding of absorption in early drug development. Traditional methods and physicochemical properties optimize absorption for rule of five (Ro5) compounds; beyond rule of five (bRo5) drugs necessitate advanced tools like the experimental measure of exposed polarity (EPSA) and the AbbVie multiparametric score (AB-MPS). Analyzing AB-MPS and EPSA against ∼1000 compounds with human absorption data and ∼10,000 AbbVie tool compounds (∼1000 proteolysis targeting chimeras or PROTACs, ∼7000 Ro5s, and ∼2000 bRo5s) revealed new patterns of physicochemical trends. We introduced a high-throughput "polarity reduction" descriptor: ETR, the EPSA-to-topological polar surface area (TPSA) ratio, highlights unique bRo5 and PROTAC subsets for specialized drug design strategies for effective absorption. Our methods and guidelines refine drug design by providing innovative in vitro approaches, enhancing physicochemical property optimization, and enabling accurate predictions of intestinal absorption in the complex bRo5 domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Price
- Research and Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Manuel Weinheimer
- Research and Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Alexey Rivkin
- Research and Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Gary Jenkins
- Research and Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Marjoleen Nijsen
- Research and Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Philip B Cox
- Research and Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - David DeGoey
- Research and Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
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15
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Kaushik A, Parashar S, Ambasta RK, Kumar P. Ubiquitin E3 ligases assisted technologies in protein degradation: Sharing pathways in neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102279. [PMID: 38521359 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102279] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
E3 ligases, essential components of the ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated protein degradation system, play a critical role in cellular regulation. By covalently attaching ubiquitin (Ub) molecules to target proteins, these ligases mark them for degradation, influencing various bioprocesses. With over 600 E3 ligases identified, there is a growing realization of their potential as therapeutic candidates for addressing proteinopathies in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). Recent research has highlighted the need to delve deeper into the intricate roles of E3 ligases as nexus points in the pathogenesis of both cancer and NDDs. Their dysregulation is emerging as a common thread linking these seemingly disparate diseases, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their molecular intricacies. Herein, we have discussed (i) the fundamental mechanisms through which different types of E3 ligases actively participate in selective protein degradation in cancer and NDDs, followed by an examination of common E3 ligases playing pivotal roles in both situations, emphasising common players. Moving to, (ii) the functional domains and motifs of E3 ligases involved in ubiquitination, we have explored their interactions with specific substrates in NDDs and cancer. Additionally, (iii) we have explored techniques like PROTAC, molecular glues, and other state-of-the-art methods for hijacking neurotoxic and oncoproteins. Lastly, (iv) we have provided insights into ongoing clinical trials, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of E3-based therapeutics for cancer and NDDs. Unravelling the intricate network of E3 ligase-mediated regulation holds the key to unlocking targeted therapies that address the specific molecular signatures of individual patients, heralding a new era in personalized medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aastha Kaushik
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042, India
| | - Somya Parashar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042, India
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, SRM University-Sonepat, Haryana, India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042, India.
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16
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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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17
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Sharma A, Verwilst P, Li M, Ma D, Singh N, Yoo J, Kim Y, Yang Y, Zhu JH, Huang H, Hu XL, He XP, Zeng L, James TD, Peng X, Sessler JL, Kim JS. Theranostic Fluorescent Probes. Chem Rev 2024; 124:2699-2804. [PMID: 38422393 PMCID: PMC11132561 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The ability to gain spatiotemporal information, and in some cases achieve spatiotemporal control, in the context of drug delivery makes theranostic fluorescent probes an attractive and intensely investigated research topic. This interest is reflected in the steep rise in publications on the topic that have appeared over the past decade. Theranostic fluorescent probes, in their various incarnations, generally comprise a fluorophore linked to a masked drug, in which the drug is released as the result of certain stimuli, with both intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli being reported. This release is then signaled by the emergence of a fluorescent signal. Importantly, the use of appropriate fluorophores has enabled not only this emerging fluorescence as a spatiotemporal marker for drug delivery but also has provided modalities useful in photodynamic, photothermal, and sonodynamic therapeutic applications. In this review we highlight recent work on theranostic fluorescent probes with a particular focus on probes that are activated in tumor microenvironments. We also summarize efforts to develop probes for other applications, such as neurodegenerative diseases and antibacterials. This review celebrates the diversity of designs reported to date, from discrete small-molecule systems to nanomaterials. Our aim is to provide insights into the potential clinical impact of this still-emerging research direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Sharma
- Amity
School of Chemical Sciences, Amity University
Punjab, Sector 82A, Mohali 140 306, India
| | - Peter Verwilst
- Rega
Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box 1041, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mingle Li
- College
of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen
University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Dandan Ma
- College
of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen
University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- College
of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Nem Singh
- Department
of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Jiyoung Yoo
- Department
of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Yujin Kim
- Department
of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Ying Yang
- School of
Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi
University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Jing-Hui Zhu
- College
of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen
University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- College
of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Haiqiao Huang
- College
of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen
University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- College
of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xi-Le Hu
- Key
Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research
Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa
Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, School of Chemistry and
Molecular Engineering, East China University
of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xiao-Peng He
- Key
Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research
Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa
Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, School of Chemistry and
Molecular Engineering, East China University
of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
- National
Center for Liver Cancer, the International Cooperation Laboratory
on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary
Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Lintao Zeng
- School of
Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi
University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Tony D. James
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
- School
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan
Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Xiaojun Peng
- College
of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen
University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- State
Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian
University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Jonathan L. Sessler
- Department
of Chemistry, The University of Texas at
Austin, Texas 78712-1224, United
States
| | - Jong Seung Kim
- Department
of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- TheranoChem Incorporation, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea
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18
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Suo Y, Du D, Chen C, Zhu H, Wang X, Song N, Lu D, Yang Y, Li J, Wang J, Luo Z, Zhou B, Luo C, Zhou H. Uncovering PROTAC Sensitivity and Efficacy by Multidimensional Proteome Profiling: A Case for STAT3. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38466231 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) is a powerful technology that can effectively trigger the degradation of target proteins. The intricate interplay among various factors leads to a heterogeneous drug response, bringing about significant challenges in comprehending drug mechanisms. Our study applied data-independent acquisition-based mass spectrometry to multidimensional proteome profiling of PROTAC (DIA-MPP) to uncover the efficacy and sensitivity of the PROTAC compound. We profiled the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) PROTAC degrader in six leukemia and lymphoma cell lines under multiple conditions, demonstrating the pharmacodynamic properties and downstream biological responses. Through comparison between sensitive and insensitive cell lines, we revealed that STAT1 can be regarded as a biomarker for STAT3 PROTAC degrader, which was validated in cells, patient-derived organoids, and mouse models. These results set an example for a comprehensive description of the multidimensional PROTAC pharmacodynamic response and PROTAC drug sensitivity biomarker exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Suo
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Daohai Du
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongwen Zhu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiongjun Wang
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Nixue Song
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dayun Lu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yaxi Yang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiacheng Li
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhongyuan Luo
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bing Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528437, China
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
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19
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Bertran-Mostazo A, Putriūtė G, Álvarez-Berbel I, Busquets MA, Galdeano C, Espargaró A, Sabate R. Proximity-Induced Pharmacology for Amyloid-Related Diseases. Cells 2024; 13:449. [PMID: 38474412 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050449] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Proximity-induced pharmacology (PIP) for amyloid-related diseases is a cutting-edge approach to treating conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. By bringing small molecules close to amyloid-related proteins, these molecules can induce a plethora of effects that can break down pathogenic proteins and reduce the buildup of plaques. One of the most promising aspects of this drug discovery modality is that it can be used to target specific types of amyloid proteins, such as the beta-amyloid protein that is commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease. This level of specificity could allow for more targeted and effective treatments. With ongoing research and development, it is hoped that these treatments can be refined and optimized to provide even greater benefits to patients. As our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these diseases continues to grow, proximity-induced pharmacology treatments may become an increasingly important tool in the fight against dementia and other related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bertran-Mostazo
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabrielė Putriūtė
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Álvarez-Berbel
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Antònia Busquets
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Galdeano
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Espargaró
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raimon Sabate
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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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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Huang J, Ma Z, Peng X, Yang Z, Wu Y, Zhong G, Ouyang T, Chen Z, Liu Y, Wang Q, Chen J, Chen T, Zeng Z. Discovery of Novel Potent and Fast BTK PROTACs for the Treatment of Osteoclasts-Related Inflammatory Diseases. J Med Chem 2024; 67:2438-2465. [PMID: 38321747 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01414] [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: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an attractive target in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, the effectiveness of BTK inhibitors is limited by side effects and drug resistance. In this study, we report the development of novel BTK proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) with different classes of BTK-targeting ligands (e.g., spebrutinib) other than ibrutinib. Compound 23 was identified as a potent and fast BTK PROTAC degrader, exhibiting outstanding degradation potency and efficiency in Mino cells (DC50, 4 h = 1.29 ± 0.3 nM, t1/2, 20 nM = 0.59 ± 0.20 h). Furthermore, compound 23 forms a stable ternary complex, as confirmed by the HTRF assay. Notably, 23 down-regulated the BTK-PLCγ2-Ca2+-NFATc1 signaling pathway activated by RANKL, thus inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and attenuating alveolar bone resorption in a mouse periodontitis model. These findings suggest that compound 23 is a potent and promising candidate for osteoclast-related inflammatory diseases, expanding the potential of BTK PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junli Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Zeli Ma
- Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaopeng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biofabrication for Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Zichao Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuhao Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Guanghong Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Tianfeng Ouyang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Instrumental Analysis Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qirui Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhenhua Zeng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
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22
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Wang Y, Zheng J, Long Y, Wu W, Zhu Y. Direct degradation and stabilization of proteins: New horizons in treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115989. [PMID: 38122854 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115989] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is featured with excessive hepatic lipid accumulation and its global prevalence is soaring. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the severe systemic inflammatory subtype of NAFLD, is tightly associated with metabolic comorbidities, and the hepatocytes manifest severe inflammation and ballooning. Currently the therapeutic options for treating NASH are limited. Potent small molecules specifically intervene with the signaling pathways that promote pathogenesis of NASH. Nevertheless they have obvious adverse effects and show long-term ineffectiveness in clinical trials. It poses the fundamental question to efficiently and safely inhibit the pathogenic processes. Targeted protein degradation (TPD) belongs to the direct degradation strategies and is a burgeoning strategy. It utilizes the small molecules to bind to the target proteins and recruit the endogenous proteasome, lysosome and autophagosome-mediated degradation machineries. They effectively and specifically degrade the target proteins. It has exhibited promising therapeutic effects in treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and other diseases in a catalytic manner at low doses. We critically discuss the principles of multiple direct degradation strategies, especially PROTAC and ATTEC. We extensively analyze their emerging application in degradation of excessive pathogenic proteins and lipid droplets, which promote the progression of NASH. Moreover, we discuss the opposite strategy that utilizes the small molecules to recruit deubiquinases to stabilize the NASH/MASH-suppressing proteins. Their advantages, limitations, as well as the solutions to address the limitations have been analyzed. In summary, the innovative direct degradation strategies provide new insights into design of next-generation therapeutics to combat NASH with optimal safety paradigm and efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibing Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, PR China.
| | - Jianan Zheng
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Yun Long
- Department of Endocrinology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, PR China
| | - Wenyi Wu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Yutong Zhu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China
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23
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Zhou C, Fan Z, Gu Y, Ge Z, Tao Z, Cui R, Li Y, Zhou G, Huo R, Gao M, Wang D, He W, Zheng M, Zhang S, Xu T. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Potent and Selective PROTAC Degraders of Oncogenic KRAS G12D. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1147-1167. [PMID: 38197882 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
KRASG12D, the most frequent KRAS oncogenic mutation, is a promising target for cancer therapy. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a series of KRASG12D PROTACs by connecting the analogues of MRTX1133 and the VHL ligand. Structural modifications of the linker moiety and KRAS inhibitor part suggested a critical role of membrane permeability in the degradation activity of the KRASG12D PROTACs. Mechanism studies with the representative compound 8o demonstrated that the potent, rapid, and selective degradation of KRASG12D induced by 8o was via a VHL- and proteasome-dependent manner. This compound selectively and potently suppressed the growth of multiple KRASG12D mutant cancer cells, displayed favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties in mice, and showed significant antitumor efficacy in the AsPC-1 xenograft mouse model. Further optimization of 8o appears to be promising for the development of a new chemotherapy for KRASG12D-driven cancers as the complementary therapeutic strategy to KRAS inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zisheng Fan
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuejiao Gu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhiming Ge
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Zhaofan Tao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Rongrong Cui
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yupeng Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas at EI Paso, EI Paso, Texas 79902, United States
| | - Guizhen Zhou
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ruifeng Huo
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mingshan Gao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dan Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wei He
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Mingyue Zheng
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Sulin Zhang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tianfeng Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, 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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24
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Zhu H, Hixson P, Ma W, Sun J. Pharmacology of LRRK2 with type I and II kinase inhibitors revealed by cryo-EM. Cell Discov 2024; 10:10. [PMID: 38263358 PMCID: PMC10805800 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00639-8] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
LRRK2 is one of the most promising drug targets for Parkinson's disease. Though type I kinase inhibitors of LRRK2 are under clinical trials, alternative strategies like type II inhibitors are being actively pursued due to the potential undesired effects of type I inhibitors. Currently, a robust method for LRRK2-inhibitor structure determination to guide structure-based drug discovery is lacking, and inhibition mechanisms of available compounds are also unclear. Here we present near-atomic-resolution structures of LRRK2 with type I (LRRK2-IN-1 and GNE-7915) and type II (rebastinib, ponatinib, and GZD-824) inhibitors, uncovering the structural basis of LRRK2 inhibition and conformational plasticity of the kinase domain with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Type I and II inhibitors bind to LRRK2 in active-like and inactive conformations, so LRRK2-inhibitor complexes further reveal general structural features associated with LRRK2 activation. Our study provides atomic details of LRRK2-inhibitor interactions and a framework for understanding LRRK2 activation and for rational drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwen Zhu
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Patricia Hixson
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Wen Ma
- Department of Physics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA.
| | - Ji Sun
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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25
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Geiger TM, Walz M, Meyners C, Kuehn A, Dreizler JK, Sugiarto WO, Maciel EVS, Zheng M, Lermyte F, Hausch F. Discovery of a Potent Proteolysis Targeting Chimera Enables Targeting the Scaffolding Functions of FK506-Binding Protein 51 (FKBP51). Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202309706. [PMID: 37942685 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202309706] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP51) is a promising target in a variety of disorders including depression, chronic pain, and obesity. Previous FKBP51-targeting strategies were restricted to occupation of the FK506-binding site, which does not affect core functions of FKBP51. Here, we report the discovery of the first FKBP51 proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) that enables degradation of FKBP51 abolishing its scaffolding function. Initial synthesis of 220 FKBP-focused PROTACs yielded a plethora of active PROTACs for FKBP12, six for FKBP51, and none for FKBP52. Structural analysis of a binary FKBP12:PROTAC complex revealed the molecular basis for negative cooperativity. Linker-based optimization of first generation FKBP51 PROTACs led to the PROTAC SelDeg51 with improved cellular activity, selectivity, and high cooperativity. The structure of the ternary FKBP51:SelDeg51:VCB complex revealed how SelDeg51 establishes cooperativity by dimerizing FKBP51 and the von Hippel-Lindau protein (VHL) in a glue-like fashion. SelDeg51 efficiently depletes FKBP51 and reactivates glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-signalling, highlighting the enhanced efficacy of full protein degradation compared to classical FKBP51 binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Geiger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Clemens-Schöpf-Institute, Technical University Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Straße 4, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Michael Walz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Clemens-Schöpf-Institute, Technical University Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Straße 4, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christian Meyners
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Clemens-Schöpf-Institute, Technical University Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Straße 4, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Angela Kuehn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Clemens-Schöpf-Institute, Technical University Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Straße 4, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Johannes K Dreizler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Clemens-Schöpf-Institute, Technical University Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Straße 4, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Wisely O Sugiarto
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Clemens-Schöpf-Institute, Technical University Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Straße 4, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Edvaldo V S Maciel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Clemens-Schöpf-Institute, Technical University Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Straße 4, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Min Zheng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Clemens-Schöpf-Institute, Technical University Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Straße 4, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Frederik Lermyte
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Clemens-Schöpf-Institute, Technical University Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Straße 4, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Felix Hausch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Clemens-Schöpf-Institute, Technical University Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Straße 4, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64283, Darmstadt, Germany
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26
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Rossetti P, Apprato G, Caron G, Ermondi G, Rossi Sebastiano M. DegraderTCM: A Computationally Sparing Approach for Predicting Ternary Degradation Complexes. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:45-53. [PMID: 38229751 PMCID: PMC10788944 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs or degraders) represent a novel therapeutic modality that has raised interest thanks to promising results and currently undergoing clinical testing. PROTACs induce the selective proteasomal degradation of undesired proteins by the formation of ternary complexes (TCs). Having knowledge of the 3D structure of TCs is crucial for the design of PROTAC drugs. Here, we describe DegraderTCM, a new computational method for modeling PROTAC-mediated TCs that requires low computational power and provides sound results in a short time span. We validated DegraderTCM against a selected set of experimentally determined structures and defined a method to predict the PROTAC degradation activity based on the computed TC structure. Finally, we modeled TCs of known degraders holding significance for defining the method's applicability domain. A retrospective analysis of structure-activity relationships unveiled possibilities for utilizing DegraderTCM in the initial stages of designing novel PROTAC drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Rossetti
- University of Torino, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences,
CASSMedChem, Piazza Nizza
44, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Apprato
- University of Torino, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences,
CASSMedChem, Piazza Nizza
44, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Caron
- University of Torino, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences,
CASSMedChem, Piazza Nizza
44, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ermondi
- University of Torino, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences,
CASSMedChem, Piazza Nizza
44, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Matteo Rossi Sebastiano
- University of Torino, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences,
CASSMedChem, Piazza Nizza
44, 10126 Torino, Italy
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27
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Fasiczka R, Hilfiker S. Targeting LRRK2 mRNA stability in Parkinson's disease. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:1-3. [PMID: 37858439 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.10.003] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
In a recent study, Liu and colleagues demonstrated a role for the purine biosynthesis enzyme ATIC and its substrate in regulating the protein levels of the Parkinson's disease kinase LRRK2, which rescues neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in distinct animal models. This work highlights a novel avenue to target LRRK2 protein levels as a strategy to prevent neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Fasiczka
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Sabine Hilfiker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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28
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Zeng S, Ye Y, Xia H, Min J, Xu J, Wang Z, Pan Y, Zhou X, Huang W. Current advances and development strategies of orally bioavailable PROTACs. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115793. [PMID: 37708797 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have been an area of intensive research with the potential to extend drug space not target to traditional molecules. In the last half decade, we have witnessed several PROTACs initiated phase I/II/III clinical trials, which inspired us a lot. However, the structure of PROTACs beyond "rule of 5" resulted in developing PROTACs with acceptable oral pharmacokinetic (PK) properties remain one of the biggest bottleneck tasks. Many reports have demonstrated that it is possible to access orally bioavailable PROTACs through rational ligand and linker modifications. In this review, we systematically reviewed and highlighted the most recent advances in orally bioavailable PROTACs development, especially focused on the medicinal chemistry campaign of discovery process and in vivo oral PK properties. Moreover, the constructive strategies for developing oral PROTACs were proposed comprehensively. Collectively, we believe that the strategies summarized here may provide references for further development of oral PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenxin Zeng
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China.
| | - Yingqiao Ye
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Heye Xia
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Jingli Min
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Jiamei Xu
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Zunyuan Wang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Youlu Pan
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Xinglu Zhou
- HealZen Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China.
| | - Wenhai Huang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China.
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Sanz Murillo M, Villagran Suarez A, Dederer V, Chatterjee D, Alegrio Louro J, Knapp S, Mathea S, Leschziner AE. Inhibition of Parkinson's disease-related LRRK2 by type I and type II kinase inhibitors: Activity and structures. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadk6191. [PMID: 38039358 PMCID: PMC10691770 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk6191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are a common cause of familial Parkinson's disease (PD) and a risk factor for the sporadic form. Increased kinase activity was shown in patients with both familial and sporadic PD, making LRRK2 kinase inhibitors a major focus of drug development efforts. Although much progress has been made in understanding the structural biology of LRRK2, there are no available structures of LRRK2 inhibitor complexes. To this end, we solved cryo-electron microscopy structures of LRRK2, wild-type and PD-linked mutants, bound to the LRRK2-specific type I inhibitor MLi-2 and the broad-spectrum type II inhibitor GZD-824. Our structures revealed an active-like LRRK2 kinase in the type I inhibitor complex, and an inactive DYG-out in the type II inhibitor complex. Our structural analysis also showed how inhibitor-induced conformational changes in LRRK2 are affected by its autoinhibitory N-terminal repeats. The structures provide a template for the rational development of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors covering both canonical inhibitor binding modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sanz Murillo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Researcg Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Amalia Villagran Suarez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Researcg Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Verena Dederer
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Researcg Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt 60438, Germany
| | - Deep Chatterjee
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Researcg Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt 60438, Germany
| | - Jaime Alegrio Louro
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Researcg Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Researcg Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt 60438, Germany
| | - Sebastian Mathea
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Researcg Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt 60438, Germany
| | - Andres E. Leschziner
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Researcg Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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30
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Cao R, Chen C, Wen J, Zhao W, Zhang C, Sun L, Yuan L, Wu C, Shan L, Xi M, Sun H. Recent advances in targeting leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 as a potential strategy for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Bioorg Chem 2023; 141:106906. [PMID: 37837728 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106906] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Several single gene mutations involved in PD have been identified such as leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), the most common cause of sporadic and familial PD. Its mutations have attracted much attention to therapeutically targeting this kinase. To date, many compounds including small chemical molecules with diverse scaffolds and RNA agents have been developed with significant amelioration in preclinical PD models. Currently, five candidates, DNL201, DNL151, WXWH0226, NEU-723 and BIIB094, have advanced to clinical trials for PD treatment. In this review, we describe the structure, pathogenic mutations and the mechanism of LRRK2, and summarize the development of LRRK2 inhibitors in preclinical and clinical studies, trying to provide an insight into targeting LRRK2 for PD intervention in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiwei Cao
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Fat-soluble Vitamin, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China; Zhejiang Medicine Co. Ltd., Shaoxing 312500, China
| | - Caiping Chen
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Fat-soluble Vitamin, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China; Zhejiang Medicine Co. Ltd., Shaoxing 312500, China
| | - Jing Wen
- Zhejiang Medicine Co. Ltd., Shaoxing 312500, China
| | - Weihe Zhao
- Zhejiang Medicine Co. Ltd., Shaoxing 312500, China
| | | | - Longhui Sun
- Zhejiang Medicine Co. Ltd., Shaoxing 312500, China
| | - Liyan Yuan
- Zhejiang Medicine Co. Ltd., Shaoxing 312500, China
| | - Chunlei Wu
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Fat-soluble Vitamin, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Lei Shan
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Fat-soluble Vitamin, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Meiyang Xi
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Fat-soluble Vitamin, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China.
| | - Haopeng Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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31
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Mancarella C, Morrione A, Scotlandi K. PROTAC-Based Protein Degradation as a Promising Strategy for Targeted Therapy in Sarcomas. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16346. [PMID: 38003535 PMCID: PMC10671294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216346] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are heterogeneous bone and soft tissue cancers representing the second most common tumor type in children and adolescents. Histology and genetic profiling discovered more than 100 subtypes, which are characterized by peculiar molecular vulnerabilities. However, limited therapeutic options exist beyond standard therapy and clinical benefits from targeted therapies were observed only in a minority of patients with sarcomas. The rarity of these tumors, paucity of actionable mutations, and limitations in the chemical composition of current targeted therapies hindered the use of these approaches in sarcomas. Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is an innovative pharmacological modality to directly alter protein abundance with promising clinical potential in cancer, even for undruggable proteins. TPD is based on the use of small molecules called degraders or proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which trigger ubiquitin-dependent degradation of protein of interest. In this review, we will discuss major features of PROTAC and PROTAC-derived genetic systems for target validation and cancer treatment and focus on the potential of these approaches to overcome major issues connected to targeted therapies in sarcomas, including drug resistance, target specificity, and undruggable targets. A deeper understanding of these strategies might provide new fuel to drive molecular and personalized medicine to sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Mancarella
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Morrione
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
| | - Katia Scotlandi
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
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32
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Sathe G, Sapkota GP. Proteomic approaches advancing targeted protein degradation. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:786-801. [PMID: 37778939 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is an emerging modality for research and therapeutics. Most TPD approaches harness cellular ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic pathways. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and molecular glue (MG) degraders (MGDs) represent the most advanced TPD approaches, with some already used in clinical settings. Despite these advances, TPD still faces many challenges, pertaining to both the development of effective, selective, and tissue-penetrant degraders and understanding their mode of action. In this review, we focus on progress made in addressing these challenges. In particular, we discuss the utility and application of recent proteomic approaches as indispensable tools to enable insights into degrader development, including target engagement, degradation selectivity, efficacy, safety, and mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gajanan Sathe
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK.
| | - Gopal P Sapkota
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK.
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33
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Sarott R, Gourisankar S, Karim B, Nettles S, Yang H, Dwyer BG, Simanauskaite JM, Tse J, Abuzaid H, Krokhotin A, Zhang T, Hinshaw SM, Green MR, Crabtree GR, Gray NS. Borrowing Transcriptional Kinases to Activate Apoptosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.23.563687. [PMID: 37961702 PMCID: PMC10634765 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.23.563687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Protein kinases are disease drivers whose therapeutic targeting traditionally centers on inhibition of enzymatic activity. Here chemically induced proximity is leveraged to convert kinase inhibitors into context-specific activators of therapeutic genes. Bivalent molecules that link ligands of the transcription factor B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) to ATP-competitive inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) were developed to re-localize CDK to BCL6-bound loci on chromatin and direct phosphorylation of RNA Pol II. The resulting BCL6-target proapoptotic gene expression translated into killing of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells at 72 h with EC50s of 0.9 - 10 nM and highly specific ablation of the BCL6-regulated germinal center response in mice. The molecules exhibited 10,000-fold lower cytotoxicity in normal lymphocytes and are well tolerated in mice. Genomic and proteomic evidence corroborated a gain-of-function mechanism where, instead of global enzyme inhibition, a fraction of total kinase activity is borrowed and re-localized to BCL6-bound loci. The strategy demonstrates how kinase inhibitors can be used to context-specifically activate transcription, accessing new therapeutic space.
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34
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Cooper MS, Norley MC, Armitage S, Cresser-Brown JO, Edmonds AK, Goggins S, Hopewell JP, Karadogan B, Knights KA, Nash TJ, Oakes CS, O'Neill WJ, Pridmore SJ, Maple HJ, Marsh GP. Efficient, multi-hundred-gram scale access to E3 ubiquitin ligase ligands for degrader development. Org Biomol Chem 2023; 21:8344-8352. [PMID: 37800999 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob00983a] [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: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Small molecule heterobifunctional degraders (commonly also known as PROTACs) offer tremendous potential to deliver new therapeutics in areas of unmet medical need. To deliver on this promise, a new discipline directed at degrader design and optimization has emerged within medicinal chemistry to address a central challenge, namely how to optimize relatively large, heterobifunctional molecules for activity, whilst maintaining drug-like properties. This process involves simultaneous optimization of the three principle degrader components: E3 ubiquitin ligase ligand, linker, and protein of interest (POI) ligand. A substantial degree of commonality exists with the E3 ligase ligands typically used at the early stages of degrader development, resulting in demand for these compounds as chemical building blocks in degrader research programs. We describe herein a collation of large scale, high-yielding syntheses to access the most utilized E3 ligase ligands to support early-stage degrader development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Cooper
- Bio-Techne (Tocris), The Watkins Building, Atlantic Road, Bristol, BS11 9QD, UK.
| | - Mark C Norley
- Bio-Techne (Tocris), The Watkins Building, Atlantic Road, Bristol, BS11 9QD, UK.
| | - Simon Armitage
- Bio-Techne (Tocris), The Watkins Building, Atlantic Road, Bristol, BS11 9QD, UK.
| | - Joel O Cresser-Brown
- Bio-Techne (Tocris), The Watkins Building, Atlantic Road, Bristol, BS11 9QD, UK.
| | - Anthony K Edmonds
- Bio-Techne (Tocris), The Watkins Building, Atlantic Road, Bristol, BS11 9QD, UK.
| | - Sean Goggins
- Bio-Techne (Tocris), The Watkins Building, Atlantic Road, Bristol, BS11 9QD, UK.
| | - Jonathan P Hopewell
- Bio-Techne (Tocris), The Watkins Building, Atlantic Road, Bristol, BS11 9QD, UK.
| | - Burhan Karadogan
- Bio-Techne (Tocris), The Watkins Building, Atlantic Road, Bristol, BS11 9QD, UK.
| | - Kevin A Knights
- Bio-Techne (Tocris), The Watkins Building, Atlantic Road, Bristol, BS11 9QD, UK.
| | - Toby J Nash
- Bio-Techne (Tocris), The Watkins Building, Atlantic Road, Bristol, BS11 9QD, UK.
| | - Catherine S Oakes
- Bio-Techne (Tocris), The Watkins Building, Atlantic Road, Bristol, BS11 9QD, UK.
| | - William J O'Neill
- Bio-Techne (Tocris), The Watkins Building, Atlantic Road, Bristol, BS11 9QD, UK.
| | - Simon J Pridmore
- Bio-Techne (Tocris), The Watkins Building, Atlantic Road, Bristol, BS11 9QD, UK.
| | - Hannah J Maple
- Bio-Techne (Tocris), The Watkins Building, Atlantic Road, Bristol, BS11 9QD, UK.
| | - Graham P Marsh
- Bio-Techne (Tocris), The Watkins Building, Atlantic Road, Bristol, BS11 9QD, UK.
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35
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Amirian R, Badrbani MA, Derakhshankhah H, Izadi Z, Shahbazi MA. Targeted protein degradation for the treatment of Parkinson's disease: Advances and future perspective. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115408. [PMID: 37651798 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115408] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive disorder that belongs to a class of neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) called Synucleinopathies. It has characterized by the misfolding and aggregation of a-synuclein. Our understanding of PD continues to evolve, and so does our approach to treatment. including therapies aimed at delaying pathology, quitting neuronal loss, and shortening the course of the disease by selectively targeting essential proteins suspected to play a role in PD pathogenesis. One emerging approach that is generating significant interest is Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD). TPD is an innovative method that allows us to specifically break down certain proteins using specially designed molecules or peptides, like PROteolysis-TArgeting-Chimera (PROTACs). This approach holds great promise, particularly in the context of NDs. In this review, we will briefly explain PD and its pathogenesis, followed by discussing protein degradation systems and TPD strategy in PD by reviewing synthesized small molecules and peptides. Finally, future perspectives and challenges in the field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshanak Amirian
- Student research committee, School of pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azadi Badrbani
- Student research committee, School of pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Hossein Derakhshankhah
- USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Zhila Izadi
- USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Mohammad-Ali Shahbazi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands; W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands.
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36
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Hatcher JM, Zwirek M, Sarhan AR, Vatsan PS, Tonelli F, Alessi DR, Davies P, Gray NS. Development of a highly potent and selective degrader of LRRK2. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 94:129449. [PMID: 37591317 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson's Disease (PD) represents a critical need in neurodegenerative medicine. Genetic mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are risk factors for the development of PD, and some of these mutations have been linked to increased LRRK2 kinase activity and neuronal toxicity in cellular and animal models. Furthermore, LRRK2 function as a scaffolding protein in several pathways has been implicated as a plausible mechanism underlying neurodegeneration caused by LRRK2 mutations. Given that both the kinase activity and scaffolding function of LRRK2 have been linked to neurodegeneration, we developed proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) targeting LRRK2. The degrader molecule JH-XII-03-02 (6) displayed high potency and remarkable selectivity for LRKK2 when assessed in a of 468 panel kinases and serves the dual purpose of eliminating both the kinase activity as well as the scaffolding function of LRRK2.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Hatcher
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 360 Longwood Ave, Longwood Center LC-2209, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Monika Zwirek
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Adil R Sarhan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Nasiriyah Technical Institute, Southern Technical University, Nasiriyah 64001, Iraq
| | - Prasanna S Vatsan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 360 Longwood Ave, Longwood Center LC-2209, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Francesca Tonelli
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Dario R Alessi
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Davies
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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37
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Wang W, Wang X, Tang G, Zhu C, Xiang M, Xiao Q, Zhang ZM, Gao L, Yao SQ. Multitarget inhibitors/probes that target LRRK2 and AURORA A kinases noncovalently and covalently. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:10789-10792. [PMID: 37594149 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc03530a] [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: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report a salicylaldehyde-based, reversible covalent inhibitor (A2) that possesses moderate cellular activity against AURKA with a prolonged residence time and shows significant non-covalent inhibition towards LRRK2. Our results indicated that this multitarget kinase inhibitor may be used as the starting point for future development of more potent, selective and dual-targeting covalent kinase inhibitors against AURKA and LRRK2 for mitophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, China.
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
| | - Xuan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Guanghui Tang
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
| | - Chengjun Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Menghua Xiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Qicai Xiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Zhi-Min Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Liqian Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Shao Q Yao
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
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38
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Zhao C, Wang H, Zhan W, Lv X, Ma X. Exploitation of Proximity-Mediated Effects in Drug Discovery: An Update of Recent Research Highlights in Perturbing Pathogenic Proteins and Correlated Issues. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10122-10149. [PMID: 37489834 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00079] [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: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The utilization of proximity-mediated effects to perturb pathogenic proteins of interest (POIs) has emerged as a powerful strategic alternative to conventional drug design approaches based on target occupancy. Over the past three years, the burgeoning field of targeted protein degradation (TPD) has witnessed the expansion of degradable POIs to membrane-associated, extracellular, proteasome-resistant, and even microbial proteins. Beyond TPD, researchers have achieved the proximity-mediated targeted protein stabilization, the recruitment of intracellular immunophilins to disturb undruggable targets, and the nonphysiological post-translational modifications of POIs. All of these strides provide new avenues for innovative drug discovery aimed at battling human malignancies and other major diseases. This perspective presents recent research highlights and discusses correlated issues in developing therapeutic modalities that exploit proximity-mediated effects to modulate pathogenic proteins, thereby guiding future academic and industrial efforts in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Henian Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Wenhu Zhan
- iCarbonX (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Xiaoqing Lv
- College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
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39
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Liu Q, Zhu D, Li N, Chen S, Hu L, Yu J, Xiong Y. Regulation of LRRK2 mRNA stability by ATIC and its substrate AICAR through ARE-mediated mRNA decay in Parkinson's disease. EMBO J 2023; 42:e113410. [PMID: 37366237 PMCID: PMC10390876 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022113410] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in LRRK2 are the most common genetic causes of Parkinson's disease (PD). While the enzymatic activity of LRRK2 has been linked to PD, previous work has also provided support for an important role of elevated LRRK2 protein levels, independent of enzymatic activity, in PD pathogenesis. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of LRRK2 protein levels remain unclear. Here, we identify a role for the purine biosynthesis pathway enzyme ATIC in the regulation of LRRK2 levels and toxicity. AICAr, the precursor of ATIC substrate, regulates LRRK2 levels in a cell-type-specific manner in vitro and in mouse tissue. AICAr regulates LRRK2 levels through AUF1-mediated mRNA decay. Upon AICAr treatment, the RNA binding protein AUF1 is recruited to the AU-rich elements (ARE) of LRRK2 mRNA leading to the recruitment of the decapping enzyme complex DCP1/2 and decay of LRRK2 mRNA. AICAr suppresses LRRK2 expression and rescues LRRK2-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in PD Drosophila and mouse models. Together, this study provides insight into a novel regulatory mechanism of LRRK2 protein levels and function via LRRK2 mRNA decay that is distinct from LRRK2 enzymatic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinfang Liu
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of Connecticut School of MedicineFarmingtonCTUSA
| | - Dong Zhu
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of Connecticut School of MedicineFarmingtonCTUSA
| | - Naren Li
- Department of Physiology & NeurobiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsCTUSA
| | - Shifan Chen
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of Connecticut School of MedicineFarmingtonCTUSA
| | - Liang Hu
- Department of Physiology & NeurobiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsCTUSA
| | - Jianzhong Yu
- Department of Physiology & NeurobiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsCTUSA
| | - Yulan Xiong
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of Connecticut School of MedicineFarmingtonCTUSA
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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: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [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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41
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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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Liang J, Wu Y, Lan K, Dong C, Wu S, Li S, Zhou HB. Antiviral PROTACs: Opportunity borne with challenge. CELL INSIGHT 2023; 2:100092. [PMID: 37398636 PMCID: PMC10308200 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2023.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degradation of pathogenic proteins by hijacking of the ubiquitin-proteasome-system has become a promising strategy in drug design. The overwhelming advantages of PROTAC technology have ensured a rapid and wide usage, and multiple PROTACs have entered clinical trials. Several antiviral PROTACs have been developed with promising bioactivities against various pathogenic viruses. However, the number of reported antiviral PROTACs is far less than that of other diseases, e.g., cancers, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, possibly because of the common deficiencies of PROTAC technology (e.g., limited available ligands and poor membrane permeability) plus the complex mechanism involved and the high tendency of viral mutation during transmission and replication, which may challenge the successful development of effective antiviral PROTACs. This review highlights the important advances in this rapidly growing field and critical limitations encountered in developing antiviral PROTACs by analyzing the current status and representative examples of antiviral PROTACs and other PROTAC-like antiviral agents. We also summarize and analyze the general principles and strategies for antiviral PROTAC design and optimization with the intent of indicating the potential strategic directions for future progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsen Liang
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yihe Wu
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ke Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Chune Dong
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shuwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Shu Li
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
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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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Hu J, Zhang D, Tian K, Ren C, Li H, Lin C, Huang X, Liu J, Mao W, Zhang J. Small-molecule LRRK2 inhibitors for PD therapy: Current achievements and future perspectives. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115475. [PMID: 37201428 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a multifunctional protein that orchestrates a diverse array of cellular processes, including vesicle transport, autophagy, lysosome degradation, neurotransmission, and mitochondrial activity. Hyperactivation of LRRK2 triggers vesicle transport dysfunction, neuroinflammation, accumulation of α-synuclein, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the loss of cilia, ultimately leading to Parkinson's disease (PD). Therefore, targeting LRRK2 protein is a promising therapeutic strategy for PD. The clinical translation of LRRK2 inhibitors was historically impeded by issues surrounding tissue specificity. Recent studies have identified LRRK2 inhibitors that have no effect on peripheral tissues. Currently, there are four small-molecule LRRK2 inhibitors undergoing clinical trials. This review provides a summary of the structure and biological functions of LRRK2, along with an overview of the binding modes and structure-activity relationships (SARs) of small-molecule inhibitors targeting LRRK2. It offers valuable references for developing novel drugs targeting LRRK2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Hu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Keyue Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Changyu Ren
- Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Heng Li
- Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Congcong Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Medicine Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiaoli Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Wuyu Mao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Mi D, Li Y, Gu H, Li Y, Chen Y. Current advances of small molecule E3 ligands for proteolysis-targeting chimeras design. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115444. [PMID: 37178483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) as an emerging drug discovery modality has been extensively concerned in recent years. Over 20 years development, accumulated studies have demonstrated that PROTACs show unique advantages over traditional therapy in operable target scope, efficacy, and overcoming drug resistance. However, only limited E3 ligases, the essential elements of PROTACs, have been harnessed for PROTACs design. The optimization of novel ligands for well-established E3 ligases and the employment of additional E3 ligases remain urgent challenges for investigators. Here, we systematically summarize the current status of E3 ligases and corresponding ligands for PROTACs design with a focus on their discovery history, design principles, application benefits, and potential defects. Meanwhile, the prospects and future directions for this field are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dazhao Mi
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yuzhan Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Haijun Gu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yan Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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Tseng YL, Lu PC, Lee CC, He RY, Huang YA, Tseng YC, Cheng TJR, Huang JJT, Fang JM. Degradation of neurodegenerative disease-associated TDP-43 aggregates and oligomers via a proteolysis-targeting chimera. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:27. [PMID: 37101169 PMCID: PMC10131537 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00921-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) associated with TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) aggregation has been considered as a lethal and progressive motor neuron disease. Recent studies have shown that both C-terminal TDP-43 (C-TDP-43) aggregates and oligomers were neurotoxic and pathologic agents in ALS and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). However, misfolding protein has long been considered as an undruggable target by applying conventional inhibitors, agonists, or antagonists. To provide this unmet medical need, we aim to degrade these misfolding proteins by designing a series of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) against C-TDP-43. METHODS By applying filter trap assay, western blotting, and microscopy imaging, the degradation efficiency of C-TDP-43 aggregates was studied in Neuro-2a cells overexpressing eGFP-C-TDP-43 or mCherry-C-TDP-43. The cell viability was characterized by alarmarBlue assay. The beneficial and disaggregating effects of TDP-43 PROTAC were examined with the YFP-C-TDP-43 transgenic C. elegans by motility assay and confocal microscopy. The impact of TDP-43 PROTAC on C-TDP-43 oligomeric intermediates was monitored by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and size exclusion chromatography in the Neuro-2a cells co-expressing eGFP-C-TDP-43 and mCherry-C-TDP-43. RESULTS Four PROTACs with different linker lengths were synthesized and characterized. Among these chimeras, PROTAC 2 decreased C-TDP-43 aggregates and relieved C-TDP-43-induced cytotoxicity in Neuro-2a cells without affecting endogenous TDP-43. We showed that PROTAC 2 bound to C-TDP-43 aggregates and E3 ligase to initiate ubiquitination and proteolytic degradation. By applying advanced microscopy, it was further shown that PROTAC 2 decreased the compactness and population of C-TDP-43 oligomers. In addition to cellular model, PROTAC 2 also improved the motility of transgenic C. elegans by reducing the C-TDP-43 aggregates in the nervous system. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated the dual-targeting capacity of the newly-designed PROTAC 2 against both C-TDP-43 aggregates and oligomers to reduce their neurotoxicity, which shed light on the potential drug development for ALS as well as other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Tseng
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chao Lu
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chang Lee
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Ruei-Yu He
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Yung-An Huang
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Chen Tseng
- The Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | | | - Joseph Jen-Tse Huang
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
- Sustainable Chemical Science and Technology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, 600, Taiwan.
- Neuroscience Program of Academia Sinica, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
| | - Jim-Min Fang
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
- The Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
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47
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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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48
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Tang X, Xing S, Ma M, Xu Z, Guan Q, Chen Y, Feng F, Liu W, Chen T, Chen Y, Sun H. The Development and Design Strategy of Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 Inhibitors: Promising Therapeutic Agents for Parkinson's Disease. J Med Chem 2023; 66:2282-2307. [PMID: 36758171 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Mutations in the gene encoding leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most common genetic risk factor for PD. Elevated LRRK2 kinase activity is found in idiopathic and familial PD cases. LRRK2 mutations are involved in multiple PD pathogeneses, including dysregulation of mitochondrial homeostasis, ciliogenesis, etc. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the biological function, structure, and mutations of LRRK2. We also examine recent advances and challenges in developing LRRK2 inhibitors and address prospective protein-based targeting strategies. The binding mechanisms, structure-activity relationships, and pharmacokinetic features of inhibitors are emphasized to provide a comprehensive compendium on the rational design of LRRK2 inhibitors. We hope that this publication can serve as a guide for designing novel LRRK2 inhibitors based on the summarized facts and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Tang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuaishuai Xing
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingkang Ma
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziwei Xu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianwen Guan
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Chen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Feng
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceuticals Science College, Institute of Food and Pharmaceuticals Research, Huai'an 223005, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyuan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingkai Chen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
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Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have shown great therapeutic potential by degrading various disease-causing proteins, particularly those related to tumors. Therefore, the introduction of PROTACs has ushered in a new chapter of antitumor drug development, marked by significant advances over recent years. Herein, we describe recent developments in PROTAC technology, focusing on design strategy, development workflow, and future outlooks. We also discuss potential opportunities and challenges for PROTAC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minglei Li
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Bo Liu
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Qingqiang Yao
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
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50
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O' Donovan DH, De Fusco C, Kuhnke L, Reichel A. Trends in Molecular Properties, Bioavailability, and Permeability across the Bayer Compound Collection. J Med Chem 2023; 66:2347-2360. [PMID: 36752336 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
For oral drugs, medicinal chemists aim to design compounds with high oral bioavailability, of which permeability is a key determinant. Taking advantage of >2000 compounds tested in rat bioavailability studies and >20,000 compounds tested in Caco2 assays at Bayer, we have examined the molecular properties governing bioavailability and permeability. In addition to classical parameters such as logD and molecular weight, we also investigated the relationship between calculated pKa and permeability. We find that neutral compounds retain permeability up to a molecular weight limit of 700, while stronger acids and bases are restricted to weights of 400-500. We also investigate trends for common properties such as hydrogen bond donors and acceptors, polar surface area, aromatic ring count, and rotatable bonds, including compounds which exceed Lipinski's rule of five (Ro5). These property-structure relationships are combined to provide design guidelines for bioavailable drugs in both traditional and "beyond rule of 5" (bRo5) chemical space.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lara Kuhnke
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Bayer AG, 13342 Berlin, Germany
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