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Yan S, Zhang G, Luo W, Xu M, Peng R, Du Z, Liu Y, Bai Z, Xiao X, Qin S. PROTAC technology: From drug development to probe technology for target deconvolution. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116725. [PMID: 39083982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116725] [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: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Drug development remains a critical focus within the global pharmaceutical industry. To date, more than 80 % of disease targets are considered difficult to target. The emergence of PROTAC technology has, to some extent, alleviated this challenge. Since introduction, PROTAC technology has evolved through the peptide E3 ligase ligand phase and the small molecule E3 ligase ligand phase. Currently, multiple PROTAC molecules are in the clinical research phase, showing promising potential for addressing drug resistance, disease recurrence, and intractable targets. Target deconvolution is a crucial step in the drug discovery and development process. Due to the exceptional targeting ability and specificity of PROTAC, it is widely used and promoted as an innovative technology for discovering new drug targets, leading to significant breakthroughs. The use of PROTAC probe requires only a catalytic dose and weak interaction with the target protein to achieve target degradation. Thus, it offers substantial advantages over traditional probes, particularly in identifying new targets that are low-abundance or difficult to target. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements made by PROTAC technology in drug development and drug target discovery, while also systematically reviewing the workflow of PROTAC probe. With the ongoing development of PROTAC technology, PROTAC probe is poised to become a key research area in future drug target deconvolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Yan
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, PR China; Department of Hepatology, China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Guangshuai Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, PR China; Department of Hepatology, China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wei Luo
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, PR China
| | - Mengwei Xu
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, PR China
| | - Rui Peng
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, PR China
| | - Ziwei Du
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, PR China
| | - Yan Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, PR China
| | - Zhaofang Bai
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Department of Hepatology, China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Xiaohe Xiao
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Department of Hepatology, China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Shuanglin Qin
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Research Center for Precision Medication of Chinese Medicine, FuRong Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China; Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, PR China; Department of Hepatology, China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China.
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Zhang P, Zhang L, Wang Z, Cheng Q, Wu W, Li J, Liang G, Narain R. Acid-Responsive Polymer Micelles for Targeted Delivery and Bioorthogonal Activation of Prodrug through Ru Catalyst in Tumor Cells. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:5834-5846. [PMID: 39191734 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00489] [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: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Bioorthogonal reactions present a promising strategy for minimizing off-target toxicity in cancer chemotherapy, yet a dependable nanoplatform is urgently required. Here, we have fabricated an acid-responsive polymer micelle for the specific delivery and activation of the prodrug within tumor cells through Ru catalyst-mediated bioorthogonal reactions. The decomposition of micelles, triggered by the cleavage of the hydrazone bond in the acidic lysosomal environment, facilitated the concurrent release of Alloc-DOX and the Ru catalyst within the cells. Subsequently, the uncaging process of Alloc-DOX was demonstrated to be induced by the high levels of glutathione within tumor cells. Notably, the limited glutathione inside normal cells prevented the conversion of Alloc-DOX into active DOX, thereby minimizing the toxicity toward normal cells. In tumor-bearing mice, this nanoplatform exhibited enhanced efficacy in tumor suppression while minimizing off-target toxicity. Our study provides an innovative approach for in situ drug activation that combines safety and effectiveness in cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, P. R. China
| | - Leitao Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, P. R. China
| | - Zhihao Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, P. R. China
| | - Qiuli Cheng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, P. R. China
| | - Wenlan Wu
- School of Medicine, Henan University of Science & Technology, Luoyang 471023, P. R. China
| | - Junbo Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, P. R. China
| | - Gaofeng Liang
- School of Medicine, Henan University of Science & Technology, Luoyang 471023, P. R. China
| | - Ravin Narain
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G6, Canada
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Tomarchio EG, Turnaturi R, Saccullo E, Patamia V, Floresta G, Zagni C, Rescifina A. Tetrazine-trans-cyclooctene ligation: Unveiling the chemistry and applications within the human body. Bioorg Chem 2024; 150:107573. [PMID: 38905885 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107573] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Bioorthogonal reactions have revolutionized chemical biology by enabling selective chemical transformations within living organisms and cells. This review comprehensively explores bioorthogonal chemistry, emphasizing inverse-electron-demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA) reactions between tetrazines and strained dienophiles and their crucial role in chemical biology and various applications within the human body. This highly reactive and selective reaction finds diverse applications, including cleaving antibody-drug conjugates, prodrugs, proteins, peptide antigens, and enzyme substrates. The versatility extends to hydrogel chemistry, which is crucial for biomedical applications, yet it faces challenges in achieving precise cellularization. In situ activation of cytotoxic compounds from injectable biopolymer belongs to the click-activated protodrugs against cancer (CAPAC) platform, an innovative approach to tumor-targeted prodrug delivery and activation. The CAPAC platform, relying on click chemistry between trans-cyclooctene (TCO) and tetrazine-modified biopolymers, exhibits modularity across diverse tumor characteristics, presenting a promising approach in anticancer therapeutics. The review highlights the importance of bioorthogonal reactions in developing radiopharmaceuticals for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and theranostics, offering a promising avenue for diverse therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Grazia Tomarchio
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Rita Turnaturi
- Institute of Cristallography CNR-IC, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Erika Saccullo
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Patamia
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Floresta
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Zagni
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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Li B, Tian J, Wu C, Li Z, Qiao L, Xie Z, Song B, Shan Y, Chen S, Tang Y, Ping Y, Liu B. Nitric Oxide-Activated Bioorthogonal Codelivery Nanoassembly for In Situ Synthesis of Photothermal Agent for Precise and Safe Anticancer Treatment. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2405502. [PMID: 38885327 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202405502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The development of bioorthogonal activation in drug release represents a promising avenue for precise and safe anticancer treatment. However, two significant limitations currently hinder their clinical application: i) the necessity for separate administration of the drug precursor and its corresponding activator, leading to poor drug accumulation and potential side effects; ii) the reliance on exogenous metal or organic activators for triggering bioorthogonal activation, which often exhibit low efficiency and systemic toxicity when extending to living animals. To overcome these limitations, a nitric oxide (NO)-mediated bioorthogonal codelivery nanoassembly, termed TTB-NH2@PArg, which comprises a precursor molecular (TTB-NH2) and amphipathic polyarginine (PArg) is developed. In TTB-NH2@PArg, PArg serves as both self-assembled nanocarrier for TTB-NH2 and a NO generator. In tumor microenvironment (TME), the TME-specific generation of NO acts as a gas activator, triggering in situ bioorthogonal bond formation that transforms TTB-NH2 into TTB-AZO. This tumor-specific generation of TTB-AZO not only serves as a potential photothermal agent for effective tumor inhibition but also induces fluorescence change that enables real-time monitoring of bioorthogonal activation. This study presents a drug codelivery approach that enables precise and safe control of bioorthogonal activation for anticancer treatment, improving cancer therapy efficacy while minimizing side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Jianwu Tian
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Chongzhi Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyao Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Li Qiao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Zongliang Xie
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Bo Song
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Yi Shan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Siqin Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Yufu Tang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Yuan Ping
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
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5
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Fan L, Tong W, Wei A, Mu X. Progress of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) delivery system in tumor treatment. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 275:133680. [PMID: 38971291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) can use the intrinsic protein degradation system in cells to degrade pathogenic target proteins, and are currently a revolutionary frontier of development strategy for tumor treatment with small molecules. However, the poor water solubility, low cellular permeability, and off-target side effects of most PROTACs have prevented them from passing the preclinical research stage of drug development. This requires the use of appropriate delivery systems to overcome these challenging hurdles and ensure precise delivery of PROTACs towards the tumor site. Therefore, the combination of PROTACs and multifunctional delivery systems will open up new research directions for targeted degradation of tumor proteins. In this review, we systematically reviewed the design principles and the most recent advances of various PROTACs delivery systems. Moreover, the constructive strategies for developing multifunctional PROTACs delivery systems were proposed comprehensively. This review aims to deepen the understanding of PROTACs drugs and promote the further development of PROTACs delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianlian Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Weifang Tong
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Anhui Wei
- Jilin University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xupeng Mu
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China.
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Chen Y, Zhang L, Fang L, Chen C, Zhang D, Peng T. Modular Development of Enzyme-Activatable Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras for Selective Protein Degradation and Cancer Targeting. JACS AU 2024; 4:2564-2577. [PMID: 39055140 PMCID: PMC11267540 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
As an emerging therapeutic modality, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) indiscriminately degrade proteins in both healthy and diseased cells, posing a risk of on-target off-site toxicity in normal tissues. Herein, we present the modular development of enzyme-activatable PROTACs, which utilize enzyme-recognition moieties to block protein degradation activities and can be specifically activated by elevated enzymes in cancer cells to enable cell-selective protein degradation and cancer targeting. We identified the methylene alkoxy carbamate (MAC) unit as an optimal self-immolative linker, possessing high stability and release efficiency for conjugating enzyme-recognition moieties with PROTACs. Leveraging the MAC linker, we developed a series of enzyme-activatable PROTACs, harnessing distinct enzymes for cancer-cell-selective protein degradation. Significantly, we introduced the first dual-enzyme-activatable PROTAC that requires the presence of two cancer-associated enzymes for activation, demonstrating highly selective protein degradation in cancer cells over nonmalignant cells, potent in vivo antitumor efficacy, and no off-tumor toxicity to normal tissues. The broad applicability of enzyme-activatable PROTACs was further demonstrated by caging other PROTACs via the MAC linker to target different proteins and E3 ligases. Our work underscores the substantial potential of enzyme-activatable PROTACs in overcoming the off-site toxicity associated with conventional PROTACs and offers new opportunities for targeted cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchi Chen
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- National
Key Laboratory of Non-Food Biomass Energy Technology, National Engineering
Research Center for Non-Food Biorefinery, Institute of Grand Health, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, 98 Daling Road, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lincheng Fang
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chengjie Chen
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Tao Peng
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Institute
of Chemical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
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He S, Fang Y, Zhu Y, Ma Z, Dong G, Sheng C. Drugtamer-PROTAC Conjugation Strategy for Targeted PROTAC Delivery and Synergistic Antitumor Therapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2401623. [PMID: 38639391 PMCID: PMC11220662 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as a promising strategy for targeted protein degradation and drug discovery. To overcome the inherent limitations of conventional PROTACs, an innovative drugtamer-PROTAC conjugation approach is developed to enhance tumor targeting and antitumor potency. Specifically, a smart prodrug is designed by conjugating "drugtamer" to a nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) PROTAC using a tumor microenvironment responsible linker. The "drugtamer" consists of fluorouridine nucleotide and DNA-like oligomer. Compared to NAMPT PROTAC and the combination of PROTAC + fluorouracil, the designed prodrug AS-2F-NP demonstrates superior tumor targeting, efficient cellular uptake, improved in vivo potency and reduced side effects. This study provides a promising strategy for the precise delivery of PROTAC and synergistic antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng He
- Institute of Translational MedicineShanghai University99 Shangda RoadShanghai200444P. R. China
| | - Yuxin Fang
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE)School of PharmacySecond Military Medical University (Naval Medical University)325 Guohe RoadShanghai200433P. R. China
| | - Yaojin Zhu
- Institute of Translational MedicineShanghai University99 Shangda RoadShanghai200444P. R. China
| | - Ziyang Ma
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE)School of PharmacySecond Military Medical University (Naval Medical University)325 Guohe RoadShanghai200433P. R. China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE)School of PharmacySecond Military Medical University (Naval Medical University)325 Guohe RoadShanghai200433P. R. China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE)School of PharmacySecond Military Medical University (Naval Medical University)325 Guohe RoadShanghai200433P. R. China
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Wang Y, Yang L, Yan C, Du Y, Li T, Yang W, Lei L, He B, Gao H, Peppas NA, Cao J. Supramolecular artificial Nano-AUTACs enable tumor-specific metabolism protein degradation for synergistic immunotherapy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn8079. [PMID: 38905336 PMCID: PMC11192078 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn8079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy-targeting chimera (AUTAC) has emerged as a powerful modality that can selectively degrade tumor-related pathogenic proteins, but its low bioavailability and nonspecific distribution significantly restrict their therapeutic efficacy. Inspired by the guanine structure of AUTAC molecules, we here report supramolecular artificial Nano-AUTACs (GM NPs) engineered by AUTAC molecule GN [an indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) degrader] and nucleoside analog methotrexate (MTX) through supramolecular interactions for tumor-specific protein degradation. Their nanostructures allow for precise localization and delivery into cancer cells, where the intracellular acidic environment can disrupt the supramolecular interactions to release MTX for eradicating tumor cells, modulating tumor-associated macrophages, activating dendritic cells, and inducing autophagy. Specifically, the induced autophagy facilitates the released GN for degrading immunosuppressive IDO to further enhance effector T cell activity and inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. This study offers a unique strategy for building a nanoplatform to advance the field of AUTAC in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhen Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Lianyi Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Chenxing Yan
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Yufan Du
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Tinghua Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Wenqing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Lei Lei
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Bin He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Huile Gao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Nicholas A. Peppas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jun Cao
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
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Ren X, Yang Y, Kong X, Liu Z. Integrin α vβ 3-targeted self-assembled polypeptide nanomicelles for efficacious sonodynamic therapy against breast cancer. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:9953-9965. [PMID: 38693876 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00794h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is an advanced non-invasive cancer treatment strategy with moderate tissue penetration, less invasiveness and a reliable curative effect. However, due to the low stability, potential bio-toxicity and lack of tumor targeting capability of most sonosensitizers, the vast clinical application of SDT has been challenging and limited. Therefore, it is desirable to develop a novel approach to implement sonosensitizers to SDT for cancer treatments. In this study, an amphiphilic polypeptide was designed to effectively encapsulate rose bengal (RB) as a model sonosensitizer to form peptido-nanomicelles (REPNs). The as-fabricated REPNs demonstrated satisfactory tumor targeting and fluorescence performances, which made them superb imaging tracers in vivo. In the meantime, they generated considerable amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to promote tumor cell apoptosis under ultrasound irradiation and showed excellent anti-tumor performance without obvious side effects. These engineered nanomicelles in combination with medical ultrasound may be used to achieve integrin αvβ3-targeted sonodynamic therapy against breast cancer, and it is also a promising non-invasive cancer treatment strategy for clinical translations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueli Ren
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yanxi Yang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xinru Kong
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, China.
| | - Zhe Liu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, China.
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Chen W, Wu Y, Xing D. New-generation advanced PROTACs as potential therapeutic agents in cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:110. [PMID: 38773495 PMCID: PMC11107062 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02024-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) technology has garnered significant attention over the last 10 years, representing a burgeoning therapeutic approach with the potential to address pathogenic proteins that have historically posed challenges for traditional small-molecule inhibitors. PROTACs exploit the endogenous E3 ubiquitin ligases to facilitate degradation of the proteins of interest (POIs) through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in a cyclic catalytic manner. Despite recent endeavors to advance the utilization of PROTACs in clinical settings, the majority of PROTACs fail to progress beyond the preclinical phase of drug development. There are multiple factors impeding the market entry of PROTACs, with the insufficiently precise degradation of favorable POIs standing out as one of the most formidable obstacles. Recently, there has been exploration of new-generation advanced PROTACs, including small-molecule PROTAC prodrugs, biomacromolecule-PROTAC conjugates, and nano-PROTACs, to improve the in vivo efficacy of PROTACs. These improved PROTACs possess the capability to mitigate undesirable physicochemical characteristics inherent in traditional PROTACs, thereby enhancing their targetability and reducing off-target side effects. The new-generation of advanced PROTACs will mark a pivotal turning point in the realm of targeted protein degradation. In this comprehensive review, we have meticulously summarized the state-of-the-art advancements achieved by these cutting-edge PROTACs, elucidated their underlying design principles, deliberated upon the prevailing challenges encountered, and provided an insightful outlook on future prospects within this burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Wujun Chen
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Yudong Wu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Dongming Xing
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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11
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Chang M, Gao F, Gnawali G, Xu H, Dong Y, Meng X, Li W, Wang Z, Lopez B, Carew JS, Nawrocki ST, Lu J, Zhang QY, Wang W. Selective Elimination of Senescent Cancer Cells by Galacto-Modified PROTACs. J Med Chem 2024; 67:7301-7311. [PMID: 38635879 PMCID: PMC11227109 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Although the selective and effective clearance of senescent cancer cells can improve cancer treatment, their development is confronted by many challenges. As part of efforts designed to overcome these problems, prodrugs, whose design is based on senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal), have been developed to selectively eliminate senescent cells. However, chemotherapies relying on targeted molecular inhibitors as senolytic drugs can induce drug resistance. In the current investigation, we devised a new strategy for selective degradation of target proteins in senescent cancer cells that utilizes a prodrug composed of the SA-β-gal substrate galactose (galacto) and the proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) as senolytic agents. Prodrugs Gal-ARV-771 and Gal-MS99 were found to display senolytic indexes higher than those of ARV-771 and MS99. Significantly, results of in vivo studies utilizing a human lung A549 xenograft mouse model demonstrated that concomitant treatment with etoposide and Gal-ARV-771 leads to a significant inhibition of tumor growth without eliciting significant toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyang Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Giri Gnawali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Hang Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Yue Dong
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Xiang Meng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Wenpan Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Zhiren Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Byrdie Lopez
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Jennifer S. Carew
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Steffan T. Nawrocki
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Jianqin Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Qing-Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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12
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Zhang R, Xie S, Ran J, Li T. Restraining the power of Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras in the cage: A necessary and important refinement for therapeutic safety. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31255. [PMID: 38501341 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31255] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) represent a significant advancement in therapeutic drug development by leveraging the ubiquitin-proteasome system to enable targeted protein degradation, particularly impacting oncology. This review delves into the various types of PROTACs, such as peptide-based, nucleic acid-based, and small molecule PROTACs, each addressing distinct challenges in protein degradation. It also discusses innovative strategies like bridged PROTACs and conditional switch-activated PROTACs, offering precise targeting of previously "undruggable" proteins. The potential of PROTACs extends beyond oncology, with ongoing research and technological advancements needed to maximize their therapeutic potential. Future progress in this field relies on interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of advanced computational tools to open new treatment avenues across various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renshuai Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Songbo Xie
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Ran
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Te Li
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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13
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Wang X, Zhao Y, Li X, Zhang Q, He J, Liu Y, Li M, Luo Z. Liposomal STAT3-Degrading PROTAC Prodrugs Promote Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immunity via Chemically Reprogramming Cancer Stem Cells. NANO LETTERS 2024. [PMID: 38598369 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) with hyperactivated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) are a major driver of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we report a nanointegrative proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC)-based STAT3 degradation strategy that enables efficient chemical reprogramming of HCC-associated CSCs, which potently inhibits CSC growth while evoking anti-HCC immune responses. The PROTAC prodrug was synthesized by conjugating the STAT3 binding domain (inS3) with a thioketal-caged E3 ligase ligand (VL-TK) via an oligo(ethylene glycol) linker (OEG) with tuned length and flexibility and encapsulating it in cRGD-modified cationic liposomes for CSC-targeted delivery while facilitating their lysosomal escape. The PROTAC prodrugs were activated by the upregulated ROS levels in CSCs and efficiently degraded STAT3 for chemical reprogramming, which would not only impair their stemness features but also remodel the immunosuppressive TME into an immunosupportive state to boost anti-HCC immunity. This strategy provides an approach for improving HCC treatment in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Wang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Youbo Zhao
- Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xin Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qiqi Zhang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Jinming He
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yingqi Liu
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Menghuan Li
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Zhong Luo
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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14
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Yang C, Tripathi R, Wang B. Click chemistry in the development of PROTACs. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:189-197. [PMID: 38456041 PMCID: PMC10915971 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00199g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras or PROTACs are hetero-bifunctional molecules designed to mediate the disposal of a target protein via recruitment of the ubiquitination-proteasome degradation machinery. Because of the chimeric nature of such molecules, their synthesis requires a key step of "assembling" whether in the lab or in situ. Furthermore, targeted PROTACs often are hetero-trifunctional and require a second "assembling" step. Click chemistry has the unique advantages of tethering two or more molecular entities of choice under near physiological conditions and therefore has been applied to the development of PROTACs in various ways. This review provides a succinct summary of this field with a critical analysis of various factors that need to be considered for optimal results. Specifically, we examine issues including applications of click chemistry in in situ assembly for improved delivery, conjugation with a targeting group for selectivity, rapid synthesis for linker optimization, and lysosomal degradation of extracellular and membrane-associated proteins. We also examine reaction kinetics issues whenever possible or warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ce Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University Atlanta Georgia 30303 USA
| | - Ravi Tripathi
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University Atlanta Georgia 30303 USA
| | - Binghe Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University Atlanta Georgia 30303 USA
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15
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Singh S, Srivastava P. Targeted Protein Degraders- The Druggability Perspective. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:539-554. [PMID: 37926234 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.10.023] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Targeted Protein degraders (TPDs) show promise in harnessing cellular machinery to eliminate disease-causing proteins, even those previously considered undruggable. Especially if protein turnover is low, targeted protein removal bestows lasting therapeutic effect over typical inhibition. The demonstrated safety and efficacy profile of clinical candidates has fueled the surge in the number of potential candidates across different therapeutic areas. As TPDs often do not comply with Lipinski's rule of five, developing novel TPDs and unlocking their full potential requires overcoming solubility, permeability and oral bioavailability challenges. Tailored in-vitro assays are key to precise profiling and optimization, propelling breakthroughs in targeted protein degradation.
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16
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Yu W, Xu J, Xing D. PROTAC-biomacromolecule conjugates for precise protein degradation in cancer therapy: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 261:129864. [PMID: 38302015 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology is a promising new mode of targeted protein degradation with significant transformative implications for the clinical treatment of different diseases. Nevertheless, while this technology offers numerous advantages, on-target off-tumour toxicity in healthy cells remains a major challenge for clinical application in cancer therapy. Strategies are presently being explored to optimize degradation activity with cellular selectivity to minimize undesirable side effects. PROTAC-antibody conjugates and PROTAC-aptamer conjugates are unique innovations that combine PROTACs and biomacromolecules. These novel PROTAC-biomacromolecule conjugates (PBCs) can enhance the targetability of PROTACs and reduce their off-target side-effects. The combination of potent PROTACs and highly safe biomacromolecules will pioneer an emerging trend in targeted protein degradation. In our review, we have summarized recent advances in PBCs, discussed current challenges, and outlooked opportunities for future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Wanpeng Yu
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Jiazhen Xu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Dongming Xing
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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17
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Chang M, Dong Y, Xu H, Cruickshank-Taylor AB, Kozora JS, Behpour B, Wang W. Senolysis Enabled by Senescent Cell-Sensitive Bioorthogonal Tetrazine Ligation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202315425. [PMID: 38233359 PMCID: PMC11226389 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202315425] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Although the clearance of senescent cells has been proven to slow down the aging process and promote anti-cancer chemotherapy, the development of senolytics remains challenging. Herein, we report a senolytic strategy enabled by senescent cell-sensitive bioorthogonal tetrazine ligation. Our design is based on linking dihydrotetrazine (Tz) to a galactose (Gal) moiety that serves both as a recognition moiety for senescence-associated β-galactosidase and a caging group for the control of tetrazine activity. Gal-Tz enables efficient click-release of a fluorescent hemicyanine and doxorubicin from a trans-cyclooctene-caged prodrug to detect and eliminate senescent HeLa and A549 cells over non-senescent counterparts with a 16.44 senolytic index. Furthermore, we leverage the strategy for the selective activation and delivery of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) as senolytics. PROTAC prodrug TCO-ARV-771 can be selectively activated by Gal-Tz and delivered into senescent HeLa and A549 cells to induce the degradation of bromodomain-containing protein 4. Senolytic PROTACs may offer an efficient way for intervention on cell senescence thanks to their unique capacity to degrade target proteins in a sub-stoichiometric and catalytic fashion. The results of this study establish the bioorthogonal tetrazine ligation approach as a viable strategy for selective removal of senescent cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyang Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA
| | - Yue Dong
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA
| | - Hang Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA
| | | | - Jacob S Kozora
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA
| | - Baran Behpour
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona Cancer Center, and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA
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18
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Deng L, Sathyan A, Adam C, Unciti-Broceta A, Sebastian V, Palmans ARA. Enhanced Efficiency of Pd(0)-Based Single Chain Polymeric Nanoparticles for in Vitro Prodrug Activation by Modulating the Polymer's Microstructure. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:2242-2249. [PMID: 38346395 PMCID: PMC10885199 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c04466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Bioorthogonal catalysis employing transition metal catalysts is a promising strategy for the in situ synthesis of imaging and therapeutic agents in biological environments. The transition metal Pd has been widely used as a bioorthogonal catalyst, but bare Pd poses challenges in water solubility and catalyst stability in cellular environments. In this work, Pd(0) loaded amphiphilic polymeric nanoparticles are applied to shield Pd in the presence of living cells for the in situ generation of a fluorescent dye and anticancer drugs. Pd(0) loaded polymeric nanoparticles prepared by the reduction of the corresponding Pd(II)-polymeric nanoparticles are highly active in the deprotection of pro-rhodamine dye and anticancer prodrugs, giving significant fluorescence enhancement and toxigenic effects, respectively, in HepG2 cells. In addition, we show that the microstructure of the polymeric nanoparticles for scaffolding Pd plays a critical role in tuning the catalytic efficiency, with the use of the ligand triphenylphosphine as a key factor for improving the catalyst stability in biological environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Deng
- Laboratory for Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Anjana Sathyan
- Laboratory for Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Catherine Adam
- Edinburgh Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, United Kingdom
| | - Asier Unciti-Broceta
- Edinburgh Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, United Kingdom
| | - Víctor Sebastian
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de Zaragoza, Campus Rio Ebro, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Laboratorio de Microscopías Avanzadas, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anja R A Palmans
- Laboratory for Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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He X, Weng Z, Zou Y. Progress in the controllability technology of PROTAC. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116096. [PMID: 38160619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimaera (PROTAC) technology functions by directly targeting proteins and catalysing their degradation through an event-driven mode of action, a novel mechanism with significant clinical application prospects for various diseases. Currently, the most advanced PROTAC drug is undergoing phase III clinical trials (NCT05654623). Although PROTACs exhibit significant advantages over traditional small-molecule inhibitors, their catalytic degradation of normal cellular proteins can potentially cause toxic side effects. Therefore, to achieve targeted release of PROTACs and minimize adverse reactions, researchers are actively exploring diverse controllable PROTACs. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the control strategies to provide a theoretical basis for the innovative application of PROTAC technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin He
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Changzhou Vocational Institute of Engineering, Changzhou, 213164, PR China.
| | - Zhibing Weng
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Changzhou Vocational Institute of Engineering, Changzhou, 213164, PR China
| | - Yi Zou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China.
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20
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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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21
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Hasan M, Panda D, Mann G, Brik A. De novo Semi-Synthetic Platform for Monitoring Protein degradation in Live Cells. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300731. [PMID: 38031893 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300731] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
We designed a platform for monitoring the degradation of exogenous proteins in live cells. We engineered a semi-synthetic platform, which consists of Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein tagged with SpyCatcher to enable its conjugation to a SpyTag peptide bearing a Von Hippel-Lindau E3 ligand, which was delivered to live cells to promote its degradation. This platform lays the ground for studying the degradation of endogenous proteins equipped with SpyTag and for tracking the degradation of post-translationally modified proteins in live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Hasan
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200008, Israel
| | - Deepanjan Panda
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200008, Israel
| | - Guy Mann
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200008, Israel
| | - Ashraf Brik
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200008, Israel
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22
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Ali EMH, Loy CA, Trader DJ. ByeTAC: Bypassing an E3 Ligase for Targeted Protein Degradation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.20.576376. [PMID: 38293213 PMCID: PMC10827187 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.20.576376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation utilizing a bifunctional molecule to initiate ubiquitination and subsequent degradation by the 26S proteasome has been shown to be a powerful therapeutic intervention. Many bifunctional molecules, including covalent and non-covalent ligands to proteins of interest, have been developed. The traditional target protein degradation methodology targets the protein of interest in both healthy and diseased cell populations, and a therapeutic window is obtained based on the overexpression of the targeted protein. We report here a series of bifunctional degraders that do not rely on interacting with an E3 ligase, but rather a 26S proteasome subunit, which we have named ByeTACs: Bypassing E3 Targeting Chimeras. Rpn-13 is a non-essential ubiquitin receptor for the 26S proteasome. Cells under significant stress or require significant ubiquitin-dependent degradation of proteins for survival, incorporate Rpn-13 in the 26S to increase protein degradation rates. The targeted protein degraders reported here are bifunctional molecules that include a ligand to Rpn-13 and BRD4, the protein of interest we wish to degrade. We synthesized a suite of degraders with varying PEG chain lengths and showed that bifunctional molecules that incorporate a Rpn-13 binder (TCL1) and a BRD4 binder (JQ1) with a PEG linker of 3 or 4 units are the most effective to induce BRD4 degradation. We also demonstrate that our new targeted protein degraders are dependent upon proteasome activity and Rpn-13 expression levels. This establishes a new mechanism of action for our ByeTACs that can be employed for the targeted degradation of a wide variety of protein substrates.
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Min Q, Ji X. Bioorthogonal Bond Cleavage Chemistry for On-demand Prodrug Activation: Opportunities and Challenges. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16546-16567. [PMID: 38085596 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Time- and space-resolved drug delivery is highly demanded for cancer treatment, which, however, can barely be achieved with a traditional prodrug strategy. In recent years, the prodrug strategy based on a bioorthogonal bond cleavage chemistry has emerged with the advantages of high temporospatial resolution over drug activation and homogeneous activation irrespective of individual heterogeneity. In the past five years, tremendous progress has been witnessed in this field with one such bioorthogonal prodrug entering Phase II clinical trials. This Perspective aims to highlight these new advances (2019-2023) and critically discuss their pros and cons. In addition, the remaining challenges and potential strategic directions for future progress will also be included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqiang Min
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xingyue Ji
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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24
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Zhang Q, Kuang G, Wang L, Duan P, Sun W, Ye F. Designing Bioorthogonal Reactions for Biomedical Applications. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0251. [PMID: 38107023 PMCID: PMC10723801 DOI: 10.34133/research.0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Bioorthogonal reactions are a class of chemical reactions that can be carried out in living organisms without interfering with other reactions, possessing high yield, high selectivity, and high efficiency. Since the first proposal of the conception by Professor Carolyn Bertozzi in 2003, bioorthogonal chemistry has attracted great attention and has been quickly developed. As an important chemical biology tool, bioorthogonal reactions have been applied broadly in biomedicine, including bio-labeling, nucleic acid functionalization, drug discovery, drug activation, synthesis of antibody-drug conjugates, and proteolysis-targeting chimeras. Given this, we summarized the basic knowledge, development history, research status, and prospects of bioorthogonal reactions and their biomedical applications. The main purpose of this paper is to furnish an overview of the intriguing bioorthogonal reactions in a variety of biomedical applications and to provide guidance for the design of novel reactions to enrich bioorthogonal chemistry toolkits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfei Zhang
- Wenzhou Institute,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Gaizhen Kuang
- Wenzhou Institute,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Li Wang
- Wenzhou Institute,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Ping Duan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Weijian Sun
- Wenzhou Institute,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Fangfu Ye
- Wenzhou Institute,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
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25
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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: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [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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26
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Zhu L, Zhou Y, Zhang B, Luo Y, Fang C, Yan X, Cai Y, Jiang L, Ge J. Conjugation with glucagon like peptide-1 enables targeted protein degradation. Bioorg Chem 2023; 141:106908. [PMID: 37827016 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106908] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Lysosome-targeting chimeras (LYTACs) have emerged as a promising technique to extend the scope of targeted protein degradation to extracellular proteins, e.g., secreted proteins and membrane-anchored proteins. However, up to now, only a small number of lysosomal targeting receptors (LTRs), such as cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-M6PR) and asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR), were reported to build LYTACs for degradation of extracellular proteins. Therefore, it is important to explore more functionalized ligands for the relevant LTRs to expand the LYTAC framework. Herein, we demonstrate a new LTR ligand-glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) based targeted degradation platform, termed GLP-1 receptor-targeting chimeras (GLP-1-LYTAC). GLP-1-LYTACs are formed by conjugating GLP-1 with targeted binder (such as antibody) through Click Chemistry, showing efficiently lysosomal degradation of both extracellular proteins (GFP and Neutravidin) as well as cell membrane proteins (EGFR and PD-L1). We believe that this novel GLP-1-LYTAC will open up a new dimension for targeted protein breakdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liquan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yiyu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yin Luo
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Chen Fang
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiaoqiao Yan
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yefeng Cai
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Linye Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jingyan Ge
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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27
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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: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 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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28
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Yan Z, Pan Y, Jiao G, Xu M, Fan D, Hu Z, Wu J, Chen T, Liu M, Bao X, Ke H, Ji X. A Bioorthogonal Decaging Chemistry of N-Oxide and Silylborane for Prodrug Activation both In Vitro and In Vivo. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:24698-24706. [PMID: 37933858 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c08012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Bioorthogonal decaging chemistry with both fast kinetics and high efficiency is highly demanded for in vivo applications but remains very sporadic. Herein, we describe a new bioorthogonal decaging chemistry between N-oxide and silylborane. A simple replacement of "C" in boronic acid with "Si" was able to substantially accelerate the N-oxide decaging kinetics by 106 fold (k2: up to 103 M-1 s-1). Moreover, a new N-oxide-masked self-immolative spacer was developed for the traceless release of various payloads upon clicking with silylborane with fast kinetics and high efficiency (>90%). Impressively, one such N-oxide-based self-assembled bioorthogonal nano-prodrug in combination with silylborane led to significantly enhanced tumor suppression effects as compared to the parent drug in a 4T1 mouse breast tumor model. In aggregate, this new bioorthogonal click-and-release chemistry is featured with fast kinetics and high efficiency and is perceived to find widespread applications in chemical biology and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Yan
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, China
| | - Yiyao Pan
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, China
| | - Guofeng Jiao
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, China
| | - Mengyu Xu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Dongguang Fan
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, China
| | - Ziwei Hu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, China
| | - Jiarui Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, China
| | - Tao Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, China
| | - Miao Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, China
| | - Xiaoguang Bao
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Hengte Ke
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, China
| | - Xingyue Ji
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, China
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