1
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Ślusarz MJ. How kelch domain-containing protein 3 distinguishes between the C-end degron of herpesviral protein UL49.5 and its mutants - Insights from molecular dynamics. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 109:117795. [PMID: 38878709 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117795] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
The C-terminal residues of proteins can function as degrons recognized by ubiquitin ligases for proteasomal degradation. Kelch domain-containing protein 3 (KLHDC3) is a substrate receptor for E3 ubiquitin ligase (Cullin2-RING ligase) that targets the C-terminal degrons. UL49.5 is 96 amino-acid type 1 transmembrane protein from bovine herpesvirus 1. Herpesviruses have evolved highly effective strategies to evade the antiviral immune response. One of these strategies is inhibition of the antigen processing and presentation pathway by MHC I, thereby reducing the presentation of the antigenic peptides on the surface of the infected cell. Recently, it has been demonstrated that UL49.5 triggers TAP degradation via recruiting the E3 ubiquitin ligase to TAP. Moreover, the mutagenesis revealed that the mutations within the UL49.5 C-degron sequence (93RGRG96) affect binding of UL49.5 to KLHDC3. In this work the molecular dynamics of KLHDC3 in complexes with the C-terminal decapeptide of the herpesviral protein UL4.95 and its three mutants has been employed to provide a framework for understanding molecular recognition of UL49.5 by KLHDC3. The findings of this study give insights into the interactions of the various degrons with KLHDC3. During the molecular dynamics, an active RGKG mutant adopts a conformation similar to that of the wild type decapeptide, whereas the conformations of two inactive mutants, KGRG and RGRD are significantly different. Both R93K and G96D mutations impair the interactions of the C-terminal glycine with KLHDC3. The findings of this study expand the existing knowledge about the mechanism of protein recognition by Cullin2-RING ligases thus contributing to the design of antiviral and anticancer drugs that can selectively promote or inhibit degradation of the proteins of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena J Ślusarz
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland.
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2
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Zhang S, Nie S, Ma G, Shen M, Kong L, Zuo Z, Li Y. Identification of novel GSPT1 degraders by virtual screening and bioassay. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 273:116524. [PMID: 38795517 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116524] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
GSPT1 plays crucial physiological functions, such as terminating protein translation, overexpressed in various tumors. It is a promising anti-tumor target, but is also considered as an "undruggable" protein. Recent studies have found that a class of small molecules can degrade GSPT1 through the "molecular glue" mechanism with strong antitumor activity, which is expected to become a new therapy for hematological malignancies. Currently available GSPT1 degraders are mostly derived from the scaffold of immunomodulatory imide drug (IMiD), thus more active compounds with novel structure remain to be found. In this work, using computer-assisted multi-round virtual screening and bioassay, we identified a non-IMiD acylhydrazone compound, AN5782, which can reduce the protein level of GPST1 and obviously inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells. Some analogs were obtained by a substructure search of AN5782. The structure-activity relationship analysis revealed possible interactions between these compounds and CRBN-GSPT1. Further biological mechanistic studies showed that AN5777 decreased GSPT1 remarkably through the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and its effective cytotoxicity was CRBN- and GSPT1-dependent. Furthermore, AN5777 displayed good antiproliferative activities against U937 and OCI-AML-2 cells, and dose-dependently induced G1 phase arrest and apoptosis. The structure found in this work could be good start for antitumor drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Natural Medicines, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Shiyun Nie
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Guangchao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Meiling Shen
- Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Natural Medicines, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lingmei Kong
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Zhili Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Natural Medicines, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Natural Medicines, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China.
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3
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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] [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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4
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Xie C, Zhang T, Qin Z. Plasmonic-Driven Regulation of Biomolecular Activity In Situ. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2024; 26:475-501. [PMID: 38594921 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-110222-105043] [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: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Selective and remote manipulation of activity for biomolecules, including protein, DNA, and lipids, is crucial to elucidate their molecular function and to develop biomedical applications. While advances in tool development, such as optogenetics, have significantly impacted these directions, the requirement for genetic modification significantly limits their therapeutic applications. Plasmonic nanoparticle heating has brought new opportunities to the field, as hot nanoparticles are unique point heat sources at the nanoscale. In this review, we summarize fundamental engineering problems such as plasmonic heating and the resulting biomolecular responses. We highlight the biological responses and applications of manipulating biomolecules and provide perspectives for future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xie
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Zhenpeng Qin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center, Richardson, Texas, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
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5
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Gudjonsson JE, Weidinger S, Kabashima K. The coming of age of protein degraders as anti-inflammatory therapeutics. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 154:76-78. [PMID: 38761996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephan Weidinger
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Kenji Kabashima
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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6
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Keen AC, Jörg M, Halls ML. The application of targeted protein degradation technologies to G protein-coupled receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2351-2358. [PMID: 36965004 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16079] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system is one of the major pathways for the degradation of cellular proteins. In recent years, methods have been developed to exploit the ubiquitin-proteasome system to artificially degrade target proteins. Targeted protein degraders are extremely useful as biological tools for discovery research. They have also been developed as novel therapeutics with several targeted protein degraders currently in clinical trials. However, almost all targeted protein degrader technologies have been developed for cytosolic proteins. The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily is one of the most important classes of drug targets, yet only limited examples of GPCR degradation exist. Here, we review these examples and provide a perspective on the different strategies that have been used to apply targeted protein degradation to GPCRs. We also discuss whether alternative approaches that have been used to degrade other integral membrane proteins could be applied to the degradation of GPCRs. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair C Keen
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 399 Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Manuela Jörg
- Medicinal Chemistry Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 399 Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Chemistry - School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Bedson Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Michelle L Halls
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 399 Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
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7
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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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8
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Chang X, Qu F, Li C, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Xie Y, Fan Z, Bian J, Wang J, Li Z, Xu X. Development and therapeutic potential of GSPT1 molecular glue degraders: A medicinal chemistry perspective. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:1727-1767. [PMID: 38314926 DOI: 10.1002/med.22024] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Unprecedented therapeutic targeting of previously undruggable proteins has now been achieved by molecular-glue-mediated proximity-induced degradation. As a small GTPase, G1 to S phase transition 1 (GSPT1) interacts with eRF1, the translation termination factor, to facilitate the process of translation termination. Studied demonstrated that GSPT1 plays a vital role in the acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and MYC-driven lung cancer. Thus, molecular glue (MG) degraders targeting GSPT1 is a novel and promising approach for treating AML and MYC-driven cancers. In this Perspective, we briefly summarize the structural and functional aspects of GSPT1, highlighting the latest advances and challenges in MG degraders, as well as some representative patents. The structure-activity relationships, mechanism of action and pharmacokinetic features of MG degraders are emphasized to provide a comprehensive compendium on the rational design of GSPT1 MG degraders. We hope to provide an updated overview, and design guide for strategies targeting GSPT1 for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujin Chang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fangui Qu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunxiao Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingtian Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanqing Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xie
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhongpeng Fan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinlei Bian
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jubo Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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9
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He C, Ba X, Shunatona HP, Edwards JT, Li YX, Keller TM, Sommer RD, Zapf CW, Mortensen DS. Discovery of an Azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane Piperazinium Salt and Its Application in Medicinal Chemistry via a Rearrangement. Org Lett 2024; 26:5318-5322. [PMID: 38888237 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c01696] [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: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Herein we report the discovery of an azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane piperazinium methanesulfonate salt from an unexpected rearrangement reaction in the preparation of ligand-directed degraders (LDDs). This bench-stable compound was found to be a versatile electrophile in a ring-opening reaction with various types of nucleophiles. Its utility as a versatile medicinal chemistry building block is further demonstrated in the synthesis of an LDD compound targeting degradation of the androgen receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi He
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Xiaochu Ba
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Hunter P Shunatona
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jacob T Edwards
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, 700 Bay Road, Redwood City, California 94063, United States
| | - Yi-Xin Li
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, 700 Bay Road, Redwood City, California 94063, United States
| | - Taylor M Keller
- Chemical Process Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, 1 Squibb Drive, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
| | - Roger D Sommer
- Chemical Process Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, 1 Squibb Drive, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
| | - Christoph W Zapf
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Deborah S Mortensen
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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10
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Yang J, Wu Y, Zhu Q, Qu X, Ou H, Liu H, Wei Y, Ge D, Lu C, Jiang B, Song X. Discovery of a first-in-class protein degrader for the c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1). Bioorg Chem 2024; 150:107590. [PMID: 38955003 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107590] [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: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1), an oncogenic driver, is known to induce non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) when overactivated, particularly through the formation of fusion proteins. Traditional targeted therapies focus on inhibiting ROS1 activity with ROS 1 inhibitors to manage cancer progression. However, a new strategy involving the design of protein degraders offers a more potent approach by completely degrading ROS1 fusion oncoproteins, thereby effectively blocking their kinase activity and enhancing anti-tumour potential. Utilizing PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) technology and informed by molecular docking and rational design, we report the first ROS1-specific PROTAC, SIAIS039. This degrader effectively targets multiple ROS1 fusion oncoproteins (CD74-ROS1, SDC4-ROS1 and SLC34A2-ROS1) in engineered Ba/F3 cells and HCC78 cells, demonstrating anti-tumour effects against ROS1 fusion-driven cancer cells. It suppresses cell proliferation, induces cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis, and inhibits clonogenicity. The anti-tumour efficacy of SIAIS039 surpasses two approved drugs, crizotinib and entrectinib, and matches that of the top inhibitors, including lorlatinib and taletrectinib. Mechanistic studies confirm that the degradation induced by 039 requires the participation of ROS1 ligands and E3 ubiquitin ligases, and involves the proteasome and ubiquitination. In addition, 039 exhibited excellent oral bioavailability in a mouse xenograft model, highlighting its potential for clinical application. In conclusion, our study presents a promising and novel therapeutic strategy for ROS1 fusion-positive NSCLC by targeting ROS1 fusion oncoproteins for degradation, laying the foundation for the development of further PROTAC and offering hope for patients with ROS1 fusion-positive NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qiaoliang Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaojuan Qu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Hongyue Ou
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Haixia Liu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yongqi Wei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Di Ge
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chunlai Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Biao Jiang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry of Natural Substances, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Xiaoling Song
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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11
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Ichikawa S, Payne NC, Xu W, Chang CF, Vallavoju N, Frome S, Flaxman HA, Mazitschek R, Woo CM. The cyclimids: Degron-inspired cereblon binders for targeted protein degradation. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1162-1175.e10. [PMID: 38320555 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.01.003] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Cereblon (CRBN) is an E3 ligase substrate adapter widely exploited for targeted protein degradation (TPD) strategies. However, achieving efficient and selective target degradation is a preeminent challenge with ligands that engage CRBN. Here, we report that the cyclimids, ligands derived from the C-terminal cyclic imide degrons of CRBN, exhibit distinct modes of interaction with CRBN and offer a facile approach for developing potent and selective bifunctional degraders. Quantitative TR-FRET-based characterization of 60 cyclimid degraders in binary and ternary complexes across different substrates revealed that ternary complex binding affinities correlated strongly with cellular degradation efficiency. Our studies establish the unique properties of the cyclimids as versatile warheads in TPD and a systematic biochemical approach for quantifying ternary complex formation to predict their cellular degradation activity, which together will accelerate the development of ligands that engage CRBN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saki Ichikawa
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - N Connor Payne
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Wenqing Xu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Chia-Fu Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Nandini Vallavoju
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Spencer Frome
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Hope A Flaxman
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Ralph Mazitschek
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Christina M Woo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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12
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Brodermann MH, Henderson EK, Sellar RS. The emerging role of targeted protein degradation to treat and study cancer. J Pathol 2024. [PMID: 38886898 DOI: 10.1002/path.6301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of cancer treatment has provided increasingly targeted strategies both in the upfront and relapsed disease settings. Small-molecule inhibitors and immunotherapy have risen to prominence with chimeric antigen receptor T-cells, checkpoint inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibody therapies being deployed across a range of solid organ and haematological malignancies. However, novel approaches are required to target transcription factors and oncogenic fusion proteins that are central to cancer biology and have generally eluded successful drug development. Thalidomide analogues causing protein degradation have been a cornerstone of treatment in multiple myeloma, but a lack of in-depth mechanistic understanding initially limited progress in the field. When the protein cereblon (CRBN) was found to mediate thalidomide analogues' action and CRBN's neo-targets were identified, existing and novel drug development accelerated, with applications outside multiple myeloma, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and acute leukaemias. Critically, transcription factors were the first canonical targets described. In addition to broadening the application of protein-degrading drugs, resistance mechanisms are being overcome and targeted protein degradation is widening the scope of druggable proteins against which existing approaches have been ineffective. Examples of targeted protein degraders include molecular glues and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs): heterobifunctional molecules that bind to proteins of interest and cause proximity-induced ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation via a linked E3 ligase. Twenty years since their inception, PROTACs have begun progressing through clinical trials, with early success in targeting the oestrogen receptor and androgen receptor in breast and prostate cancer respectively. This review explores important developments in targeted protein degradation to both treat and study cancer. It also considers the potential advantages and challenges in the translational aspects of developing new treatments. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth K Henderson
- Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rob S Sellar
- Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
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13
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Liu J, Gao Y, Zhang X. A patent review on hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) modulators (2021-2023). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024. [PMID: 38874005 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2368739] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is a central regulatory factor in detecting and adapting to cellular oxygen stress. Dysregulation of HIF is associated with various human diseases. Seven HIF modulators, including six prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) inhibitors and one HIF-2α inhibitor, have already been approved for the treatment of renal anemia and cancer, respectively. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes HIF modulators patented in the 2021-2023 period. This review provides an overview of HIF downregulators, including HIF-1α inhibitors, HIF-2α inhibitors, and HIF-2α degraders, as well as HIF upregulators, including PHD, FIH, and VHL inhibitors, and HIF-2α and HIF-3α agonists. EXPERT OPINION Efforts should be made to address the adverse clinical effects associated with approved HIF-modulating drugs, including PHD inhibitors and HIF-2α inhibitors. Identification of the specific buried cavity in the HIF-2α and an opened pocket in HIF-3α offer an avenue for designing novel modulators for HIF-2α or HIF-3α. Given the similarities observed in the binding cavities of HIF-2α and HIF-3α, it should be considered whether the approved HIF-2α inhibitors also inhibit HIF-3α. A comprehensive understanding of the HIF signaling pathway biology would lead to the development of novel small-molecule HIF modulators as innovative therapeutic approaches for a wide range of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yinli Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, and Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, and Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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14
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Du Y, Shi S, Shu C, He Y, Xu W, Wu D, Tian Y, Kong M, He J, Xie W, Qiu Y, Xu Y, Zou Y, Zhu Q. Discovery of novel EGFR-PROTACs capable of degradation of multiple EGFR-mutated proteins. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116489. [PMID: 38759458 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116489] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Although three generations of Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) - TK inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of Non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC), their clinical application is still largely hindered by acquired drug resistance mediated new EGFR mutations and side effects. The Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology has the potential to overcome acquired resistance from mutant EGFR through a novel mechanism of action. In this study, we developed the candidate degrader IV-3 by structural modifications of the lead compound 13, which exhibited limited antiproliferative activity against HCC-827 cells. Compared to compound 13, IV-3 exhibited remarkable anti-proliferative activity against HCC-827 cells, NCI-H1975 cells, and NCI-H1975-TM cells (IC50 = 0.009 μM, 0.49 μM and 3.24 μM, respectively), as well as significantly inducing degradation of EGFR protein in these cell lines (DC50 = 17.93 nM, 0.25 μM and 0.63 μM, respectively). Further investigations confirmed that IV-3 exhibited superior anti-tumor activity in all xenograft tumor models through the degradation of mutant EGFR protein. Moreover, IV-3 showed no inhibitory activity against A431 and A549 cells expressing wild-type EGFR, thereby eliminating potential toxic side effects emerging from wild-type EGFR inhibition. Overall, our study provides promising insights into EGFR-PROTACs as a potential therapeutic strategy against EGFR-acquired mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Du
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Shi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; Jiangsu Lianhuan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Chen Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yezi He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wangyang Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Daochen Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yushu Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Mingyang Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jiahuan He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wenhui Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yijia Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yungen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Yi Zou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Qihua Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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15
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Vickery HR, Virta JM, Konstantinidou M, Arkin MR. Development of a NanoBRET assay for evaluation of 14-3-3σ molecular glues. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2024:100165. [PMID: 38797286 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2024.100165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
We report the development of a 384-well formatted NanoBRET assay to characterize molecular glues of 14-3-3/client interactions in living cells. The seven isoforms of 14-3-3 are dimeric hub proteins with diverse roles including transcription factor regulation and signal transduction. 14-3-3 interacts with hundreds of client proteins to regulate their function and is therefore an ideal therapeutic target when client selectivity can be achieved. We have developed the NanoBRET system for three 14-3-3σ client proteins CRAF, TAZ, and estrogen receptor α (ERα), which represent three specific binding modes. We have measured stabilization of 14-3-3σ/client complexes by molecular glues with EC50 values between 100 nM and 1 μM in cells, which align with the EC50 values calculated by fluorescence anisotropy in vitro. Developing this NanoBRET system for the hub protein 14-3-3σ allows for a streamlined approach, bypassing multiple optimization steps in the assay development process for other 14-3-3σ clients. The NanoBRET system allows for an assessment of PPI stabilization in a more physiologically relevant, cell-based environment using full-length proteins. The method is applicable to diverse protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and offers a robust platform to explore libraries of compounds for both PPI stabilizers and inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly R Vickery
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California, San Francisco 94158, United States
| | - Johanna M Virta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California, San Francisco 94158, United States
| | - Markella Konstantinidou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California, San Francisco 94158, United States
| | - Michelle R Arkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California, San Francisco 94158, United States.
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16
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Liu H, Xiong H, Li C, Xu M, Yun Y, Ruan Y, Tang L, Zhang T, Su D, Sun X. 131I Induced In Vivo Proteolysis by Photoswitchable azoPROTAC Reinforces Internal Radiotherapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2310865. [PMID: 38678537 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Photopharmacology, incorporating photoswitches such as azobenezes into drugs, is an emerging therapeutic method to realize spatiotemporal control of pharmacological activity by light. However, most photoswitchable molecules are triggered by UV light with limited tissue penetration, which greatly restricts the in vivo application. Here, this study proves that 131I can trigger the trans-cis photoisomerization of a reported azobenezen incorporating PROTACs (azoPROTAC). With the presence of 50 µCi mL-1 131I, the azoPROTAC can effectively down-regulate BRD4 and c-Myc levels in 4T1 cells at a similar level as it does under light irradiation (405 nm, 60 mW cm-2). What's more, the degradation of BRD4 can further benefit the 131I-based radiotherapy. The in vivo experiment proves that intratumoral co-adminstration of 131I (300 µCi) and azoPROTC (25 mg kg-1) via hydrogel not only successfully induce protein degradation in 4T1 tumor bearing-mice but also efficiently inhibit tumor growth with enhanced radiotherapeutic effect and anti-tumor immunological effect. This is the first time that a radioisotope is successfully used as a trigger in photopharmacology in a mouse model. It believes that this study will benefit photopharmacology in deep tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation (Mianyang Central Hospital), Mianyang, 621000, China
| | - Hehua Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Changjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Mengxia Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuyang Yun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yiling Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lijun Tang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Guangzhou Road 300, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Radiopharmaceuticals, Nuclear Medicine Clinical Translation Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Dan Su
- Key Laboratory of Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Xiaolian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
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17
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Alugubelli Y, Xiao J, Khatua K, Kumar S, Sun L, Ma Y, Ma XR, Vulupala VR, Atla S, Blankenship LR, Coleman D, Xie X, Neuman BW, Liu WR, Xu S. Discovery of First-in-Class PROTAC Degraders of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6495-6507. [PMID: 38608245 PMCID: PMC11056980 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02416] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
We have witnessed three coronavirus (CoV) outbreaks in the past two decades, including the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Main protease (MPro), a highly conserved protease among various CoVs, is essential for viral replication and pathogenesis, making it a prime target for antiviral drug development. Here, we leverage proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology to develop a new class of small-molecule antivirals that induce the degradation of SARS-CoV-2 MPro. Among them, MPD2 was demonstrated to effectively reduce MPro protein levels in 293T cells, relying on a time-dependent, CRBN-mediated, and proteasome-driven mechanism. Furthermore, MPD2 exhibited remarkable efficacy in diminishing MPro protein levels in SARS-CoV-2-infected A549-ACE2 cells. MPD2 also displayed potent antiviral activity against various SARS-CoV-2 strains and exhibited enhanced potency against nirmatrelvir-resistant viruses. Overall, this proof-of-concept study highlights the potential of targeted protein degradation of MPro as an innovative approach for developing antivirals that could fight against drug-resistant viral variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yugendar
R. Alugubelli
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Jing Xiao
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Kaustav Khatua
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department
of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Long Sun
- Department
of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Yuying Ma
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Xinyu R. Ma
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Veerabhadra R. Vulupala
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Sandeep Atla
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Lauren R. Blankenship
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Demonta Coleman
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Xuping Xie
- Department
of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Benjamin W. Neuman
- Department
of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Texas
A&M Global Health Research Complex, Texas A&M University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Wenshe Ray Liu
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Institute
of Biosciences and Technology and Department of Translational Medical
Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M
University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Shiqing Xu
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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18
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Crook ZR, Sevilla GP, Young P, Girard EJ, Phi TD, Howard M, Price J, Olson JM, Nairn NW. CYpHER: Catalytic extracellular targeted protein degradation with high potency and durable effect. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.21.581471. [PMID: 38712232 PMCID: PMC11071310 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.21.581471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Many disease-causing proteins have multiple pathogenic mechanisms, and conventional inhibitors struggle to reliably disrupt more than one. Targeted protein degradation (TPD) can eliminate the protein, and thus all its functions, by directing a cell's protein turnover machinery towards it. Two established strategies either engage catalytic E3 ligases or drive uptake towards the endolysosomal pathway. Here we describe CYpHER (CatalYtic pH-dependent Endolysosomal delivery with Recycling) technology with potency and durability from a novel catalytic mechanism that shares the specificity and straightforward modular design of endolysosomal uptake. By bestowing pH-dependent release on the target engager and using the rapid-cycling transferrin receptor as the uptake receptor, CYpHER induces endolysosomal target delivery while re-using drug, potentially yielding increased potency and reduced off-target tissue exposure risks. The TfR-based approach allows targeting to tumors that overexpress this receptor and offers the potential for transport to the CNS. CYpHER function was demonstrated in vitro with EGFR and PD-L1, and in vivo with EGFR in a model of EGFR-driven non-small cell lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R. Crook
- Cyclera Therapeutics Inc, Seattle, WA 98115, USA. Present address of Z.R.C., G.P.S., and N.W.N
- Blaze Bioscience Inc., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Gregory P. Sevilla
- Cyclera Therapeutics Inc, Seattle, WA 98115, USA. Present address of Z.R.C., G.P.S., and N.W.N
- Blaze Bioscience Inc., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Emily J. Girard
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98105, USA. Present address of E.J.G. and J.M.O
| | | | | | - Jason Price
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98105, USA. Present address of E.J.G. and J.M.O
| | - James M. Olson
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98105, USA. Present address of E.J.G. and J.M.O
| | - Natalie W. Nairn
- Cyclera Therapeutics Inc, Seattle, WA 98115, USA. Present address of Z.R.C., G.P.S., and N.W.N
- Blaze Bioscience Inc., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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19
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Ma X, Yin J, Qiao L, Wan H, Liu X, Zhou Y, Wu J, Niu L, Wu M, Wang X, Ye H. A programmable targeted protein-degradation platform for versatile applications in mammalian cells and mice. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1585-1600.e7. [PMID: 38479385 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.02.019] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Myriad physiological and pathogenic processes are governed by protein levels and modifications. Controlled protein activity perturbation is essential to studying protein function in cells and animals. Based on Trim-Away technology, we screened for truncation variants of E3 ubiquitinase Trim21 with elevated efficiency (ΔTrim21) and developed multiple ΔTrim21-based targeted protein-degradation systems (ΔTrim-TPD) that can be transfected into host cells. Three ΔTrim-TPD variants are developed to enable chemical and light-triggered programmable activation of TPD in cells and animals. Specifically, we used ΔTrim-TPD for (1) red-light-triggered inhibition of HSV-1 virus proliferation by degrading the packaging protein gD, (2) for chemical-triggered control of the activity of Cas9/dCas9 protein for gene editing, and (3) for blue-light-triggered degradation of two tumor-associated proteins for spatiotemporal inhibition of melanoma tumor growth in mice. Our study demonstrates that multiple ΔTrim21-based controllable TPD systems provide powerful tools for basic biology research and highlight their potential biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoding Ma
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Centre, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jianli Yin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Centre, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Optics, Chongqing Institute of East China Normal University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Longliang Qiao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Centre, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Hang Wan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Centre, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xingwan Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Centre, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Centre, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China; Wuhu Hospital, Health Science Center, East China Normal University, Wuhu City 241001, China
| | - Jiali Wu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Centre, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Lingxue Niu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Centre, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Min Wu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Centre, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Centre, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Haifeng Ye
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Centre, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China.
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20
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Neigenfind P, Massaro L, Péter Á, Degnan AP, Emmanuel MA, Oderinde MS, He C, Peters D, El-Hayek Ewing T, Kawamata Y, Baran PS. Simplifying Access to Targeted Protein Degraders via Nickel Electrocatalytic Cross-Coupling. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202319856. [PMID: 38354272 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202319856] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
C-C linked glutarimide-containing structures with direct utility in the preparation of cereblon-based degraders (PROTACs, CELMoDs) can be assessed in a single step from inexpensive, commercial α-bromoglutarimide through a unique Brønsted-acid assisted Ni-electrocatalytic approach. The reaction tolerates a broad array of functional groups that are historically problematic and can be applied to the simplified synthesis of dozens of known compounds that have only been procured through laborious, wasteful, multi-step sequences. The reaction is scalable in both batch and flow and features a trivial procedure wherein the most time-consuming aspect of reaction setup is weighing out the starting materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Neigenfind
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, 92037, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Luca Massaro
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, 92037, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 30, S-10044, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Áron Péter
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, 92037, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Andrew P Degnan
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb Research & Early Development, Route 206 & Province Line Road, 08543, Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Megan A Emmanuel
- Chemical Process Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, 1 Squibb Drive, 08901, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Martins S Oderinde
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb Research & Early Development, Route 206 & Province Line Road, 08543, Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Chi He
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb Research & Early Development, 10300 Campus Point Drive, 92121, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - David Peters
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb Research & Early Development, 10300 Campus Point Drive, 92121, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Tamara El-Hayek Ewing
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, 92037, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Yu Kawamata
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, 92037, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Phil S Baran
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, 92037, La Jolla, CA, United States
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21
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An J, Zhang X. Crbn-based molecular Glues: Breakthroughs and perspectives. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 104:117683. [PMID: 38552596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117683] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
CRBN is a substrate receptor for the Cullin Ring E3 ubiquitin ligase 4 (CRL4) complex. It has been observed that CRBN can be exploited by small molecules to facilitate the recruitment and ubiquitination of non-natural CRL4 substrates, resulting in the degradation of neosubstrate through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This phenomenon, known as molecular glue-induced protein degradation, has emerged as an innovative therapeutic approach in contrast to traditional small-molecule drugs. One key advantage of molecular glues, in comparison to conventional small-molecule drugs adhering to Lipinski's Rule of Five, is their ability to operate without the necessity for specific binding pockets on target proteins. This unique characteristic empowers molecular glues to interact with conventionally intractable protein targets, such as transcription factors and scaffold proteins. The ability to induce the degradation of these previously elusive targets by hijacking the ubiquitin-proteasome system presents a promising avenue for the treatment of recalcitrant diseases. Nevertheless, the rational design of molecular glues remains a formidable challenge due to the limited understanding of their mechanisms and actions. This review offers an overview of recent advances and breakthroughs in the field of CRBN-based molecular glues, while also exploring the prospects for a systematic approach to designing these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juzeng An
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
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22
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Zou ZF, Yang L, Nie HJ, Gao J, Lei SM, Lai Y, Zhang F, Wagner E, Yu HJ, Chen XH, Xu ZA. Tumor-targeted PROTAC prodrug nanoplatform enables precise protein degradation and combination cancer therapy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024:10.1038/s41401-024-01266-z. [PMID: 38609561 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01266-z] [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: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as revolutionary anticancer therapeutics that degrade disease-causing proteins. However, the anticancer performance of PROTACs is often impaired by their insufficient bioavailability, unsatisfactory tumor specificity and ability to induce acquired drug resistance. Herein, we propose a polymer-conjugated PROTAC prodrug platform for the tumor-targeted delivery of the most prevalent von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)- and cereblon (CRBN)-based PROTACs, as well as for the precise codelivery of a degrader and conventional small-molecule drugs. The self-assembling PROTAC prodrug nanoparticles (NPs) can specifically target and be activated inside tumor cells to release the free PROTAC for precise protein degradation. The PROTAC prodrug NPs caused more efficient regression of MDA-MB-231 breast tumors in a mouse model by degrading bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) or cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) with decreased systemic toxicity. In addition, we demonstrated that the PROTAC prodrug NPs can serve as a versatile platform for the codelivery of a PROTAC and chemotherapeutics for enhanced anticancer efficiency and combination benefits. This study paves the way for utilizing tumor-targeted protein degradation for precise anticancer therapy and the effective combination treatment of complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Feng Zou
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hui-Jun Nie
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Shu-Min Lei
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yi Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, 20043, China
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 81377, München, Germany
| | - Hai-Jun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Xiao-Hua Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
| | - Zhi-Ai Xu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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23
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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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24
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Zhang M, Wu K, Zhang W, Lin X, Cao Q, Zhang L, Chen K. The therapeutic potential of targeting the CHD protein family in cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 256:108610. [PMID: 38367868 PMCID: PMC10942663 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108610] [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] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that epigenetic events undergo deregulation in various cancer types, playing crucial roles in tumor development. Among the epigenetic factors involved in the epigenetic remodeling of chromatin, the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein (CHD) family frequently exhibits gain- or loss-of-function mutations in distinct cancer types. Therefore, targeting CHD remodelers holds the potential for antitumor treatment. In this review, we discuss epigenetic regulations of cancer development. We emphasize proteins in the CHD family, delving deeply into the intricate mechanisms governing their functions. Additionally, we provide an overview of current therapeutic strategies targeting CHD family members in preclinical trials. We further discuss the promising approaches that have demonstrated early signs of success in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Kaiyuan Wu
- Basic and Translational Research Division, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Weijie Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xia Lin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Qi Cao
- Department of Urology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Lili Zhang
- Basic and Translational Research Division, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Prostate Cancer Program, Dana-Farber and Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kaifu Chen
- Basic and Translational Research Division, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Prostate Cancer Program, Dana-Farber and Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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25
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Verbič A, Lebar T, Praznik A, Jerala R. Subunits of an E3 Ligase Complex as Degrons for Efficient Degradation of Cytosolic, Nuclear, and Membrane Proteins. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:792-803. [PMID: 38404221 PMCID: PMC10949250 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00588] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Protein degradation is a highly regulated cellular process crucial to enable the high dynamic range of the response to external and internal stimuli and to balance protein biosynthesis to maintain cell homeostasis. Within mammalian cells, hundreds of E3 ubiquitin ligases target specific protein substrates and could be repurposed for synthetic biology. Here, we present a systematic analysis of the four protein subunits of the multiprotein E3 ligase complex as scaffolds for the designed degrons. While all of them were functional, the fusion of a fragment of Skp1 with the target protein enabled the most effective degradation. Combination with heterodimerizing peptides, protease substrate sites, and chemically inducible dimerizers enabled the regulation of protein degradation. While the investigated subunits of E3 ligases showed variable degradation efficiency of the membrane and cytosolic and nuclear proteins, the bipartite SSD (SOCSbox-Skp1(ΔC111)) degron enabled fast degradation of protein targets in all tested cellular compartments, including the nucleus and plasma membrane, in different cell lines and could be chemically regulated. These subunits could be employed for research as well as for diverse applications, as demonstrated in the regulation of Cas9 and chimeric antigen receptor proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anže Verbič
- Department of Synthetic Biology
and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | | | - Arne Praznik
- Department of Synthetic Biology
and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Roman Jerala
- Department of Synthetic Biology
and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
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26
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Zhang F, Jiang R, Sun S, Wu C, Yu Q, Awadasseid A, Wang J, Zhang W. Recent advances and mechanisms of action of PD-L1 degraders as potential therapeutic agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116267. [PMID: 38422701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
PD-L1 is an important immune checkpoint protein that can bind to T cells' PD-1 receptor, thereby promoting immune escape from tumors. In recent years, many researchers have developed strategies to degrade PD-L1 to improve the effect of immunotherapy. The study of degrading PD-L1 provides new opportunities for immunotherapy. Here, we mainly summarize and review the current active molecules and mechanisms that mediate the degradation of immature and mature PD-L1 during the post-translational modification stages, involving PD-L1 phosphorylation, glycosylation, palmitoylation, ubiquitination, and the autophagy-lysosomal process. This review expects that by degrading PD-L1 protein, we will not only gain a better understanding of oncogenic mechanisms involving tumor PD-L1 protein but also provide a new way to improve immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Ruiya Jiang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Shishi Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Caiyun Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Qimeng Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Annoor Awadasseid
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Moganshan Institute, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
| | - Wen Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
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27
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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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28
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Tang YD, Yu C, Cai XH. Novel technologies are turning a dream into reality: conditionally replicating viruses as vaccines. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:292-301. [PMID: 37798168 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.09.002] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Conditionally replicating viruses (CRVs) are a type of virus with one or more essential gene functions that are impaired resulting in the disruption of viral genome replication, protein synthesis, or virus particle assembly. CRVs can replicate only if the deficient essential genes are supplied. CRVs are widely used in biomedical research, particularly as vaccines. Traditionally, CRVs are generated by creating complementary cell lines that provide the impaired genes. With the development of biotechnology, novel techniques have been invented to generate CRVs, such as targeted protein degradation (TPD) technologies and premature termination codon (PTC) read-through technologies. The advantages and disadvantages of these novel technologies are discussed. Finally, we provide perspectives on what challenges need to be overcome for CRVs to reach the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Dong Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China; Heilongjiang Provincial Research Center for Veterinary Biomedicine, Harbin, China; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Immunology, Harbin, China.
| | - Changqing Yu
- Engineering Center of Agricultural Biosafety Assessment and Biotechnology, School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Yibin Vocational and Technical College, Yibin, China.
| | - Xue-Hui Cai
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China; Heilongjiang Provincial Research Center for Veterinary Biomedicine, Harbin, China.
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29
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Kluga R, Kinens A, Suna E. Chiral 4-MeO-Pyridine (MOPY) Catalyst for Enantioselective Cyclopropanation: Attenuation of Lewis Basicity Leads to Improved Catalytic Efficiency. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202301136. [PMID: 37781964 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202301136] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The design of pyridine-derived organocatalysts aims at the increase of their Lewis basicity, however such an approach is not always efficient. For example, strongly Lewis basic DMAP is completely inefficient as catalyst in the cyclopropanation reaction. Herein we disclose an alternative approach that relies on attenuation of DMAP Lewis basicity. Specifically, the replacement of 4-dimethylamino substituent in DMAP for 4-MeO group delivered a highly efficient catalyst for cyclopropanation of electron-deficient olefins with α-bromoketones. Kinetic studies provide compelling evidence that the superior catalytic efficiency of 4-MeO pyridine (MOPY) is to be attributed to the favorable balance between Lewis basicity and leaving group ability. The use of chiral, enantiomerically pure MOPY catalyst has helped to achieve high enantioselectivities (up to 91 : 9 er) in the previously unreported pyridine-catalyzed cyclopropanation reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rihards Kluga
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, LV-1006, Riga, Latvia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Latvia, Jelgavas 1, LV-1004, Riga, Latvia
| | - Artis Kinens
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, LV-1006, Riga, Latvia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Latvia, Jelgavas 1, LV-1004, Riga, Latvia
| | - Edgars Suna
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, LV-1006, Riga, Latvia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Latvia, Jelgavas 1, LV-1004, Riga, Latvia
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30
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Dreier MR, Walia J, de la Serna IL. Targeting SWI/SNF Complexes in Cancer: Pharmacological Approaches and Implications. EPIGENOMES 2024; 8:7. [PMID: 38390898 PMCID: PMC10885108 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes8010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
SWI/SNF enzymes are heterogeneous multi-subunit complexes that utilize the energy from ATP hydrolysis to remodel chromatin structure, facilitating transcription, DNA replication, and repair. In mammalian cells, distinct sub-complexes, including cBAF, ncBAF, and PBAF exhibit varying subunit compositions and have different genomic functions. Alterations in the SWI/SNF complex and sub-complex functions are a prominent feature in cancer, making them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Current strategies in cancer therapeutics involve the use of pharmacological agents designed to bind and disrupt the activity of SWI/SNF complexes or specific sub-complexes. Inhibitors targeting the catalytic subunits, SMARCA4/2, and small molecules binding SWI/SNF bromodomains are the primary approaches for suppressing SWI/SNF function. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) were generated by the covalent linkage of the bromodomain or ATPase-binding ligand to an E3 ligase-binding moiety. This engineered connection promotes the degradation of specific SWI/SNF subunits, enhancing and extending the impact of this pharmacological intervention in some cases. Extensive preclinical studies have underscored the therapeutic potential of these drugs across diverse cancer types. Encouragingly, some of these agents have progressed from preclinical research to clinical trials, indicating a promising stride toward the development of effective cancer therapeutics targeting SWI/SNF complex and sub-complex functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Dreier
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave, Toledo 43614, OH, USA
| | - Jasmine Walia
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave, Toledo 43614, OH, USA
| | - Ivana L de la Serna
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave, Toledo 43614, OH, USA
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31
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Nguyen TM, Sreekanth V, Deb A, Kokkonda P, Tiwari PK, Donovan KA, Shoba V, Chaudhary SK, Mercer JAM, Lai S, Sadagopan A, Jan M, Fischer ES, Liu DR, Ebert BL, Choudhary A. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras with reduced off-targets. Nat Chem 2024; 16:218-228. [PMID: 38110475 PMCID: PMC10913580 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01379-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are molecules that induce proximity between target proteins and E3 ligases triggering target protein degradation. Pomalidomide, a widely used E3 ligase recruiter in PROTACs, can independently degrade other proteins, including zinc-finger (ZF) proteins, with vital roles in health and disease. This off-target degradation hampers the therapeutic applicability of pomalidomide-based PROTACs, requiring development of PROTAC design rules that minimize off-target degradation. Here we developed a high-throughput platform that interrogates off-target degradation and found that reported pomalidomide-based PROTACs induce degradation of several ZF proteins. We generated a library of pomalidomide analogues to understand how functionalizing different positions of the phthalimide ring, hydrogen bonding, and steric and hydrophobic effects impact ZF protein degradation. Modifications of appropriate size on the C5 position reduced off-target ZF degradation, which we validated through target engagement and proteomics studies. By applying these design principles, we developed anaplastic lymphoma kinase oncoprotein-targeting PROTACs with enhanced potency and minimal off-target degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan M Nguyen
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vedagopuram Sreekanth
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arghya Deb
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Praveen Kokkonda
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Praveen K Tiwari
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine A Donovan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Veronika Shoba
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Santosh K Chaudhary
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jaron A M Mercer
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sophia Lai
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ananthan Sadagopan
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Max Jan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric S Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin L Ebert
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amit Choudhary
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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32
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Zhong C, Zhu R, Jiang T, Tian S, Zhao X, Wan X, Jiang S, Chen Z, Gong R, He L, Yang J, Ye N, Cheng Y. Design and Characterization of a Novel eEF2K Degrader with Potent Therapeutic Efficacy Against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305035. [PMID: 38084501 PMCID: PMC10837347 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305035] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Dysregulated eEF2K expression is implicated in the pathogenesis of many human cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), making it a plausible therapeutic target. However, specific eEF2K inhibitors with potent anti-cancer activity have not been available so far. Targeted protein degradation has emerged as a new strategy for drug discovery. In this study, a novel small molecule chemical is designed and synthesized, named as compound C1, which shows potent activity in degrading eEF2K. C1 selectively binds to F8, L10, R144, C146, E229, and Y236 of the eEF2K protein and promotes its proteasomal degradation by increasing the interaction between eEF2K and the ubiquitin E3 ligase βTRCP in the form of molecular glue. C1 significantly inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of TNBC cells both in vitro and in vivo and in TNBC patient-derived organoids, and these antitumor effects are attributed to the degradation of eEF2K by C1. Additionally, combination treatment of C1 with paclitaxel, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug, exhibits synergistic anti-tumor effects against TNBC. This study not only generates a powerful research tool to investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting eEF2K, but also provides a promising lead compound for developing novel drugs for the treatment of TNBC and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changxin Zhong
- Department of PharmacyThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410011China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative DrugChangsha410011China
| | - Rongfeng Zhu
- Department of Medicinal ChemistryJiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsu215123China
| | - Ting Jiang
- Department of PharmacyThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410011China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative DrugChangsha410011China
| | - Sheng Tian
- Department of Medicinal ChemistryJiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsu215123China
| | - Xiaobao Zhao
- Department of Medicinal ChemistryJiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsu215123China
| | - Xiaoya Wan
- Department of PharmacyThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410011China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative DrugChangsha410011China
| | - Shilong Jiang
- Department of PharmacyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410011China
| | - Zonglin Chen
- Department of PharmacyThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410011China
- Department of General SurgeryThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410011China
| | - Rong Gong
- Department of PharmacyThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410011China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative DrugChangsha410011China
| | - Linhao He
- Department of PharmacyThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410011China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative DrugChangsha410011China
| | - Jin‐Ming Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology and ToxicologyDepartment of PharmacologyCollege of Medicine and Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKY40536USA
| | - Na Ye
- Department of Medicinal ChemistryJiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsu215123China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Department of PharmacyThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410011China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative DrugChangsha410011China
- Ministry of EducationKey Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University)Changsha410011China
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Al-Ghabkari A, Huang B, Park M. Aberrant MET Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling in Glioblastoma: Targeted Therapy and Future Directions. Cells 2024; 13:218. [PMID: 38334610 PMCID: PMC10854665 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors represent a heterogeneous group of neoplasms characterized by a high degree of aggressiveness and a poor prognosis. Despite recent therapeutic advances, the treatment of brain tumors, including glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive primary brain tumor associated with poor prognosis and resistance to therapy, remains a significant challenge. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are critical during development and in adulthood. Dysregulation of RTKs through activating mutations and gene amplification contributes to many human cancers and provides attractive therapeutic targets for treatment. Under physiological conditions, the Met RTK, the hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) receptor, promotes fundamental signaling cascades that modulate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) involved in tissue repair and embryogenesis. In cancer, increased Met activity promotes tumor growth and metastasis by providing signals for proliferation, survival, and migration/invasion. Recent clinical genomic studies have unveiled multiple mechanisms by which MET is genetically altered in GBM, including focal amplification, chromosomal rearrangements generating gene fusions, and a splicing variant mutation (exon 14 skipping, METex14del). Notably, MET overexpression contributes to chemotherapy resistance in GBM by promoting the survival of cancer stem-like cells. This is linked to distinctive Met-induced pathways, such as the upregulation of DNA repair mechanisms, which can protect tumor cells from the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy. The development of MET-targeted therapies represents a major step forward in the treatment of brain tumours. Preclinical studies have shown that MET-targeted therapies (monoclonal antibodies or small molecule inhibitors) can suppress growth and invasion, enhancing the efficacy of conventional therapies. Early-phase clinical trials have demonstrated promising results with MET-targeted therapies in improving overall survival for patients with recurrent GBM. However, challenges remain, including the need for patient stratification, the optimization of treatment regimens, and the identification of mechanisms of resistance. This review aims to highlight the current understanding of mechanisms underlying MET dysregulation in GBM. In addition, it will focus on the ongoing preclinical and clinical assessment of therapies targeting MET dysregulation in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulhameed Al-Ghabkari
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; (A.A.-G.); (B.H.)
| | - Bruce Huang
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; (A.A.-G.); (B.H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Morag Park
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; (A.A.-G.); (B.H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3T2, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
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Szewczyk SM, Verma I, Edwards JT, Weiss DR, Chekler ELP. Trends in Neosubstrate Degradation by Cereblon-Based Molecular Glues and the Development of Novel Multiparameter Optimization Scores. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1327-1335. [PMID: 38170610 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01872] [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: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Molecular glues enable the degradation of previously "undruggable" proteins via the recruitment of cereblon (CRBN) to the target. One major challenge in designing CRBN E3 ligase modulating compounds (CELMoDs) is the selectivity profile toward neosubstrates, proteins recruited by CRBN E3 ligase agents for degradation. Common neosubstrates include Aiolos, Ikaros, GSPT1, CK1α, and SALL4. Unlike achieving potency and selectivity for traditional small molecule inhibitors, reducing the degradation of these neosubstrates is complicated by the ternary nature of the complex formed between the protein, CRBN, and CELMoD. The standard guiding principles of medicinal chemistry, such as enforcing hydrogen bond formation, are less predictive of degradation efficiency and selectivity. Disclosed is an analysis of our glutarimide CELMoD library to identify interpretable chemical features correlated to selectivity profiles and general cytotoxicity. Included is a simple multiparameter optimization function using only three parameters to predict whether molecules will have undesired neosubstrate activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isha Verma
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Redwood City, California 94063, United States
| | - Jacob T Edwards
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Redwood City, California 94063, United States
| | - Dahlia R Weiss
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Redwood City, California 94063, United States
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Ramal M, Corral S, Kalisz M, Lapi E, Real FX. The urothelial gene regulatory network: understanding biology to improve bladder cancer management. Oncogene 2024; 43:1-21. [PMID: 37996699 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02876-3] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The urothelium is a stratified epithelium composed of basal cells, one or more layers of intermediate cells, and an upper layer of differentiated umbrella cells. Most bladder cancers (BLCA) are urothelial carcinomas. Loss of urothelial lineage fidelity results in altered differentiation, highlighted by the taxonomic classification into basal and luminal tumors. There is a need to better understand the urothelial transcriptional networks. To systematically identify transcription factors (TFs) relevant for urothelial identity, we defined highly expressed TFs in normal human bladder using RNA-Seq data and inferred their genomic binding using ATAC-Seq data. To focus on epithelial TFs, we analyzed RNA-Seq data from patient-derived organoids recapitulating features of basal/luminal tumors. We classified TFs as "luminal-enriched", "basal-enriched" or "common" according to expression in organoids. We validated our classification by differential gene expression analysis in Luminal Papillary vs. Basal/Squamous tumors. Genomic analyses revealed well-known TFs associated with luminal (e.g., PPARG, GATA3, FOXA1) and basal (e.g., TP63, TFAP2) phenotypes and novel candidates to play a role in urothelial differentiation or BLCA (e.g., MECOM, TBX3). We also identified TF families (e.g., KLFs, AP1, circadian clock, sex hormone receptors) for which there is suggestive evidence of their involvement in urothelial differentiation and/or BLCA. Genomic alterations in these TFs are associated with BLCA. We uncover a TF network involved in urothelial cell identity and BLCA. We identify novel candidate TFs involved in differentiation and cancer that provide opportunities for a better understanding of the underlying biology and therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ramal
- Epithelial Carcinogenesis Group, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Corral
- Epithelial Carcinogenesis Group, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mark Kalisz
- Epithelial Carcinogenesis Group, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eleonora Lapi
- Epithelial Carcinogenesis Group, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco X Real
- Epithelial Carcinogenesis Group, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain.
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
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36
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Arndt CM, Bitai J, Brunner J, Opatz T, Martinelli P, Gollner A, Sokol KR, Krumb M. One-Pot Synthesis of Cereblon Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras via Photoinduced C(sp 2)-C(sp 3) Cross Coupling and Amide Formation for Proteolysis Targeting Chimera Library Synthesis. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16939-16952. [PMID: 38096359 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a one-pot synthesis via photoinduced C(sp2)-C(sp3) coupling followed by amide formation to access proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) was developed. The described protocol was studied on cereblon (CRBN)-based E3-ligase binders and (+)-JQ-1, a bromodomain inhibitor, to generate BET (bromodomain and extra terminal domain) targeting protein degraders. The generated PROTACs were profiled in vitro and tested for their degradation ability with several potent candidates identified. Upfront, the individual reactions of the one-pot transformation were carefully optimized for CRBN binder functionalization and multiple heterobifunctional linker moieties were designed and synthesized. Separate scopes detailing the C(sp2)-C(sp3) coupling and one-pot PROTAC synthesis are described in this report as well as a library miniaturization study showing the high-throughput compatibility. Overall, the developed protocol provides rapid access to PROTACs in a single process, thereby allowing efficient generation of CRBN-based PROTAC libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Arndt
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Duesbergweg 10-14, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Bitai
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
| | - Jessica Brunner
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
| | - Till Opatz
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Duesbergweg 10-14, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Paola Martinelli
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
| | - Andreas Gollner
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
| | - Kevin R Sokol
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
| | - Matthias Krumb
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
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37
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He S, Fang Y, Wu M, Zhang P, Gao F, Hu H, Sheng C, Dong G. Enhanced Tumor Targeting and Penetration of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras through iRGD Peptide Conjugation: A Strategy for Precise Protein Degradation in Breast Cancer. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16828-16842. [PMID: 38055861 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01539] [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: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have recently emerged as a promising technology for drug development. However, poor water solubility, limited tissue selectivity, and inadequate tumor penetration pose significant challenges for PROTAC-based therapies in cancer treatment. Herein, we developed an iRGD-PROTAC conjugation strategy utilizing tumor-penetrating cyclic peptide iRGD (CRGDK/RGPD/EC) to deliver PROTACs deep into breast cancer tissues. As a conceptual validation study, iRGD peptides were conjugated with a bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) PROTAC through a GSH-responsive linker. The resulting iRGD-PROTAC conjugate iPR showed enhanced water solubility, tumor-targeting capability, and penetration within tumor tissues, resulting in increased antibreast cancer efficacy in animal models and patient-derived organoids. This study demonstrates the advantages of combining iRGD and PROTACs in improving drug delivery and highlights the importance of tissue selectivity and penetration ability in PROTAC-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng He
- Institute of Translational Medicine,Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yuxin Fang
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Minghao Wu
- Institute of Translational Medicine,Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Peifeng Zhang
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Institute of Translational Medicine,Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Honggang Hu
- Institute of Translational Medicine,Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
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Ma X, Leon B, Ornelas E, Dovala D, Tandeske L, Luu C, Pardee G, Widger S, Solomon JM, Beckwith REJ, Moser H, Clifton MC, Wartchow CA. Structural and biophysical comparisons of the pomalidomide- and CC-220-induced interactions of SALL4 with cereblon. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22088. [PMID: 38086859 PMCID: PMC10716131 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48606-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The design of cereblon-binding molecular glues (MGs) that selectively recruit a desired protein while excluding teratogenic SALL4 is an area of significant interest when designing therapeutic agents. Previous studies show that SALL4 is degraded in the presence of IKZF1 degraders pomalidomide, and to a lesser extent by CC-220. To expand our understanding of the molecular basis for the interaction of SALL4 with cereblon, we performed biophysical and structural studies demonstrating that SALL4 zinc finger domains one and two (ZF1-2) interact with cereblon (CRBN) in a unique manner. ZF1 interacts with the N-terminal domain of cereblon and ZF2 binds as expected in the C-terminal IMiD-binding domain. Both ZF1 and ZF2 contribute to the potency of the interaction of ZF1-2 with CRBN:MG complexes and the affinities of SALL4 ZF1-2 for the cereblon:CC-220 complex are less potent than for the corresponding pomalidomide complex. Structural analysis provides a rationale for understanding the reduced affinity of SALL4 for cereblon in the presence of CC-220, which engages both ZF1 and ZF2. These studies further our understanding of the molecular glue-mediated interactions of zinc finger-based proteins with cereblon and may provide structural tools for the prospective design of compounds with reduced binding and degradation of SALL4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Ma
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Barbara Leon
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ornelas
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Dustin Dovala
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Laura Tandeske
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Catherine Luu
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Gwynn Pardee
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Stephania Widger
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Jonathan M Solomon
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Rohan E J Beckwith
- Discovery Sciences, Novartis Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Heinz Moser
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Matthew C Clifton
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Charles A Wartchow
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA.
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Zhu JM, Chen C, Kong M, Zhu L, Li YL, Zhang JF, Yu ZP, Xu SS, Kong LY, Luo JG. Discovery and optimization of indirubin derivatives as novel ferroptosis inducers for the treatment of colon cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115829. [PMID: 37801824 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115829] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is an essential antioxidant enzyme that negatively regulates ferroptosis. To exploit novel GPX4 inhibitors, we designed and synthesized 32 indirubin derivatives. Compound 31 exhibited the strongest antitumor activity against HCT-116 cells (IC50 = 0.49 ± 0.02 μM). Further studies suggested that 31 could induce ferroptosis in colon cancer cells and its cytotoxic activity could be reversed by ferroptosis inhibitors. Mechanism research showed that 31 promoted the degradation of GPX4, causing the accumulation of lipid ROS to induce ferroptosis. Animal experiments also proved that 31 could inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells in vivo and reduce the expression of GPX4 in tumor tissues. These results indicated that compound 31 had potential as a novel ferroptosis inducer agent for colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Min Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Lin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Fei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhan-Peng Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Shu Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Yi Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian-Guang Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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40
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Gabizon R, Tivon B, Reddi RN, van den Oetelaar MCM, Amartely H, Cossar PJ, Ottmann C, London N. A simple method for developing lysine targeted covalent protein reagents. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7933. [PMID: 38040731 PMCID: PMC10692228 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42632-5] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based covalent probes can target shallow protein surfaces not typically addressable using small molecules, yet there is a need for versatile approaches to convert native peptide sequences into covalent binders that can target a broad range of residues. Here we report protein-based thio-methacrylate esters-electrophiles that can be installed easily on unprotected peptides and proteins via cysteine side chains, and react efficiently and selectively with cysteine and lysine side chains on the target. Methacrylate phosphopeptides derived from 14-3-3-binding proteins irreversibly label 14-3-3σ via either lysine or cysteine residues, depending on the position of the electrophile. Methacrylate peptides targeting a conserved lysine residue exhibit pan-isoform binding of 14-3-3 proteins both in lysates and in extracellular media. Finally, we apply this approach to develop protein-based covalent binders. A methacrylate-modified variant of the colicin E9 immunity protein irreversibly binds to the E9 DNAse, resulting in significantly higher thermal stability relative to the non-covalent complex. Our approach offers a simple and versatile route to convert peptides and proteins into potent covalent binders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Gabizon
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Barr Tivon
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Rambabu N Reddi
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Maxime C M van den Oetelaar
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Hadar Amartely
- Wolfson Centre for Applied Structural Biology, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Peter J Cossar
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Ottmann
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Nir London
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
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41
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He Q, Zhao X, Wu D, Jia S, Liu C, Cheng Z, Huang F, Chen Y, Lu T, Lu S. Hydrophobic tag-based protein degradation: Development, opportunity and challenge. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115741. [PMID: 37607438 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has emerged as a promising approach for drug development, particularly for undruggable targets. TPD technology has also been instrumental in overcoming drug resistance. While some TPD molecules utilizing proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTACs) or molecular glue strategies have been approved or evaluated in clinical trials, hydrophobic tag-based protein degradation (HyT-PD) has also gained significant attention as a tool for medicinal chemists. The increasing number of reported HyT-PD molecules possessing high efficiency in degrading protein and good pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, has further fueled interest in this approach. This review aims to present the design rationale, hydrophobic tags in use, and diverse mechanisms of action of HyT-PD. Additionally, the advantages and disadvantages of HyT-PD in protein degradation are discussed. This review may help inspire the development of more HyT-PDs with superior drug-like properties for clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qindi He
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Xiaofei Zhao
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Donglin Wu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Siming Jia
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Canlin Liu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Zitian Cheng
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Fei Huang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Yadong Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China.
| | - Tao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Shuai Lu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China.
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Chen S, Zheng Y, Liang B, Yin Y, Yao J, Wang Q, Liu Y, Neamati N. The application of PROTAC in HDAC. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115746. [PMID: 37607440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Inducing protein degradation by proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) has provided great opportunities for scientific research and industrial applications. Histone deacetylase (HDAC)-PROTAC has been widely developed since the first report of its ability to induce the degradation of SIRT2 in 2017. To date, ten of the eighteen HDACs (HDACs 1-8, HDAC10, and SIRT2) have been successfully targeted and degraded by HDAC-PROTACs. HDAC-PROTACs surpass traditional HDAC inhibitors in many aspects, such as higher selectivity, more potent antiproliferative activity, and the ability to disrupt the enzyme-independent functions of a multifunctional protein and overcome drug resistance. Rationally designing HDAC-PROTACs is a main challenge in development because slight variations in chemical structure can lead to drastic effects on the efficiency and selectivity of the degradation. In the future, HDAC-PROTACs can potentially be involved in clinical research with the support of the increased amount of in vivo data, pharmacokinetic evaluation, and pharmacological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoting Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Yuxiang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Benji Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Yudong Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Jian Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Quande Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China.
| | - Yanghan Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China.
| | - Nouri Neamati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States.
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43
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Amirian R, Azadi Badrbani M, Izadi Z, Samadian H, Bahrami G, Sarvari S, Abdolmaleki S, Nabavi SM, Derakhshankhah H, Jaymand M. Targeted protein modification as a paradigm shift in drug discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115765. [PMID: 37659194 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115765] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Targeted Protein Modification (TPM) is an umbrella term encompassing numerous tools and approaches that use bifunctional agents to induce a desired modification over the POI. The most well-known TPM mechanism is PROTAC-directed protein ubiquitination. PROTAC-based targeted degradation offers several advantages over conventional small-molecule inhibitors, has shifted the drug discovery paradigm, and is acquiring increasing interest as over ten PROTACs have entered clinical trials in the past few years. Targeting the protein of interest for proteasomal degradation by PROTACS was the pioneer of various toolboxes for selective protein degradation. Nowadays, the ever-increasing number of tools and strategies for modulating and modifying the POI has expanded far beyond protein degradation, which phosphorylation and de-phosphorylation of the protein of interest, targeted acetylation, and selective modification of protein O-GlcNAcylation are among them. These novel strategies have opened new avenues for achieving more precise outcomes while remaining feasible and minimizing side effects. This field, however, is still in its infancy and has a long way to precede widespread use and translation into clinical practice. Herein, we investigate the pros and cons of these novel strategies by exploring the latest advancements in this field. Ultimately, we briefly discuss the emerging potential applications of these innovations in cancer therapy, neurodegeneration, viral infections, and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshanak Amirian
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Azadi Badrbani
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Zhila Izadi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Hadi Samadian
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Gholamreza Bahrami
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Sajad Sarvari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Sara Abdolmaleki
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, 82100, Benevento, Italy.
| | - Hossein Derakhshankhah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Jaymand
- Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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Cruite J, Nowak R, Donovan KA, Ficarro SB, Huang H, Liu H, Liu Y, Marto JA, Metivier RJ, Fischer ES, Jones LH. Covalent Stapling of the Cereblon Sensor Loop Histidine Using Sulfur-Heterocycle Exchange. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1576-1581. [PMID: 37974938 PMCID: PMC10641907 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00371] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Site-specific modification of amino acid residues in protein binding pockets using sulfonyl exchange chemistry expands the druggable proteome by enabling the development of covalent modulators that target residues beyond cysteine. Sulfonyl fluoride and triazole electrophiles were incorporated previously into the cereblon (CRBN) molecular glue degrader EM12, to covalently engage His353 within the CRBN sensor loop, but these probes had poor human plasma stability. Attenuation of intrinsic reactivity through the development of sulfonyl pyrazoles, imidazoles, and nucleobases enhanced plasma stability, and several compounds retained efficient labeling of His353. For example, sulfonyl imidazole EM12-SO2Im covalently blocked the CRBN binding site and possessed excellent metabolic stability in human plasma, liver microsomes, and hepatocytes. These results highlight the potential suitability of sulfonyl imidazole and related sulfur(VI)-diazole exchange (SuDEx) warheads for covalent drug development and further exemplify the therapeutic promise of site-specific histidine targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin
T. Cruite
- Center
for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department
of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Radosław
P. Nowak
- Center
for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department
of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Katherine A. Donovan
- Department
of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department
of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Scott B. Ficarro
- Department
of Cancer Biology, Department of Oncologic Pathology, Blais Proteomics
Center, and Center for Emergent Drug Targets, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department
of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Huang Huang
- Center
for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department
of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Hu Liu
- Center
for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department
of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Yingpeng Liu
- Center
for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department
of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Jarrod A. Marto
- Department
of Cancer Biology, Department of Oncologic Pathology, Blais Proteomics
Center, and Center for Emergent Drug Targets, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department
of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Rebecca J. Metivier
- Center
for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Eric S. Fischer
- Center
for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department
of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department
of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Lyn H. Jones
- Center
for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department
of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
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45
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Zhang B, Brahma RK, Zhu L, Feng J, Hu S, Qian L, Du S, Yao SQ, Ge J. Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 (IGF2)-Fused Lysosomal Targeting Chimeras for Degradation of Extracellular and Membrane Proteins. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:24272-24283. [PMID: 37899626 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c08886] [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: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Targeted degradation of the cell-surface and extracellular proteins via the endogenous lysosomal degradation pathways, such as lysosome-targeting chimeras (LYTACs), has recently emerged as an attractive tool to expand the scope of extracellular chemical biology. Herein, we report a series of recombinant proteins genetically fused to insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), which we termed iLYTACs, that can be conveniently obtained in high yield by standard cloning and bacterial expression in a matter of days. We showed that both type-I iLYTACs, in which IGF2 was fused to a suitable affibody or nanobody capable of binding to a specific protein target, and type-II iLYTAC (or IGF2-Z), in which IGF2 was fused to the IgG-binding Z domain that served as a universal antibody-binding adaptor, could be used for effective lysosomal targeting and degradation of various extracellular and membrane-bound proteins-of-interest. These heterobifunctional iLYTACs are fully genetically encoded and can be produced on a large scale from conventional E. coli expression systems without any form of chemical modification. In the current study, we showed that iLYTACs successfully facilitated the cell uptake, lysosomal localization, and efficient lysosomal degradation of various disease-relevant protein targets from different mammalian cell lines, including EGFR, PD-L1, CD20, and α-synuclein. The antitumor properties of iLYTACs were further validated in a mouse xenograft model. Overall, iLYTACs represent a general and modular strategy for convenient and selective targeted protein degradation, thus expanding the potential applications of current LYTACs and related techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Rajeev Kungur Brahma
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 4 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117544, Singapore
| | - Liquan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Jiayi Feng
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Shiqi Hu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Linghui Qian
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shubo Du
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Shao Q Yao
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 4 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117544, Singapore
| | - 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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Taherbhoy AM, Daniels DL. Harnessing UBR5 for targeted protein degradation of key transcriptional regulators. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:758-761. [PMID: 37770316 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has opened the door for drugging transcriptional regulators, yet the number of proteins targeted and E3 ligases utilized remain limited. Here, we highlight UBR5 and propose multiple strategies by which this E3 ligase could be modulated to drive degradation of key transcriptional targets implicated in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad M Taherbhoy
- Foghorn Therapeutics, 500 Technology Square Suite 700, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Danette L Daniels
- Foghorn Therapeutics, 500 Technology Square Suite 700, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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47
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Yang Z, Pang Q, Zhou J, Xuan C, Xie S. Leveraging aptamers for targeted protein degradation. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:776-785. [PMID: 37380531 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.05.008] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) technologies, particularly proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), have emerged as a significant advancement in drug discovery. However, several hurdles - such as the difficulty of identifying suitable ligands for traditionally undruggable proteins, poor solubility and impermeability, nonspecific biodistribution, and on-target off-tissue toxicity - present challenges to their clinical applications. Aptamers are promising ligands for broad-ranging molecular recognition. Utilizing aptamers in TPD has shown potential advantages in overcoming these challenges. Here, we provide an overview of recent developments in aptamer-based TPD, emphasizing their potential to achieve targeted delivery and their promise for the spatiotemporal degradation of undruggable proteins. We also discuss the challenges and future directions of aptamer-based TPD with the goal of facilitating their clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Yang
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiuxiang Pang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China; Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenghao Xuan
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Songbo Xie
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China; Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China.
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48
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Jiang Y, Ni S, Xiao B, Jia L. Function, mechanism and drug discovery of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like modification with multiomics profiling for cancer therapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:4341-4372. [PMID: 37969742 PMCID: PMC10638515 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin (Ub) and ubiquitin-like (Ubl) pathways are critical post-translational modifications that determine whether functional proteins are degraded or activated/inactivated. To date, >600 associated enzymes have been reported that comprise a hierarchical task network (e.g., E1-E2-E3 cascade enzymatic reaction and deubiquitination) to modulate substrates, including enormous oncoproteins and tumor-suppressive proteins. Several strategies, such as classical biochemical approaches, multiomics, and clinical sample analysis, were combined to elucidate the functional relations between these enzymes and tumors. In this regard, the fundamental advances and follow-on drug discoveries have been crucial in providing vital information concerning contemporary translational efforts to tailor individualized treatment by targeting Ub and Ubl pathways. Correspondingly, emphasizing the current progress of Ub-related pathways as therapeutic targets in cancer is deemed essential. In the present review, we summarize and discuss the functions, clinical significance, and regulatory mechanisms of Ub and Ubl pathways in tumorigenesis as well as the current progress of small-molecular drug discovery. In particular, multiomics analyses were integrated to delineate the complexity of Ub and Ubl modifications for cancer therapy. The present review will provide a focused and up-to-date overview for the researchers to pursue further studies regarding the Ub and Ubl pathways targeted anticancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Biying Xiao
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lijun Jia
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
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Ma Z, Bolinger AA, Zhou J. RIPTACs: A groundbreaking approach to drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103774. [PMID: 37734702 PMCID: PMC11144445 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103774] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Regulated induced proximity targeting chimeras (RIPTACs), a new class of heterobifunctional molecules, show promise in specifically targeting and eliminating cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. As a groundbreaking drug discovery approach, RIPTACs work by forming a stable complex with two proteins, one specifically found in cancer cells (target protein, TP) and the other pan-essential for cell survival (effector protein, EP), selectively disrupting the function of the EP in cancer cells and causing cell death. Interestingly, the TPs need not be linked to disease progression, broadening the spectrum of potential drug targets. This review summarizes the discovery and recent advances of the RIPTAC strategy. Additionally, it discusses the associated opportunities and challenges as well as future perspectives in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghui Ma
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Andrew A Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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50
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Mei L, Chen X, Wei F, Huang X, Liu L, Yao J, Chen J, Luo X, Wang Z, Yang A. Tethering ATG16L1 or LC3 induces targeted autophagic degradation of protein aggregates and mitochondria. Autophagy 2023; 19:2997-3013. [PMID: 37424101 PMCID: PMC10549199 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2234797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) based on the ubiquitin-proteasome system have made great progress in the field of drug discovery. There is mounting evidence that the accumulation of aggregation-prone proteins or malfunctioning organelles is associated with the occurrence of various age-related neurodegenerative disorders and cancers. However, PROTACs are inefficient for the degradation of such large targets due to the narrow entrance channel of the proteasome. Macroautophagy (hereafter referred to as autophagy) is known as a self-degradative process involved in the degradation of bulk cytoplasmic components or specific cargoes that are sequestered into autophagosomes. In the present study, we report the development of a generalizable strategy for the targeted degradation of large targets. Our results suggested that tethering large target models to phagophore-associated ATG16L1 or LC3 induced targeted autophagic degradation of the large target models. Furthermore, we successfully applied this autophagy-targeting degradation strategy to the targeted degradation of HTT65Q aggregates and mitochondria. Specifically, chimeras consisting of polyQ-binding peptide 1 (QBP) and ATG16L1-binding peptide (ABP) or LC3-interacting region (LIR) induced targeted autophagic degradation of pathogenic HTT65Q aggregates; and the chimeras consisting of mitochondria-targeting sequence (MTS) and ABP or LIR promoted targeted autophagic degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria, hence ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction in a Parkinson disease cell model and protecting cells from apoptosis induced by the mitochondrial stress agent FCCP. Therefore, this study provides a new strategy for the selective proteolysis of large targets and enrich the toolkit for autophagy-targeting degradation.Abbreviations: ABP: ATG16L1-binding peptide; ATG16L1: autophagy related 16 like 1; ATTEC: autophagy-tethering compound; AUTAC: autophagy-targeting chimera; AUTOTAC: autophagy-targeting chimera; Baf A1: bafilomycin A1; BCL2: BCL2 apoptosis regulator; CALCOCO2/NDP52: calcium binding and coiled-coil domain 2; CASP3: caspase 3; CPP: cell-penetrating peptide; CQ: chloroquine phosphate; DAPI: 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; DCM: dichloromethane; DMF: N,N-dimethylformamide; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; EBSS: Earle's balanced salt solution; FCCP: carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone; FITC: fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; GFP: green fluorescent protein; HEK293: human embryonic kidney 293; HEK293T: human embryonic kidney 293T; HPLC: high-performance liquid chromatography; HRP: horseradish peroxidase; HTT: huntingtin; LIR: LC3-interacting region; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MFF: mitochondrial fission factor; MTS: mitochondria-targeting sequence; NBR1: NBR1 autophagy cargo receptor; NLRX1: NLR family member X1; OPTN: optineurin; P2A: self-cleaving 2A peptide; PB1: Phox and Bem1p; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PE: phosphatidylethanolamine; PINK1: PTEN induced kinase 1; PRKN: parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase; PROTACs: proteolysis-targeting chimeras; QBP: polyQ-binding peptide 1; SBP: streptavidin-binding peptide; SDS-PAGE: sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; SPATA33: spermatogenesis associated 33; TIMM23: translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane 23; TMEM59: transmembrane protein 59; TOMM20: translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20; UBA: ubiquitin-associated; WT: wild type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligang Mei
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaorong Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fujing Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lu Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia Yao
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xunguang Luo
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuolin Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Aimin Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| |
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