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Zhang H, Zhang Y, Feng Z, Shuai M, Ma X, Wang S, Yu S, Deng R, Luo D, Shi J, Pu C, Li R. Discovery of Novel Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera Molecules as Degraders of Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 for Breast Cancer Therapy. J Med Chem 2024; 67:10589-10600. [PMID: 38889052 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02259] [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
The immune checkpoint blockade represents a pivotal strategy for tumor immunotherapy. At present, various programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies have been successfully applied to tumor treatment. Additionally, numerous small molecule inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction have also been developed, with some advancing into clinical trials. Here, a novel PD-L1 proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) library was designed and synthesized utilizing the PD-L1 inhibitor BMS202 and the E3 ligand PG as foundational components. Among these, we identified a highly potent molecule PA8 for PD-L1 degradation in 4T1 cells (DC50 = 0.609 μM). Significantly, compound PA8 potentially inhibits 4T1 cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Further mechanistic studies revealed that PA8 effectively promoted the immune activation of model mice. Thus, these results suggest that PA8 could be a novel strategy for cancer immunotherapy in the 4T1 tumor model. Although PA8 exhibits weaker degradation activity in some human cancer cells, it still provides a certain basis for further research on PD-L1 PROTAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjia Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Lung Cancer Center/Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Lung Cancer Center/Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zhanzhan Feng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ming Shuai
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Xinyu Ma
- Department of Nanomedicine & Drug Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Shirui Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Su Yu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rui Deng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Chunlan Pu
- Medical Research Center, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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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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Pepin X, Arora S, Borges L, Cano-Vega M, Carducci T, Chatterjee P, Chen G, Cristofoletti R, Dallmann A, Delvadia P, Dressman J, Fotaki N, Gray E, Heimbach T, Holte Ø, Kijima S, Kotzagiorgis E, Lennernäs H, Lindahl A, Loebenberg R, Mackie C, Malamatari M, McAllister M, Mitra A, Moody R, Mudie D, Musuamba Tshinanu F, Polli JE, Rege B, Ren X, Rullo G, Scherholz M, Song I, Stillhart C, Suarez-Sharp S, Tannergren C, Tsakalozou E, Veerasingham S, Wagner C, Seo P. Parameterization of Physiologically Based Biopharmaceutics Models: Workshop Summary Report. Mol Pharm 2024. [PMID: 38946085 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
This Article shares the proceedings from the August 29th, 2023 (day 1) workshop "Physiologically Based Biopharmaceutics Modeling (PBBM) Best Practices for Drug Product Quality: Regulatory and Industry Perspectives". The focus of the day was on model parametrization; regulatory authorities from Canada, the USA, Sweden, Belgium, and Norway presented their views on PBBM case studies submitted by industry members of the IQ consortium. The presentations shared key questions raised by regulators during the mock exercise, regarding the PBBM input parameters and their justification. These presentations also shed light on the regulatory assessment processes, content, and format requirements for future PBBM regulatory submissions. In addition, the day 1 breakout presentations and discussions gave the opportunity to share best practices around key questions faced by scientists when parametrizing PBBMs. Key questions included measurement and integration of drug substance solubility for crystalline vs amorphous drugs; impact of excipients on apparent drug solubility/supersaturation; modeling of acid-base reactions at the surface of the dissolving drug; choice of dissolution methods according to the formulation and drug properties with a view to predict the in vivo performance; mechanistic modeling of in vitro product dissolution data to predict in vivo dissolution for various patient populations/species; best practices for characterization of drug precipitation from simple or complex formulations and integration of the data in PBBM; incorporation of drug permeability into PBBM for various routes of uptake and prediction of permeability along the GI tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Pepin
- Regulatory Affairs, Simulations Plus Inc., 42505 10th Street West, Lancaster, California 93534-7059, United States
| | - Sumit Arora
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Luiza Borges
- ANVISA, SIA Trecho 5́, Guara, Brasília, Federal District 71205-050, Brazil
| | - Mario Cano-Vega
- Drug Product Technologies, Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks, California 91320-1799, United States
| | - Tessa Carducci
- Analytical Commercialization Technology, Merck & Co., Inc., 126 E. Lincoln Ave., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Parnali Chatterjee
- Office of Pharmaceutical Quality (OPQ), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, Maryland 20903-1058, United States
| | - Grace Chen
- Takeda Development Center Americas Inc., 300 Shire Way, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421, United States
| | - Rodrigo Cristofoletti
- College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 6550 Sanger Rd., Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| | - André Dallmann
- Bayer HealthCare SAS, 59000 Lille, France, on behalf of Bayer AG, Pharmacometrics/Modeling and Simulation, Systems Pharmacology & Medicine, PBPK, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Poonam Delvadia
- Office of Translational Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology (OCP), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, Maryland 20903-1058, United States
| | - Jennifer Dressman
- Fraunhofer Institute of Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt am Main 60596, Germany
| | - Nikoletta Fotaki
- University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Gray
- Office of Pharmaceutical Quality (OPQ), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, Maryland 20903-1058, United States
| | - Tycho Heimbach
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Øyvind Holte
- Norwegian Medical Products Agency, Oslo 0213, Norway
| | - Shinichi Kijima
- Office of New Drug V, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Tokyo 100-0013, Japan
| | - Evangelos Kotzagiorgis
- European Medicines Agency (EMA), Domenico Scarlattilaan 6, Amsterdam 1083 HS, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Lennernäs
- Translational Drug Discovery and Development, Department of Pharmaceutical Bioscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 05, Sweden
| | | | - Raimar Loebenberg
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmontonton T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Claire Mackie
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Maria Malamatari
- Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, 10 S Colonnade, London SW1W 9SZ, United Kingdom
| | - Mark McAllister
- Global Biopharmaceutics, Drug Product Design, Pfizer, Sandwich CT13 9NJ, United Kingdom
| | - Amitava Mitra
- Clinical Pharmacology, Kura Oncology Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02210, United States
| | - Rebecca Moody
- Office of Pharmaceutical Quality (OPQ), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, Maryland 20903-1058, United States
| | - Deanna Mudie
- Global Research and Development, Small Molecules, Lonza, 63045 NE Corporate Pl., Bend, Oregon 97701, United States
| | - Flora Musuamba Tshinanu
- Belgian Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products, Galileelaan 5/03, Brussel 1210, Belgium
| | - James E Polli
- School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Bhagwant Rege
- Office of Pharmaceutical Quality (OPQ), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, Maryland 20903-1058, United States
| | - Xiaojun Ren
- PK Sciences/Translational Medicine, BioMedical Research, Novartis, One Health Plaza, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936, United States
| | - Gregory Rullo
- Regulatory CMC, AstraZeneca, 1 Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Megerle Scherholz
- Pharmaceutical Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Route 206 & Province Line Road, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, United States
| | - Ivy Song
- Takeda Development Center Americas Inc., 300 Shire Way, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421, United States
| | - Cordula Stillhart
- Pharmaceutical R&D, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Suarez-Sharp
- Regulatory Affairs, Simulations Plus Inc., 42505 10th Street West, Lancaster, California 93534-7059, United States
| | - Christer Tannergren
- Biopharmaceutics Science, New Modalities & Parenteral Product Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 50, Sweden
| | - Eleftheria Tsakalozou
- Division of Quantitative Methods and Modeling, Office of Research and Standards, Office of Generic Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland 20903-1058, United States
| | - Shereeni Veerasingham
- Pharmaceutical Drugs Directorate (PDD), Health Canada, 1600 Scott St., Ottawa K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Christian Wagner
- Global Drug Product Development, Global CMC Development, the Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt D-64293, Germany
| | - Paul Seo
- Office of Translational Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology (OCP), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, Maryland 20903-1058, United States
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Wang Y, Yang L, Yan C, Du Y, Li T, Yang W, Lei L, He B, Gao H, Peppas NA, Cao J. Supramolecular artificial Nano-AUTACs enable tumor-specific metabolism protein degradation for synergistic immunotherapy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn8079. [PMID: 38905336 PMCID: PMC11192078 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn8079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy-targeting chimera (AUTAC) has emerged as a powerful modality that can selectively degrade tumor-related pathogenic proteins, but its low bioavailability and nonspecific distribution significantly restrict their therapeutic efficacy. Inspired by the guanine structure of AUTAC molecules, we here report supramolecular artificial Nano-AUTACs (GM NPs) engineered by AUTAC molecule GN [an indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) degrader] and nucleoside analog methotrexate (MTX) through supramolecular interactions for tumor-specific protein degradation. Their nanostructures allow for precise localization and delivery into cancer cells, where the intracellular acidic environment can disrupt the supramolecular interactions to release MTX for eradicating tumor cells, modulating tumor-associated macrophages, activating dendritic cells, and inducing autophagy. Specifically, the induced autophagy facilitates the released GN for degrading immunosuppressive IDO to further enhance effector T cell activity and inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. This study offers a unique strategy for building a nanoplatform to advance the field of AUTAC in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhen Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Lianyi Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Chenxing Yan
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Yufan Du
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Tinghua Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Wenqing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Lei Lei
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Bin He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Huile Gao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Nicholas A. Peppas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jun Cao
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
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Lehmann T, Schneider H, Tonillo J, Schanz J, Schwarz D, Schröter C, Jäger S, Kolmar H, Hecht S, Anderl J, Rasche N, Rieker M, Dickgiesser S. Welding PROxAb Shuttles: A Modular Approach for Generating Bispecific Antibodies via Site-Specific Protein-Protein Conjugation. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:780-789. [PMID: 38809610 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00124] [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: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is an innovative therapeutic strategy to selectively eliminate disease-causing proteins. Exemplified by proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), they have shown promise in overcoming drug resistance and targeting previously undruggable proteins. However, PROTACs face challenges, such as low oral bioavailability and limited selectivity. The recently published PROxAb Shuttle technology offers a solution enabling the targeted delivery of PROTACs using antibodies fused with PROTAC-binding domains derived from camelid single-domain antibodies (VHHs). Here, a modular approach to quickly generate PROxAb Shuttles by enzymatically coupling PROTAC-binding VHHs to off-the-shelf antibodies was developed. The resulting conjugates retained their target binding and internalization properties, and incubation with BRD4-targeting PROTACs resulted in formation of defined PROxAb-PROTAC complexes. These complexes selectively induced degradation of the BRD4 protein, resulting in cytotoxicity specifically to cells expressing the antibody's target. The chemoenzymatic approach described herein provides a versatile and efficient solution for generating antibody-VHH conjugates for targeted protein degradation applications, but it could also be used to combine antibodies and VHH binders to generate bispecific antibodies for further applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Lehmann
- Clemens-Schöpf-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Hendrik Schneider
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Jason Tonillo
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Jennifer Schanz
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Daniel Schwarz
- Discovery Pharmacology, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Sebastian Jäger
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Clemens-Schöpf-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Hecht
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Jan Anderl
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Nicolas Rasche
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Marcel Rieker
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, 64293 Darmstadt , Germany
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Song Y, Dong QQ, Ni YK, Xu XL, Chen CX, Chen W. Nano-Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (Nano-PROTACs) in Cancer Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:5739-5761. [PMID: 38882545 PMCID: PMC11180470 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s448684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional molecules that have the capability to induce specific protein degradation. While playing a revolutionary role in effectively degrading the protein of interest (POI), PROTACs encounter certain limitations that impede their clinical translation. These limitations encompass off-target effects, inadequate cell membrane permeability, and the hook effect. The advent of nanotechnology presents a promising avenue to surmount the challenges associated with conventional PROTACs. The utilization of nano-proteolysis targeting chimeras (nano-PROTACs) holds the potential to enhance specific tissue accumulation, augment membrane permeability, and enable controlled release. Consequently, this approach has the capacity to significantly enhance the controllable degradation of target proteins. Additionally, they enable a synergistic effect by combining with other therapeutic strategies. This review comprehensively summarizes the structural basis, advantages, and limitations of PROTACs. Furthermore, it highlights the latest advancements in nanosystems engineered for delivering PROTACs, as well as the development of nano-sized PROTACs employing nanocarriers as linkers. Moreover, it delves into the underlying principles of nanotechnology tailored specifically for PROTACs, alongside the current prospects of clinical research. In conclusion, the integration of nanotechnology into PROTACs harbors vast potential in enhancing the anti-tumor treatment response and expediting clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Song
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing-Qing Dong
- ICU, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ke Ni
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310015, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ling Xu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310015, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao-Xiang Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310015, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Chen
- ICU, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
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Yang M, Xiang H, Luo G. Targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) for cancer therapy: FAK inhibitors, FAK-based dual-target inhibitors and PROTAC degraders. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 224:116246. [PMID: 38685282 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, plays an essential role in regulating cell proliferation, migration and invasion through both kinase-dependent enzymatic function and kinase-independent scaffolding function. The overexpression and activation of FAK is commonly observed in various cancers and some drug-resistant settings. Therefore, targeted disruption of FAK has been identified as an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. To date, numerous structurally diverse inhibitors targeting distinct domains of FAK have been developed, encompassing kinase domain inhibitors, FERM domain inhibitors, and FAT domain inhibitors, with several FAK inhibitors advanced to clinical trials. Moreover, given the critical role of FAK scaffolding function in signal transduction, FAK-targeted PROTACs have also been developed. Although no current FAK-targeted therapeutics have been approved for the market, the combination of FAK inhibitors with other anticancer drugs has shown considerable promise in the clinic. This review provides an overview of current drug discovery strategies targeting FAK, including the development of FAK inhibitors, FAK-based dual-target inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) in both literature and patent applications. Accordingly, their design and optimization process, mechanisms of action and biological activities are discussed to offer insights into future directions of FAK-targeting drug discovery in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Hua Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
| | - Guoshun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Chen W, Wu Y, Xing D. New-generation advanced PROTACs as potential therapeutic agents in cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:110. [PMID: 38773495 PMCID: PMC11107062 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02024-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) technology has garnered significant attention over the last 10 years, representing a burgeoning therapeutic approach with the potential to address pathogenic proteins that have historically posed challenges for traditional small-molecule inhibitors. PROTACs exploit the endogenous E3 ubiquitin ligases to facilitate degradation of the proteins of interest (POIs) through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in a cyclic catalytic manner. Despite recent endeavors to advance the utilization of PROTACs in clinical settings, the majority of PROTACs fail to progress beyond the preclinical phase of drug development. There are multiple factors impeding the market entry of PROTACs, with the insufficiently precise degradation of favorable POIs standing out as one of the most formidable obstacles. Recently, there has been exploration of new-generation advanced PROTACs, including small-molecule PROTAC prodrugs, biomacromolecule-PROTAC conjugates, and nano-PROTACs, to improve the in vivo efficacy of PROTACs. These improved PROTACs possess the capability to mitigate undesirable physicochemical characteristics inherent in traditional PROTACs, thereby enhancing their targetability and reducing off-target side effects. The new-generation of advanced PROTACs will mark a pivotal turning point in the realm of targeted protein degradation. In this comprehensive review, we have meticulously summarized the state-of-the-art advancements achieved by these cutting-edge PROTACs, elucidated their underlying design principles, deliberated upon the prevailing challenges encountered, and provided an insightful outlook on future prospects within this burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Wujun Chen
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Yudong Wu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Dongming Xing
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Vorderbruggen M, Velázquez-Martínez CA, Natarajan A, Karpf AR. PROTACs in Ovarian Cancer: Current Advancements and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5067. [PMID: 38791105 PMCID: PMC11121112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105067] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic malignancy. The majority of patients diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer will relapse, at which point additional therapies can be administered but, for the most part, these are not curative. As such, a need exists for the development of novel therapeutic options for ovarian cancer patients. Research in the field of targeted protein degradation (TPD) through the use of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) has significantly increased in recent years. The ability of PROTACs to target proteins of interest (POI) for degradation, overcoming limitations such as the incomplete inhibition of POI function and the development of resistance seen with other inhibitors, is of particular interest in cancer research, including ovarian cancer research. This review provides a synopsis of PROTACs tested in ovarian cancer models and highlights PROTACs characterized in other types of cancers with potential high utility in ovarian cancer. Finally, we discuss methods that will help to enable the selective delivery of PROTACs to ovarian cancer and improve the pharmacodynamic properties of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makenzie Vorderbruggen
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA; (M.V.); (A.N.)
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA
| | | | - Amarnath Natarajan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA; (M.V.); (A.N.)
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA
| | - Adam R. Karpf
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA; (M.V.); (A.N.)
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA
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10
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Shen S, Radhakrishnan SK, Harrell JC, Puchalapalli M, Koblinski J, Clevenger C. The Human Intermediate Prolactin Receptor I-tail Contributes Breast Oncogenesis by Targeting Ras/MAPK Pathway. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae039. [PMID: 38713636 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Prolactin and its receptor (PRLr) in humans are significantly involved in breast cancer pathogenesis. The intermediate form of human PRLr (hPRLrI) is produced by alternative splicing and has a novel 13 amino acid tail ("I-tail") gain. hPRLrI induces significant proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of normal mammary epithelia in vitro when coexpressed with the long form hPRLr (hPRLrL). hPRLrL and hPRLrI coexpression is necessary to induce the transformation of mammary epithelia in vivo. The I-tail is associated with the ubiquitin-like protein neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated protein 8. Treatment with the neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated protein 8-activating enzyme inhibitor pevonedistat resulted in increased hPRLrL and the death of breast cancer cells. The goal of this study was to determine the function of the hPRLrI I-tail in hPRLrL/hPRLrI-mediated mammary transformation. hPRLrL/hPRLrI and hPRLrL/hPRLrIΔ13 (I-tail removal mutant) were delivered to MCF10AT cells. Cell proliferation was decreased when hPRLrI I-tail was removed. I-tail deletion decreased anchorage-independent growth and attenuated cell migration. The I-tail was involved in Ras/MAPK signaling but not PI3K/Akt signaling pathway as shown by western blot. I-tail removal resulted in decreased hPRLrI stability. RNA-sequencing data revealed that I-tail removal resulted in differential gene expression induced by prolactin. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that the activity of ERK was attenuated. Treatment of breast cancer cells with ERK1/2 inhibitor ulixertinib resulted in decreased colony-forming ability and less proliferation. These studies suggest that the hPRLrI I-tail contributed to breast oncogenesis and may be a promising target for the development of new breast cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanwei Shen
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Senthil K Radhakrishnan
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - J Chuck Harrell
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Madhavi Puchalapalli
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Jennifer Koblinski
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Charles Clevenger
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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11
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Ma J, Fang L, Sun Z, Li M, Fan T, Xiang G, Ma X. Folate-PEG-PROTAC Micelles for Enhancing Tumor-Specific Targeting Proteolysis In Vivo. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400109. [PMID: 38676445 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) technology is rapidly developed as a novel and selective medicinal strategy for the degradation of cellular proteins in cancer therapy. However, the applications of PROTACs as heterobifunctional molecules are largely limited by high molecular weight, low bioavailability, poor permeability, insufficient targeting, and low efficacy in vivo. Herein, self-assembling micelles of FA-PEG-PROTAC are designed for cancer cell selective targeting and reductive-response proteolysis in tumor-bearing mice. FA-PEG-PROTAC is prepared by conjugating folic acid (FA)-PEG with EGFR-targeting PROTAC via a disulfide bond. The FA-PEG-PROTAC micelles, formed by self-assembling, are demonstrated to significantly improve tumor targeting efficacy and exhibit excellent anti-tumor efficacy in the mouse xenograft model compared to the traditional PROTACs. The strategy of applying self-assembled FA-PEG-PROTAC micelles in tumor therapy can not only improve targeted proteolysis efficiency but also broaden applications in the development of PROTAC-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lei Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhengjun Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Meijing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ting Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Guangya Xiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongren Polytechnic College, Tongren, 554300, China
- Institute of the Higher Education Edible and Medicinal Fungi Engineering Research Center, Tongren, 554300, China
| | - Xiang Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongren Polytechnic College, Tongren, 554300, China
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12
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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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13
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Wang X, Zhao Y, Li X, Zhang Q, He J, Liu Y, Li M, Luo Z. Liposomal STAT3-Degrading PROTAC Prodrugs Promote Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immunity via Chemically Reprogramming Cancer Stem Cells. NANO LETTERS 2024. [PMID: 38598369 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) with hyperactivated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) are a major driver of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we report a nanointegrative proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC)-based STAT3 degradation strategy that enables efficient chemical reprogramming of HCC-associated CSCs, which potently inhibits CSC growth while evoking anti-HCC immune responses. The PROTAC prodrug was synthesized by conjugating the STAT3 binding domain (inS3) with a thioketal-caged E3 ligase ligand (VL-TK) via an oligo(ethylene glycol) linker (OEG) with tuned length and flexibility and encapsulating it in cRGD-modified cationic liposomes for CSC-targeted delivery while facilitating their lysosomal escape. The PROTAC prodrugs were activated by the upregulated ROS levels in CSCs and efficiently degraded STAT3 for chemical reprogramming, which would not only impair their stemness features but also remodel the immunosuppressive TME into an immunosupportive state to boost anti-HCC immunity. This strategy provides an approach for improving HCC treatment in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Wang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Youbo Zhao
- Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xin Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qiqi Zhang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Jinming He
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yingqi Liu
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Menghuan Li
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Zhong Luo
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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14
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Rutherford KA, McManus KJ. PROTACs: Current and Future Potential as a Precision Medicine Strategy to Combat Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:454-463. [PMID: 38205881 PMCID: PMC10985480 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) are an emerging precision medicine strategy, which targets key proteins for proteolytic degradation to ultimately induce cancer cell killing. These hetero-bifunctional molecules hijack the ubiquitin proteasome system to selectively add polyubiquitin chains onto a specific protein target to induce proteolytic degradation. Importantly, PROTACs have the capacity to target virtually any intracellular and transmembrane protein for degradation, including oncoproteins previously considered undruggable, which strategically positions PROTACs at the crossroads of multiple cancer research areas. In this review, we present normal functions of the ubiquitin regulation proteins and describe the application of PROTACs to improve the efficacy of current broad-spectrum therapeutics. We subsequently present the potential for PROTACs to exploit specific cancer vulnerabilities through synthetic genetic approaches, which may expedite the development, translation, and utility of novel synthetic genetic therapies in cancer. Finally, we describe the challenges associated with PROTACs and the ongoing efforts to overcome these issues to streamline clinical translation. Ultimately, these efforts may lead to their routine clinical use, which is expected to revolutionize cancer treatment strategies, delay familial cancer onset, and ultimately improve the lives and outcomes of those living with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailee A. Rutherford
- Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciencs, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kirk J. McManus
- Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciencs, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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15
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Yang EL, Sun ZJ. Nanomedicine Targeting Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Enhances Anti-Tumor Immunity. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303294. [PMID: 38288864 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303294] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, a field within immunology that aims to enhance the host's anti-cancer immune response, frequently encounters challenges associated with suboptimal response rates. The presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), crucial constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME), exacerbates this issue by fostering immunosuppression and impeding T cell differentiation and maturation. Consequently, targeting MDSCs has emerged as crucial for immunotherapy aimed at enhancing anti-tumor responses. The development of nanomedicines specifically designed to target MDSCs aims to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy by transforming immunosuppressive tumors into ones more responsive to immune intervention. This review provides a detailed overview of MDSCs in the TME and current strategies targeting these cells. Also the benefits of nanoparticle-assisted drug delivery systems, including design flexibility, efficient drug loading, and protection against enzymatic degradation, are highlighted. It summarizes advances in nanomedicine targeting MDSCs, covering enhanced treatment efficacy, safety, and modulation of the TME, laying the groundwork for more potent cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- En-Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430079, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430079, China
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16
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Xu M, Yun Y, Li C, Ruan Y, Muraoka O, Xie W, Sun X. Radiation responsive PROTAC nanoparticles for tumor-specific proteolysis enhanced radiotherapy. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:3240-3248. [PMID: 38437473 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb03046f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) is a promising strategy for cancer therapy. However, the always-on bioactivity of PROTACs may lead to non-target toxicity, which restricts their antitumor performance. Here, we developed an X-ray radiation responsive PROTAC nanomicelle (RCNprotac) by covalently conjugating a reported small molecule PROTAC (MZ1) to hydrophilic PEG via a diselenide bond-containing carbon chain, which then self-assembled into a 141.80 ± 5.66 nm nanomicelle. The RCNprotac displayed no bioactivity during circulation due to the occupation of the hydroxyl group on the E3 ubiquitin ligand component and could effectively accumulate at the tumor site owing to the enhanced permeability and retention effect. Upon exposure to X-ray radiation, the radiation-sensitive diselenide bonds were broken to specifically release MZ1 for tumor BRD4 protein degradation. Furthermore, the reduction in the BRD4 protein level could increase the tumor's sensitivity to radiation. RCNprotac showed a synergistic enhancement of antitumor effects both in vitro and in vivo. We believe that this X-ray-responsive PROTAC nanomicelle could provide a new strategy for the X-ray-activated spatiotemporally controlled protein degradation and for the BRD4 proteolysis enhanced tumor radiosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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.
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, 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.
| | - 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.
| | - Osamu Muraoka
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kinki University, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Weijia Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, 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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Guo Y, Li X, Xie Y, Wang Y. What influences the activity of Degrader-Antibody conjugates (DACs). Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116216. [PMID: 38387330 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116216] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The targeted protein degradation (TPD) technology employing proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) has been widely applied in drug chemistry and chemical biology for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. PROTACs have demonstrated significant advantages in targeting undruggable targets and overcoming drug resistance. However, despite the efficient degradation of targeted proteins achieved by PROTACs, they still face challenges related to selectivity between normal and cancer cells, as well as issues with poor membrane permeability due to their substantial molecular weight. Additionally, the noteworthy toxicity resulting from off-target effects also needs to be addressed. To solve these issues, Degrader-Antibody Conjugates (DACs) have been developed, leveraging the targeting and internalization capabilities of antibodies. In this review, we elucidates the characteristics and distinctions between DACs, and traditional Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Meanwhile, we emphasizes the significance of DACs in facilitating the delivery of PROTACs and delves into the impact of various components on DAC activity. These components include antibody targets, drug-antibody ratio (DAR), linker types, PROTACs targets, PROTACs connections, and E3 ligase ligands. The review also explores the suitability of different targets (antibody targets or PROTACs targets) for DACs, providing insights to guide the design of PROTACs better suited for antibody conjugation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaolin Guo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoxue Li
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Xie
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, Sichuan, China.
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18
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Xie H, Zhang C. Potential of the nanoplatform and PROTAC interface to achieve targeted protein degradation through the Ubiquitin-Proteasome system. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116168. [PMID: 38310686 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116168] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a crucial role in selectively breaking down specific proteins. The ability of the UPS to target proteins effectively and expedite their removal has significantly contributed to the evolution of UPS-based targeted protein degradation (TPD) strategies. In particular, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are an immensely promising tool due to their high efficiency, extensive target range, and negligible drug resistance. This breakthrough has overcome the limitations posed by traditionally "non-druggable" proteins. However, their high molecular weight and constrained solubility impede the delivery of PROTACs. Fortunately, the field of nanomedicine has experienced significant growth, enabling the delivery of PROTACs through nanoscale drug-delivery systems, which effectively improves the stability, solubility, drug distribution, tissue-specific accumulation, and stimulus-responsive release of PROTACs. This article reviews the mechanism of action attributed to PROTACs and their potential implications for clinical applications. Moreover, we present strategies involving nanoplatforms for the effective delivery of PROTACs and evaluate recent advances in targeting nanoplatforms to the UPS. Ultimately, an assessment is conducted to determine the feasibility of utilizing PROTACs and nanoplatforms for UPS-based TPD. The primary aim of this review is to provide innovative, reliable solutions to overcome the current challenges obstructing the effective use of PROTACs in the management of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, this is a promising technology for improving the treatment status of major diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanshu Xie
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China.
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19
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Yu W, Xu J, Xing D. PROTAC-biomacromolecule conjugates for precise protein degradation in cancer therapy: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 261:129864. [PMID: 38302015 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology is a promising new mode of targeted protein degradation with significant transformative implications for the clinical treatment of different diseases. Nevertheless, while this technology offers numerous advantages, on-target off-tumour toxicity in healthy cells remains a major challenge for clinical application in cancer therapy. Strategies are presently being explored to optimize degradation activity with cellular selectivity to minimize undesirable side effects. PROTAC-antibody conjugates and PROTAC-aptamer conjugates are unique innovations that combine PROTACs and biomacromolecules. These novel PROTAC-biomacromolecule conjugates (PBCs) can enhance the targetability of PROTACs and reduce their off-target side-effects. The combination of potent PROTACs and highly safe biomacromolecules will pioneer an emerging trend in targeted protein degradation. In our review, we have summarized recent advances in PBCs, discussed current challenges, and outlooked opportunities for future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Wanpeng Yu
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Jiazhen Xu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Dongming Xing
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Zhong J, Zhao R, Wang Y, Su YX, Lan X. Nano-PROTACs: state of the art and perspectives. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:4378-4391. [PMID: 38305466 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06059d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs), as a recently identified technique in the field of new drug development, provide new concepts for disease treatment and are expected to revolutionize drug discovery. With high specificity and flexibility, PROTACs serve as an innovative research tool to target and degrade disease-relevant proteins that are not currently pharmaceutically vulnerable to eliminating their functions by hijacking the ubiquitin-proteasome system. To date, PROTACs still face the challenges of low solubility, poor permeability, off-target effects, and metabolic instability. The combination of nanotechnology and PROTACs has been explored to enhance the in vivo performance of PROTACs regarding overcoming these challenging hurdles. In this review, we summarize the latest advancements in the building-block design of PROTAC prodrug nanoparticles and provide an overview of existing/potential delivery systems and loading approaches for PROTAC drugs. Furthermore, we discuss the current status and prospects of the split-and-mix approach for PROTAC drug optimization. Additionally, the advantages and translational potentials of carrier-free nano-PROTACs and their combinational therapeutic effects are highlighted. This review aims to foster a deeper understanding of this rapidly evolving field and facilitate the progress of nano-PROTACs that will continue to push the boundaries of achieving selectivity and controlled release of PROTAC drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhong
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
- Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.
| | - Ruiqi Zhao
- Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.
| | - Yuji Wang
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Yu-Xiong Su
- Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.
| | - Xinmiao Lan
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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21
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Weng W, Xue G, Pan Z. Development of visible-light-activatable photocaged PROTACs. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116062. [PMID: 38128235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Photocaged proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which employ light as a stimulus to control protein degradation, have recently garnered considerable attention as both powerful chemical tools and a promising therapeutic strategy. However, the poor penetration depth of traditionally used ultraviolet light and the deficiency of alternative caging positions have restricted their applications in biological systems. By installing a diverse array of photocaged groups, with excitation wavelengths ranging from 365 nm to 405 nm, onto different positions of cereblon (CRBN) and Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)-recruiting Brd4 degraders, we conducted the first comprehensive study on visible-light-activatable photocaged PROTACs to the best of our knowledge. We found the A2, A4 and B3 positions to be most effective at regulating the activity of the degraders, and to provide the resulting molecules (9-12 and 17) as potent visible-light-controlled degraders in live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhi Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Gang Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhengying Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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22
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Chen QH, Munoz E, Ashong D. Insight into Recent Advances in Degrading Androgen Receptor for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:663. [PMID: 38339414 PMCID: PMC10854644 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030663] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Induced protein degradation has emerged as an innovative drug discovery approach, complementary to the classical method of suppressing protein function. The androgen receptor signaling pathway has been identified as the primary driving force in the development and progression of lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer. Since androgen receptor degraders function differently from androgen receptor antagonists, they hold the promise to overcome the drug resistance challenges faced by current therapeutics. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), monomeric degraders, hydrophobic tagging, molecular glues, and autophagic degradation have demonstrated their capability in downregulating intracellular androgen receptor concentrations. The potential of these androgen receptor degraders to treat castration-resistant prostate cancer is substantiated by the advancement of six PROTACs and two monomeric androgen receptor degraders into phase I or II clinical trials. Although the chemical structures, in vitro and in vivo data, and degradation mechanisms of androgen receptor degraders have been reviewed, it is crucial to stay updated on recent advances in this field as novel androgen receptor degraders and new strategies continue to emerge. This review thus provides insight into recent advancements in this paradigm, offering an overview of the progress made since 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Hong Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Fresno, CA 93740, USA; (E.M.); (D.A.)
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Ma Q, Ye S, Liu H, Zhao Y, Mao Y, Zhang W. HMGA2 promotes cancer metastasis by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1320887. [PMID: 38361784 PMCID: PMC10867147 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1320887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex physiological process that transforms polarized epithelial cells into moving mesenchymal cells. Dysfunction of EMT promotes the invasion and metastasis of cancer. The architectural transcription factor high mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) is highly overexpressed in various types of cancer (e.g., colorectal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, uterine leiomyomas) and significantly correlated with poor survival rates. Evidence indicated that HMGA2 overexpression markedly decreased the expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin (CDH1) and increased that of vimentin (VIM), Snail, N-cadherin (CDH2), and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) by targeting the transforming growth factor beta/SMAD (TGFβ/SMAD), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and WNT/beta-catenin (WNT/β-catenin) signaling pathways. Furthermore, a new class of non-coding RNAs (miRNAs, circular RNAs, and long non-coding RNAs) plays an essential role in the process of HMGA2-induced metastasis and invasion of cancer by accelerating the EMT process. In this review, we discuss alterations in the expression of HMGA2 in various types of cancer. Furthermore, we highlight the role of HMGA2-induced EMT in promoting tumor growth, migration, and invasion. More importantly, we discuss extensively the mechanism through which HMGA2 regulates the EMT process and invasion in most cancers, including signaling pathways and the interacting RNA signaling axis. Thus, the elucidation of molecular mechanisms that underlie the effects of HMGA2 on cancer invasion and patient survival by mediating EMT may offer new therapeutic methods for preventing cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Ma
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sisi Ye
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Liu
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Mao
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Emergency Department of West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Wang F, Dong G, Ding M, Yu N, Sheng C, Li J. Dual-Programmable Semiconducting Polymer NanoPROTACs for Deep-Tissue Sonodynamic-Ferroptosis Activatable Immunotherapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306378. [PMID: 37817359 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) can provide promising opportunities for cancer treatment, while precise regulation of their activities remains challenging to achieve effective and safe therapeutic outcomes. A semiconducting polymer nanoPROTAC (SPNFeP ) is reported that can achieve ultrasound (US) and tumor microenvironment dual-programmable PROTAC activity for deep-tissue sonodynamic-ferroptosis activatable immunotherapy. SPNFeP is formed through a nano-precipitation of a sonodynamic semiconducting polymer, a ferroptosis inducer, and a newly synthesized PROTAC molecule. The semiconducting polymers work as sonosensitizers to produce singlet oxygen (1 O2 ) via sonodynamic effect under US irradiation, and ferroptosis inducers react with intratumoral hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) to generate hydroxyl radical (·OH). Such a dual-programmable reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation not only triggers ferroptosis and immunogenic cell death (ICD), but also induces on-demand activatable delivery of PROTAC molecules into tumor sites. The effectively activated nanoPROTACs degrade nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) to suppress tumor infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs), thus promoting antitumor immunity. In such a way, SPNFeP mediates sonodynamic-ferroptosis activatable immunotherapy for entirely inhibiting tumor growths in both subcutaneous and 2-cm tissue-covered deep tumor mouse models. This study presents a dual-programmable activatable strategy based on PROTACs for effective and precise cancer combinational therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengshuo Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Mengbin Ding
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Ningyue Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jingchao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
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Wu J, Li L, Zhu Q, Zhang T, Miao F, Cui Z, Dong G, Tai Z, Chen Z. JAK1/JAK2 degraders based on PROTAC for topical treatment of atopic dermatitis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116167. [PMID: 38262152 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116167] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease. The Janus kinase (JAK) has been identified as a target in AD, as it regulates specific inflammatory genes and adaptive immune responses. However, the efficacy of topically applied JAK inhibitors in AD is limited due to the unique structure of skin. We synthesized JAK1/JAK2 degraders (JAPT) based on protein degradation targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and prepared them into topical preparations. JAPT exploited the E3 ligase to mediate ubiquitination and degradation of JAK1/JAK2, offering a promising AD therapeutic approach with low frequency and dosage. In vitro investigations demonstrated that JAPT effectively inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced inflammation by promoting the degradation of JAK. In vivo studies further confirmed the efficacy of JAPT in degrading JAK1/JAK2, leading to a significant suppression of type I, II, and III adaptive immunity. Additionally, JAPT demonstrated a remarkable reduction in AD severity, as evidenced by improved skin lesion clearance and AD severity scores (SCORAD). Our study revealed the therapeutic potential of JAPT, surpassing conventional JAK inhibitors in the treatment of AD, which suggested that JAPT could be a promising topically applied anti-AD drug targeting the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchao Wu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai 200443, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Lisha Li
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai 200443, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Quangang Zhu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai 200443, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Tingrui Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Fengze Miao
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Zhen Cui
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai 200443, 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.
| | - Zongguang Tai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai 200443, China.
| | - Zhongjian Chen
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai 200443, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China.
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Leon RG, Bassham DC. PROTAC for agriculture: learning from human medicine to generate new biotechnological weed control solutions. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:262-266. [PMID: 37612249 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7741] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Weed control has relied on the use of organic and inorganic molecules that interfere with druggable targets, especially enzymes, for almost a century. This approach, although effective, has resulted in multiple cases of herbicide resistance. Furthermore, the rate of discovery of new druggable targets that are selective and with favorable environmental profiles has slowed down, highlighting the need for innovative control tools. The arrival of the biotechnology and genomics era gave hope to many that all sorts of new control tools would be developed. However, the reality is that most efforts have been limited to the development of transgenic crops with resistance to a few existing herbicides, which in fact is just another form of selectivity. Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) is a new technology developed to treat human diseases but that has potential for multiple applications in agriculture. This technology uses a small bait molecule linked to an E3 ligand. The 3-dimensional structure of the bait favors physical interaction with a binding site in the target protein in a manner that allows E3 recruitment, ubiquitination and then proteasome-mediated degradation. This system makes it possible to circumvent the need to find druggable targets because it can degrade structural proteins, transporters, transcription factors, and enzymes without the need to interact with the active site. PROTAC can help control herbicide-resistant weeds as well as expand the number of biochemical targets that can be used for weed control. In the present article, we provide an overview of how PROTAC works and describe the possible applications for weed control as well as the challenges that this technology might face during development and implementation for field uses. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon G Leon
- Professor and University Faculty Scholar, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Diane C Bassham
- Distinguished Professor and Walter E. and Helen Parke Loomis Professor of Plant Physiology, Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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27
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Hofmann N, Harms M, Mäder K. ASDs of PROTACs: Spray-dried solid dispersions as enabling formulations. Int J Pharm 2024; 650:123725. [PMID: 38113976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123725] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are a promising class of pharmaceutical agents with a unique mode of action. PROTACs enable the targeting of a broad variety of structures including transcription factors and other "undruggable" targets. The poor solubility and slow dissolution of PROTACs currently limit the extensive use of their potential. Up to date, only very limited drug delivery options have been examined to address this challenge. Therefore, we explored the potential of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) by spray drying a model PROTAC with different polymers. The resulting formulations were assessed in terms of purity, solid state, dissolution performance, and stability. A strong increase in supersaturation compared to the physical mixture was provided, although in both systems the PROTAC molecule itself was already in the amorphous state. Evaluation of the reasons for the superiority of the ASD formulations revealed that the major factor was the homogeneous, molecular distribution of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in the polymer matrix, as well as improved wettability of the formulation containing Soluplus compared to the physical mixture. The manufactured formulations were stable over a minimum of 8 weeks when protected from light and humidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Hofmann
- Global Drug Product Development, Orals Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty I of Natural Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Strasse 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Meike Harms
- Global Drug Product Development, Orals Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Karsten Mäder
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty I of Natural Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Strasse 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Wei S, Xing J, Chen J, Chen L, Lv J, Chen X, Li T, Yu T, Wang H, Wang K, Yu W. DCAF13 inhibits the p53 signaling pathway by promoting p53 ubiquitination modification in lung adenocarcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:3. [PMID: 38163876 PMCID: PMC10759521 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02936-2] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is a malignant tumor with the highest mortality worldwide. Abnormalities in the ubiquitin proteasome system are considered to be contributed to lung cancer progression with deleterious effects. DDB1 and CUL4 associated factor 13 (DCAF13) is a substrate receptor of the E3 ubiquitin ligase CRL4, but its role in lung cancer remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of DCAF13 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). METHODS So as to investigate the effect of DCAF13 on lung adenocarcinoma cell function using in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, we have identified the downstream targets of DCAF13 by using RNA-sequencing, as well as ubiquitination assays, co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and chromatin immunoprecipitation - qPCR experiments. RESULTS Our findings reveal that DCAF13 is a carcinogenic factor in LUAD, as it is highly expressed and negatively correlated with clinical outcomes in LUAD patients. Through RNA-sequencing, it has been shown that DCAF13 negatively regulates the p53 signaling pathway and inhibits p53 downstream targets including p21, BAX, FAS, and PIDD1. We also demonstrate that DCAF13 can bind to p53 protein, leading to K48-linked ubiquitination and degradation of p53. Functionally, we have shown that DCAF13 knockdown inhibits cell proliferation and migration. Our results highlight the significant role of DCAF13 in promoting LUAD progression by inhibiting p53 protein stabilization and the p53 signaling pathway. Furthermore, our findings suggest that high DCAF13 expression is a poor prognostic indicator in LUAD, and DCAF13 may be a potential therapeutic target for treating with this aggressive cancer. CONCLUSIONS The DCAF13 as a novel negative regulator of p53 to promote LUAD progression via facilitating p53 ubiquitination and degradation, suggesting that DCAF13 might be a novel biomarker and therapeutical target for LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Wei
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University (Ningbo Yinzhou People's Hospital), 251, Baizhang Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315040, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xing
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University (Ningbo Yinzhou People's Hospital), 251, Baizhang Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315040, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University (Ningbo Yinzhou People's Hospital), 251, Baizhang Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315040, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University (Ningbo Yinzhou People's Hospital), 251, Baizhang Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315040, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiapei Lv
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University (Ningbo Yinzhou People's Hospital), 251, Baizhang Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315040, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofei Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University (Ningbo Yinzhou People's Hospital), 251, Baizhang Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315040, People's Republic of China
| | - Tang Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University (Ningbo Yinzhou People's Hospital), 251, Baizhang Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315040, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University (Ningbo Yinzhou People's Hospital), 251, Baizhang Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315040, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaying Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University (Ningbo Yinzhou People's Hospital), 251, Baizhang Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315040, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanjun Yu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University (Ningbo Yinzhou People's Hospital), 251, Baizhang Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315040, People's Republic of China.
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Gan X, Wang F, Luo J, Zhao Y, Wang Y, Yu C, Chen J. Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) based on celastrol induce multiple protein degradation for triple-negative breast cancer treatment. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 192:106624. [PMID: 37898394 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106624] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
The pursuit of single drugs targeting multiple targets has become a prominent trend in modern cancer therapeutics. Natural products, known for their multi-targeting capabilities, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness, hold great potential for the development of multi-target drugs. However, their therapeutic efficacy is often hindered by complex structural modifications and limited anti-tumor activity. In this study, we present a novel approach using celastrol (CST)-based Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) for breast cancer therapy. Through rational design, we have successfully developed compound 6a, a potent multiple protein degrader capable of selectively degrading GRP94 and CDK1/4 in tumor cells via the endogenous ubiquitin-proteasome system. Furthermore, compound 6a has demonstrated remarkable inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and migration, and induction of apoptosis in 4T1 cells through cell cycle arrest and activation of the Bcl-2/Bax/cleaved Caspase-3 apoptotic pathway. In vivo administration of compound 6a has effectively suppressed tumor growth with an acceptable safety profile. Our findings suggest that the CST-based PROTACs described herein can be readily extended to other natural products, offering a potential avenue for the development of natural product-based PROTACs for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelan Gan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Metabolism Research, Chongqing Pharmacodynamic Evaluation Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Metabolism Research, Chongqing Pharmacodynamic Evaluation Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jianguo Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Metabolism Research, Chongqing Pharmacodynamic Evaluation Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yunfei Zhao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Metabolism Research, Chongqing Pharmacodynamic Evaluation Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Metabolism Research, Chongqing Pharmacodynamic Evaluation Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Chao Yu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Metabolism Research, Chongqing Pharmacodynamic Evaluation Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Jun Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Metabolism Research, Chongqing Pharmacodynamic Evaluation Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Chongqing 400016, China.
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Hoegenauer K, An S, Axford J, Benander C, Bergsdorf C, Botsch J, Chau S, Fernández C, Gleim S, Hassiepen U, Hunziker J, Joly E, Keller A, Lopez Romero S, Maher R, Mangold AS, Mickanin C, Mihalic M, Neuner P, Patterson AW, Perruccio F, Roggo S, Scesa J, Schröder M, Shkoza D, Thai B, Vulpetti A, Renatus M, Reece-Hoyes JS. Discovery of Ligands for TRIM58, a Novel Tissue-Selective E3 Ligase. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1631-1639. [PMID: 38116426 PMCID: PMC10726445 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Redirecting E3 ligases to neo-substrates, leading to their proteasomal disassembly, known as targeted protein degradation (TPD), has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional, occupancy-driven pharmacology. Although the field has expanded tremendously over the past years, the choice of E3 ligases remains limited, with an almost exclusive focus on CRBN and VHL. Here, we report the discovery of novel ligands to the PRY-SPRY domain of TRIM58, a RING ligase that is specifically expressed in erythroid precursor cells. A DSF screen, followed by validation using additional biophysical methods, led to the identification of TRIM58 ligand TRIM-473. A basic SAR around the chemotype was established by utilizing a competitive binding assay employing a short FP peptide probe derived from an endogenous TRIM58 substrate. The X-ray co-crystal structure of TRIM58 in complex with TRIM-473 gave insights into the binding mode and potential exit vectors for bifunctional degrader design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klemens Hoegenauer
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shaojian An
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jake Axford
- Global Discovery
Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical
Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Christina Benander
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Christian Bergsdorf
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Josephine Botsch
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Suzanne Chau
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - César Fernández
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Scott Gleim
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Ulrich Hassiepen
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Juerg Hunziker
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emilie Joly
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aramis Keller
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Lopez Romero
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Maher
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Anne-Sophie Mangold
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Craig Mickanin
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Manuel Mihalic
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Neuner
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrew W. Patterson
- Global Discovery
Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical
Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Francesca Perruccio
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Silvio Roggo
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julien Scesa
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Schröder
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dojna Shkoza
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Binh Thai
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Vulpetti
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Renatus
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - John S. Reece-Hoyes
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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31
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Zeng S, Ye Y, Xia H, Min J, Xu J, Wang Z, Pan Y, Zhou X, Huang W. Current advances and development strategies of orally bioavailable PROTACs. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115793. [PMID: 37708797 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have been an area of intensive research with the potential to extend drug space not target to traditional molecules. In the last half decade, we have witnessed several PROTACs initiated phase I/II/III clinical trials, which inspired us a lot. However, the structure of PROTACs beyond "rule of 5" resulted in developing PROTACs with acceptable oral pharmacokinetic (PK) properties remain one of the biggest bottleneck tasks. Many reports have demonstrated that it is possible to access orally bioavailable PROTACs through rational ligand and linker modifications. In this review, we systematically reviewed and highlighted the most recent advances in orally bioavailable PROTACs development, especially focused on the medicinal chemistry campaign of discovery process and in vivo oral PK properties. Moreover, the constructive strategies for developing oral PROTACs were proposed comprehensively. Collectively, we believe that the strategies summarized here may provide references for further development of oral PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenxin Zeng
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China.
| | - Yingqiao Ye
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Heye Xia
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Jingli Min
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Jiamei Xu
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Zunyuan Wang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Youlu Pan
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Xinglu Zhou
- HealZen Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China.
| | - Wenhai Huang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China.
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32
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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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33
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Yao R, Luo T, Wang M. Delivering on Cell-Selective Protein Degradation Using Chemically Tailored PROTACs. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300413. [PMID: 37496112 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
PROTACs (Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras) have emerged as a groundbreaking class of chemical tools that facilitate the degradation of target proteins by leveraging the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). However, the effective utilization of PROTACs in chemical biology studies and therapeutics encounters significant challenges when it comes to achieving cell-selective protein degradation and in vivo applications. This review article aims to shed light on recent advancements in the development of Pro-PROTACs, which exhibit controlled protein degradation capabilities in response to external stimuli or disease-related endogenous biochemical signals. The article delves into the specific chemical strategies employed to regulate the interaction between PROTACs and E3 ubiquitin ligases or target proteins. These strategies enable spatial and temporal control over the protein degradation potential of Pro-PROTACs. Furthermore, the review summarizes recent investigations regarding the delivery of PROTACs using biodegradable nanoparticles for in vivo applications and targeted protein degradation. Such delivery systems hold great promise for enabling efficient and selective protein degradation in vivo. Lastly, the article provides a perspective on the future design of multifunctional PROTACs and their intracellular delivery mechanisms, with a particular focus on achieving cell-selective protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100490, China
| | - Tianli Luo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100490, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100490, China
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34
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Zhang NY, Hou DY, Hu XJ, Liang JX, Wang MD, Song ZZ, Yi L, Wang ZJ, An HW, Xu W, Wang H. Nano Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) with Anti-Hook Effect for Tumor Therapy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202308049. [PMID: 37486792 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202308049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) is an emerging pharmacological modality with innovated post-translational protein degradation capabilities. However, off-target induced unintended tissue effects and intrinsic "hook effect" hinder PROTAC biotechnology to be maturely developed. Herein, an intracellular fabricated nano proteolysis targeting chimeras (Nano-PROTACs) modality with a center-spoke degradation network for achieving efficient dose-dependent protein degradation in tumor is reported. The PROTAC precursors are triggered by higher GSH concentrations inside tumor cells, which subsequently in situ self-assemble into Nano-PROTACs through intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions. The fibrous Nano-PROTACs can form effective polynary complexes and E3 ligases degradation network with multi-binding sites, achieving dose-dependent protein degradation with "anti-hook effect". The generality and efficacy of Nano-PROTACs are validated by degrading variable protein of interest (POI) such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and androgen receptor (AR) in a wide-range dose-dependent manner with a 95 % degradation rate and long-lasting potency up to 72 h in vitro. Significantly, Nano-PROTACs achieve in vivo dose-dependent protein degradation up to 79 % and tumor growth inhibition in A549 and LNCap xenograft mice models, respectively. Taking advantages of in situ self-assembly strategy, the Nano-PROTACs provide a generalizable platform to promote precise clinical translational application of PROTAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni-Yuan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Da-Yong Hou
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Scientific Research in Urology, Harbin, 150001, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Molecular Probes and Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xing-Jie Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
- Henan Institute of Advanced Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jian-Xiao Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Man-Di Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Zhang-Zhi Song
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Li Yi
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Jia Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Scientific Research in Urology, Harbin, 150001, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Molecular Probes and Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hong-Wei An
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Wanhai Xu
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Scientific Research in Urology, Harbin, 150001, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Molecular Probes and Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- Henan Institute of Advanced Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
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Sakanyan V, Iradyan N, Alves de Sousa R. Targeted Strategies for Degradation of Key Transmembrane Proteins in Cancer. BIOTECH 2023; 12:57. [PMID: 37754201 PMCID: PMC10526213 DOI: 10.3390/biotech12030057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is an attractive technology for cancer treatment due to its ability to overcome the unpredictability of the small molecule inhibitors that cause resistance mutations. In recent years, various targeted protein degradation strategies have been developed based on the ubiquitin-proteasome system in the cytoplasm or the autophagy-lysosomal system during endocytosis. In this review, we describe and compare technologies for the targeted inhibition and targeted degradation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), one of the major proteins responsible for the onset and progression of many types of cancer. In addition, we develop an alternative strategy, called alloAUTO, based on the binding of new heterocyclic compounds to an allosteric site located in close proximity to the EGFR catalytic site. These compounds cause the targeted degradation of the transmembrane receptor, simultaneously activating both systems of protein degradation in cells. Damage to the EGFR signaling pathways promotes the inactivation of Bim sensor protein phosphorylation, which leads to the disintegration of the cytoskeleton, followed by the detachment of cancer cells from the extracellular matrix, and, ultimately, to cancer cell death. This hallmark of targeted cancer cell death suggests an advantage over other targeted protein degradation strategies, namely, the fewer cancer cells that survive mean fewer chemotherapy-resistant mutants appear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vehary Sakanyan
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France
- ProtNeteomix, 29 rue de Provence, 44700 Orvault, France
| | - Nina Iradyan
- Institute of Fine Organic Chemistry after A. Mnjoyan, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Yerevan 0014, Armenia;
| | - Rodolphe Alves de Sousa
- Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Biomédicales, Université Paris Descartes, UMR 8601, CBMIT, 75006 Paris, France;
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36
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Teng M, Gray NS. The rise of degrader drugs. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:864-878. [PMID: 37494935 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The cancer genomics revolution has served up a plethora of promising and challenging targets for the drug discovery community. The field of targeted protein degradation (TPD) uses small molecules to reprogram the protein homeostasis system to destroy desired target proteins. In the last decade, remarkable progress has enabled the rational development of degraders for a large number of target proteins, with over 20 molecules targeting more than 12 proteins entering clinical development. While TPD has been fully credentialed by the prior development of immunomodulatory drug (IMiD) class for the treatment of multiple myeloma, the field is poised for a "Gleevec moment" in which robust clinical efficacy of a rationally developed novel degrader against a preselected target is firmly established. Here, we endeavor to provide a high-level evaluation of exciting developments in the field and comment on steps that may realize the full potential of this new therapeutic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Teng
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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37
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Wu RH, Zhu CY, Yu PH, Ma Y, Hussain L, Naranmandura H, Wang QQ. The landscape of novel strategies for acute myeloid leukemia treatment: Therapeutic trends, challenges, and future directions. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 473:116585. [PMID: 37302559 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116585] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous subtype of hematological malignancies with a wide spectrum of cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities, which makes it difficult to manage and cure. Along with the deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying AML pathogenesis, a large cohort of novel targeted therapeutic approaches has emerged, which considerably expands the medical options and changes the therapeutic landscape of AML. Despite that, resistant and refractory cases caused by genomic mutations or bypass signalling activation remain a great challenge. Therefore, discovery of novel treatment targets, optimization of combination strategies, and development of efficient therapeutics are urgently required. This review provides a detailed and comprehensive discussion on the advantages and limitations of targeted therapies as a single agent or in combination with others. Furthermore, the innovative therapeutic approaches including hyperthermia, monoclonal antibody-based therapy, and CAR-T cell therapy are also introduced, which may provide safe and viable options for the treatment of patients with AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ri Han Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Changchun Normal University, Changchun 130032, China
| | - Chen Ying Zhu
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Pei Han Yu
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yafang Ma
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Liaqat Hussain
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Hua Naranmandura
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Qian Qian Wang
- Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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38
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He Q, Zhou L, Yu D, Zhu R, Chen Y, Song M, Liu X, Liao Y, Ding T, Fan W, Yu W. Near-Infrared-Activatable PROTAC Nanocages for Controllable Target Protein Degradation and On-Demand Antitumor Therapy. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10458-10472. [PMID: 37279091 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
As a novel protein knockdown tool, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) can induce potent degradation of target proteins by hijacking E3 ubiquitin ligases. However, the uncontrollable protein disruption of PROTACs is prone to cause "off-target" toxicity after systemic administration. Herein, we designed a photocaged-PROTAC (phoBET1) and loaded it in UCNPs-based mesoporous silica nanoparticles (UMSNs) to construct a NIR light-activatable PROTAC nanocage (UMSNs@phoBET1) for controllable target protein degradation. Upon NIR light (980 nm) irradiation, UMSNs@phoBET1 nanocages could be activated to release active PROTAC via a controlled pattern for degrading bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) and inducing MV-4-11 cancer cell apoptosis. In vivo experiments demonstrated that UMSNs@phoBET1 nanocages were capable of responding to NIR light in tumor tissues to achieve BRD4 degradation and effectively suppress tumor growth. This NIR light-activatable PROTAC nanoplatform compensates for the current shortcomings of short-wavelength light-controlled PROTACs and presents a paradigm for the precise regulation of PROTACs in living tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Daxin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ren Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor and Green Chemical Technology, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Advanced Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, 206 1st Rd Optics Valley, East Lake New Technology Development District, Wuhan, Hubei 430205, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingbo Song
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xintong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixian Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenpei Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
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Wang W, Zhu C, Zhang B, Feng Y, Zhang Y, Li J. Self-Assembled Nano-PROTAC Enables Near-Infrared Photodynamic Proteolysis for Cancer Therapy. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:16642-16649. [PMID: 37477624 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Confining the protein degradation activity of proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) to cancer lesions ensures precision treatment. However, it still remains challenging to precisely control PROTAC function in tumor regions in vivo. We herein describe a near-infrared (NIR) photoactivatable nano-PROTAC (NAP) for remote-controllable proteolysis in tumor-bearing mice. NAP is formed by molecular self-assembly from an amphiphilic conjugate of PROTAC linked with an NIR photosensitizer through a singlet oxygen (1O2)-cleavable linker. The activity of PROTAC is initially silenced but can be remotely switched on upon NIR photoirradiation to generate 1O2 by the photosensitizer. We demonstrated that NAP enabled tumor-specific degradation of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) in an NIR light-instructed manner. This in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) elicited an effective suppression of tumor growth. This work thus presents a novel approach for spatiotemporal control over targeted protein degradation by PROTAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weishan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chenghong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jinbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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Yun WS, Kim J, Lim DK, Kim DH, Jeon SI, Kim K. Recent Studies and Progress in the Intratumoral Administration of Nano-Sized Drug Delivery Systems. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2225. [PMID: 37570543 PMCID: PMC10421122 DOI: 10.3390/nano13152225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 30 years, diverse types of nano-sized drug delivery systems (nanoDDSs) have been intensively explored for cancer therapy, exploiting their passive tumor targetability with an enhanced permeability and retention effect. However, their systemic administration has aroused some unavoidable complications, including insufficient tumor-targeting efficiency, side effects due to their undesirable biodistribution, and carrier-associated toxicity. In this review, the recent studies and advancements in intratumoral nanoDDS administration are generally summarized. After identifying the factors to be considered to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of intratumoral nanoDDS administration, the experimental results on the application of intratumoral nanoDDS administration to various types of cancer therapies are discussed. Subsequently, the reports on clinical studies of intratumoral nanoDDS administration are addressed in short. Intratumoral nanoDDS administration is proven with its versatility to enhance the tumor-specific accumulation and retention of therapeutic agents for various therapeutic modalities. Specifically, it can improve the efficacy of therapeutic agents with poor bioavailability by increasing their intratumoral concentration, while minimizing the side effect of highly toxic agents by restricting their delivery to normal tissues. Intratumoral administration of nanoDDS is considered to expand its application area due to its potent ability to improve therapeutic effects and relieve the systemic toxicities of nanoDDSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Su Yun
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KU-KIST), Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongrae Kim
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KU-KIST), Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Kwon Lim
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KU-KIST), Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hwee Kim
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KU-KIST), Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Ik Jeon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangmeyung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
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Bai YR, Yang WG, Hou XH, Shen DD, Zhang SN, Li Y, Qiao YY, Wang SQ, Yuan S, Liu HM. The recent advance of Interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 4 inhibitors for the treatment of inflammation and related diseases. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 258:115606. [PMID: 37402343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
The interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 4 (IRAK-4) is a member of serine-threonine kinase family, which plays an important role in the regulation of interleukin-1 receptors (IL-1R) and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) related signaling pathways. At present, the IRAK-4 mediated inflammation and related signaling pathways contribute to inflammation, which are also responsible for other autoimmune diseases and drug resistance in cancers. Therefore, targeting IRAK-4 to develop single-target, multi-target inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) degraders is an important direction for the treatment of inflammation and related diseases. Moreover, insight into the mechanism of action and structural optimization of the reported IRAK-4 inhibitors will provide the new direction to enrich the clinical therapies for inflammation and related diseases. In this comprehensive review, we introduced the recent advance of IRAK-4 inhibitors and degraders with regards to structural optimization, mechanism of action and clinical application that would be helpful for the development of more potent chemical entities against IRAK-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ru Bai
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Wei-Guang Yang
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Xue-Hui Hou
- Faculty of Science, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Dan-Dan Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Endometrial Disease Prevention and Treatment Zhengzhou China, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Sheng-Nan Zhang
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Yan Li
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Yan-Yan Qiao
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Sai-Qi Wang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, 450008, China.
| | - Shuo Yuan
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Hong-Min Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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Chen Y, Pal S, Hu Q. Cell-based Relay Delivery Strategy in Biomedical Applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 198:114871. [PMID: 37196699 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114871] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The relay delivery strategy is a two-step targeting approach based on two distinct modules in which the first step with an initiator is to artificially create a target/environment which can be targeted by the follow-up effector. This relay delivery concept creates opportunities to amplify existing or create new targeted signals through deploying initiators to enhance the accumulation efficiency of the following effector at the disease site. As the "live" medicines, cell-based therapeutics possess inherent tissue/cell homing abilities and favorable feasibility of biological and chemical modifications, endowing them the great potential in specifically interacting with diverse biological environments. All these unique capabilities make cellular products great candidates that can serve as either initiators or effectors for relay delivery strategies. In this review, we survey recent advances in relay delivery strategies with a specific focus on the roles of various cells in developing relay delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States; Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States; Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Samira Pal
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Quanyin Hu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States; Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States; Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States.
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Li Q, Zhou L, Qin S, Huang Z, Li B, Liu R, Yang M, Nice EC, Zhu H, Huang C. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras in biotherapeutics: Current trends and future applications. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115447. [PMID: 37229829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115447] [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: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The success of inhibitor-based therapeutics is largely constrained by the acquisition of therapeutic resistance, which is partially driven by the undruggable proteome. The emergence of proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, designed for degrading proteins involved in specific biological processes, might provide a novel framework for solving the above constraint. A heterobifunctional PROTAC molecule could structurally connect an E3 ubiquitin ligase ligand with a protein of interest (POI)-binding ligand by chemical linkers. Such technology would result in the degradation of the targeted protein via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), opening up a novel way of selectively inhibiting undruggable proteins. Herein, we will highlight the advantages of PROTAC technology and summarize the current understanding of the potential mechanisms involved in biotherapeutics, with a particular focus on its application and development where therapeutic benefits over classical small-molecule inhibitors have been achieved. Finally, we discuss how this technology can contribute to developing biotherapeutic drugs, such as antivirals against infectious diseases, for use in clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Zhao Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Bowen Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Ruolan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Mei Yang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Huili Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China.
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Mi D, Li Y, Gu H, Li Y, Chen Y. Current advances of small molecule E3 ligands for proteolysis-targeting chimeras design. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115444. [PMID: 37178483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) as an emerging drug discovery modality has been extensively concerned in recent years. Over 20 years development, accumulated studies have demonstrated that PROTACs show unique advantages over traditional therapy in operable target scope, efficacy, and overcoming drug resistance. However, only limited E3 ligases, the essential elements of PROTACs, have been harnessed for PROTACs design. The optimization of novel ligands for well-established E3 ligases and the employment of additional E3 ligases remain urgent challenges for investigators. Here, we systematically summarize the current status of E3 ligases and corresponding ligands for PROTACs design with a focus on their discovery history, design principles, application benefits, and potential defects. Meanwhile, the prospects and future directions for this field are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dazhao Mi
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yuzhan Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Haijun Gu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yan Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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Chen Y, Li W, Kwon S, Wang Y, Li Z, Hu Q. Small-Molecule Ferritin Degrader as a Pyroptosis Inducer. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:9815-9824. [PMID: 37094179 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c01852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Exploring the response of malignant cells to intracellular metabolic stress is critical for understanding pathologic processes and developing anticancer therapies. Herein, we developed ferritin-targeting proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) to establish the iron excess stress inside cancer cells and investigated subsequent cellular behaviors. We conjugated oleic acid that binds to the ferritin dimer to the ligand of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ligase through an alkyl linker. The screened chimera, DeFer-2, degraded ferritin and then rapidly elevated the free iron content, thereby initiating the caspase 3-GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in cancer cells rather than typical ferroptosis that is always associated with iron ion overload. According to its structural and physicochemical characteristics, DeFer-2 was loaded into a tailored albumin-based nano-formulation, which substantially inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival time of mice bearing B16F10 subcutaneous tumors with negligible adverse effects. This study developed a ferritin-targeting PROTAC for iron overload stress, revealed iron metabolic dysregulation-mediated pyroptosis, and provided a PROTAC-based pyroptosis inducer for anticancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Wen Li
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Song Kwon
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Yixin Wang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Zhaoting Li
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Quanyin Hu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
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Wang J, Xiang Y, Fan M, Fang S, Hua Q. The Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in Tumor Metabolism. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082385. [PMID: 37190313 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming, which is considered a hallmark of cancer, can maintain the homeostasis of the tumor environment and promote the proliferation, survival, and metastasis of cancer cells. For instance, increased glucose uptake and high glucose consumption, known as the "Warburg effect," play an essential part in tumor metabolic reprogramming. In addition, fatty acids are harnessed to satisfy the increased requirement for the phospholipid components of biological membranes and energy. Moreover, the anabolism/catabolism of amino acids, such as glutamine, cystine, and serine, provides nitrogen donors for biosynthesis processes, development of the tumor inflammatory environment, and signal transduction. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) has been widely reported to be involved in various cellular biological activities. A potential role of UPS in the metabolic regulation of tumor cells has also been reported, but the specific regulatory mechanism has not been elucidated. Here, we review the role of ubiquitination and deubiquitination modification on major metabolic enzymes and important signaling pathways in tumor metabolism to inspire new strategies for the clinical treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yuandi Xiang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Mengqi Fan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Shizhen Fang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Qingquan Hua
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
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Liu Y, Qian X, Ran C, Li L, Fu T, Su D, Xie S, Tan W. Aptamer-Based Targeted Protein Degradation. ACS NANO 2023; 17:6150-6164. [PMID: 36942868 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c10379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The selective removal of misfolded, aggregated, or aberrantly overexpressed protein plays an essential role in maintaining protein-dominated biological processes. In parallel, the precise knockout of abnormal proteins is inseparable from the accurate identification of proteins within complex environments. Guided by these precepts, small molecules, or antibodies, are commonly used as protein recognition tools for developing targeted protein degradation (TPD) technology. Indeed, TPD has shown tremendous prospects in chronic diseases, rare diseases, cancer research, and other fields. Meanwhile, aptamers are short RNA or DNA oligonucleotides that can bind to target proteins with high specificity and strong affinity. Accordingly, aptamers are actively used in designing and constructing TPD technology. In this perspective, we provide a brief introduction to TPD technology in its current progress, and we summarize its application challenges. Recent advances in aptamer-based TPD technology are reviewed, together with corresponding challenges and outlooks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Xu Qian
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Chunyan Ran
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Longjie Li
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Ting Fu
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Dan Su
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Sitao Xie
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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48
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Deng J, Liang B, Xing D. Developments of PROTACs technology in immune-related diseases. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115127. [PMID: 36724631 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Traditional chemotherapy and immunotherapy are primary disease-treatment strategies. However, they face numerous challenges, including limited therapeutic benefits, off-target effects, serious adverse effects, drug resistance, long half-life time, poor oral bioavailability, and drugging undruggable proteins. Proteolytic targeted chimeras (PROTACs) were suggested to solve these problems. PROTACs are heterogeneous functional molecules linked by a chemical linker and contain a binding ligand for the protein of interest and a recruiting ligand for the E3 ligand. The binding of a PROTAC to a target protein brings the E3 ligand enzyme into proximity, initiating polyubiquitination of the target protein, followed by protease-mediated degradation. To date, PROTACs against dozens of immunological targets have been successfully developed, many of which have been clinically validated drug targets, and several have entered clinical trials for immune-related diseases. This article reviews the role of PROTACs-mediated degradation of critical proteins in immune disorders and cancer immunotherapy. Chemical structures, cellular and in vivo activities, and pharmacodynamics of these PROTACs are summarized. Lastly, we also discuss the prospects and potential limitations that PROTACs face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China; Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Yujing Zhang
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Junwen Deng
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China; Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Bing Liang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China; Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Dongming Xing
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China; Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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49
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Current Status of Oligonucleotide-Based Protein Degraders. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030765. [PMID: 36986626 PMCID: PMC10055846 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have long been considered undruggable, mainly because they lack ligand-binding sites and are equipped with flat and narrow protein surfaces. Protein-specific oligonucleotides have been harnessed to target these proteins with some satisfactory preclinical results. The emerging proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology is no exception, utilizing protein-specific oligonucleotides as warheads to target TFs and RBPs. In addition, proteolysis by proteases is another type of protein degradation. In this review article, we discuss the current status of oligonucleotide-based protein degraders that are dependent either on the ubiquitin–proteasome system or a protease, providing a reference for the future development of degraders.
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50
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O' Donovan DH, De Fusco C, Kuhnke L, Reichel A. Trends in Molecular Properties, Bioavailability, and Permeability across the Bayer Compound Collection. J Med Chem 2023; 66:2347-2360. [PMID: 36752336 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
For oral drugs, medicinal chemists aim to design compounds with high oral bioavailability, of which permeability is a key determinant. Taking advantage of >2000 compounds tested in rat bioavailability studies and >20,000 compounds tested in Caco2 assays at Bayer, we have examined the molecular properties governing bioavailability and permeability. In addition to classical parameters such as logD and molecular weight, we also investigated the relationship between calculated pKa and permeability. We find that neutral compounds retain permeability up to a molecular weight limit of 700, while stronger acids and bases are restricted to weights of 400-500. We also investigate trends for common properties such as hydrogen bond donors and acceptors, polar surface area, aromatic ring count, and rotatable bonds, including compounds which exceed Lipinski's rule of five (Ro5). These property-structure relationships are combined to provide design guidelines for bioavailable drugs in both traditional and "beyond rule of 5" (bRo5) chemical space.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lara Kuhnke
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Bayer AG, 13342 Berlin, Germany
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