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Li K, Krone MW, Butrin A, Bond MJ, Linhares BM, Crews CM. Development of Ligands and Degraders Targeting MAGE-A3. J Am Chem Soc 2024. [PMID: 39190582 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c05393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Type I melanoma antigen (MAGE) family members are detected in numerous tumor types, and expression is correlated with poor prognosis, high tumor grade, and increased metastasis. Type I MAGE proteins are typically restricted to reproductive tissues, but expression can recur during tumorigenesis. Several biochemical functions have been elucidated for them, and notably, MAGEs regulate proteostasis by serving as substrate recognition modules for E3 ligase complexes. The repertoire of E3 ligase complexes that can be hijacked for targeted protein degradation continues to expand, and MAGE-E3 complexes are an especially attractive platform given their cancer-selective expression. Additionally, type I MAGE-derived peptides are presented on cancer cell surfaces, so targeted MAGE degradation may increase antigen presentation and improve immunotherapy outcomes. Motivated by these applications, we developed novel, small-molecule ligands for MAGE-A3, a type I MAGE that is widely expressed in tumors and associates with TRIM28, a RING E3 ligase. Chemical matter was identified through DNA-encoded library (DEL) screening, and hit compounds were validated for in vitro binding to MAGE-A3. We obtained a cocrystal structure with a DEL analog and hypothesize that the small molecule binds at a dimer interface. We utilized this ligand to develop PROTAC molecules that induce MAGE-A3 degradation through VHL recruitment and inhibit the proliferation of MAGE-A3 positive cell lines. These ligands and degraders may serve as valuable probes for investigating MAGE-A3 biology and as foundations for the ongoing development of tumor-specific PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Li
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Mackenzie W Krone
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Arseniy Butrin
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Michael J Bond
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Brian M Linhares
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
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Ji M, Yu D, Liu X, Wang L, Zhang D, Yang Z, Huang W, Fan H, Wang L, Sun H. Glutathione-dependent degradation of SMARCA2/4 for targeted lung cancer therapy with improved selectivity. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 277:116751. [PMID: 39128328 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116751] [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] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 are the mutually exclusive catalytic subunits of the mammalian Switch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex, and have recently been considered as attractive synthetic lethal targets for PROTAC-based cancer therapy. However, the potential off-tissue toxicity towards normal tissues remains a concern. Here, we optimize a GSH-inducible SMARCA2/4-based PROTAC precursor with selective antitumor activity towards lung cancer cells and negligible cytotoxicity towards normal cells in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The precursor is not bioactive or cytotoxic, but preferentially responds to endogenous GSH in GSH-rich lung cancer cells, releasing active PROTAC to degrade SMARCA2/4 via PROTAC-mediated proteasome pathway. Subsequent xenograft model study reveals that selective SMARCA2/4 degradation in lung tumors triggers DNA damage and apoptosis, which significantly inhibits lung cancer cell proliferation without obvious adverse events towards normal tissues. This study exemplifies the targeted degradation of SMARCA2/4 in lung cancer cells by the GSH-responsive PROTAC precursor, highlighting its potential as an encouraging cancer therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Ji
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Dehao Yu
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xinmin Liu
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Luo Wang
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Dongli Zhang
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Zhengduo Yang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, 300121, China
| | - Wanqiao Huang
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Heli Fan
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
| | - Huabing Sun
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
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Hesham HM, Dokla EME, Elrazaz EZ, Lasheen DS, Abou El Ella DA. FLT3-PROTACs for combating AML resistance: Analytical overview on chimeric agents developed, challenges, and future perspectives. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 277:116717. [PMID: 39094274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
The urgent and unmet medical demand of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients has driven the drug discovery process for expansion of the landscape of AML treatment. Despite the several agents developed for treatment of AML, more than 60 % of treated patients undergo relapse again after re-emission, thus, no complete cure for this complex disease has been reached yet. Targeted oncoprotein degradation is a new paradigm that can be employed to solve drug resistance, disease relapse, and treatment failure in complex diseases as AML, the most lethal hematological malignancy. AML is an aggressive blood cancer form and the most common type of acute leukemia, with bad outcomes and a very poor 5-year survival rate. FLT3 mutations occur in about 30 % of AML cases and FLT3-ITD is associated with poor prognosis of this disease. Prevalent FLT3 mutations include internal tandem duplication and point mutations (e.g., D835) in the tyrosine kinase domain, which induce FLT3 kinase activation and result in survival and proliferation of AML cells again. Currently approved FLT3 inhibitors suffer from limited clinical efficacy due to FLT3 reactivation by mutations, therefore, alternative new treatments are highly needed. Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) is a bi-functional molecule that consists of a ligand of the protein of interest, FLT3 inhibitor in our case, that is covalently linked to an E3 ubiquitin ligase ligand. Upon FLT3-specific PROTAC binding to FLT3, the PROTAC can recruit E3 for FLT3 ubiquitination, which is subsequently subjected to proteasome-mediated degradation. In this review we tried to address the question if PROTAC technology has succeeded in tackling the disease relapse and treatment failure of AML. Next, we explored the latest FLT3-targeting PROTACs developed in the past few years such as quizartinib-based PROTACs, dovitinib-based PROTACs, gilteritinib-based PROTACs, and others. Then, we followed with a deep analysis of their advantages regarding potency improvement and overcoming AML drug resistance. Finally, we discussed the challenges facing these chimeric molecules with proposed future solutions to circumvent them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba M Hesham
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, 11566, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman M E Dokla
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, 11566, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Eman Z Elrazaz
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, 11566, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Deena S Lasheen
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, 11566, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dalal A Abou El Ella
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, 11566, Cairo, Egypt.
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Wang S, Feng Z, Qu C, Yu S, Zhang H, Deng R, Luo D, Pu C, Zhang Y, Li R. Novel Amphiphilic PROTAC with Enhanced Pharmacokinetic Properties for ALK Protein Degradation. J Med Chem 2024; 67:9842-9856. [PMID: 38839424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02340] [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: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in anticancer strategies spotlight proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, yet it is hindered by poor water solubility and bioavailability. This study introduces a novel amphiphilic PROTAC, B1-PEG, synthesized through PEGylation of an optimized PROTAC molecule, B1, to enhance its properties. B1-PEG is engineered to self-organize into micelles in water and releases its active form in response to the tumor-specific high GSH environment. Comparative pharmacokinetic analysis revealed B1-PEG's superior bioavailability at 84.8%, outperforming the unmodified PROTAC molecule B1. When tested in a H3122 xenograft mouse model, B1-PEG significantly regressed tumors, underscoring its potential as a formidable candidate in targeted cancer therapy. Our findings offer a promising direction for overcoming bioavailability limitations in PROTAC drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirui Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhanzhan Feng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Can Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Su Yu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hongjia Zhang
- 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 Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610031, 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
| | - 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
| | - 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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Shabbir S, Yang N, Wang D. Enhanced uranium extraction from seawater: from the viewpoint of kinetics and thermodynamics. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:4937-4960. [PMID: 38362657 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05905g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Uranium extraction from seawater (UES) is recognized as one of the seven pivotal chemical separations with the potential to revolutionize global paradigms. The forthcoming decade is anticipated to witness a surge in UES, driven by escalating energy demands. The oceanic reservoirs, possessing uranium quantities approximately 1000-fold higher than terrestrial mines, present a more sustainable and environmentally benign alternative. Empirical evidence from historical research indicates that adsorption emerges as the most efficacious process for uranium recovery from seawater, considering operational feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and selectivity. Over the years, scientific exploration has led to the development of a plethora of adsorbents with superior adsorption capacity. It would be efficient to design materials with a deep understanding of the adsorption from the perspective of kinetics and thermodynamics. Here, we summarize recent advancements in UES technology and the contemporary challenges encountered in this domain. Furthermore, we present our perspectives on the future trajectory of UES and finally offer our insights into this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sania Shabbir
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Nailiang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Dan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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Zeng S, Jin Y, Xia H, Shang Y, Li Y, Wang Z, Huang W. Discovery of highly efficient CRBN-recruiting HPK1-PROTAC as a potential chemical tool for investigation of scaffolding roles in TCR signaling. Bioorg Chem 2024; 143:107016. [PMID: 38086239 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.107016] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1, MAP4K1) is a promising target for immune-oncology therapy. It has been recently demonstrated that loss of HPK1 kinase activity can enhance T cell receptor (TCR) signaling. However, many essential functions mediated by the HPK1 scaffolding role are still beyond the reach of any kinase inhibitor. Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) has emerged as a promising strategy for pathogenic proteins degradation with the characteristics of rapid, reversible, and low-cost versus RNA interference or DNA knock-out technology. Herein we first disclosed the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a series of thalidomide-based PROTAC molecules and identified B1 as a highly efficient HPK1 degrader with DC50 value of 1.8 nM. Further mechanism investigation demonstrated that compound B1 inhibits phosphorylation of the SLP76 protein with IC50 value of 496.1 nM, and confirmed that B1 is a bona fide HPK1-PROTAC degrader. Thus, this study provides a basis for HPK1 degraders development and the candidate could be used as a potential chemical tool for further investigation of the kinase-independent signaling of HPK1 in TCR.
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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, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399 PR China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399 PR China.
| | - Yuyuan Jin
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399 PR China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399 PR China
| | - Heye Xia
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399 PR China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399 PR China
| | - Yanwei Shang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399 PR China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399 PR China
| | - Yingzhou Li
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399 PR China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399 PR China
| | - Zunyuan Wang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399 PR China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399 PR China
| | - Wenhai Huang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399 PR China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399 PR China.
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Ogawa Y, Ueda TP, Obara K, Nishimura K, Kamura T. Targeted Protein Degradation Systems: Controlling Protein Stability Using E3 Ubiquitin Ligases in Eukaryotic Species. Cells 2024; 13:175. [PMID: 38247866 PMCID: PMC10814424 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This review explores various methods for modulating protein stability to achieve target protein degradation, which is a crucial aspect in the study of biological processes and drug design. Thirty years have passed since the introduction of heat-inducible degron cells utilizing the N-end rule, and methods for controlling protein stability using the ubiquitin-proteasome system have moved from academia to industry. This review covers protein stability control methods, from the early days to recent advancements, and discusses the evolution of techniques in this field. This review also addresses the challenges and future directions of protein stability control techniques by tracing their development from the inception of protein stability control methods to the present day.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kohei Nishimura
- Department of Biological Science, Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; (Y.O.); (T.P.U.); (K.O.)
| | - Takumi Kamura
- Department of Biological Science, Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; (Y.O.); (T.P.U.); (K.O.)
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