1
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Lynch TL, Marin VL, McClure RA, Phipps C, Ronau JA, Rouhimoghadam M, Adams AM, Kandi S, Wolke ML, Shergalis AG, Potts GK, Nacham O, Richardson P, Kakavas SJ, Chhor G, Jenkins GJ, Woller KR, Warder SE, Vasudevan A, Reitsma JM. Quantitative Measurement of Rate of Targeted Protein Degradation. ACS Chem Biol 2024. [PMID: 38980123 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is a therapeutic approach that leverages the cell's natural machinery to degrade targets instead of inhibiting them. This is accomplished by using mono- or bifunctional small molecules designed to induce the proximity of target proteins and E3 ubiquitin ligases, leading to ubiquitination and subsequent proteasome-dependent degradation of the target. One of the most significant attributes of the TPD approach is its proposed catalytic mechanism of action, which permits substoichiometric exposure to achieve the desired pharmacological effects. However, apart from one in vitro study, studies supporting the catalytic mechanism of degraders are largely inferred based on potency. A more comprehensive understanding of the degrader catalytic mechanism of action can help aspects of compound development. To address this knowledge gap, we developed a workflow for the quantitative measurement of the catalytic rate of degraders in cells. Comparing a selective and promiscuous BTK degrader, we demonstrate that both compounds function as efficient catalysts of BTK degradation, with the promiscuous degrader exhibiting faster rates due to its ability to induce more favorable ternary complexes. By leveraging computational modeling, we show that the catalytic rate is highly dynamic as the target is depleted from cells. Further investigation of the promiscuous kinase degrader revealed that the catalytic rate is a better predictor of optimal degrader activity toward a specific target compared to degradation magnitude alone. In summary, we present a versatile method for mapping the catalytic activity of any degrader for TPD in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L Lynch
- Quantitative, Translational & ADME Sciences, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Violeta L Marin
- Technology & Therapeutic Platforms, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Ryan A McClure
- Technology & Therapeutic Platforms, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Colin Phipps
- Quantitative, Translational & ADME Sciences, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Judith A Ronau
- Technology & Therapeutic Platforms, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Milad Rouhimoghadam
- Technology & Therapeutic Platforms, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Ashley M Adams
- Technology & Therapeutic Platforms, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Soumya Kandi
- Quantitative, Translational & ADME Sciences, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Malerie L Wolke
- Quantitative, Translational & ADME Sciences, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Andrea G Shergalis
- Technology & Therapeutic Platforms, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Gregory K Potts
- Technology & Therapeutic Platforms, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Omprakash Nacham
- Technology & Therapeutic Platforms, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Paul Richardson
- Technology & Therapeutic Platforms, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Stephan J Kakavas
- Target Enabling Technologies, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Gekleng Chhor
- Target Enabling Technologies, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Gary J Jenkins
- Quantitative, Translational & ADME Sciences, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Kevin R Woller
- Technology & Therapeutic Platforms, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Scott E Warder
- Technology & Therapeutic Platforms, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Anil Vasudevan
- Technology & Therapeutic Platforms, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Justin M Reitsma
- Technology & Therapeutic Platforms, AbbVie Incorporated, 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
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2
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Chang CEA, Wu KY, Hung TI. PROTAC-induced Protein Functional Dynamics in Targeted Protein Degradation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.05.592590. [PMID: 38746111 PMCID: PMC11092786 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.05.592590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are small molecules that induce target protein degradation via the ubiquitin proteasome system. PROTACs recruit the target protein and E3 ligase; a critical first step is forming a ternary complex. However, while the formation a ternary complex is crucial, it may not always guarantee successful protein degradation. The dynamics of the PROTAC induced degradation complex play a key role in ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. In this study, we computationally modelled protein complex structures and dynamics associated with a series of PROTACs featuring different linkers to investigate why these PROTACs, all of which formed ternary complexes with Cereblon (CRBN) E3 ligase and the target protein bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4BD1), exhibited varying degrees of degradation potency. We constructed the degradation machinery complexes with Culling Ring Ligase 4A (CRL4A) E3 ligase scaffolds. Through atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we illustrated how PROTAC dependent protein dynamics facilitate the arrangement of surface lysine residues of BRD4BD1 into the catalytic pocket of E2/ubiquitin for ubiquitination. Despite featuring identical warheads in this PROTAC series, the linkers were found to affect the residue interaction networks, and thus governing the essential motions of the entire degradation machine for ubiquitination. These findings offer a dynamic perspective on ligand induced protein degradation, providing insights to guide future PROTAC design endeavors.
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3
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Robinson SA, Co JA, Banik SM. Molecular glues and induced proximity: An evolution of tools and discovery. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1089-1100. [PMID: 38688281 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Small molecule molecular glues can nucleate protein complexes and rewire interactomes. Molecular glues are widely used as probes for understanding functional proximity at a systems level, and the potential to instigate event-driven pharmacology has motivated their application as therapeutics. Despite advantages such as cell permeability and the potential for low off-target activity, glues are still rare when compared to canonical inhibitors in therapeutic development. Their often simple structure and specific ability to reshape protein-protein interactions pose several challenges for widespread, designer applications. Molecular glue discovery and design campaigns can find inspiration from the fields of synthetic biology and biophysics to mine chemical libraries for glue-like molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steven Mark Banik
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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4
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Errani F, Invernizzi A, Herok M, Bochenkova E, Stamm F, Corbeski I, Romanucci V, Di Fabio G, Zálešák F, Caflisch A. Proteolysis Targeting Chimera Degraders of the METTL3-14 m 6A-RNA Methyltransferase. JACS AU 2024; 4:713-729. [PMID: 38425900 PMCID: PMC10900215 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Methylation of adenine N6 (m6A) is the most frequent RNA modification. On mRNA, it is catalyzed by the METTL3-14 heterodimer complex, which plays a key role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other types of blood cancers and solid tumors. Here, we disclose the first proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for an epitranscriptomics protein. For designing the PROTACs, we made use of the crystal structure of the complex of METTL3-14 with a potent and selective small-molecule inhibitor (called UZH2). The optimization of the linker started from a desfluoro precursor of UZH2 whose synthesis is more efficient than that of UZH2. The first nine PROTAC molecules featured PEG- or alkyl-based linkers, but only the latter showed cell penetration. With this information in hand, we synthesized 26 PROTACs based on UZH2 and alkyl linkers of different lengths and rigidity. The formation of the ternary complex was validated by a FRET-based biochemical assay and an in vitro ubiquitination assay. The PROTACs 14, 20, 22, 24, and 30, featuring different linker types and lengths, showed 50% or higher degradation of METTL3 and/or METTL14 measured by Western blot in MOLM-13 cells. They also showed substantial degradation on three other AML cell lines and prostate cancer cell line PC3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Errani
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Annalisa Invernizzi
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Marcin Herok
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Elena Bochenkova
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Stamm
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Corbeski
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Valeria Romanucci
- Università
degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Cintia 4, Napoli I-80126, Italia
| | - Giovanni Di Fabio
- Università
degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Cintia 4, Napoli I-80126, Italia
| | - František Zálešák
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Amedeo Caflisch
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
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5
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Rossetti P, Apprato G, Caron G, Ermondi G, Rossi Sebastiano M. DegraderTCM: A Computationally Sparing Approach for Predicting Ternary Degradation Complexes. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:45-53. [PMID: 38229751 PMCID: PMC10788944 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs or degraders) represent a novel therapeutic modality that has raised interest thanks to promising results and currently undergoing clinical testing. PROTACs induce the selective proteasomal degradation of undesired proteins by the formation of ternary complexes (TCs). Having knowledge of the 3D structure of TCs is crucial for the design of PROTAC drugs. Here, we describe DegraderTCM, a new computational method for modeling PROTAC-mediated TCs that requires low computational power and provides sound results in a short time span. We validated DegraderTCM against a selected set of experimentally determined structures and defined a method to predict the PROTAC degradation activity based on the computed TC structure. Finally, we modeled TCs of known degraders holding significance for defining the method's applicability domain. A retrospective analysis of structure-activity relationships unveiled possibilities for utilizing DegraderTCM in the initial stages of designing novel PROTAC drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Rossetti
- University of Torino, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences,
CASSMedChem, Piazza Nizza
44, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Apprato
- University of Torino, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences,
CASSMedChem, Piazza Nizza
44, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Caron
- University of Torino, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences,
CASSMedChem, Piazza Nizza
44, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ermondi
- University of Torino, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences,
CASSMedChem, Piazza Nizza
44, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Matteo Rossi Sebastiano
- University of Torino, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences,
CASSMedChem, Piazza Nizza
44, 10126 Torino, Italy
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6
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Wang TY, Ji H, Everton D, Le ATH, Krylova SM, Fournier R, Krylov SN. Fundamental Determinants of the Accuracy of Equilibrium Constants for Affinity Complexes. Anal Chem 2023; 95:15826-15832. [PMID: 37831482 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The equilibrium constant of a chemical reaction is arguably the key thermodynamic parameter in chemistry; we naturally expect that equilibrium constants are determined accurately. The majority of equilibrium constants determined today are those of binding reactions that form affinity complexes, such as protein-protein, protein-DNA, and protein-small molecule. There is growing awareness that the determination of equilibrium constants for highly stable affinity complexes may be very inaccurate. However, fundamental (i.e., method-independent) determinants of accuracy are poorly understood. Here, we present a study that explicitly shows what the accuracy of equilibrium constants of affinity complexes depends on. This study reveals the critical importance of the choice of concentration of interacting components and creates a theoretical foundation for improving the accuracy of the equilibrium constants. The predicted influence of concentrations on accuracy was confirmed experimentally. The results of this fundamental study provide instructive guidance for experimentalists independently on the method they use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Ye Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Hongchen Ji
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Daniel Everton
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - An T H Le
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Svetlana M Krylova
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - René Fournier
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Sergey N Krylov
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
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7
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Guzzetti S, Morentin Gutierrez P. An integrated modelling approach for targeted degradation: insights on optimization, data requirements and PKPD predictions from semi- or fully-mechanistic models and exact steady state solutions. J Pharmacokinet Pharmacodyn 2023; 50:327-349. [PMID: 37120680 PMCID: PMC10460745 DOI: 10.1007/s10928-023-09857-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The value of an integrated mathematical modelling approach for protein degraders which combines the benefits of traditional turnover models and fully mechanistic models is presented. Firstly, we show how exact solutions of the mechanistic models of monovalent and bivalent degraders can provide insight on the role of each system parameter in driving the pharmacological response. We show how on/off binding rates and degradation rates are related to potency and maximal effect of monovalent degraders, and how such relationship can be used to suggest a compound optimization strategy. Even convoluted exact steady state solutions for bivalent degraders provide insight on the type of observations required to ensure the predictive capacity of a mechanistic approach. Specifically for PROTACs, the structure of the exact steady state solution suggests that the total remaining target at steady state, which is easily accessible experimentally, is insufficient to reconstruct the state of the whole system at equilibrium and observations on different species (such as binary/ternary complexes) are necessary. Secondly, global sensitivity analysis of fully mechanistic models for PROTACs suggests that both target and ligase baselines (actually, their ratio) are the major sources of variability in the response of non-cooperative systems, which speaks to the importance of characterizing their distribution in the target patient population. Finally, we propose a pragmatic modelling approach which incorporates the insights generated with fully mechanistic models into simpler turnover models to improve their predictive ability, hence enabling acceleration of drug discovery programs and increased probability of success in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Guzzetti
- DMPK, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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8
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Pergu R, Shoba VM, Chaudhary SK, Munkanatta Godage DNP, Deb A, Singha S, Dhawa U, Singh P, Anokhina V, Singh S, Siriwardena SU, Choudhary A. Development and Applications of Chimera Platforms for Tyrosine Phosphorylation. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:1558-1566. [PMID: 37637727 PMCID: PMC10450875 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c00200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric small molecules that induce post-translational modification (PTM) on a target protein by bringing it into proximity to a PTM-inducing enzyme are furnishing novel modalities to perturb protein function. Despite recent advances, such molecules are unavailable for a critical PTM, tyrosine phosphorylation. Furthermore, the contemporary design paradigm of chimeric molecules, formed by joining a noninhibitory binder of the PTM-inducing enzyme with the binder of the target protein, prohibits the recruitment of most PTM-inducing enzymes as their noninhibitory binders are unavailable. Here, we report two platforms to generate phosphorylation-inducing chimeric small molecules (PHICS) for tyrosine phosphorylation. We generate PHICS from both noninhibitory binders (scantily available, platform 1) and kinase inhibitors (abundantly available, platform 2) using cysteine-based group transfer chemistry. PHICS triggered phosphorylation on tyrosine residues in diverse sequence contexts and target proteins (e.g., membrane-associated, cytosolic) and displayed multiple bioactivities, including the initiation of a growth receptor signaling cascade and the death of drug-resistant cancer cells. These studies provide an approach to induce biologically relevant PTM and lay the foundation for pharmacologic PTM editing (i.e., induction or removal) of target proteins using abundantly available inhibitors of PTM-inducing or -erasing enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajaiah Pergu
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad
Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Veronika M. Shoba
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad
Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Santosh K. Chaudhary
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad
Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | | | - Arghya Deb
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad
Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Santanu Singha
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad
Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Uttam Dhawa
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad
Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Prashant Singh
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad
Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Viktoriya Anokhina
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad
Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Sameek Singh
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad
Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Sachini U. Siriwardena
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad
Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Amit Choudhary
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad
Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
- Department
of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Divisions
of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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9
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Liu X, Ciulli A. Proximity-Based Modalities for Biology and Medicine. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:1269-1284. [PMID: 37521793 PMCID: PMC10375889 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Molecular proximity orchestrates biological function, and blocking existing proximities is an established therapeutic strategy. By contrast, strengthening or creating neoproximity with chemistry enables modulation of biological processes with high selectivity and has the potential to substantially expand the target space. A plethora of proximity-based modalities to target proteins via diverse approaches have recently emerged, opening opportunities for biopharmaceutical innovation. This Outlook outlines the diverse mechanisms and molecules based on induced proximity, including protein degraders, blockers, and stabilizers, inducers of protein post-translational modifications, and agents for cell therapy, and discusses opportunities and challenges that the field must address to mature and unlock translation in biology and medicine.
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10
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Bouguenina H, Nicolaou S, Le Bihan YV, Bowling EA, Calderon C, Caldwell JJ, Harrington B, Hayes A, McAndrew PC, Mitsopoulos C, Sialana FJ, Scarpino A, Stubbs M, Thapaliya A, Tyagi S, Wang HZ, Wood F, Burke R, Raynaud F, Choudhary J, van Montfort RL, Sadok A, Westbrook TF, Collins I, Chopra R. iTAG an optimized IMiD-induced degron for targeted protein degradation in human and murine cells. iScience 2023; 26:107059. [PMID: 37360684 PMCID: PMC10285648 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107059] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
To address the limitation associated with degron based systems, we have developed iTAG, a synthetic tag based on IMiDs/CELMoDs mechanism of action that improves and addresses the limitations of both PROTAC and previous IMiDs/CeLMoDs based tags. Using structural and sequence analysis, we systematically explored native and chimeric degron containing domains (DCDs) and evaluated their ability to induce degradation. We identified the optimal chimeric iTAG(DCD23 60aa) that elicits robust degradation of targets across cell types and subcellular localizations without exhibiting the well documented "hook effect" of PROTAC-based systems. We showed that iTAG can also induce target degradation by murine CRBN and enabled the exploration of natural neo-substrates that can be degraded by murine CRBN. Hence, the iTAG system constitutes a versatile tool to degrade targets across the human and murine proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habib Bouguenina
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Stephanos Nicolaou
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Yann-Vaï Le Bihan
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Elizabeth A. Bowling
- Therapeutic Innovation Centre (THINC), Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cheyenne Calderon
- Therapeutic Innovation Centre (THINC), Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John J. Caldwell
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Brinley Harrington
- Therapeutic Innovation Centre (THINC), Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Angela Hayes
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - P. Craig McAndrew
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Costas Mitsopoulos
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Fernando Jr. Sialana
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
- Functional Proteomics Group, The Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Andrea Scarpino
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Mark Stubbs
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Arjun Thapaliya
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Siddhartha Tyagi
- Therapeutic Innovation Centre (THINC), Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hannah Z. Wang
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Francesca Wood
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Rosemary Burke
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Florence Raynaud
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Jyoti Choudhary
- Functional Proteomics Group, The Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Rob L.M. van Montfort
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Amine Sadok
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Thomas F. Westbrook
- Therapeutic Innovation Centre (THINC), Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ian Collins
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Rajesh Chopra
- Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
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11
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Stein RR, Fouché M, Kearns JD, Roth HJ. A model-informed method to retrieve intrinsic from apparent cooperativity and project cellular target occupancy for ternary complex-forming compounds. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:512-523. [PMID: 37415863 PMCID: PMC10320841 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00216g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing interest to develop therapeutics that modulate challenging or undruggable target proteins via a mechanism that involves ternary complexes. In general, such compounds can be characterized by their direct affinities to a chaperone and a target protein and by their degree of cooperativity in the formation of the ternary complex. As a trend, smaller compounds have a greater dependency on intrinsic cooperativity to their thermodynamic stability relative to direct target (or chaperone) binding. This highlights the need to consider intrinsic cooperativity of ternary complex-forming compounds early in lead optimization, especially as they provide more control over target selectivity (especially for isoforms) and more insight into the relationship between target occupancy and target response via estimation of ternary complex concentrations. This motivates the need to quantify the natural constant of intrinsic cooperativity (α) which is generally defined as the gain (or loss) in affinity of a compound to its target in pre-bound vs. unbound state. Intrinsic cooperativities can be retrieved via a mathematical binding model from EC50 shifts of binary binding curves of the ternary complex-forming compound with either a target or chaperone relative to the same experiment but in the presence of the counter protein. In this manuscript, we present a mathematical modeling methodology that estimates the intrinsic cooperativity value from experimentally observed apparent cooperativities. This method requires only the two binary binding affinities and the protein concentrations of target and chaperone and is therefore suitable for use in early discovery therapeutic programs. This approach is then extended from biochemical assays to cellular assays (i.e., from a closed system to an open system) by accounting for differences in total ligand vs. free ligand concentrations in the calculations of ternary complex concentrations. Finally, this model is used to translate biochemical potency of ternary complex-forming compounds into expected cellular target occupancy, which could ultimately serve as a way for validation or de-validation of hypothesized biological mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard R Stein
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Basel Switzerland
| | - Marianne Fouché
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Basel Switzerland
| | | | - Hans-Joerg Roth
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Basel Switzerland
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12
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Przytulski K, Glaza P, Brach K, Sagan M, Statkiewicz G, Klajn J, Walczak MJ. Comparative analysis of biophysical methods for monitoring protein proximity induction in the development of small molecule degraders. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023:130398. [PMID: 37301332 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130398] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeted protein degradation relies on inducing proximity between an E3 ubiquitin ligase and a target protein, and subsequent proteasomal degradation of the latter. Biophysical methods allow the measurement of the ternary complex formation by recombinant target and E3 ligase proteins in the presence of molecular glues and bifunctional degraders. The development of new chemotypes of degraders mediating ternary complex formation of unknown dimensions and geometries requires the use of different biophysical approaches. METHODS The TR-FRET and AlphaLISA platforms have been applied to study molecular glues and bifunctional degraders. The performance of the label-based proximity assays was compared with the BLI method, which is a label-free, sensor-based approach. RESULTS We present and compare two commonly used assays to monitor proximity induction, AlphaLISA and TR-FRET. The LinkScape system consisting of the CaptorBait peptide and the CaptorPrey protein is a novel method of protein labeling compatible with TR-FRET assay. CONCLUSIONS The TR-FRET and AlphaLISA proximity assays enable detection of ternary complexes formed between an E3 Ligase, a target protein and a small molecule degrader. Experiments with different chemotypes of GSPT1 degraders showed that ALphaLISA was more susceptible to chemotype-dependent interference than TR-FRET assay. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The discovery and optimization of small-molecule inducers of ternary complexes is greatly accelerated by using biophysical assays. The LinkScape-based TR-FRET assay is an alternative to antibody-based proximity assays due to the CaptorPrey's subnanomolar affinity to the CaptorBait-tagged protein target, and the 10-fold lower molecular weight of the CaptorPrey protein compared to the antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Przytulski
- Captor Therapeutics Inc, Duńska St 11, PL54427 Wroclaw, Poland; Max Planck Research Group at Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St 7a, PL30387 Cracow, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Prof. St. Łojasiewicza St 11, PL30348 Cracow, Poland.
| | | | - Katarzyna Brach
- Captor Therapeutics Inc, Duńska St 11, PL54427 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Maria Sagan
- Captor Therapeutics Inc, Duńska St 11, PL54427 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | | | - Jan Klajn
- Captor Therapeutics Inc, Duńska St 11, PL54427 Wroclaw, Poland.
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13
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Thomas JE, Wang M, Jiang W, Wang M, Wang L, Wen B, Sun D, Wang S. Discovery of Exceptionally Potent, Selective, and Efficacious PROTAC Degraders of CBP and p300 Proteins. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37276143 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The histone acetyltransferase CREB-binding protein (CBP) and its paralogue p300 protein are key transcriptional coactivators and attractive cancer therapeutic targets. We describe herein our design, synthesis, and extensive evaluation of exceptionally potent PROTAC degraders of CBP/p300, exemplified by JET-209 (24). This compound, JET-209, achieved a half-maximal degradation (DC50) value of 0.05 nM for CBP and 0.2 nM for p300 with maximum degradation (Dmax) >95% for both proteins in the RS4;11 leukemia cell line after 4 h of treatment. JET-209 achieved subnanomolar to low nanomolar DC50 values in the inhibition of cell growth in several representative acute leukemia cell lines and was much more potent than CBP/p300 bromodomain and catalytic domain inhibitors. JET-209 effectively inhibited tumor growth in xenograft tumor models at tolerated dose schedules. JET-209 is a promising lead compound for further evaluation and optimization toward the development of a CBP/p300 degrader for the treatment of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junius Eugene Thomas
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Mi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Meilin Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bo Wen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Duxin Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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14
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Sobhia ME, Kumar H, Kumari S. Bifunctional robots inducing targeted protein degradation. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 255:115384. [PMID: 37119667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The gaining importance of Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) and PROTACs (PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras) have drawn the scientific community's attention. PROTACs are considered bifunctional robots owing to their avidity for the protein of interest (POI) and E3-ligase, which induce the ubiquitination of POI. These molecules are based on event-driven pharmacology and are applicable in different conditions such as oncology, antiviral, neurodegenerative disease, acne etc., offering tremendous scope to researchers. In this review, primarily, we attempted to compile the recent works available in the literature on PROTACs for various targeted proteins. We summarized the design and development strategies with a focus on molecular information of protein residues and linker design. Rationalization of the ternary complex formation using Artificial Intelligence including machine & deep learning models and traditionally followed computational tools are also included in this study. Moreover, details describing the optimization of PROTACs chemistry and pharmacokinetic properties are added. Advanced PROTAC designs and targeting complex proteins, is summed up to cover the wide spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Elizabeth Sobhia
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India.
| | - Harish Kumar
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India
| | - Sonia Kumari
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India
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15
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Shergalis AG, Marin VL, Rhee DY, Senaweera S, McCloud RL, Ronau JA, Hutchins CW, McLoughlin S, Woller KR, Warder SE, Vasudevan A, Reitsma JM. CRISPR Screen Reveals BRD2/4 Molecular Glue-like Degrader via Recruitment of DCAF16. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:331-339. [PMID: 36656921 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Molecular glues (MGs) are monovalent small molecules that induce an interaction between proteins (native or non-native partners) by altering the protein-protein interaction (PPI) interface toward a higher-affinity state. Enhancing the PPI between a protein and E3 ubiquitin ligase can lead to degradation of the partnering protein. Over the past decade, retrospective studies of clinical drugs identified that immunomodulatory drugs (e.g., thalidomide and analogues) and indisulam exhibit a molecular glue effect by driving the interaction between non-native substrates to CRBN and DCAF15 ligases, respectively. Ensuing reports of phenotypic screens focused on MG discovery have suggested that these molecules may be more common than initially anticipated. However, prospective discovery of MGs remains challenging. Thus, expanding the repertoire of MGs will enhance our understanding of principles for prospective design. Herein, we report the results of a CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen of over 1000 ligases and ubiquitin proteasome system components in a BRD4 degradation assay with a JQ1-based monovalent degrader, compound 1a. We identified DCAF16, a substrate recognition component of the Cul4 ligase complex, as essential for compound activity, and we demonstrate that compound 1a drives the interaction between DCAF16 and BRD2/4 to promote target degradation. Taken together, our data suggest that compound 1a functions as an MG degrader between BRD2/4 and DCAF16 and provides a foundation for further mechanistic dissection to advance prospective MG discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G Shergalis
- Drug Discovery Science & Technology, AbbVie Inc, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Violeta L Marin
- Drug Discovery Science & Technology, AbbVie Inc, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - David Y Rhee
- Drug Discovery Science & Technology, AbbVie Inc, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Sameera Senaweera
- Drug Discovery Science & Technology, AbbVie Inc, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Rebecca L McCloud
- Drug Discovery Science & Technology, AbbVie Inc, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Judith A Ronau
- Drug Discovery Science & Technology, AbbVie Inc, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Charles W Hutchins
- Drug Discovery Science & Technology, AbbVie Inc, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Shaun McLoughlin
- Drug Discovery Science & Technology, AbbVie Inc, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Kevin R Woller
- Drug Discovery Science & Technology, AbbVie Inc, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Scott E Warder
- Drug Discovery Science & Technology, AbbVie Inc, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Anil Vasudevan
- Drug Discovery Science & Technology, AbbVie Inc, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Justin M Reitsma
- Drug Discovery Science & Technology, AbbVie Inc, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
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16
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Haid RTU, Reichel A. A Mechanistic Pharmacodynamic Modeling Framework for the Assessment and Optimization of Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs). Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15010195. [PMID: 36678824 PMCID: PMC9865105 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010195] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of targeted protein degradation is growing exponentially. Yet, there is an unmet need for pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models that provide mechanistic insights, while also being practically useful in a drug discovery setting. Therefore, we have developed a comprehensive modeling framework which can be applied to experimental data from routine projects to: (1) assess PROTACs based on accurate degradation metrics, (2) guide compound optimization of the most critical parameters, and (3) link degradation to downstream pharmacodynamic effects. The presented framework contains a number of first-time features: (1) a mechanistic model to fit the hook effect in the PROTAC concentration-degradation profile, (2) quantification of the role of target occupancy in the PROTAC mechanism of action and (3) deconvolution of the effects of target degradation and target inhibition by PROTACs on the overall pharmacodynamic response. To illustrate applicability and to build confidence, we have employed these three models to analyze exemplary data on various compounds from different projects and targets. The presented framework allows researchers to tailor their experimental work and to arrive at a better understanding of their results, ultimately leading to more successful PROTAC discovery. While the focus here lies on in vitro pharmacology experiments, key implications for in vivo studies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Thomas Ulrich Haid
- DMPK Modeling and Simulation, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Preclinical Development, Bayer AG, Müllerstraße 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Reichel
- DMPK Modeling and Simulation, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Preclinical Development, Bayer AG, Müllerstraße 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence:
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17
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Park D, Izaguirre J, Coffey R, Xu H. Modeling the Effect of Cooperativity in Ternary Complex Formation and Targeted Protein Degradation Mediated by Heterobifunctional Degraders. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2022; 3:74-86. [PMID: 37101604 PMCID: PMC10125322 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.2c00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chemically induced proximity between certain endogenous enzymes and a protein of interest (POI) inside cells may cause post-translational modifications to the POI with biological consequences and potential therapeutic effects. Heterobifunctional (HBF) molecules that bind with one functional part to a target POI and with the other to an E3 ligase induce the formation of a target-HBF-E3 ternary complex, which can lead to ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of the POI. Targeted protein degradation (TPD) by HBFs offers a promising approach to modulate disease-associated proteins, especially those that are intractable using other therapeutic approaches, such as enzymatic inhibition. The three-way interactions among the HBF, the target POI, and the ligase-including the protein-protein interaction between the POI and the ligase-contribute to the stability of the ternary complex, manifested as positive or negative binding cooperativity in its formation. How such cooperativity affects HBF-mediated degradation is an open question. In this work, we develop a pharmacodynamic model that describes the kinetics of the key reactions in the TPD process, and we use this model to investigate the role of cooperativity in the ternary complex formation and in the target POI degradation. Our model establishes the quantitative connection between the ternary complex stability and the degradation efficiency through the former's effect on the rate of catalytic turnover. We also develop a statistical inference model for determining cooperativity in intracellular ternary complex formation from cellular assay data and demonstrate it by quantifying the change in cooperativity due to site-directed mutagenesis at the POI-ligase interface of the SMARCA2-ACBI1-VHL ternary complex. Our pharmacodynamic model provides a quantitative framework to dissect the complex HBF-mediated TPD process and may inform the rational design of effective HBF degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Park
- Roivant Discovery, New York, New York10036, United States
| | | | - Rory Coffey
- Roivant Discovery, New York, New York10036, United States
| | - Huafeng Xu
- Roivant Discovery, New York, New York10036, United States
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18
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PROTACs: Current Trends in Protein Degradation by Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras. BioDrugs 2022; 36:609-623. [PMID: 36098871 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-022-00551-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
In the recent past, proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology has received enormous attention for its ability to overcome the limitations of protein inhibitors and its capability to target undruggable proteins. The PROTAC molecule consists of three components, a ubiquitin E3 ligase ligand, a linker, and a target protein ligand. The application of this technology is rapidly gaining momentum, especially in cancer therapy. In this review, we first look at the history of degraders, followed by a section on the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and E3 ligases used in PROTAC development. PROTACs are dependent on the UPS for degradation of target proteins. We further discuss the scope and design of degraders and mitigation strategies for overcoming the hook effect seen with degraders. As PROTACs do not follow Lipinski's 'Rule of 5', these molecules face drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic challenges. A detailed section on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of degraders is provided wherein we discuss methodologies and strategies to surmount the challenges faced by these molecules. For understanding PROTAC-mediated degradation, the characterization and measurement of protein levels in cells is important. Currently used techniques and recent advancements in assessment tools for degraders are discussed. Furthermore, we examine the challenges and emerging technologies that need to be focused on in order to competently develop potent degraders. Many companies are working in this area of emerging new modality and a few PROTACs have already entered clinical trials; the details of the trials are included in this review.
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19
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Pedrucci F, Pappalardo C, Marzaro G, Ferri N, Ferlin A, De Toni L. Proteolysis Targeting Chimeric Molecules: Tuning Molecular Strategies for a Clinically Sound Listening. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126630. [PMID: 35743070 PMCID: PMC9223854 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
From seminal evidence in the early 2000s, the opportunity to drive the specific knockdown of a protein of interest (POI) through pharmacological entities called Proteolysis Targeting Chimeric molecules, or PROTACs, has become a possible therapeutic option with the involvement of these compounds in clinical trials for cancers and autoimmune diseases. The fulcrum of PROTACs pharmacodynamics is to favor the juxtaposition between an E3 ligase activity and the POI, followed by the ubiquitination of the latter and its degradation by the proteasome system. In the face of an apparently modular design of these drugs, being constituted by an E3 ligase binding moiety and a POI-binding moiety connected by a linker, the final structure of an efficient PROTAC degradation enhancer often goes beyond the molecular descriptors known to influence the biological activity, specificity, and pharmacokinetics, requiring a rational improvement through appropriate molecular strategies. Starting from the description of the basic principles underlying the activity of the PROTACs to the evaluation of the strategies for the improvement of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics and rational design, this review examines the molecular elements that have been shown to be effective in allowing the evolution of these compounds from interesting proof of concepts to potential aids of clinical interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Pedrucci
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Claudia Pappalardo
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Giovanni Marzaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Nicola Ferri
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.P.); (A.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-8218519; Fax: +39-049-8218520
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20
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Abstract
AbstractThe druggable genome is limited by structural features that can be targeted by small molecules in disease-relevant proteins. While orthosteric and allosteric protein modulators have been well studied, they are limited to antagonistic/agonistic functions. This approach to protein modulation leaves many disease-relevant proteins as undruggable targets. Recently, protein-protein interaction modulation has emerged as a promising therapeutic field for previously undruggable protein targets. Molecular glues and heterobifunctional degraders such as PROTACs can facilitate protein interactions and bring the proteasome into proximity to induce targeted protein degradation. In this review, we discuss the function and rational design of molecular glues, heterobifunctional degraders, and hydrophobic tag degraders. We also review historic and novel molecular glues and targets and discuss the challenges and opportunities in this new therapeutic field.
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21
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Bartlett DW, Gilbert AM. Translational PK-PD for targeted protein degradation. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:3477-3486. [PMID: 35438107 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00114d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation has emerged from the chemical biology toolbox as one of the most exciting areas for novel therapeutic development across the pharmaceutical industry. The ability to induce the degradation, and not just inhibition, of target proteins of interest (POIs) with high potency and selectivity is a particularly attractive property for a protein degrader therapeutic. However, the physicochemical properties and mechanism of action for protein degraders can lead to unique pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties relative to traditional small molecule drugs, requiring a shift in perspective for translational pharmacology. In this review, we provide practical insights for building the PK-PD understanding of protein degraders in the context of translational drug development through the use of quantitative mathematical frameworks and standard experimental assays. Published datasets describing protein degrader pharmacology are used to illustrate the applicability of these insights. The learnings are consolidated into a translational PK-PD roadmap for targeted protein degradation that can enable a systematic, rational design workflow for protein degrader therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek W Bartlett
- Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, & Metabolism, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Adam M Gilbert
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc, Groton, CT, USA
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22
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Bai N, Riching KM, Makaju A, Wu H, Acker TM, Ou SC, Zhang Y, Shen X, Bulloch DN, Rui H, Gibson BW, Daniels DL, Urh M, Rock BM, Humphreys SC. Modeling the CRL4A ligase complex to predict target protein ubiquitination induced by cereblon-recruiting PROTACs. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101653. [PMID: 35101445 PMCID: PMC9019245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are hetero-bifunctional small molecules that can simultaneously recruit target proteins and E3 ligases to form a ternary complex, promoting target protein ubiquitination and degradation via the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System (UPS). PROTACs have gained increasing attention in recent years due to certain advantages over traditional therapeutic modalities and enabling targeting of previously “undruggable” proteins. To better understand the mechanism of PROTAC-induced Target Protein Degradation (TPD), several computational approaches have recently been developed to study and predict ternary complex formation. However, mounting evidence suggests that ubiquitination can also be a rate-limiting step in PROTAC-induced TPD. Here, we propose a structure-based computational approach to predict target protein ubiquitination induced by cereblon (CRBN)-based PROTACs by leveraging available structural information of the CRL4A ligase complex (CRBN/DDB1/CUL4A/Rbx1/NEDD8/E2/Ub). We generated ternary complex ensembles with Rosetta, modeled multiple CRL4A ligase complex conformations, and predicted ubiquitination efficiency by separating the ternary ensemble into productive and unproductive complexes based on the proximity of the ubiquitin to accessible lysines on the target protein. We validated our CRL4A ligase complex models with published ternary complex structures and additionally employed our modeling workflow to predict ubiquitination efficiencies and sites of a series of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) after treatment with TL12–186, a pan-kinase PROTAC. Our predictions are consistent with CDK ubiquitination and site-directed mutagenesis of specific CDK lysine residues as measured using a NanoBRET ubiquitination assay in HEK293 cells. This work structurally links PROTAC-induced ternary formation and ubiquitination, representing an important step toward prediction of target “degradability.”
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Bai
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA.
| | - Kristin M Riching
- Research and Development Department, Promega Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
| | - Aman Makaju
- Discovery Attribute Science, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Timothy M Acker
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Shu-Ching Ou
- Discovery Attribute Science, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Yaru Zhang
- Oncology, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Xiaomeng Shen
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Daryl N Bulloch
- Discovery Attribute Science, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Huan Rui
- Discovery Attribute Science, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Bradford W Gibson
- Discovery Attribute Science, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Danette L Daniels
- Research and Development Department, Promega Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Marjeta Urh
- Research and Development Department, Promega Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Brooke M Rock
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sara C Humphreys
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA.
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23
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Hu Z, Crews CM. Recent Developments in PROTAC-Mediated Protein Degradation: From Bench to Clinic. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202100270. [PMID: 34494353 PMCID: PMC9395155 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), an emerging paradigm-shifting technology, hijacks the ubiquitin-proteasome system for targeted protein degradation. PROTACs induce ternary complexes between an E3 ligase and POI, and this induced proximity leads to polyUb chain formation on substrates and eventual proteasomal-mediated POI degradation. PROTACs have shown great therapeutic potential by degrading many disease-causing proteins, such as the androgen receptor and BRD4. The PROTAC technology has advanced significantly in the last two decades, with the repertoire of PROTAC targets increased tremendously. Herein, we describe recent developments of PROTAC technology, focusing on mechanistic and kinetic studies, pharmacokinetic study, spatiotemporal control of PROTACs, covalent PROTACs, resistance to PROTACs, and new E3 ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyi Hu
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven CT 06511 (USA)
| | - Craig M. Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven CT 06511 (USA),Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511(USA),Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street New Haven, CT 06511 (USA)
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Myers PJ, Lee SH, Lazzara MJ. MECHANISTIC AND DATA-DRIVEN MODELS OF CELL SIGNALING: TOOLS FOR FUNDAMENTAL DISCOVERY AND RATIONAL DESIGN OF THERAPY. CURRENT OPINION IN SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2021; 28:100349. [PMID: 35935921 PMCID: PMC9348571 DOI: 10.1016/j.coisb.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A full understanding of cell signaling processes requires knowledge of protein structure/function relationships, protein-protein interactions, and the abilities of pathways to control phenotypes. Computational models offer a valuable framework for integrating that knowledge to predict the effects of system perturbations and interventions in health and disease. Whereas mechanistic models are well suited for understanding the biophysical basis for signal transduction and principles of therapeutic design, data-driven models are particularly suited to distill complex signaling relationships among samples and between multivariate signaling changes and phenotypes. Both approaches have limitations and provide incomplete representations of signaling biology, but their careful implementation and integration can provide new understanding for how manipulating system variables impacts cellular decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Myers
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Charlottesville, VA 22904
| | - Sung Hyun Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Charlottesville, VA 22904
| | - Matthew J. Lazzara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Charlottesville, VA 22904
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904
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Rodriguez-Rivera FP, Levi SM. Unifying Catalysis Framework to Dissect Proteasomal Degradation Paradigms. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2021; 7:1117-1125. [PMID: 34345664 PMCID: PMC8323112 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.1c00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Diverging from traditional target inhibition, proteasomal protein degradation approaches have emerged as novel therapeutic modalities that embody distinct pharmacological profiles and can access previously undrugged targets. Small molecule degraders have the potential to catalytically destroy target proteins at substoichiometric concentrations, thus lowering administered doses and extending pharmacological effects. With this mechanistic premise, research efforts have advanced the development of small molecule degraders that benefit from stable and increased affinity ternary complexes. However, a holistic framework that evaluates different degradation modes from a catalytic perspective, including focusing on kinetically favored degradation mechanisms, is lacking. In this Outlook, we introduce the concept of an induced cooperativity spectrum as a unifying framework to mechanistically understand catalytic degradation profiles. This framework is bolstered by key examples of published molecular degraders extending from molecular glues to bivalent degraders. Critically, we discuss remaining challenges and future opportunities in drug discovery to rationally design and phenotypically screen for efficient degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances P. Rodriguez-Rivera
- Discovery
Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Samuel M. Levi
- Pfizer
Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer,
Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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Todaro B, Achilli S, Liet B, Laigre E, Tiertant C, Goyard D, Berthet N, Renaudet O. Structural influence of antibody recruiting glycodendrimers (ARGs) on antitumoral cytotoxicity. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:4076-4085. [PMID: 33913968 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00485a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The recruitment of endogenous antibodies against cancer cells has become a reliable antitumoral immunotherapeutic alternative over the last decade. The covalent attachment of antibody and tumor binding modules (ABM and TBM) within a single, well-defined synthetic molecule was indeed demonstrated to promote the formation of an interacting ternary complex between both the antibodies and the targeted cell, which usually results in the simultaneous immune-mediated cellular destruction. In a preliminary study, we have described the first Antibody Recruiting Glycodendrimers (ARGs), combining cRGD as ligands for the αVβ3-expressing melanoma cell line M21 and Rha as ligand for natural IgM, and demonstrated that multivalency is an essential requirement to form this complex. In the present study, we synthesized a new series of ARGs composed of ABMs, i.e. self-condensed rhamnosylated cyclopeptide and polylysine dendrimer, which have been conjugated to the TBM with or without spacer. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy experiments with human serum and different cell lines revealed that the ABM geometry significantly influences the ternary complex formation in M21, whereas no significant binding occurs in BT 549 having low integrin expression. In addition, we demonstrate with a cellular viability assay that ARGs induce high level of cytotoxicity against M21 which is also in close correlation with the ABM structure. In particular, we have shown that ARG combining cyclopeptide core and branches, with or without spacer, induce 40-57% of selective cytotoxicity against M21 cells in the presence of human serum as the unique source of immunity effectors. Finally, we also highlight that the spacer between ABM and TBM enables an increase of the immune-mediate cytotoxicity even with ABM of lower valency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biagio Todaro
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DCM UMR 5250, F-38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Silvia Achilli
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DCM UMR 5250, F-38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Benjamin Liet
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DCM UMR 5250, F-38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Eugénie Laigre
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DCM UMR 5250, F-38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Claire Tiertant
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DCM UMR 5250, F-38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - David Goyard
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DCM UMR 5250, F-38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Nathalie Berthet
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DCM UMR 5250, F-38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Olivier Renaudet
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DCM UMR 5250, F-38000 Grenoble, France.
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Shave S, Chen YK, Pham NT, Auer M. PyBindingCurve, Simulation, and Curve Fitting to Complex Binding Systems at Equilibrium. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:2911-2915. [PMID: 34006095 PMCID: PMC8243321 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
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Understanding multicomponent
binding interactions in protein–ligand,
protein–protein, and competition systems is essential for fundamental
biology and drug discovery. Hand-deriving equations quickly become
unfeasible when the number of components is increased, and direct
analytical solutions only exist to a certain complexity. To address
this problem and allow easy access to simulation, plotting, and parameter
fitting to complex systems at equilibrium, we present the Python package
PyBindingCurve. We apply this software to explore homodimer and heterodimer
formations culminating in the discovery that under certain conditions,
homodimers are easier to break with an inhibitor than heterodimers
and may also be more readily depleted. This is a potentially valuable
and overlooked phenomenon of great importance to drug discovery. PyBindingCurve
may be expanded to operate on any equilibrium binding system and allows
definition of custom systems using a simple syntax. PyBindingCurve
is available under the MIT license at https://github.com/stevenshave/pybindingcurve as the Python source code accompanied by examples and as an easily
installable package within the Python Package Index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Shave
- University of Edinburgh, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, The King's Buildings, Max Born Crescent, CH Waddington Building, Edinburgh, Scotland EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Yan-Kai Chen
- University of Edinburgh, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, The King's Buildings, Max Born Crescent, CH Waddington Building, Edinburgh, Scotland EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Nhan T Pham
- University of Edinburgh, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, The King's Buildings, Max Born Crescent, CH Waddington Building, Edinburgh, Scotland EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Manfred Auer
- University of Edinburgh, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, The King's Buildings, Max Born Crescent, CH Waddington Building, Edinburgh, Scotland EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
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Reply to Douglass and Spiegel: A suite of mathematical solutions to describe ternary complex formation and their application to targeted protein degredation by heterobifunctional ligands. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100330. [PMID: 33837729 PMCID: PMC7960536 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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29
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Comment on a suite of mathematical solutions to describe ternary complex formation and their application to targeted protein degradation by heterobifunctional ligands. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100331. [PMID: 33837728 PMCID: PMC7949160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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30
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Bond MJ, Crews CM. Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) come of age: entering the third decade of targeted protein degradation. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:725-742. [PMID: 34212149 PMCID: PMC8190915 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00011j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With the discovery of PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) twenty years ago, targeted protein degradation (TPD) has changed the landscape of drug development. PROTACs have evolved from cell-impermeable peptide-small molecule chimeras to orally bioavailable clinical candidate drugs that degrade oncogenic proteins in humans. As we move into the third decade of TPD, the pace of discovery will only accelerate. Improved technologies are enabling the development of ligands for "undruggable" proteins and the recruitment of new E3 ligases. Moreover, enhanced computing power will expedite identification of active degraders. Here we discuss the strides made in these areas and what advances we can look forward to as the next decade in this exciting field begins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Bond
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University New Haven CT 06511 USA
| | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University New Haven CT 06511 USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University New Haven CT 06511 USA
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University New Haven CT 06511 USA
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