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Chen L, Zeng Z, Luo H, Xiao H, Zeng Y. The effects of CypA on apoptosis: potential target for the treatment of diseases. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:28. [PMID: 38159118 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12860-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Cyclophilin A (CypA), the first member of cyclophilins, is distributed extensively in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, primarily localized in the cytoplasm. In addition to acting as an intracellular receptor for cyclosporin A (CSA), CypA plays a crucial role in diseases such as aging and tumorigenesis. Apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, is able to balance the rate of cell viability and death. In this review, we focus on the effects of CypA on apoptosis and the relationship between specific mechanisms of CypA promoting or inhibiting apoptosis and diseases, including tumorigenesis, cardiovascular diseases, organ injury, and microbial infections. Notably, the process of CypA promoting or inhibiting apoptosis is closely related to disease development. Finally, future prospects for the association of CypA and apoptosis are discussed, and a comprehensive understanding of the effects of CypA on apoptosis in relation to diseases is expected to provide new insights into the design of CypA as a therapeutic target for diseases. KEY POINTS: • Understand the effect of CypA on apoptosis. • CypA affects apoptosis through specific pathways. • The effect of CypA on apoptosis is associated with a variety of disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Basic Medicine School, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo Zeng
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Basic Medicine School, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Haodang Luo
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Basic Medicine School, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Xiao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Basic Medicine School, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhua Zeng
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Basic Medicine School, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, 421001, People's Republic of China.
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Bricelj A, Dora Ng YL, Gobec M, Kuchta R, Hu W, Javornik Š, Rožič M, Gütschow M, Zheng G, Krönke J, Steinebach C, Sosič I. Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of BCL-2 Targeting PROTACs. Chemistry 2024:e202400430. [PMID: 38818652 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202400430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BCL-2, a member of the BCL-2 protein family, is an antiapoptotic factor that regulates the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Due to its aberrant activity, it is frequently implicated in haematopoietic cancers and represents an attractive target for the development of therapeutics that antagonize its activity. A selective BCL-2 inhibitor, venetoclax, was approved for treating chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and other haematologic malignancies, validating BCL-2 as an anticancer target. Since then, alternative therapeutic approaches to modulate the activity of BCL-2 have been explored, such as antibody-drug conjugates and proteolysis-targeting chimeras. Despite numerous research groups focusing on developing degraders of BCL-2 family member proteins, selective BCL-2 PROTACs remain elusive, as disclosed compounds only show dual BCL-xL/BCL-2 degradation. Herein, we report our efforts to develop BCL-2 degraders by incorporating two BCL-2 binding moieties into chimeric compounds that aim to hijack one of three E3 ligases: CRBN, VHL, and IAPs. Even though our project did not result in obtaining a potent and selective BCL-2 PROTAC, our research will aid in understanding the narrow chemical space of BCL-2 degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleša Bricelj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Yuen Lam Dora Ng
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, D-12203, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Gobec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Kuchta
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Wanyi Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 32610, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Špela Javornik
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Rožič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 32610, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jan Krönke
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, D-12203, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Steinebach
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Kargbo RB. Potent and Selective BCL-XL Inhibitors and PROTAC Compounds as Potential Cancer Treatment and Immunotherapy. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:702-704. [PMID: 37312850 PMCID: PMC10258826 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) protein is the most extensively studied anti-apoptotic member within the BCL-2 protein family. It functions to inhibit programmed cell death by forming a heterodimer with BAX, thereby promoting cellular survival through the extension of tumor cell lifespan and facilitating malignant transformation. This Patent Highlight reveals the development of small molecule degraders that consist of a ligand targeting the protein of interest, BCL-2, an E3 ubiquitin ligase recruitment ligand (such as Cereblon or Von Hippel-Lindau ligands), and a chemical linker that connects the two ligands. The proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC)-mediated heterodimerization of the bound proteins leads to the ubiquitination of the target protein, which is subsequently degraded by the proteasome. This strategy offers innovative therapeutic options for cancer, immunology, and autoimmune disease management.
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Wei Y, Zhang L, Wang C, Li Z, Luo M, Xie G, Yang X, Li M, Ren S, Zhao D, Gao R, Gong J. Anti-apoptotic protein BCL-XL as a therapeutic vulnerability in gastric cancer. Animal Model Exp Med 2023; 6:245-254. [PMID: 37271936 PMCID: PMC10272913 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New therapeutic targets are needed to improve the outcomes for gastric cancer (GC) patients with advanced disease. Evasion of programmed cell death (apoptosis) is a hallmark of cancer cells and direct induction of apoptosis by targeting the pro-survival BCL2 family proteins represents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning cancer cell survival could provide a molecular basis for potential therapeutic interventions. METHOD Here we explored the role of BCL2L1 and the encoded anti-apoptotic BCL-XL in GC. Using Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) technology to investigate the DNA amplification of BCL2L1 in GC samples and GC cell lines, the sensitivity of GC cell lines to selective BCL-XL inhibitors A1155463 and A1331852, pan-inhibitor ABT-263, and VHL-based PROTAC-BCL-XL was analyzed using (CellTiter-Glo) CTG assay in vitro. Western Blot (WB) was used to detect the protein expression of BCL2 family members in GC cell lines and the manner in which PROTAC-BCL-XL kills GC cells. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was used to investigate the mechanism of A1331852 and ABT-263 kills GC cell lines. DDPCR, WB, and real-time PCR (RTPCR) were used to investigate the correlation between DNA, RNA, protein levels, and drug activity. RESULTS The functional assay showed that a subset of GC cell lines relies on BCL-XL for survival. In gastric cancer cell lines, BCL-XL inhibitors A1155463 and A1331852 are more sensitive than the pan BCL2 family inhibitor ABT-263, indicating that ABT-263 is not an optimal inhibitor of BCL-XL. VHL-based PROTAC-BCL-XL DT2216 appears to be active in GC cells. DT2216 induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner through the proteasome pathway. Statistical analysis showed that the BCL-XL protein level predicts the response of GC cells to BCL-XL targeting therapy and BCL2L1 gene CNVs do not reliably predict BCL-XL expression. CONCLUSION We identified BCL-XL as a promising therapeutic target in a subset of GC cases with high levels of BCL-XL protein expression. Functionally, we demonstrated that both selective BCL-XL inhibitors and VHL-based PROTAC BCL-XL can potently kill GC cells that are reliant on BCL-XL for survival. However, we found that BCL2L1 copy number variations (CNVs) cannot reliably predict BCL-XL expression, but the BCL-XL protein level serves as a useful biomarker for predicting the sensitivity of GC cells to BCL-XL-targeting compounds. Taken together, our study pinpointed BCL-XL as potential druggable target for specific subsets of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Wei
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Liping Zhang
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Chao Wang
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Zefeng Li
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Mingjie Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Guomin Xie
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Xingjiu Yang
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Mengyuan Li
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Shuyue Ren
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Dongbing Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Ran Gao
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Jia‐Nan Gong
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
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Kargbo RB. PROTAC: Harnessing Targeted Chimeras for Selective BCL-2 Degradation in Cancer Treatment. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:541-542. [PMID: 37197463 PMCID: PMC10184149 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The anti-apoptotic BCL-2 protein family members, including BCL-2, BCL-XL, and MCL-1, have been established as promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment, as evidenced by the FDA approval of venetoclax in 2016. Researchers have redoubled their efforts to design analogs that exhibit enhanced pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics. This Patent Highlight features PROTAC compounds that demonstrate potent and selective BCL-2 degradation, with potential applications in the treatment of cancer, autoimmune disorders, and immune system diseases.
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Gan Y, Li X, Han S, Zhou L, Li W. Targeting Mcl-1 Degradation by Bergenin Inhibits Tumorigenesis of Colorectal Cancer Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:241. [PMID: 37259388 PMCID: PMC9965350 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) is frequently overexpressed in human malignancies and emerged as a promising drug target. In this study, we verified the inhibitory effect of bergenin on colorectal cancer cells both in vivo and in vitro. In an in vitro setting, bergenin significantly reduced the viability and colony formation and promoted apoptosis of CRC cells dose-dependently. Bergenin decreased the activity of Akt/GSK3β signaling and enhanced the interaction between FBW7 and Mcl-1, which eventually induced Mcl-1 ubiquitination and degradation. Using the HA-Ub K48R mutant, we demonstrated that bergenin promotes Mcl-1 K48-linked polyubiquitination and degradation. In vivo studies showed that bergenin significantly reduced tumor size and weight without toxicity to vital organs in mice. Overall, our results support the role of bergenin in inhibiting CRC cells via inducing Mcl-1 destruction, suggesting that targeting Mcl-1 ubiquitination could be an alternative strategy for antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gan
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Shuangze Han
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Pathology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
- Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
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Kargbo RB. Emerging Proteolysis Targeting Antibodies (PROTABs) for Application in Cancer Therapy. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1833-1834. [DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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