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Ouyang Z, Ma M, Zhang Z, Wu H, Xue Y, Jian Y, Yin K, Yu S, Zhao C, Guo W, Gu X. Targeted Degradation of PCSK9 In Vivo by Autophagy-Tethering Compounds. J Med Chem 2024; 67:433-449. [PMID: 38112492 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9), a secreted protein that is synthesized and spontaneously cleaved in the endoplasmic reticulum, has become a hot lipid-lowering target chased by pharmaceutical companies in recent years. Autophagosome-tethering compounds (ATTECs) represent a new strategy to degrade targeted biomolecules. Here, we designed and synthesized PCSK9·ATTECs that are capable of lowering PCSK9 levels via autophagy in vivo, providing the first report of the degradation of a secreted protein by ATTECs. OY3, one of the PCSK9·ATTECs synthesized, shows greater potency to reduce plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and improve atherosclerosis symptoms than treatment with the same dose of simvastatin. OY3 also significantly reduces the high expression of PCSK9 caused by simvastatin administration in atherosclerosis model mice and subsequently increases the level of low-density lipoprotein receptor, promoting simvastatin to clear plasma LDL-C and alleviate atherosclerosis symptoms. Thus, we developed a new candidate compound to treat atherosclerosis that could also promote statin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhirong Ouyang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Muye Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Ziwen Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Hongyu Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Yongxing Xue
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Yuting Jian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Kai Yin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Shaokun Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Chunchang Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
| | - Xianfeng Gu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201301, China
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