Synthesis and discovery of the first potent proteolysis targeting chimaera (PROTAC) degrader of AIMP2-DX2 as a lung cancer drug

Advances of E3 ligases in lung cancer

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death, and the most common type of lung cancer is non-small cell lung cancer, which accounts for approximately 85 % of lung cancer diagnoses. Recent studies have revealed that ubiquitination acts as a crucial part of the development and progression of lung cancer. The E1-E2-E3 three-enzyme cascade has a core function in ubiquitination, so targeted adjustments of E3 ligases could be used in lung cancer treatment. Hence, we elucidate research advances in lung cancer-related E3 ligases by briefly describing the structure and categorization of E3 ligases. Here, we provide a detailed review of the mechanisms by which lung cancer-related E3 ligases modify substrate proteins and regulate signaling pathways to facilitate or suppress cancer progression. We hope to show a new perspective on targeted precision therapy for lung cancer.

Monofluoromethylation of N-Heterocyclic Compounds

The review focuses on recent advances in the methodologies for the formation or introduction of the CH2F moiety in N-heterocyclic substrates over the past 5 years. The monofluoromethyl group is one of the most versatile fluorinated groups used to modify the properties of molecules in synthetic medical chemistry. The review summarizes two strategies for the monofluoromethylation of N-containing heterocycles: direct monofluoromethylation with simple XCH2F sources (for example, ICH2F) and the assembly of N-heterocyclic structures from CH2F-containing substrates. The review describes the monofluoromethylation of pharmaceutically important three-, five- and six-membered N-heterocycles: pyrrolidines, pyrroles, indoles, imidazoles, triazoles, benzothiazoles, carbazoles, indazoles, pyrazoles, oxazoles, piperidines, morpholines, pyridines, quinolines and pyridazines. Assembling of 6-fluoromethylphenanthridine, 5-fluoromethyl-2-oxazolines, C5-monofluorinated isoxazoline N-oxides, and α-fluoromethyl-α-trifluoromethylaziridines is also shown. Fluoriodo-, fluorchloro- and fluorbromomethane, FCH2SO2Cl, monofluoromethyl(aryl)sulfoniummethylides, monofluoromethyl sulfides, (fluoromethyl)triphenylphosphonium iodide and 2-fluoroacetic acid are the main fluoromethylating reagents in recent works. The replacement of atoms and entire functional groups with a fluorine atom(s) leads to a change and often improvement in activity, chemical or biostability, and pharmacokinetic properties. The monofluoromethyl group is a bioisoster of -CH3, -CH2OH, -CH2NH2, -CH2CH3, -CH2NO2 and -CH2SH moieties. Bioisosteric replacement with the CH2F group is both an interesting task for organic synthesis and a pathway to modify drugs, agrochemicals and useful intermediates.

The Role of Five-Membered Heterocycles in the Molecular Structure of Antibacterial Drugs Used in Therapy

Five-membered heterocycles are essential structural components in various antibacterial drugs; the physicochemical properties of a five-membered heterocycle can play a crucial role in determining the biological activity of an antibacterial drug. These properties can affect the drug's activity spectrum, potency, and pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties. Using scientific databases, we identified and discussed the antibacterials used in therapy, containing five-membered heterocycles in their molecular structure. The identified five-membered heterocycles used in antibacterial design contain one to four heteroatoms (nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur). Antibacterials containing five-membered heterocycles were discussed, highlighting the biological properties imprinted by the targeted heterocycle. In some antibacterials, heterocycles with five atoms are pharmacophores responsible for their specific antibacterial activity. As pharmacophores, these heterocycles help design new medicinal molecules, improving their potency and selectivity and comprehending the structure-activity relationship of antibiotics. Unfortunately, particular heterocycles can also affect the drug's potential toxicity. The review extensively presents the most successful five-atom heterocycles used to design antibacterial essential medicines. Understanding and optimizing the intrinsic characteristics of a five-membered heterocycle can help the development of antibacterial drugs with improved activity, pharmacokinetic profile, and safety.