1
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Brodermann MH, Henderson EK, Sellar RS. The emerging role of targeted protein degradation to treat and study cancer. J Pathol 2024; 263:403-417. [PMID: 38886898 DOI: 10.1002/path.6301] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of cancer treatment has provided increasingly targeted strategies both in the upfront and relapsed disease settings. Small-molecule inhibitors and immunotherapy have risen to prominence with chimeric antigen receptor T-cells, checkpoint inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibody therapies being deployed across a range of solid organ and haematological malignancies. However, novel approaches are required to target transcription factors and oncogenic fusion proteins that are central to cancer biology and have generally eluded successful drug development. Thalidomide analogues causing protein degradation have been a cornerstone of treatment in multiple myeloma, but a lack of in-depth mechanistic understanding initially limited progress in the field. When the protein cereblon (CRBN) was found to mediate thalidomide analogues' action and CRBN's neo-targets were identified, existing and novel drug development accelerated, with applications outside multiple myeloma, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and acute leukaemias. Critically, transcription factors were the first canonical targets described. In addition to broadening the application of protein-degrading drugs, resistance mechanisms are being overcome and targeted protein degradation is widening the scope of druggable proteins against which existing approaches have been ineffective. Examples of targeted protein degraders include molecular glues and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs): heterobifunctional molecules that bind to proteins of interest and cause proximity-induced ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation via a linked E3 ligase. Twenty years since their inception, PROTACs have begun progressing through clinical trials, with early success in targeting the oestrogen receptor and androgen receptor in breast and prostate cancer respectively. This review explores important developments in targeted protein degradation to both treat and study cancer. It also considers the potential advantages and challenges in the translational aspects of developing new treatments. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth K Henderson
- Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rob S Sellar
- Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
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2
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Chen W, Wu Y, Yang C, Ren W, Hou L, Liang H, Wu T, Kong Y, Wu J, Rao Y, Chen C. CDK9 targeting PROTAC L055 inhibits ERα-positive breast cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116972. [PMID: 38906024 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116972] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies affecting women worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for more effective and specific treatments. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as a promising strategy to develop new lead compounds by selectively targeting oncoproteins for degradation. In this study, we designed, synthesized and evaluated a CRBN-based PROTAC, L055, which targets CDK9. Our findings demonstrate that L055 effectively inhibits the proliferation, induces cell cycle arrest, and decreases the survival of ERα-positive breast cancer cells in vitro. L055 specifically binds to CDK9, facilitating its degradation via the CRBN-dependent proteasomal pathway. Additionally, L055 suppressed the growth of organoids and tumors derived from T47D and MCF7 cells in nude mice. Thus, L055 represents a potential novel therapeutic agent for ERα-positive breast cancer and potentially other malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenmin Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China; Kunming College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy Sciences, Kunming 650204, China; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Beihai Vocational College of Wellness, Beihai 536000, China
| | - Yue Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chuanyu Yang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Wenlong Ren
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China; School of Life Science, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Lei Hou
- Department of Breast Disease, Henan Breast Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Huichun Liang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Tingyue Wu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China; School of Life Science, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Yanjie Kong
- Pathology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518035, China.
| | - Jiao Wu
- Department of the Second Medical Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, China.
| | - Yu Rao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Ceshi Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China; Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China; The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, China.
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3
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Zou ZF, Yang L, Nie HJ, Gao J, Lei SM, Lai Y, Zhang F, Wagner E, Yu HJ, Chen XH, Xu ZA. Tumor-targeted PROTAC prodrug nanoplatform enables precise protein degradation and combination cancer therapy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1740-1751. [PMID: 38609561 PMCID: PMC11272941 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01266-z] [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: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as revolutionary anticancer therapeutics that degrade disease-causing proteins. However, the anticancer performance of PROTACs is often impaired by their insufficient bioavailability, unsatisfactory tumor specificity and ability to induce acquired drug resistance. Herein, we propose a polymer-conjugated PROTAC prodrug platform for the tumor-targeted delivery of the most prevalent von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)- and cereblon (CRBN)-based PROTACs, as well as for the precise codelivery of a degrader and conventional small-molecule drugs. The self-assembling PROTAC prodrug nanoparticles (NPs) can specifically target and be activated inside tumor cells to release the free PROTAC for precise protein degradation. The PROTAC prodrug NPs caused more efficient regression of MDA-MB-231 breast tumors in a mouse model by degrading bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) or cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) with decreased systemic toxicity. In addition, we demonstrated that the PROTAC prodrug NPs can serve as a versatile platform for the codelivery of a PROTAC and chemotherapeutics for enhanced anticancer efficiency and combination benefits. This study paves the way for utilizing tumor-targeted protein degradation for precise anticancer therapy and the effective combination treatment of complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Feng Zou
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hui-Jun Nie
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Shu-Min Lei
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yi Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, 20043, China
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 81377, München, Germany
| | - Hai-Jun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Xiao-Hua Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
| | - Zhi-Ai Xu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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4
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Schade M, Scott JS, Hayhow TG, Pike A, Terstiege I, Ahlqvist M, Johansson JR, Diene CR, Fallan C, Balazs AYS, Chiarparin E, Wilson D. Structural and Physicochemical Features of Oral PROTACs. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39078401 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Achieving oral bioavailability with Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) is a key challenge. Here, we report the in vivo pharmacokinetic properties in mouse, rat, and dog of four clinical oral PROTACs and compare with an internally derived data set. We use NMR to determine 3D molecular conformations and structural preorganization free in solution, and we introduce the new experimental descriptors, solvent-exposed H-bond donors (eHBD), and acceptors (eHBA). We derive an upper limit of eHBD ≤ 2 for oral PROTACs in apolar environments and show a greater tolerance for other properties (eHBA, polarity, lipophilicity, and molecular weight) than for Rule-of-5 compliant oral drugs. Within a set of structurally related PROTACs, we show that examples with eHBD > 2 have much lower oral bioavailability than those that have eHBD ≤ 2. We summarize our findings as an experimental "Rule-of-oral-PROTACs" in order to assist medicinal chemists to achieve oral bioavailability in this challenging space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Schade
- Chemistry and DMPK, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - James S Scott
- Chemistry and DMPK, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas G Hayhow
- Chemistry and DMPK, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Andy Pike
- Chemistry and DMPK, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Ina Terstiege
- Chemistry and DMPK, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, Mölndal 43183, Sweden
| | - Marie Ahlqvist
- Chemistry and DMPK, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, Mölndal 43183, Sweden
| | - Johan R Johansson
- Chemistry and DMPK, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, Mölndal 43183, Sweden
| | - Coura R Diene
- Chemistry and DMPK, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Charlene Fallan
- Chemistry and DMPK, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Amber Y S Balazs
- Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Elisabetta Chiarparin
- Chemistry and DMPK, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - David Wilson
- Chemistry and DMPK, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
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5
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He S, Fang Y, Zhu Y, Ma Z, Dong G, Sheng C. Drugtamer-PROTAC Conjugation Strategy for Targeted PROTAC Delivery and Synergistic Antitumor Therapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2401623. [PMID: 38639391 PMCID: PMC11220662 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as a promising strategy for targeted protein degradation and drug discovery. To overcome the inherent limitations of conventional PROTACs, an innovative drugtamer-PROTAC conjugation approach is developed to enhance tumor targeting and antitumor potency. Specifically, a smart prodrug is designed by conjugating "drugtamer" to a nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) PROTAC using a tumor microenvironment responsible linker. The "drugtamer" consists of fluorouridine nucleotide and DNA-like oligomer. Compared to NAMPT PROTAC and the combination of PROTAC + fluorouracil, the designed prodrug AS-2F-NP demonstrates superior tumor targeting, efficient cellular uptake, improved in vivo potency and reduced side effects. This study provides a promising strategy for the precise delivery of PROTAC and synergistic antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng He
- Institute of Translational MedicineShanghai University99 Shangda RoadShanghai200444P. R. China
| | - Yuxin Fang
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE)School of PharmacySecond Military Medical University (Naval Medical University)325 Guohe RoadShanghai200433P. R. China
| | - Yaojin Zhu
- Institute of Translational MedicineShanghai University99 Shangda RoadShanghai200444P. R. China
| | - Ziyang Ma
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE)School of PharmacySecond Military Medical University (Naval Medical University)325 Guohe RoadShanghai200433P. R. China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE)School of PharmacySecond Military Medical University (Naval Medical University)325 Guohe RoadShanghai200433P. R. China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE)School of PharmacySecond Military Medical University (Naval Medical University)325 Guohe RoadShanghai200433P. R. China
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6
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He C, Ba X, Shunatona HP, Edwards JT, Li YX, Keller TM, Sommer RD, Zapf CW, Mortensen DS. Discovery of an Azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane Piperazinium Salt and Its Application in Medicinal Chemistry via a Rearrangement. Org Lett 2024; 26:5318-5322. [PMID: 38888237 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c01696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Herein we report the discovery of an azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane piperazinium methanesulfonate salt from an unexpected rearrangement reaction in the preparation of ligand-directed degraders (LDDs). This bench-stable compound was found to be a versatile electrophile in a ring-opening reaction with various types of nucleophiles. Its utility as a versatile medicinal chemistry building block is further demonstrated in the synthesis of an LDD compound targeting degradation of the androgen receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi He
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Xiaochu Ba
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Hunter P Shunatona
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jacob T Edwards
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, 700 Bay Road, Redwood City, California 94063, United States
| | - Yi-Xin Li
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, 700 Bay Road, Redwood City, California 94063, United States
| | - Taylor M Keller
- Chemical Process Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, 1 Squibb Drive, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
| | - Roger D Sommer
- Chemical Process Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, 1 Squibb Drive, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
| | - Christoph W Zapf
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Deborah S Mortensen
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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Ferro A, Campora M, Caldara A, De Lisi D, Lorenzi M, Monteverdi S, Mihai R, Bisio A, Dipasquale M, Caffo O, Ciribilli Y. Novel Treatment Strategies for Hormone Receptor (HR)-Positive, HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3611. [PMID: 38930141 PMCID: PMC11204965 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer (BC) is the most common BC subtype. Endocrine therapy (ET) targeting ER signaling still remains the mainstay treatment option for hormone receptor (HR)-positive BC either in the early or in advanced setting, including different strategies, such as the suppression of estrogen production or directly blocking the ER pathway through SERMs-selective estrogen receptor modulators-or SERDs-selective estrogen receptor degraders. Nevertheless, the development of de novo or acquired endocrine resistance still remains challenging for oncologists. The use of novel ET combined with targeted drugs, such as cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors, has significantly improved long-term outcome rates, thus changing the therapeutic algorithm for metastatic BC (MBC) and recently the therapeutic strategy in the adjuvant setting for early high-risk BC. Eluding the resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors combined with ET is currently an unmet medical need, and there is disagreement concerning the best course of action for patients who continue to progress after this combination approach. Genetic changes in the tumor along its growth uncovered by genomic profiling of recurrent and/or metastatic lesions through tumor and/or liquid biopsies may predict the response or resistance to specific agents, suggesting the best therapeutic strategy for each patient by targeting the altered ER-dependent pathway (novel oral SERDs and a new generation of anti-estrogen agents) or alternative ER-independent signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR or tyrosine kinase receptors (HER2 mutations or HER2 low status) or by inhibiting pathways weakened through germline BRCA1/2 mutations. These agents are being investigated as single molecules and in combination with other target therapies, offering promising weapons to overcome or avoid treatment failure and propose increasingly more personalized treatment approaches. This review presents novel insights into ET and other targeted therapies for managing metastatic HR+/HER2- BC by exploring potential strategies based on clinical evidence and genomic profiling following the failure of the CDK4/6i and ET combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Ferro
- Medical Oncology and Breast Unit, Santa Chiara Hospital, APSS Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy; (A.C.); (D.D.L.); (M.L.); (S.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Michela Campora
- Department of Pathology, Santa Chiara Hospital, APSS Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy;
| | - Alessia Caldara
- Medical Oncology and Breast Unit, Santa Chiara Hospital, APSS Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy; (A.C.); (D.D.L.); (M.L.); (S.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Delia De Lisi
- Medical Oncology and Breast Unit, Santa Chiara Hospital, APSS Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy; (A.C.); (D.D.L.); (M.L.); (S.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Martina Lorenzi
- Medical Oncology and Breast Unit, Santa Chiara Hospital, APSS Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy; (A.C.); (D.D.L.); (M.L.); (S.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Sara Monteverdi
- Medical Oncology and Breast Unit, Santa Chiara Hospital, APSS Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy; (A.C.); (D.D.L.); (M.L.); (S.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Raluca Mihai
- Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK;
| | - Alessandra Bisio
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (A.B.); (Y.C.)
| | - Mariachiara Dipasquale
- Medical Oncology and Breast Unit, Santa Chiara Hospital, APSS Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy; (A.C.); (D.D.L.); (M.L.); (S.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Orazio Caffo
- Medical Oncology, Santa Chiara Hospital, APSS Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy;
| | - Yari Ciribilli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (A.B.); (Y.C.)
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Li H, Cai X, Yang X, Zhang X. An overview of PROTACs targeting MDM2 as a novel approach for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116506. [PMID: 38761584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116506] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
MDM2 genes amplification or altered expression is commonly observed in various cancers bearing wild-type TP53. Directly targeting the p53-binding pocket of MDM2 to activate the p53 pathway represents a promising therapeutic approach. Despite the development of numerous potent MDM2 inhibitors that have advanced into clinical trials, their utility is frequently hampered by drug resistance and hematologic toxicity such as neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. The emergence of PROTAC technology has revolutionized drug discovery and development, with applications in both preclinical and clinical research. Harnessing the power of PROTAC molecules to achieve MDM2 targeted degradation and p53 reactivation holds significant promise for cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize representative MDM2 PROTAC degraders and provide insights for researchers investigating MDM2 proteins and the p53 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiwen Li
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xinhui Cai
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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9
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Huang L, Shao J, Lai W, Gu H, Yang J, Shi S, Wufoyrwoth S, Song Z, Zou Y, Xu Y, Zhu Q. Discovery of the first ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) degraders for cancer treatment. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116159. [PMID: 38325007 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116159] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The first examples of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) PROTACs were designed and synthesized. Among them, the most potent degrader, ZS-7, demonstrated selective and effective ATR degradation in ATM-deficient LoVo cells, with a DC50 value of 0.53 μM. Proteasome-mediated ATR degradation by ZS-7 lasted approximately 12 h after washout in the LoVo cell lines. Notably, ZS-7 demonstrated reasonable PK profiles and, as a single agent or in combination with cisplatin, showed improved antitumor activity and safety profiles compared with the parent inhibitor AZD6738 in a xenograft mouse model of LoVo human colorectal cancer cells upon intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China; Department of Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, 224005, China
| | - Jialu Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Wenwen Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Hongfeng Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Jieping Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Shi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Shepherd Wufoyrwoth
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Zhe Song
- China Pharmaceutical University Center for Analysis and Testing, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Yi Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Yungen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Qihua Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
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10
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Singh S, Srivastava P. Targeted Protein Degraders- The Druggability Perspective. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:539-554. [PMID: 37926234 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.10.023] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Targeted Protein degraders (TPDs) show promise in harnessing cellular machinery to eliminate disease-causing proteins, even those previously considered undruggable. Especially if protein turnover is low, targeted protein removal bestows lasting therapeutic effect over typical inhibition. The demonstrated safety and efficacy profile of clinical candidates has fueled the surge in the number of potential candidates across different therapeutic areas. As TPDs often do not comply with Lipinski's rule of five, developing novel TPDs and unlocking their full potential requires overcoming solubility, permeability and oral bioavailability challenges. Tailored in-vitro assays are key to precise profiling and optimization, propelling breakthroughs in targeted protein degradation.
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11
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Liang X, Ren H, Han F, Liang R, Zhao J, Liu H. The new direction of drug development: Degradation of undruggable targets through targeting chimera technology. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:632-685. [PMID: 37983964 DOI: 10.1002/med.21992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Imbalances in protein and noncoding RNA levels in vivo lead to the occurrence of many diseases. In addition to the use of small molecule inhibitors and agonists to restore these imbalances, recently emerged targeted degradation technologies provide a new direction for disease treatment. Targeted degradation technology directly degrades target proteins or RNA by utilizing the inherent degradation pathways, thereby eliminating the functions of pathogenic proteins (or RNA) to treat diseases. Compared with traditional therapies, targeted degradation technology which avoids the principle of traditional inhibitor occupation drive, has higher efficiency and selectivity, and widely expands the range of drug targets. It is one of the most promising and hottest areas for future drug development. Herein, we systematically introduced the in vivo degradation systems applied to degrader design: ubiquitin-proteasome system, lysosomal degradation system, and RNA degradation system. We summarized the development progress, structural characteristics, and limitations of novel chimeric design technologies based on different degradation systems. In addition, due to the lack of clear ligand-binding pockets, about 80% of disease-associated proteins cannot be effectively intervened with through traditional therapies. We deeply elucidated how to use targeted degradation technology to discover and design molecules for representative undruggable targets including transcription factors, small GTPases, and phosphatases. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of targeted degradation technology-related research advances and a new guidance for the chimeric design of undruggable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewu Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hairu Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengyang Han
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Renwen Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayan Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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12
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Nguyen KQT, Nguyen HH, Phung HTT, Chung KL, Vu TY. A close-up shot of protein-protein docking, from experiment to theory and reverse with the PROTAC performers. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38284361 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2308778] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
PROTACs (Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras), heterobifunctional molecules, exhibit selectivity in degrading target proteins through E3 ubiquitin ligases. Designing effective PROTACs requires a deep understanding of the intricate binding interactions in the ternary complex (POI/PROTAC/E3 ligase), crucial for efficient target protein degradation. To address this challenge, we introduce a novel computational virtual screening method that considers essential amino acid interactions between the protein of interest and the chosen E3 ligase. This approach enhances accuracy and reliability, facilitating the strategic development of potent PROTACs. Utilizing a crystallized model of the VHL:PROTAC:SMARCA2BD ternary complex (PDB: 7Z6L), we assessed the effectiveness of our method. Our study reveals that increasing the number of essential restraints between the two proteins reduces the generated docking poses, leading to closer alignment with the experimental ternary complex. Specifically, utilizing three restraints showed the closest resemblance to the published complex, highlighting crucial interactions such as an H-bond between A:Gln 89 and B:Asn 67, along with two hydrophobic interactions: A:Gly 22 with B:Arg 69 and A:Glu 37 with B:Pro 99. This resulted in a significant decrease in the mean RMSD value from 31.8 and 31.0 Å to 24.4 Å, respectively. This underscores the importance of incorporating multiple essential restraints to enhance docking accuracy. Building on this progress, we introduce a systematic approach to design potential PROTACs between the Estrogen receptor and the E3 ligase, utilizing bridging intermediates with 4, 6, or 7 carbon atoms. By providing a more accurate and efficient means of identifying optimal PROTAC candidates, this approach has the potential to accelerate the development of targeted therapies and reduce the time and costs associated with drug discovery.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hieu Hien Nguyen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Huong Thi Thu Phung
- NTT Hi-Tech Institute, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Khanh Linh Chung
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thien Y Vu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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13
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Norris S, Ba X, Rhodes J, Huang D, Khambatta G, Buenviaje J, Nayak S, Meiring J, Reiss S, Xu S, Shi L, Whitefield B, Alexander M, Horn EJ, Correa M, Tehrani L, Hansen JD, Papa P, Mortensen DS. Design and Synthesis of Novel Cereblon Binders for Use in Targeted Protein Degradation. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16388-16409. [PMID: 37991844 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01848] [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: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Modulating the chemical composition of cereblon (CRBN) binders is a critical step in the optimization process of protein degraders that seek to hijack the function of this E3 ligase. Small structural changes can have profound impacts on the overall profile of these compounds, including depth of on-target degradation, neosubstrate degradation selectivity, as well as other drug-like properties. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a series of novel CRBN binding moieties. These CRBN binders were evaluated for CRBN binding and degradation of common neosubstrates Aiolos and GSPT1. A selection of these binders was employed for an exploratory matrix of heterobifunctional molecules, targeting CRBN-mediated degradation of the androgen receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Norris
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Xiaochu Ba
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jayce Rhodes
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Dehua Huang
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Gody Khambatta
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jennifer Buenviaje
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Surendra Nayak
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Joseph Meiring
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Samantha Reiss
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Shuichan Xu
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Lihong Shi
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Brandon Whitefield
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Matt Alexander
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Evan J Horn
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Matthew Correa
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Lida Tehrani
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Joshua D Hansen
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Patrick Papa
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Deborah S Mortensen
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 10300 Campus Point Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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14
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Zeng S, Ye Y, Xia H, Min J, Xu J, Wang Z, Pan Y, Zhou X, Huang W. Current advances and development strategies of orally bioavailable PROTACs. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115793. [PMID: 37708797 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have been an area of intensive research with the potential to extend drug space not target to traditional molecules. In the last half decade, we have witnessed several PROTACs initiated phase I/II/III clinical trials, which inspired us a lot. However, the structure of PROTACs beyond "rule of 5" resulted in developing PROTACs with acceptable oral pharmacokinetic (PK) properties remain one of the biggest bottleneck tasks. Many reports have demonstrated that it is possible to access orally bioavailable PROTACs through rational ligand and linker modifications. In this review, we systematically reviewed and highlighted the most recent advances in orally bioavailable PROTACs development, especially focused on the medicinal chemistry campaign of discovery process and in vivo oral PK properties. Moreover, the constructive strategies for developing oral PROTACs were proposed comprehensively. Collectively, we believe that the strategies summarized here may provide references for further development of oral PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenxin Zeng
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China.
| | - Yingqiao Ye
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Heye Xia
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Jingli Min
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Jiamei Xu
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Zunyuan Wang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Youlu Pan
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Xinglu Zhou
- HealZen Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China.
| | - Wenhai Huang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China.
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15
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Xia D, Zhu X, Wang Y, Gong P, Su HS, Xu X. Implications of ubiquitination and the maintenance of replication fork stability in cancer therapy. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20222591. [PMID: 37728310 PMCID: PMC10550789 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20222591] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA replication forks are subject to intricate surveillance and strict regulation by sophisticated cellular machinery. Such close regulation is necessary to ensure the accurate duplication of genetic information and to tackle the diverse endogenous and exogenous stresses that impede this process. Stalled replication forks are vulnerable to collapse, which is a major cause of genomic instability and carcinogenesis. Replication stress responses, which are organized via a series of coordinated molecular events, stabilize stalled replication forks and carry out fork reversal and restoration. DNA damage tolerance and repair pathways such as homologous recombination and Fanconi anemia also contribute to replication fork stabilization. The signaling network that mediates the transduction and interplay of these pathways is regulated by a series of post-translational modifications, including ubiquitination, which affects the activity, stability, and interactome of substrates. In particular, the ubiquitination of replication protein A and proliferating cell nuclear antigen at stalled replication forks promotes the recruitment of downstream regulators. In this review, we describe the ubiquitination-mediated signaling cascades that regulate replication fork progression and stabilization. In addition, we discuss the targeting of replication fork stability and ubiquitination system components as a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghui Xia
- Shenzhen University General Hospital-Dehua Hospital Joint Research Center on Precision Medicine (sgh-dhhCPM), Dehua Hospital, Dehua, Quanzhou 362500, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Disease Prevention, Carson International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Agro-biotechnology and MOA Key Laboratory of Soil Microbiology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuefei Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors and Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agro-biotechnology and MOA Key Laboratory of Soil Microbiology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Gong
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors and Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Hong-Shu Su
- Shenzhen University General Hospital-Dehua Hospital Joint Research Center on Precision Medicine (sgh-dhhCPM), Dehua Hospital, Dehua, Quanzhou 362500, China
| | - Xingzhi Xu
- Shenzhen University General Hospital-Dehua Hospital Joint Research Center on Precision Medicine (sgh-dhhCPM), Dehua Hospital, Dehua, Quanzhou 362500, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Disease Prevention, Carson International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
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16
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Betz M, Massard V, Gilson P, Witz A, Dardare J, Harlé A, Merlin JL. ESR1 Gene Mutations and Liquid Biopsy in ER-Positive Breast Cancers: A Small Step Forward, a Giant Leap for Personalization of Endocrine Therapy? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5169. [PMID: 37958343 PMCID: PMC10649433 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215169] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The predominant forms of breast cancer (BC) are hormone receptor-positive (HR+) tumors characterized by the expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) and/or progesterone receptors (PRs). Patients with HR+ tumors can benefit from endocrine therapy (ET). Three types of ET are approved for the treatment of HR+ BCs and include selective ER modulators, aromatase inhibitors, and selective ER downregulators. ET is the mainstay of adjuvant treatment in the early setting and the backbone of the first-line treatment in an advanced setting; however, the emergence of acquired resistance can lead to cancer recurrence or progression. The mechanisms of ET resistance are often related to the occurrence of mutations in the ESR1 gene, which encodes the ER-alpha protein. As ESR1 mutations are hardly detectable at diagnosis but are present in 30% to 40% of advanced BC (ABC) after treatment, the timeline of testing is crucial. To manage this resistance, ESR1 testing has recently been recommended; in ER+ HER2- ABC and circulating cell-free DNA, so-called liquid biopsy appears to be the most convenient way to detect the emergence of ESR1 mutations. Technically, several options exist, including Next Generation Sequencing and ultra-sensitive PCR-based techniques. In this context, personalization of ET through the surveillance of ESR1 mutations in the plasma of HR+ BC patients throughout the disease course represents an innovative way to improve the standard of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaux Betz
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN, Université de Lorraine, 54519 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Vincent Massard
- Département d’Oncologie Médicale, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, 54519 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France;
| | - Pauline Gilson
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN, Université de Lorraine, 54519 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Andréa Witz
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN, Université de Lorraine, 54519 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Julie Dardare
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN, Université de Lorraine, 54519 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Alexandre Harlé
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN, Université de Lorraine, 54519 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Louis Merlin
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN, Université de Lorraine, 54519 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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17
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Mostofian B, Martin HJ, Razavi A, Patel S, Allen B, Sherman W, Izaguirre JA. Targeted Protein Degradation: Advances, Challenges, and Prospects for Computational Methods. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:5408-5432. [PMID: 37602861 PMCID: PMC10498452 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic approach of targeted protein degradation (TPD) is gaining momentum due to its potentially superior effects compared with protein inhibition. Recent advancements in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors have led to the development of compounds that are currently in human trials, with some showing promising clinical results. However, the use of computational tools in TPD is still limited, as it has distinct characteristics compared with traditional computational drug design methods. TPD involves creating a ternary structure (protein-degrader-ligase) responsible for the biological function, such as ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation, which depends on the spatial orientation of the protein of interest (POI) relative to E2-loaded ubiquitin. Modeling this structure necessitates a unique blend of tools initially developed for small molecules (e.g., docking) and biologics (e.g., protein-protein interaction modeling). Additionally, degrader molecules, particularly heterobifunctional degraders, are generally larger than conventional small molecule drugs, leading to challenges in determining drug-like properties like solubility and permeability. Furthermore, the catalytic nature of TPD makes occupancy-based modeling insufficient. TPD consists of multiple interconnected yet distinct steps, such as POI binding, E3 ligase binding, ternary structure interactions, ubiquitination, and degradation, along with traditional small molecule properties. A comprehensive set of tools is needed to address the dynamic nature of the induced proximity ternary complex and its implications for ubiquitination. In this Perspective, we discuss the current state of computational tools for TPD. We start by describing the series of steps involved in the degradation process and the experimental methods used to characterize them. Then, we delve into a detailed analysis of the computational tools employed in TPD. We also present an integrative approach that has proven successful for degrader design and its impact on project decisions. Finally, we examine the future prospects of computational methods in TPD and the areas with the greatest potential for impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barmak Mostofian
- OpenEye, Cadence Molecular Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts 02114 United States
| | - Holli-Joi Martin
- Laboratory
for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal
Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 United States
| | - Asghar Razavi
- ENKO
Chem, Inc, Mystic, Connecticut 06355 United States
| | - Shivam Patel
- Psivant
Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 United States
| | - Bryce Allen
- Differentiated
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92056 United States
| | - Woody Sherman
- Psivant
Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 United States
| | - Jesus A Izaguirre
- Differentiated
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92056 United States
- Atommap
Corporation, New York, New York 10013 United States
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18
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Wang W, Zhu C, Zhang B, Feng Y, Zhang Y, Li J. Self-Assembled Nano-PROTAC Enables Near-Infrared Photodynamic Proteolysis for Cancer Therapy. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:16642-16649. [PMID: 37477624 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Confining the protein degradation activity of proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) to cancer lesions ensures precision treatment. However, it still remains challenging to precisely control PROTAC function in tumor regions in vivo. We herein describe a near-infrared (NIR) photoactivatable nano-PROTAC (NAP) for remote-controllable proteolysis in tumor-bearing mice. NAP is formed by molecular self-assembly from an amphiphilic conjugate of PROTAC linked with an NIR photosensitizer through a singlet oxygen (1O2)-cleavable linker. The activity of PROTAC is initially silenced but can be remotely switched on upon NIR photoirradiation to generate 1O2 by the photosensitizer. We demonstrated that NAP enabled tumor-specific degradation of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) in an NIR light-instructed manner. This in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) elicited an effective suppression of tumor growth. This work thus presents a novel approach for spatiotemporal control over targeted protein degradation by PROTAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weishan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chenghong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jinbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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19
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Abstract
The steady, incremental improvements in outcomes for both early-stage and advanced breast cancer patients are, in large part, attributable to the success of novel systemic therapies. In this review, we discuss key conceptual paradigms that have underpinned this success including (1) targeting the driver: the identification and targeting of major oncoproteins in breast cancers; (2) targeting the lineage pathway: inhibition of those pathways that drive normal mammary epithelial cell proliferation that retain importance in cancer; (3) targeting precisely: the application of molecular classifiers to refine therapy selection for specific cancers, and of antibody-drug conjugates to pinpoint tumor and tumor promoting cells for eradication; and (4) exploiting synthetic lethality: leveraging unique vulnerabilities that cancer-specific molecular alterations induce. We describe promising examples of novel therapies that have been discovered within each of these paradigms and suggest how future drug development efforts might benefit from the continued application of these principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shom Goel
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne 3000, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Sarat Chandarlapaty
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021, USA
- Breast Medicine Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021, USA
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20
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Li P, Li B, Yang N, Xu T, Zheng Z. The next generation of EGFR inhibitors: a patenting perspective of PROTACs based EGFR degraders. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:477-492. [PMID: 37873645 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2262176] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Abnormal expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) contributes to tumor development, especially in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although multiple inhibitors have been developed to target diverse EGFR mutations and several have been approved, the inevitable drug resistance and side effect remain a challenge, which motivates novel strategies. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have been gaining momentum for their potential as novel therapeutics for human diseases by triggering protein degradation. To date, various potent and specific EGFR PROTACs have been discovered and some of them have entered clinical trials. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of EGFR degraders in patents from 2016 to 2022. It provides an update of the discovery strategies, chemical structures, and molecular profiling of all available EGFR PROTACs. SciFinder, PubMed, Web of Science, EPO, and CNIPA databases were used for searching the literature and patents for EGFR PROTACs. EXPERT OPINION By employing the PROTAC technology, highly potent and selective EGFR degraders based on four generation EGFR inhibitors have been developed, which offer a new strategy to target EGFR mutations and overcome the drug resistance. Despite the satisfactory result in vitro and in vivo studies, their therapeutic value awaits more rigorous preclinical testing and clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyun Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Bingkun Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhibing Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
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21
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Rej RK, Thomas JE, Acharyya RK, Rae JM, Wang S. Targeting the Estrogen Receptor for the Treatment of Breast Cancer: Recent Advances and Challenges. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37377342 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a well-established therapeutic target for the treatment of ER-positive (ER+) breast cancers. Despite the tremendous successes achieved with tamoxifen, a selective ER modulator, and aromatase inhibitors (AIs), resistance to these therapies is a major clinical problem. Therefore, induced protein degradation and covalent inhibition have been pursued as new therapeutic approaches to target ERα. This Perspective summarizes recent progress in the discovery and development of oral selective ER degraders (SERDs), complete estrogen receptor antagonists (CERANs), selective estrogen receptor covalent antagonists (SERCAs), and proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) ER degraders. We focus on those compounds which have been advanced into clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Kalyan Rej
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Junius Eugene Thomas
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Ranjan Kumar Acharyya
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - James Michael Rae
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, 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
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, 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
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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22
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Lux MP, Hartkopf AD, Fehm TN, Welslau M, Müller V, Schütz F, Fasching PA, Janni W, Witzel I, Thomssen C, Beierlein M, Belleville E, Untch M, Thill M, Tesch H, Ditsch N, Aktas B, Banys-Paluchowski M, Kolberg-Liedtke C, Wöckel A, Kolberg HC, Harbeck N, Bartsch R, Schneeweiss A, Ettl J, Würstlein R, Krug D, Taran FA, Lüftner D, Stickeler E. Update Breast Cancer 2023 Part 2 - Advanced-Stage Breast Cancer. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2023; 83:664-672. [PMID: 37916184 PMCID: PMC10617389 DOI: 10.1055/a-2074-0125] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of new therapies have led to advances in the treatment of patients with advanced breast carcinoma. These substances are mainly CDK4/6 inhibitors and other substances that can overcome endocrine resistance, oral selective estrogen receptor degraders, antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), and PARP inhibitors. This review summarizes and evaluates the latest study results that have been published in recent months. This includes the overall survival data of the Destiny-Breast03 study, the first analysis of the CAPItello-291 study, the comparison of CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment with chemotherapy in the first line of therapy (RIGHT Choice study), the first analysis of the Destiny-Breast02 study in the treatment setting after T-DM1 treatment, and the first analysis of the Serena-2 study. Most of these studies have the potential to significantly change the therapeutic landscape for patients with advanced breast carcinoma and show that the continued rapid development of new therapies is always producing new results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Lux
- Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Frauenklinik St. Louise, Paderborn, St. Josefs-Krankenhaus, Salzkotten, St. Vincenz Krankenhaus GmbH, Paderborn, Germany
| | - Andreas D. Hartkopf
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tanja N. Fehm
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Volkmar Müller
- Department of Gynecology, Hamburg-Eppendorf University Medical Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Florian Schütz
- Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Diakonissen-Stiftungs-Krankenhaus Speyer, Speyer, Germany
| | - Peter A. Fasching
- Erlangen University Hospital, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg,
Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Janni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Isabell Witzel
- Klinik für Gynäkologie, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Thomssen
- Department of Gynaecology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Milena Beierlein
- Erlangen University Hospital, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg,
Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Michael Untch
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Breast Cancer Center, Gynecologic Oncology Center, Helios Klinikum Berlin Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marc Thill
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hans Tesch
- Oncology Practice at Bethanien Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nina Ditsch
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Bahriye Aktas
- Department of Gynecology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maggie Banys-Paluchowski
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Achim Wöckel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Nadia Harbeck
- Breast Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and CCC Munich LMU, LMU University Hospital, München, Germany
| | - Rupert Bartsch
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Schneeweiss
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Ettl
- Klinik für Frauenheilkunde und Gynäkologie, Klinikum Kempten, Klinikverbund Allgäu, Kempten, Germany
| | - Rachel Würstlein
- Breast Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and CCC Munich LMU, LMU University Hospital, München, Germany
| | - David Krug
- Klinik für Strahlentherapie, Universitätsklinkum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Florin-Andrei Taran
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Diana Lüftner
- Medical University of Brandenburg Theodor-Fontane, Immanuel Hospital Märkische Schweiz, Buckow, Germany
| | - Elmar Stickeler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf), University Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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23
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Whitehurst BC, Bauer MR, Edfeldt F, Gunnarsson A, Margreitter C, Rawlins PB, Storer RI. Design and Evaluation of a Low Hydrogen Bond Donor Count Fragment Screening Set to Aid Hit Generation of PROTACs Intended for Oral Delivery. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37224440 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The development of orally bioavailable PROTACs presents a significant challenge due to the inflated physicochemical properties of such heterobifunctional molecules. Molecules occupying this "beyond rule of five" space often demonstrate limited oral bioavailability due to the compounding effects of elevated molecular weight and hydrogen bond donor count (among other properties), but it is possible to achieve sufficient oral bioavailability through physicochemical optimization. Herein, we disclose the design and evaluation of a low hydrogen bond donor count (≤1 HBD) fragment screening set to aid hit generation of PROTACs intended for an oral route of delivery. We demonstrate that application of this library can enhance fragment screens against PROTAC proteins of interest and ubiquitin ligases, yielding fragment hits containing ≤1 HBD suitable for optimizing toward orally bioavailable PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C Whitehurst
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias R Bauer
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Fredrik Edfeldt
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Gothenburg 431 50, Sweden
| | - Anders Gunnarsson
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Gothenburg 431 50, Sweden
| | - Christian Margreitter
- Molecular AI, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Gothenburg 431 50, Sweden
| | - Philip B Rawlins
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - R Ian Storer
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
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24
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Xie B, Yin Z, Hu Z, Lv J, Du C, Deng X, Huang Y, Li Q, Huang J, Liang K, Zhou HB, Dong C. Discovery of a Novel Class of PROTACs as Potent and Selective Estrogen Receptor α Degraders to Overcome Endocrine-Resistant Breast Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo. J Med Chem 2023; 66:6631-6651. [PMID: 37161783 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The estrogen receptor (ER) is a well-established target for endocrine therapies of ER-positive breast cancer (ER+ BC), but endocrine resistance limits the efficacy of clinical drugs. Using proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology to degrade ERα may be an effective alternative to endocrine therapies. Herein, we disclose a novel series of potent and selective ERα PROTACs based on an oxabicycloheptane sulfonamide (OBHSA) scaffold, with no associated ERβ degradation. These PROTACs showed significant antiproliferation and ERα degradation activities against a broad spectrum of ER+ BC cells including tamoxifen-resistant and ERα mutant cell lines. Genomics analysis confirmed that these PROTACs inhibited the nascent RNA synthesis of ERα target genes and impaired genome-wide ERα binding. Compound ZD12 exhibited excellent antitumor potency and ERα degradation activity in both tamoxifen-sensitive and -resistant BC mice models, which are superior to fulvestrant. This study demonstrates the potential of these PROTACs as novel drug candidates for endocrine-resistant BC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohua Xie
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zhinang Yin
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zhiye Hu
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Junhui Lv
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chuanqian Du
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiangping Deng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Qiuzi Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Kaiwei Liang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chune Dong
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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25
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Corti C, De Angelis C, Bianchini G, Malorni L, Giuliano M, Hamilton E, Jeselsohn R, Jhaveri K, Curigliano G, Criscitiello C. Novel endocrine therapies: What is next in estrogen receptor positive, HER2 negative breast cancer? Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 117:102569. [PMID: 37146385 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine therapy (ET) is the cornerstone of management in hormone receptor (HR)+ breast cancer (BC). Indeed, targeting the estrogen receptor (ER) signaling at different levels is a successful strategy, since BC largely relies on the ER signaling as a driver of tumorigenesis and progression. In metastatic BC, progression of disease typically occurs due to either ligand-independent ER signaling, which favors tumor proliferation and survival in the absence of hormonal stimuli, or an ER-independent signaling, which exploits alternative transcription pathways. For instance, estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) mutations induce constitutive ER activity, in turn upregulating ER-dependent gene transcription and causing resistance to estrogen depleting therapies. The largest unmet need lies after progression on ET + cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors, where fulvestrant alone provides an average 2-3-month PFS. In this context, novel oral selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) and other next-generation ETs are being investigated, both as single agents and in combination with targeted therapies. Elacestrant, the next generation ET in most advanced clinical development and the first to be FDA approved, demonstrated improved outcomes compared to standard ETs in ET pre-treated HR+/HER2- metastatic BC in the phase 3 EMERALD clinical trial. Additionally, other agents are showing promising results in both preclinical and early phase clinical settings. In this review, emerging data related to oral SERDs and other novel ETs in managing HR+/HER2- BC are presented. Major challenges and future perspectives related to the optimal sequence of therapeutic options and the molecular landscape of endocrine resistance are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Corti
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato - Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmine De Angelis
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy; Laster and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giampaolo Bianchini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ospedale San Raffaele, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Malorni
- "Sandro Pitigliani" Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Prato, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Prato, Italy; "Sandro Pitigliani" Translational Research Unit, Hospital of Prato, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Prato, Italy
| | - Mario Giuliano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy; Laster and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Erika Hamilton
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Oncology, PLLC, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rinath Jeselsohn
- Breast Oncology Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Komal Jhaveri
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato - Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmen Criscitiello
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato - Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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26
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Chirnomas D, Hornberger KR, Crews CM. Protein degraders enter the clinic - a new approach to cancer therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:265-278. [PMID: 36781982 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00736-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 131.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Heterobifunctional protein degraders, such as PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) protein degraders, constitute a novel therapeutic modality that harnesses the cell's natural protein-degradation machinery - that is, the ubiquitin-proteasome system - to selectively target proteins involved in disease pathogenesis for elimination. Protein degraders have several potential advantages over small-molecule inhibitors that have traditionally been used for cancer treatment, including their event-driven (rather than occupancy-driven) pharmacology, which permits sub-stoichiometric drug concentrations for activity, their capacity to act iteratively and target multiple copies of a protein of interest, and their potential to target nonenzymatic proteins that were previously considered 'undruggable'. Following numerous innovations in protein degrader design and rigorous evaluation in preclinical models, protein degraders entered clinical testing in 2019. Currently, 18 protein degraders are in phase I or phase I/II clinical trials that involve patients with various tumour types, with a phase III trial of one initiated in 2022. The first safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetic data from these studies are now materializing and, although considerably more evidence is needed, protein degraders are showing promising activity as cancer therapies. Herein, we review advances in protein degrader development, the preclinical research that supported their entry into clinical studies, the available data for protein degraders in patients and future directions for this new class of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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27
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Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have shown great therapeutic potential by degrading various disease-causing proteins, particularly those related to tumors. Therefore, the introduction of PROTACs has ushered in a new chapter of antitumor drug development, marked by significant advances over recent years. Herein, we describe recent developments in PROTAC technology, focusing on design strategy, development workflow, and future outlooks. We also discuss potential opportunities and challenges for PROTAC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minglei Li
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Bo Liu
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Qingqiang Yao
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
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28
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Zhou QQ, Xiao HT, Yang F, Wang YD, Li P, Zheng ZG. Advancing targeted protein degradation for metabolic diseases therapy. Pharmacol Res 2023; 188:106627. [PMID: 36566001 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The development and application of traditional drugs represented by small molecule chemical drugs and biological agents, especially inhibitors, have become the mainstream drug development. In recent years, targeted protein degradation (TPD) technology has become one of the most promising methods to remove specific disease-related proteins using cell self-destruction mechanisms. Many different TPD strategies are emerging based on the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP), including but not limited to proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTAC), molecular glues (MG), lysosome targeting chimeras (LYTAC), chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA)-targeting chimeras, autophagy-targeting chimera (AUTAC), autophagosome-tethering compound (ATTEC), and autophagy-targeting chimera (AUTOTAC). The advent of targeted degradation technology can change most protein targets in human cells from undruggable to druggable, greatly expanding the therapeutic prospect of refractory diseases such as metabolic syndrome. Here, we summarize the latest progress of major TPD technologies, especially in metabolic syndrome and look forward to providing new insights for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hai-Tao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong-Dan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zu-Guo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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29
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Jiang H, Xiong H, Gu SX, Wang M. E3 ligase ligand optimization of Clinical PROTACs. Front Chem 2023; 11:1098331. [PMID: 36733714 PMCID: PMC9886873 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1098331] [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: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) technology can realize the development of drugs for non-druggable targets that are difficult to achieve with traditional small molecules, and therefore has attracted extensive attention from both academia and industry. Up to now, there are more than 600 known E3 ubiquitin ligases with different structures and functions, but only a few have developed corresponding E3 ubiquitin ligase ligands, and the ligands used to design PROTAC molecules are limited to a few types such as VHL (Von-Hippel-Lindau), CRBN (Cereblon), MDM2 (Mouse Doubleminute 2 homolog), IAP (Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins), etc. Most of the PROTAC molecules that have entered clinical trials were developed based on CRBN ligands, and only DT2216 was based on VHL ligand. Obviously, the structural optimization of E3 ubiquitin ligase ligands plays an instrumental role in PROTAC technology from bench to bedside. In this review, we review the structure optimization process of E3 ubiquitin ligase ligands currently entering clinical trials on PROTAC molecules, summarize some characteristics of these ligands in terms of druggability, and provide some preliminary insights into their structural optimization. We hope that this review will help medicinal chemists to develop more druggable molecules into clinical studies and to realize the greater therapeutic potential of PROTAC technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanrui Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering & Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China,Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China
| | - Huan Xiong
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang-Xi Gu
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering & Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Shuang-Xi Gu, ; Mingliang Wang,
| | - Mingliang Wang
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Shuang-Xi Gu, ; Mingliang Wang,
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30
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Marra A, Trapani D, Ferraro E, Curigliano G. Mechanisms of Endocrine Resistance in Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Cancer Treat Res 2023; 188:219-235. [PMID: 38175348 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-33602-7_9] [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: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer (BC) accounts for approximately 70% of all breast invasive tumors. Endocrine therapy (ET) represents the standard treatment for HR + BC. Most patients, however, eventually develop resistance to ET, which limits their effectiveness and poses a major challenge for the management of HR + BC. Several mechanisms that contribute to ET resistance have been described. One of the most common mechanisms is the upregulation of alternative signaling pathways that can bypass estrogen dependency, such as activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR as well as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) pathways. Another common mechanism of endocrine resistance is the acquisition of activating mutations of ESR1, which encodes for the estrogen receptor, that lead to structural changes of the receptor, prevent the binding to anti-estrogen drugs and result in constitutive activation of the receptor, even in the absence of estrogens. Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, can also contribute to ET resistance by altering the expression of genes that are involved in estrogen signaling. Understanding the mechanisms of resistance to ET is crucial for the development of new therapies that can overcome resistance and improve outcomes for patients with HR + BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Marra
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Dario Trapani
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Ferraro
- Breast Cancer Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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31
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Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) in Cancer Therapy: Present and Future. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27248828. [PMID: 36557960 PMCID: PMC9785308 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) is an innovative technique for the selective degradation of target proteins via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Compared with traditional protein inhibitor drugs, PROTACs exhibit advantages in the efficacy and selectivity of and in overcoming drug resistance in cancer therapy, providing new insights into the discovery of anti-cancer drugs. In the last two decades, many PROTAC molecules have been developed to induce the degradation of cancer-related targets, and they have been subjected to clinical trials. Here, we comprehensively review the historical milestones and latest updates in PROTAC technology. We focus on the structures and mechanisms of PROTACs and their application in targeting tumor-related targets. We have listed several representative PROTACs based on CRBN, VHL, MDM2, or cIAP1 E3 ligases, and PROTACs that are undergoing anti-cancer clinical trials. In addition, the limitations of the current research, as well as the future research directions are described to improve the PROTAC design and development for cancer therapy.
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32
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Liu J, Peng Y, Inuzuka H, Wei W. Targeting micro-environmental pathways by PROTACs as a therapeutic strategy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:269-279. [PMID: 35798235 PMCID: PMC11000491 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) composes of multiple cell types and non-cellular components, which supports the proliferation, metastasis and immune surveillance evasion of tumor cells, as well as accounts for the resistance to therapies. Therefore, therapeutic strategies using small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) and antibodies to block potential targets in TME are practical for cancer treatment. Targeted protein degradation using PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) technic has several advantages over traditional SMIs and antibodies, including overcoming drug resistance. Thus many PROTACs are currently under development for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of PROTAC development that target TME pathways and propose the potential direction of future PROTAC technique to advance as novel cancer treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Yunhua Peng
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Hiroyuki Inuzuka
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States.
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33
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Palacios DS. Drug Hunting at the Nexus of Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology and the Discovery of Novel Therapeutic Modalities. J Med Chem 2022; 65:13594-13613. [PMID: 36206538 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Small molecules designed to modulate protein function have been remarkably successful in advancing human health. As the frontiers of medicine and understanding of disease pathogenesis continue to expand, small molecule scientists must also pursue the development of novel therapeutic modalities beyond functional protein modulation to address diseases of unmet medical need. In this vein, this Perspective will highlight two emerging modalities, selective mRNA splice modulation and targeted protein degradation, as mechanisms that affect protein abundance, rather than protein function, to broaden the scope of low-molecular-weight treatable diseases. Key to the elucidation and development of these mechanisms was the interplay and contemporaneous efforts in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology. Continued research at the intersection of these two fields will be critical for the identification of novel targets and mechanisms toward the development of the next generation of small molecule therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Palacios
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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34
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Molecular Biology and Therapeutic Perspectives for K-Ras Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174103. [PMID: 36077640 PMCID: PMC9454753 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) the most common alterations are identified in the Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) gene, accounting for approximately 30% of cases in Caucasian patients. The majority of mutations are located in exon 2, with the c.34G > T (p.G12C) change being the most prevalent. The clinical relevance of KRAS mutations in NSCLC was not recognized until a few years ago. What is now emerging is a dual key role played by KRAS mutations in the management of NSCLC patients. First, recent data report that KRAS-mutant lung AC patients generally have poorer overall survival (OS). Second, a KRAS inhibitor specifically targeting the c.34G > T (p.G12C) variant, Sotorasib, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and by the European Medicines Agency. Another KRAS inhibitor targeting c.34G > T (p.G12C), Adagrasib, is currently being reviewed by the FDA for accelerated approval. From the description of the biology of KRAS-mutant NSCLC, the present review will focus on the clinical aspects of KRAS mutations in NSCLC, in particular on the emerging efficacy data of Sotorasib and other KRAS inhibitors, including mechanisms of resistance. Finally, the interaction between KRAS mutations and immune checkpoint inhibitors will be discussed.
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35
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Lu Z, Cao Y, Zhang D, Meng X, Guo B, Kong D, Yang Y. Discovery of Thieno[2,3- e]indazole Derivatives as Novel Oral Selective Estrogen Receptor Degraders with Highly Improved Antitumor Effect and Favorable Druggability. J Med Chem 2022; 65:5724-5750. [PMID: 35357160 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine therapies in the treatment of early and metastatic estrogen receptor α positive (ERα+) breast cancer (BC) are greatly limited by de novo and acquired resistance. Selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) like fulvestrant provide new strategies for endocrine therapy combinations due to unique mechanisms. Herein, we disclose our structure-based optimization of LSZ102 by replacing 6-hydroxybenzothiophene with 6H-thieno[2,3-e]indazole. Subsequent acrylic acid degron modifications led us to identify compound 40 as the preferred candidate. In general, compound 40 showed much better pharmacological profiles than the lead LSZ102, exhibiting growth inhibition of wild-type or tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 cells, potent ERα degradation, together with superior pharmacokinetic properties, directional target tissue distribution including the brain, and robust antitumor efficacy in the mice breast cancer xenograft model. Currently, 40 is being evaluated in preclinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yangzhi Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Deyu Kong
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yushe Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
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Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is an emerging therapeutic modality with the potential to tackle disease-causing proteins that have historically been highly challenging to target with conventional small molecules. In the 20 years since the concept of a proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) molecule harnessing the ubiquitin-proteasome system to degrade a target protein was reported, TPD has moved from academia to industry, where numerous companies have disclosed programmes in preclinical and early clinical development. With clinical proof-of-concept for PROTAC molecules against two well-established cancer targets provided in 2020, the field is poised to pursue targets that were previously considered 'undruggable'. In this Review, we summarize the first two decades of PROTAC discovery and assess the current landscape, with a focus on industry activity. We then discuss key areas for the future of TPD, including establishing the target classes for which TPD is most suitable, expanding the use of ubiquitin ligases to enable precision medicine and extending the modality beyond oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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37
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Liu L, Shi L, Wang Z, Zeng J, Wang Y, Xiao H, Zhu Y. Targeting Oncoproteins for Degradation by Small Molecule-Based Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) in Sex Hormone-Dependent Cancers. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:839857. [PMID: 35370971 PMCID: PMC8971670 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.839857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex hormone-dependent cancers, including breast, ovary, and prostate cancer, contribute to the high number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Steroid hormones promote tumor occurrence, development, and metastasis by acting on receptors, such as estrogen receptors (ERs), androgen receptors (ARs), and estrogen-related receptors (ERRs). Therefore, endocrine therapy targeting ERs, ARs, and ERRs represents the potential and pivotal therapeutic strategy in sex hormone-dependent cancers. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are a novel strategy that can harness the potential of the endogenous ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to target and degrade specific proteins, rather than simply inhibiting the activity of target proteins. Small molecule PROTACs degrade a variety of proteins in cells, mice, and humans and are an emerging approach for novel drug development. PROTACs targeting ARs, ERs, ERRs, and other proteins in sex hormone-dependent cancers have been reported and may overcome the problem of resistance to existing endocrine therapy and receptor antagonist treatments. This review briefly introduces the PROTAC strategy and summarizes the progress on the development of small molecule PROTACs targeting oncoproteins in sex hormone-dependent cancers, focusing on breast and prostate cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lihong Shi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhaodi Wang
- Department of Gynecology, People’s Hospital of Henan University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jun Zeng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Gynecology, People’s Hospital of Henan University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongtao Xiao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongxia Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yongxia Zhu,
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38
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Lloyd MR, Wander SA, Hamilton E, Razavi P, Bardia A. Next-generation selective estrogen receptor degraders and other novel endocrine therapies for management of metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: current and emerging role. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2022; 14:17588359221113694. [PMID: 35923930 PMCID: PMC9340905 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221113694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine therapy (ET) is a pivotal strategy to manage early- and advanced-stage estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. In patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), progression of disease inevitably occurs due to the presence of acquired or intrinsic resistance mechanisms. ET resistance can be driven by ligand-independent, ER-mediated signaling that promotes tumor proliferation in the absence of hormone, or ER-independent oncogenic signaling that circumvents endocrine regulated transcription pathways. Estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) mutations induce constitutive ER activity and upregulate ER-dependent gene transcription, provoking resistance to estrogen deprivation and aromatase inhibitor therapy. The role ESR1 mutations play in regulating response to other therapies, such as the selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) fulvestrant and the available CDK4/6 inhibitors, is less clear. Novel oral SERDs and other next-generation ETs are in clinical development for ER+ breast cancer as single agents and in combination with established targeted therapies. Recent results from the phase III EMERALD trial demonstrated improved outcomes with the oral SERD elacestrant compared to standard anti-estrogen therapies in ER+ MBC after prior progression on ET, and other agents have shown promise in both the laboratory and early-phase clinical trials. In this review, we will discuss the emerging data related to oral SERDs and other novel ET in managing ER+ breast cancer. As clinical data continue to mature on these next-generation ETs, important questions will emerge related to the optimal sequence of therapeutic options and the genomic and molecular landscape of resistance to these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell R. Lloyd
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Seth A. Wander
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika Hamilton
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute/Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Pedram Razavi
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aditya Bardia
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, 10 North Grove Street, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114-2621, USA
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39
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Clinical Translation: Targeting the Estrogen Receptor. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1390:297-309. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11836-4_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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40
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Xie H, Liu J, Alem Glison DM, Fleming JB. The clinical advances of proteolysis targeting chimeras in oncology. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2021; 2:511-521. [PMID: 36046114 PMCID: PMC9400722 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2021.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are a class of small molecules designed to target proteins for degradation. Their novel and unique modes of action provide PROTACs with the potential for their application in the management of both solid and hematologic malignancies. Since its initial discovery, the technology of targeted protein degradation, especially in the form of PROTACs, has had significant advances. A number of PROTACs have entered a late stage of preclinical development. Several of them are either in phase 1/2 clinical trials or approaching approval for initial clinical evaluation. This article discusses the preclinical and clinical findings of PROTACs of clinically relevant protein targets in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Junjia Liu
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Diego M. Alem Glison
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Jason B. Fleming
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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41
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Tecalco-Cruz AC, Zepeda-Cervantes J, Ramírez-Jarquín JO, Rojas-Ochoa A. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras and their implications in breast cancer. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2021; 2:496-510. [PMID: 36046115 PMCID: PMC9400758 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2021.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a highly heterogeneous neoplasm of the mammary tissue, causing the deaths of a large number of women worldwide. Nearly 70% and 20% of BC cases are estrogen receptor alpha positive (ERα+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+), respectively; therefore, ER and HER2 targeted therapies have been employed in BC treatment. However, resistance to these therapies has been reported, indicating a need for developing novel therapeutic strategies. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are new, promising therapeutic tools designed with a bimodular structure: one module allows specific binding to target proteins, and the other module allows efficient degradation of these target proteins. In this paper, PROTACs and their potential in controlling the progression of ERα and HER2+ BC are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeles C. Tecalco-Cruz
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México (UACM), CDMX, Mexico City 03100, Mexico
| | - Jesús Zepeda-Cervantes
- Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), CDMX, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Josué O. Ramírez-Jarquín
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), CDMX, Mexico City 04500, Mexico
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