1
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Taylor JD, Barrett N, Martinez Cuesta S, Cassidy K, Pachl F, Dodgson J, Patel R, Eriksson TM, Riley A, Burrell M, Bauer C, Rees DG, Cimbro R, Zhang AX, Minter RR, Hunt J, Legg S. Targeted protein degradation using chimeric human E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1179. [PMID: 39300128 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06803-4] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteins can be targeted for degradation by engineering biomolecules that direct them to the eukaryotic ubiquitination machinery. For instance, the fusion of an E3 ubiquitin ligase to a suitable target binding domain creates a 'biological Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera' (bioPROTAC). Here we employ an analogous approach where the target protein is recruited directly to a human E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme via an attached target binding domain. Through rational design and screening we develop E2 bioPROTACs that induce the degradation of the human intracellular proteins SHP2 and KRAS. Using global proteomics, we characterise the target-specific and wider effects of E2 vs. VHL-based fusions. Taking SHP2 as a model target, we also employ a route to bioPROTAC discovery based on protein display libraries, yielding a degrader with comparatively weak affinity capable of suppressing SHP2-mediated signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Taylor
- Biologics Engineering, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB2 0AA, UK.
| | - Nathalie Barrett
- Biologics Engineering, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Sergio Martinez Cuesta
- Data Sciences and Quantitative Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Katelyn Cassidy
- Protein Sciences, Discovery Sciences, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA
| | - Fiona Pachl
- Protein Sciences, Discovery Sciences, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA
| | - James Dodgson
- Biologics Engineering, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Radhika Patel
- Centre for Genomics Research, Dynamic Omics, Discovery Sciences, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Tuula M Eriksson
- Biologics Engineering, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Aidan Riley
- Biologics Engineering, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Matthew Burrell
- Biologics Engineering, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Christin Bauer
- Biologics Engineering, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB2 0AA, UK
| | - D Gareth Rees
- Biologics Engineering, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Raffaello Cimbro
- Centre for Genomics Research, Dynamic Omics, Discovery Sciences, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Andrew X Zhang
- Protein Sciences, Discovery Sciences, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA
| | - Ralph R Minter
- Biologics Engineering, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB2 0AA, UK
| | - James Hunt
- Biologics Engineering, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB2 0AA, UK.
| | - Sandrine Legg
- Biologics Engineering, R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB2 0AA, UK
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2
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Martin PL, Pérez-Areales FJ, Rao SV, Walsh SJ, Carroll JS, Spring DR. Towards the Targeted Protein Degradation of PRMT1. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202400269. [PMID: 38724444 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400269] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Targeting the protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment. The phase 1 clinical trial for GSK3368715, the first PRMT1 inhibitor to enter the clinic, was terminated early due to a lack of clinical efficacy, extensive treatment-emergent effects, and dose-limiting toxicities. The incidence of the latter two events may be associated with inhibition-driven pharmacology as a high and sustained concentration of inhibitor is required for therapeutic effect. The degradation of PRMT1 using a proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) may be superior to inhibition as proceeds via event-driven pharmacology where a PROTAC acts catalytically at a low dose. PROTACs containing the same pharmacophore as GSK3368715, combined with a motif that recruits the VHL or CRBN E3-ligase, were synthesised. Suitable cell permeability and target engagement were shown for selected candidates by the detection of downstream effects of PRMT1 inhibition and by a NanoBRET assay for E3-ligase binding, however the candidates did not induce PRMT1 degradation. This paper is the first reported investigation of PRMT1 for targeted protein degradation and provides hypotheses and insights to assist the design of PROTACs for PRMT1 and other novel target proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poppy L Martin
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | | | - Shalini V Rao
- Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CH2 ORE, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J Walsh
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Jason S Carroll
- Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CH2 ORE, United Kingdom
| | - David R Spring
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
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3
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Suo Y, Du D, Chen C, Zhu H, Wang X, Song N, Lu D, Yang Y, Li J, Wang J, Luo Z, Zhou B, Luo C, Zhou H. Uncovering PROTAC Sensitivity and Efficacy by Multidimensional Proteome Profiling: A Case for STAT3. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38466231 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) is a powerful technology that can effectively trigger the degradation of target proteins. The intricate interplay among various factors leads to a heterogeneous drug response, bringing about significant challenges in comprehending drug mechanisms. Our study applied data-independent acquisition-based mass spectrometry to multidimensional proteome profiling of PROTAC (DIA-MPP) to uncover the efficacy and sensitivity of the PROTAC compound. We profiled the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) PROTAC degrader in six leukemia and lymphoma cell lines under multiple conditions, demonstrating the pharmacodynamic properties and downstream biological responses. Through comparison between sensitive and insensitive cell lines, we revealed that STAT1 can be regarded as a biomarker for STAT3 PROTAC degrader, which was validated in cells, patient-derived organoids, and mouse models. These results set an example for a comprehensive description of the multidimensional PROTAC pharmacodynamic response and PROTAC drug sensitivity biomarker exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Suo
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Daohai Du
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongwen Zhu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiongjun Wang
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Nixue Song
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dayun Lu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yaxi Yang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiacheng Li
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhongyuan Luo
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bing Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528437, China
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
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4
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Nguyen TM, Sreekanth V, Deb A, Kokkonda P, Tiwari PK, Donovan KA, Shoba V, Chaudhary SK, Mercer JAM, Lai S, Sadagopan A, Jan M, Fischer ES, Liu DR, Ebert BL, Choudhary A. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras with reduced off-targets. Nat Chem 2024; 16:218-228. [PMID: 38110475 PMCID: PMC10913580 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01379-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are molecules that induce proximity between target proteins and E3 ligases triggering target protein degradation. Pomalidomide, a widely used E3 ligase recruiter in PROTACs, can independently degrade other proteins, including zinc-finger (ZF) proteins, with vital roles in health and disease. This off-target degradation hampers the therapeutic applicability of pomalidomide-based PROTACs, requiring development of PROTAC design rules that minimize off-target degradation. Here we developed a high-throughput platform that interrogates off-target degradation and found that reported pomalidomide-based PROTACs induce degradation of several ZF proteins. We generated a library of pomalidomide analogues to understand how functionalizing different positions of the phthalimide ring, hydrogen bonding, and steric and hydrophobic effects impact ZF protein degradation. Modifications of appropriate size on the C5 position reduced off-target ZF degradation, which we validated through target engagement and proteomics studies. By applying these design principles, we developed anaplastic lymphoma kinase oncoprotein-targeting PROTACs with enhanced potency and minimal off-target degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan M Nguyen
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vedagopuram Sreekanth
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arghya Deb
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Praveen Kokkonda
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Praveen K Tiwari
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine A Donovan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Veronika Shoba
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Santosh K Chaudhary
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jaron A M Mercer
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sophia Lai
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ananthan Sadagopan
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Max Jan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric S Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin L Ebert
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amit Choudhary
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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5
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Ji W, Byun WS, Lu W, Zhu X, Donovan KA, Dwyer BG, Che J, Yuan L, Abulaiti X, Corsello SM, Fischer ES, Zhang T, Gray NS. Proteomics-Based Discovery of First-in-Class Chemical Probes for Programmed Cell Death Protein 2 (PDCD2). Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202308292. [PMID: 37658265 PMCID: PMC10592021 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202308292] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Chemical probes are essential tools for understanding biological systems and for credentialing potential biomedical targets. Programmed cell death 2 (PDCD2) is a member of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins, which are critical regulators of apoptosis. Here we report the discovery and characterization of 10 e, a first-in-class small molecule degrader of PDCD2. We discovered this PDCD2 degrader by serendipity using a chemical proteomics approach, in contrast to the conventional approach for making bivalent degraders starting from a known binding ligand targeting the protein of interest. Using 10 e as a pharmacological probe, we demonstrate that PDCD2 functions as a critical regulator of cell growth by modulating the progression of the cell cycle in T lymphoblasts. Our work provides a useful pharmacological probe for investigating PDCD2 function and highlights the use of chemical proteomics to discover selective small molecule degraders of unanticipated targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhi Ji
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Woong Sub Byun
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Wenchao Lu
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, 20031, China
| | - Xijun Zhu
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Katherine A Donovan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Brendan G Dwyer
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jianwei Che
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Linjie Yuan
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Xianmixinuer Abulaiti
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Steven M Corsello
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Eric S Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tinghu Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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6
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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: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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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7
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Hemkens M, Stamp K, Loberg LI, Moreau K, Hart T. Industry perspective on the nonclinical safety assessment of heterobifunctional degraders. Drug Discov Today 2023:103643. [PMID: 37244567 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degraders (TPDs), which act through the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), are one of the newest small-molecule drug modalities. Since the initiation of the first clinical trial in 2019, investigating the use of ARV-110 in patients with cancer, the field has rapidly expanded. Recently, some theoretical absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and safety challenges have been posed for the modality. Using these theoretical concerns as a framework, the International Consortium for Innovation and Quality in Pharmaceutical Development (IQ Consortium) Protein Degrader Working Group (WG) conducted two surveys to benchmark current preclinical practices for TPDs. Conceptually, the safety assessment of TPDs is the same as for standard small molecules; however, the techniques used, assay conditions/study endpoints, and timing of assessments might need to be modified to address differences in mode of action of the class.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kevin Moreau
- Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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8
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Cassidy K, Zhao H. Redefining the Scope of Targeted Protein Degradation: Translational Opportunities in Hijacking the Autophagy-Lysosome Pathway. Biochemistry 2023; 62:580-587. [PMID: 34569233 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The advent of multi-specific targeted protein degradation (TPD) therapies has made it possible to drug targets that have long been considered to be inaccessible. For this reason, the foremost TPD modalities - molecular glues and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) -have been widely adopted and developed in therapeutic programs across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. While there are many clear advantages to these two approaches, there are also blind spots. Specifically, PROTACs and molecular glues are inherently mechanistically analogous in that targets of both are degraded via the 26s proteasome; however, not all disease-relevant targets are suitable for ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS)-mediated degradation. The alternative mammalian protein degradation pathway, the autophagy-lysosome system (or ALS), is capable of degrading targets that elude the UPS such as long-lived proteins, insoluble protein aggregates, and even abnormal organelles. Emerging TPD strategies- such as ATTEC, AUTAC, and LYTAC- take advantage of the substrate diversity of the ALS to greatly expand the clinical utility of TPD. In this Perspective, we will discuss the array of current TPD modalities, with a focus on critical evaluation of these novel ALS-mediated degradation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Cassidy
- Discovery Biology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Heng Zhao
- Discovery Biology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
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9
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PROTACs: Current Trends in Protein Degradation by Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras. BioDrugs 2022; 36:609-623. [PMID: 36098871 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-022-00551-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
In the recent past, proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology has received enormous attention for its ability to overcome the limitations of protein inhibitors and its capability to target undruggable proteins. The PROTAC molecule consists of three components, a ubiquitin E3 ligase ligand, a linker, and a target protein ligand. The application of this technology is rapidly gaining momentum, especially in cancer therapy. In this review, we first look at the history of degraders, followed by a section on the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and E3 ligases used in PROTAC development. PROTACs are dependent on the UPS for degradation of target proteins. We further discuss the scope and design of degraders and mitigation strategies for overcoming the hook effect seen with degraders. As PROTACs do not follow Lipinski's 'Rule of 5', these molecules face drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic challenges. A detailed section on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of degraders is provided wherein we discuss methodologies and strategies to surmount the challenges faced by these molecules. For understanding PROTAC-mediated degradation, the characterization and measurement of protein levels in cells is important. Currently used techniques and recent advancements in assessment tools for degraders are discussed. Furthermore, we examine the challenges and emerging technologies that need to be focused on in order to competently develop potent degraders. Many companies are working in this area of emerging new modality and a few PROTACs have already entered clinical trials; the details of the trials are included in this review.
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10
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Guenette RG, Yang SW, Min J, Pei B, Potts PR. Target and tissue selectivity of PROTAC degraders. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:5740-5756. [PMID: 35587208 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00200k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) strategies have revolutionized how scientists tackle challenging protein targets deemed undruggable with traditional small molecule inhibitors. Many promising campaigns to inhibit proteins have failed due to factors surrounding inhibition selectivity and targeting of compounds to specific tissues and cell types. One of the major improvements that PROTAC (proteolysis targeting chimera) and molecular glue technology can exert is highly selective control of target inhibition. Multiple studies have shown that PROTACs can gain selectivity for their protein targets beyond that of their parent ligands via optimization of linker length and stabilization of ternary complexes. Due to the bifunctional nature of PROTACs, the tissue selective nature of E3 ligases can be exploited to uncover novel targeting mechanisms. In this review, we provide critical analysis of the recent progress towards making selective PROTAC molecules and new PROTAC technologies that will continue to push the boundaries of achieving selectivity. These efforts have wide implications in the future of treating disease as they will broaden the possible targets that can be addressed by small molecules, like undruggable proteins or broadly active targets that would benefit from degradation in specific tissue types.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seung Wook Yang
- Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
| | - Jaeki Min
- Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
| | - Baikang Pei
- Genome Analysis Unit, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
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Castaldi MP, Fisher SL. Advances in Protein Degradation. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2021; 26:471-473. [PMID: 33780295 DOI: 10.1177/24725552211001823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
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