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Song Y, Dong QQ, Ni YK, Xu XL, Chen CX, Chen W. Nano-Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (Nano-PROTACs) in Cancer Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:5739-5761. [PMID: 38882545 PMCID: PMC11180470 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s448684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional molecules that have the capability to induce specific protein degradation. While playing a revolutionary role in effectively degrading the protein of interest (POI), PROTACs encounter certain limitations that impede their clinical translation. These limitations encompass off-target effects, inadequate cell membrane permeability, and the hook effect. The advent of nanotechnology presents a promising avenue to surmount the challenges associated with conventional PROTACs. The utilization of nano-proteolysis targeting chimeras (nano-PROTACs) holds the potential to enhance specific tissue accumulation, augment membrane permeability, and enable controlled release. Consequently, this approach has the capacity to significantly enhance the controllable degradation of target proteins. Additionally, they enable a synergistic effect by combining with other therapeutic strategies. This review comprehensively summarizes the structural basis, advantages, and limitations of PROTACs. Furthermore, it highlights the latest advancements in nanosystems engineered for delivering PROTACs, as well as the development of nano-sized PROTACs employing nanocarriers as linkers. Moreover, it delves into the underlying principles of nanotechnology tailored specifically for PROTACs, alongside the current prospects of clinical research. In conclusion, the integration of nanotechnology into PROTACs harbors vast potential in enhancing the anti-tumor treatment response and expediting clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Song
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing-Qing Dong
- ICU, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ke Ni
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310015, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ling Xu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310015, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao-Xiang Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310015, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Chen
- ICU, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
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Giardina SF, Valdambrini E, Singh PK, Bacolod MD, Babu-Karunakaran G, Peel M, Warren JD, Barany F. Combinatorial Ubiquitination REal-time PROteolysis (CURE-PROs): A Modular Platform for Generating Reversible, Self-Assembling Bifunctional Targeted Degraders. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5473-5501. [PMID: 38554135 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02097] [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: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are bifunctional molecules that bring a target protein and an E3 ubiquitin ligase into proximity to append ubiquitin, thus directing target degradation. Although numerous PROTACs have entered clinical trials, their development remains challenging, and their large size can produce poor drug-like properties. To overcome these limitations, we have modified our Coferon platform to generate Combinatorial Ubiquitination REal-time PROteolysis (CURE-PROs). CURE-PROs are small molecule degraders designed to self-assemble through reversible bio-orthogonal linkers to form covalent heterodimers. By modifying known ligands for Cereblon, MDM2, VHL, and BRD with complementary phenylboronic acid and diol/catechol linkers, we have successfully created CURE-PROs that direct degradation of BRD4 both in vitro and in vivo. The combinatorial nature of our platform significantly reduces synthesis time and effort to identify the optimal linker length and E3 ligase partner to each target and is readily amenable to screening for new targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah F Giardina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Elena Valdambrini
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Pradeep K Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Manny D Bacolod
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | | | - Michael Peel
- MRP Pharma LLC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, United States
| | - J David Warren
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Francis Barany
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, United States
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Zhao HY, Xin M, Zhang SQ. Progress of small molecules for targeted protein degradation: PROTACs and other technologies. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:337-394. [PMID: 36606428 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22026] [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: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed the rapid development of targeted protein degradation (TPD), especially proteolysis targeting chimeras. These degraders have manifested many advantages over small molecule inhibitors. To date, a huge number of degraders have been excavated against over 70 disease-related targets. In particular, degraders against estrogen receptor and androgen receptor have crowded into phase II clinical trial. TPD technologies largely expand the scope of druggable targets, and provide powerful tools for addressing intractable problems that can not be tackled by traditional small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we mainly focus on the structures and biological activities of small molecule degraders as well as the elucidation of mechanisms of emerging TPD technologies. We also propose the challenges that exist in the TPD field at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yi Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minhang Xin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Karami Fath M, Babakhaniyan K, Anjomrooz M, Jalalifar M, Alizadeh SD, Pourghasem Z, Abbasi Oshagh P, Azargoonjahromi A, Almasi F, Manzoor HZ, Khalesi B, Pourzardosht N, Khalili S, Payandeh Z. Recent Advances in Glioma Cancer Treatment: Conventional and Epigenetic Realms. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091448. [PMID: 36146527 PMCID: PMC9501259 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most typical and aggressive form of primary brain tumor in adults, with a poor prognosis. Successful glioma treatment is hampered by ineffective medication distribution across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the emergence of drug resistance. Although a few FDA-approved multimodal treatments are available for glioblastoma, most patients still have poor prognoses. Targeting epigenetic variables, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and different vaccine- and peptide-based treatments are some innovative approaches to improve anti-glioma treatment efficacy. Following the identification of lymphatics in the central nervous system, immunotherapy offers a potential method with the potency to permeate the blood-brain barrier. This review will discuss the rationale, tactics, benefits, and drawbacks of current glioma therapy options in clinical and preclinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Karami Fath
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran 1571914911, Iran
| | - Kimiya Babakhaniyan
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1996713883, Iran
| | - Mehran Anjomrooz
- Department of Radiology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1411713135, Iran
| | | | | | - Zeinab Pourghasem
- Department of Microbiology, Islamic Azad University of Lahijan, Gilan 4416939515, Iran
| | - Parisa Abbasi Oshagh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Malayer University, Malayer 6571995863, Iran
| | - Ali Azargoonjahromi
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7417773539, Iran
| | - Faezeh Almasi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran 1411734115, Iran
| | - Hafza Zahira Manzoor
- Experimental and Translational Medicine, University of Insubria, Via jean Henry Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Bahman Khalesi
- Department of Research and Production of Poultry Viral Vaccine, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj 3197619751, Iran
| | - Navid Pourzardosht
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht 4193713111, Iran
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran 1678815811, Iran
- Correspondence: (S.K.); (Z.P.)
| | - Zahra Payandeh
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division Medical Inflammation Research, Karolinska Institute, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (S.K.); (Z.P.)
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Zhao HY, Wang HP, Mao YZ, Zhang H, Xin M, Xi XX, Lei H, Mao S, Li DH, Zhang SQ. Discovery of Potent PROTACs Targeting EGFR Mutants through the Optimization of Covalent EGFR Ligands. J Med Chem 2022; 65:4709-4726. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yi Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Hai-Peng Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an 710068, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Ze Mao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co., LTD., Linyi 276000, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Minhang Xin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Xi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Hao Lei
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Mao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Dong-Hui Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an 710068, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi, P. R. China
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Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are a powerful tool to hijack the endogenous ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and to degrade the intracellular proteins of therapeutic importance. Recently, two heterobifunctional degraders targeting hormone receptors headed into Phase II clinical trials. Compared to traditional drug design and common modes of action, the PROTAC approach offers new opportunities for the drug research field. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are well-established drugs for the treatment of hematological malignancies. The integration of HDAC binding motifs in PROTACs explores the possibility of targeted, chemical HDAC degradation. This review provides an overview and a perspective about the key steps in the structure development of HDAC-PROTACs. In particular, the influence of the three canonical PROTAC elements on HDAC-PROTAC efficacy and selectivity are discussed, the HDACi, the linker and the E3 ligase ligand.
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