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Bauer K, Hauswirth A, Gleixner KV, Greiner G, Thaler J, Bettelheim P, Filik Y, Koller E, Hoermann G, Staber PB, Sperr WR, Keil F, Valent P. BRD4 degraders may effectively counteract therapeutic resistance of leukemic stem cells in AML and ALL. Am J Hematol 2024; 99:1721-1731. [PMID: 38822666 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are life-threatening hematopoietic malignancies characterized by clonal expansion of leukemic blasts in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. The epigenetic reader BRD4 and its downstream effector MYC have recently been identified as potential drug targets in human AML and ALL. We compared anti-leukemic efficacies of the small-molecule BET inhibitor JQ1 and the recently developed BRD4 degraders dBET1 and dBET6 in AML and ALL cells. JQ1, dBET1, and dBET6 were found to suppress growth and viability in all AML and ALL cell lines examined as well as in primary patient-derived AML and ALL cells, including CD34+/CD38- and CD34+/CD38+ leukemic stem and progenitor cells, independent of the type (variant) of leukemia or molecular driver expressed in leukemic cells. Moreover, we found that dBET6 overcomes osteoblast-induced drug resistance in AML and ALL cells, regardless of the type of leukemia or the drug applied. Most promising cooperative or even synergistic drug combination effects were seen with dBET6 and the FLT3 ITD blocker gilteritinib in FLT3 ITD-mutated AML cells, and with dBET6 and the multi-kinase blocker ponatinib in BCR::ABL1+ ALL cells. Finally, all BRD4-targeting drugs suppressed interferon-gamma- and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced expression of the resistance-related checkpoint antigen PD-L1 in AML and ALL cells, including LSC. In all assays examined, the BRD4 degrader dBET6 was a superior anti-leukemic drug compared with dBET1 and JQ1. Together, BRD4 degraders may provide enhanced inhibition of multiple mechanisms of therapy resistance in AML and ALL.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Transcription Factors
- Triazoles/pharmacology
- Triazoles/therapeutic use
- Azepines/pharmacology
- Azepines/therapeutic use
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Cell Cycle Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/drug therapy
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/metabolism
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Nuclear Proteins/genetics
- Nuclear Proteins/metabolism
- Pyrazines/pharmacology
- Pyrazines/therapeutic use
- Drug Synergism
- Pyridazines/pharmacology
- Pyridazines/therapeutic use
- Bromodomain Containing Proteins
- Aniline Compounds
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Bauer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Hauswirth
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karoline V Gleixner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Greiner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ihr Labor, Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Thaler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Yüksel Filik
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Koller
- Third Medical Department for Hematology and Oncology, Hanusch Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Hoermann
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp B Staber
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang R Sperr
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Felix Keil
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Third Medical Department for Hematology and Oncology, Hanusch Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Valent
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Kanbar K, El Darzi R, Jaalouk DE. Precision oncology revolution: CRISPR-Cas9 and PROTAC technologies unleashed. Front Genet 2024; 15:1434002. [PMID: 39144725 PMCID: PMC11321987 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1434002] [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: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer continues to present a substantial global health challenge, with its incidence and mortality rates persistently reflecting its significant impact. The emergence of precision oncology has provided a breakthrough in targeting oncogenic drivers previously deemed "undruggable" by conventional therapeutics and by limiting off-target cytotoxicity. Two groundbreaking technologies that have revolutionized the field of precision oncology are primarily CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and more recently PROTAC (PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras) targeted protein degradation technology. CRISPR-Cas9, in particular, has gained widespread recognition and acclaim due to its remarkable ability to modify DNA sequences precisely. Rather than editing the genetic code, PROTACs harness the ubiquitin proteasome degradation machinery to degrade proteins of interest selectively. Even though CRISPR-Cas9 and PROTAC technologies operate on different principles, they share a common goal of advancing precision oncology whereby both approaches have demonstrated remarkable potential in preclinical and promising data in clinical trials. CRISPR-Cas9 has demonstrated its clinical potential in this field due to its ability to modify genes directly and indirectly in a precise, efficient, reversible, adaptable, and tissue-specific manner, and its potential as a diagnostic tool. On the other hand, the ability to administer in low doses orally, broad targeting, tissue specificity, and controllability have reinforced the clinical potential of PROTAC. Thus, in the field of precision oncology, gene editing using CRISPR technology has revolutionized targeted interventions, while the emergence of PROTACs has further expanded the therapeutic landscape by enabling selective protein degradation. Rather than viewing them as mutually exclusive or competing methods in the field of precision oncology, their use is context-dependent (i.e., based on the molecular mechanisms of the disease) and they potentially could be used synergistically complementing the strengths of CRISPR and vice versa. Herein, we review the current status of CRISPR and PROTAC designs and their implications in the field of precision oncology in terms of clinical potential, clinical trial data, limitations, and compare their implications in precision clinical oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Kanbar
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Roy El Darzi
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Diana E. Jaalouk
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Vicente ATS, Salvador JAR. PROteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) in leukemia: overview and future perspectives. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e575. [PMID: 38845697 PMCID: PMC11154823 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Leukemia is a heterogeneous group of life-threatening malignant disorders of the hematopoietic system. Immunotherapy, radiotherapy, stem cell transplantation, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy are among the approved leukemia treatments. Unfortunately, therapeutic resistance, side effects, relapses, and long-term sequelae occur in a significant proportion of patients and severely compromise the treatment efficacy. The development of novel approaches to improve outcomes is therefore an unmet need. Recently, novel leukemia drug discovery strategies, including targeted protein degradation, have shown potential to advance the field of personalized medicine for leukemia patients. Specifically, PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are revolutionary compounds that allow the selective degradation of a protein by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Developed against a wide range of cancer targets, they show promising potential in overcoming many of the drawbacks associated with conventional therapies. Following the exponential growth of antileukemic PROTACs, this article reviews PROTAC-mediated degradation of leukemia-associated targets. Chemical structures, in vitro and in vivo activities, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical trials of PROTACs are critically discussed. Furthermore, advantages, challenges, and future perspectives of PROTACs in leukemia are covered, in order to understand the potential that these novel compounds may have as future drugs for leukemia treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- André T. S. Vicente
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical ChemistryFaculty of PharmacyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB)University of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
| | - Jorge A. R. Salvador
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical ChemistryFaculty of PharmacyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB)University of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
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Ji Y, Chen W, Wang X. Bromodomain and Extraterminal Domain Protein 2 in Multiple Human Diseases. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 389:277-288. [PMID: 38565308 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.002036] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein 2 (BRD2), a member of the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) protein family, is a crucial epigenetic regulator with significant function in various diseases and cellular processes. The central function of BRD2 is modulating gene transcription by binding to acetylated lysine residues on histones and transcription factors. This review highlights key findings on BRD2 in recent years, emphasizing its roles in maintaining genomic stability, influencing chromatin spatial organization, and participating in transcriptional regulation. BRD2's diverse functions are underscored by its involvement in diseases such as malignant tumors, neurologic disorders, inflammatory conditions, metabolic diseases, and virus infection. Notably, the potential role of BRD2 as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target is discussed in the context of various diseases. Although pan inhibitors targeting the BET family have shown promise in preclinical studies, a critical need exists for the development of highly selective BRD2 inhibitors. In conclusion, this review offers insights into the multifaceted nature of BRD2 and calls for continued research to unravel its intricate mechanisms and harness its therapeutic potential. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: BRD2 is involved in the occurrence and development of diseases through maintaining genomic stability, influencing chromatin spatial organization, and participating in transcriptional regulation. Targeting BRD2 through protein degradation-targeting complexes technology is emerging as a promising therapeutic approach for malignant cancer and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikang Ji
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology
| | - Wantao Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology
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Al Awadh AA, Sakagami H, Amano S, Sayed AM, Abouelela ME, Alhasaniah AH, Aldabaan N, Refaey MS, Abdelhamid RA, Khalil HMA, Hamdan DI, Abdel-Sattar ES, Orabi MAA. In vitro cytotoxicity of Withania somnifera (L.) roots and fruits on oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines: a study supported by flow cytometry, spectral, and computational investigations. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1325272. [PMID: 38303989 PMCID: PMC10830635 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1325272] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer is a severe health problem that accounts for an alarmingly high number of fatalities worldwide. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal has been extensively studied against various tumor cell lines from different body organs, rarely from the oral cavity. We thus investigated the cytotoxicity of W. somnifera fruits (W-F) and roots (W-R) hydromethanolic extracts and their chromatographic fractions against oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines [Ca9-22 (derived from gingiva), HSC-2, HSC-3, and HSC-4 (derived from tongue)] and three normal oral mesenchymal cells [human gingival fibroblast (HGF), human periodontal ligament fibroblast (HPLF), and human pulp cells (HPC)] in comparison to standard drugs. The root polar ethyl acetate (W-R EtOAc) and butanol (W-R BuOH) fractions exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity against the Ca9-22 cell line (CC50 = 51.8 and 40.1 μg/mL, respectively), which is relatively the same effect as 5-FU at CC50 = 69.4 μM and melphalan at CC50 = 36.3 μM on the same cancer cell line. Flow cytometric analysis revealed changes in morphology as well as in the cell cycle profile of the W-R EtOAc and W-R BuOH-treated oral cancer Ca9-22 cells compared to the untreated control. The W-R EtOAc (125 μg/mL) exerted morphological changes and induced subG1 accumulation, suggesting apoptotic cell death. A UHPLC MS/MS analysis of the extract enabled the identification of 26 compounds, mainly alkaloids, withanolides, withanosides, and flavonoids. Pharmacophore-based inverse virtual screening proposed that BRD3 and CDK2 are the cancer-relevant targets for the annotated withanolides D (18) and O (12), and the flavonoid kaempferol (11). Molecular modeling studies highlighted the BRD3 and CDK2 as the most probable oncogenic targets of anticancer activity of these molecules. These findings highlight W. somnifera's potential as an affordable source of therapeutic agents for a range of oral malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abdullah Al Awadh
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hiroshi Sakagami
- Meikai University Research Institute of Odontology (M-RIO), Saitama, Japan
| | - Shigeru Amano
- Meikai University Research Institute of Odontology (M-RIO), Saitama, Japan
| | - Ahmed M. Sayed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Collage of Pharmacy, Almaaqal University, Basra, Iraq
| | - Mohamed E. Abouelela
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdulaziz Hassan Alhasaniah
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nayef Aldabaan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed S. Refaey
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Menoufiya, Egypt
| | - Reda A. Abdelhamid
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut-Branch, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Heba M. A. Khalil
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Dalia I. Hamdan
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Shibin Elkom, Egypt
| | - El-Shaymaa Abdel-Sattar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A. A. Orabi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
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Zhang N, Shen H, Chen B, Hu H, Liu C, Chen Y, Cong W. The recent progress of peptide regulators for the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1164656. [PMID: 37396899 PMCID: PMC10311566 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1164656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling plays an important role in many biological processes such as stem cell self-renewal, cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The β-catenin-dependent signaling pathway mainly regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. In the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the Wnt family ligands transduce signals through LRP5/6 and Frizzled receptors to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascades. Wnt-targeted therapy has garnered extensive attention. The most commonly used approach in targeted therapy is small-molecule regulators. However, it is difficult for small-molecule regulators to make great progress due to their inherent defects. Therapeutic peptide regulators targeting the Wnt signaling pathway have become an alternative therapy, promising to fill the gaps in the clinical application of small-molecule regulators. In this review, we describe recent advances in peptide regulators for Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaxing Shen
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baobao Chen
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Honggang Hu
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Liu
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center of People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Cong
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
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To KKW, Xing E, Larue RC, Li PK. BET Bromodomain Inhibitors: Novel Design Strategies and Therapeutic Applications. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073043. [PMID: 37049806 PMCID: PMC10096006 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins consists of four conserved members (Brd2, Brd3, Brd4, and Brdt) that regulate numerous cancer-related and immunity-associated genes. They are epigenetic readers of histone acetylation with broad specificity. BET proteins are linked to cancer progression due to their interaction with numerous cellular proteins including chromatin-modifying factors, transcription factors, and histone modification enzymes. The spectacular growth in the clinical development of small-molecule BET inhibitors underscores the interest and importance of this protein family as an anticancer target. Current approaches targeting BET proteins for cancer therapy rely on acetylation mimics to block the bromodomains from binding chromatin. However, bromodomain-targeted agents are suffering from dose-limiting toxicities because of their effects on other bromodomain-containing proteins. In this review, we provided an updated summary about the evolution of small-molecule BET inhibitors. The design of bivalent BET inhibitors, kinase and BET dual inhibitors, BET protein proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), and Brd4-selective inhibitors are discussed. The novel strategy of targeting the unique C-terminal extra-terminal (ET) domain of BET proteins and its therapeutic significance will also be highlighted. Apart from single agent treatment alone, BET inhibitors have also been combined with other chemotherapeutic modalities for cancer treatment demonstrating favorable clinical outcomes. The investigation of specific biomarkers for predicting the efficacy and resistance of BET inhibitors is needed to fully realize their therapeutic potential in the clinical setting.
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Liu X, Wang A, Shi Y, Dai M, Liu M, Cai HB. PROTACs in Epigenetic Cancer Therapy: Current Status and Future Opportunities. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031217. [PMID: 36770884 PMCID: PMC9919707 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic regulation of gene functions has been proven to be strongly associated with the development and progression of cancer. Reprogramming the cancer epigenome landscape is one of the most promising target therapies in both treatments and in reversing drug resistance. Proteolytic targeted chimeras (PROTACs) are an emerging therapeutic modality for selective degradation via the native ubiquitin-proteasome system. Rapid advances in PROTACs have facilitated the exploration of targeting epigenetic proteins, a lot of PROTAC degraders have already been designed in the field of epigenetic cancer therapy, and PROTACs targeting epigenetic proteins can better exploit target druggability and improve the mechanistic understanding of the epigenetic regulation of cancer. Thus, this review focuses on the progress made in the development of PROTAC degraders and PROTAC drugs targeting epigenetics in cancer and discusses challenges and future opportunities for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelian Liu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Anjin Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yuying Shi
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Mengyuan Dai
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan 430071, China
- Correspondence: (M.D.); (H.-B.C.)
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hong-Bing Cai
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan 430071, China
- Correspondence: (M.D.); (H.-B.C.)
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Weber LI, Hartl M. Strategies to target the cancer driver MYC in tumor cells. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1142111. [PMID: 36969025 PMCID: PMC10032378 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1142111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The MYC oncoprotein functions as a master regulator of cellular transcription and executes non-transcriptional tasks relevant to DNA replication and cell cycle regulation, thereby interacting with multiple proteins. MYC is required for fundamental cellular processes triggering proliferation, growth, differentiation, or apoptosis and also represents a major cancer driver being aberrantly activated in most human tumors. Due to its non-enzymatic biochemical functions and largely unstructured surface, MYC has remained difficult for specific inhibitor compounds to directly address, and consequently, alternative approaches leading to indirect MYC inhibition have evolved. Nowadays, multiple organic compounds, nucleic acids, or peptides specifically interfering with MYC activities are in preclinical or early-stage clinical studies, but none of them have been approved so far for the pharmacological treatment of cancer patients. In addition, specific and efficient delivery technologies to deliver MYC-inhibiting agents into MYC-dependent tumor cells are just beginning to emerge. In this review, an overview of direct and indirect MYC-inhibiting agents and their modes of MYC inhibition is given. Furthermore, we summarize current possibilities to deliver appropriate drugs into cancer cells containing derailed MYC using viral vectors or appropriate nanoparticles. Finding the right formulation to target MYC-dependent cancers and to achieve a high intracellular concentration of compounds blocking or attenuating oncogenic MYC activities could be as important as the development of novel MYC-inhibiting principles.
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Bou Malhab LJ, Alsafar H, Ibrahim S, Rahmani M. PROTACs: Walking through hematological malignancies. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1086946. [PMID: 36909156 PMCID: PMC9994433 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1086946] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional small molecules that uses the proteasome ubiquitin system to target proteins of interest and promote their degradation with remarkable selectivity. Importantly, unlike conventional small molecule inhibitors, PROTACs have proven highly effective in targeting undruggable proteins and those bearing mutations. Because of these considerations, PROTACs have increasingly become an emerging technology for the development of novel targeted anticancer therapeutics. Interestingly, many PROTACs have demonstrated a great potency and specificity in degrading several oncogenic drivers. Many of these, following extensive preclinical evaluation, have reached advanced stages of clinical testing in various cancers including hematologic malignancies. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the recent advances in the development of PROTACs as therapeutic strategies in diverse hematological malignancies. A particular attention has been given to clinically relevant PROTACs and those targeting oncogenic mutants that drive resistance to therapies. We also discus limitations, and various considerations to optimize the design for effective PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara J Bou Malhab
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Habiba Alsafar
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saleh Ibrahim
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Rahmani
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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