1
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Koldenhof P, Bemelmans MP, Ghosh B, Damm-Ganamet KL, van Vlijmen HWT, Pande V. Application of AlphaFold models in evaluating ligandable cysteines across E3 ligases. Proteins 2024; 92:819-829. [PMID: 38337153 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26675] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are an emerging therapeutic modality and chemical biology tools for Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD). PROTACs contain a ligand targeting the protein of interest, a ligand recruiting an E3 ligase and a linker connecting these two ligands. There are over 600 E3 ligases known so far, but only a handful have been exploited for TPD applications. A key reason for this is the scarcity of ligands binding various E3 ligases and the paucity of structural data available, which complicates ligand design across the family. In this study, we aim to progress PROTAC discovery by proposing a shortlist of E3 ligases that can be prioritized for covalent targeting by performing systematic structural ligandability analysis on a chemoproteomic dataset of potentially reactive cysteines across hundreds of E3 ligases. One of the goals of this study is to apply AlphaFold (AF) models for ligandability evaluations, as for a vast majority of these ligases an experimental structure is not available in the protein data bank (PDB). Using a combination of pocket features, AF model quality and additional aspects, we propose a shortlist of E3 ligases and corresponding cysteines that can be prioritized to potentially discover covalent ligands and expand the PROTAC toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Koldenhof
- Computer-Aided Drug Design, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | - Brahma Ghosh
- Discovery Chemistry, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Vineet Pande
- Computer-Aided Drug Design, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Beerse, Belgium
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2
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Chang CEA, Wu KY, Hung TI. PROTAC-induced Protein Functional Dynamics in Targeted Protein Degradation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.05.592590. [PMID: 38746111 PMCID: PMC11092786 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.05.592590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are small molecules that induce target protein degradation via the ubiquitin proteasome system. PROTACs recruit the target protein and E3 ligase; a critical first step is forming a ternary complex. However, while the formation a ternary complex is crucial, it may not always guarantee successful protein degradation. The dynamics of the PROTAC induced degradation complex play a key role in ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. In this study, we computationally modelled protein complex structures and dynamics associated with a series of PROTACs featuring different linkers to investigate why these PROTACs, all of which formed ternary complexes with Cereblon (CRBN) E3 ligase and the target protein bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4BD1), exhibited varying degrees of degradation potency. We constructed the degradation machinery complexes with Culling Ring Ligase 4A (CRL4A) E3 ligase scaffolds. Through atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we illustrated how PROTAC dependent protein dynamics facilitate the arrangement of surface lysine residues of BRD4BD1 into the catalytic pocket of E2/ubiquitin for ubiquitination. Despite featuring identical warheads in this PROTAC series, the linkers were found to affect the residue interaction networks, and thus governing the essential motions of the entire degradation machine for ubiquitination. These findings offer a dynamic perspective on ligand induced protein degradation, providing insights to guide future PROTAC design endeavors.
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3
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Zhang H, Zhang Y, Feng Z, Shuai M, Ma X, Wang S, Yu S, Deng R, Luo D, Shi J, Pu C, Li R. Discovery of Novel Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera Molecules as Degraders of Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 for Breast Cancer Therapy. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38889052 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The immune checkpoint blockade represents a pivotal strategy for tumor immunotherapy. At present, various programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies have been successfully applied to tumor treatment. Additionally, numerous small molecule inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction have also been developed, with some advancing into clinical trials. Here, a novel PD-L1 proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) library was designed and synthesized utilizing the PD-L1 inhibitor BMS202 and the E3 ligand PG as foundational components. Among these, we identified a highly potent molecule PA8 for PD-L1 degradation in 4T1 cells (DC50 = 0.609 μM). Significantly, compound PA8 potentially inhibits 4T1 cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Further mechanistic studies revealed that PA8 effectively promoted the immune activation of model mice. Thus, these results suggest that PA8 could be a novel strategy for cancer immunotherapy in the 4T1 tumor model. Although PA8 exhibits weaker degradation activity in some human cancer cells, it still provides a certain basis for further research on PD-L1 PROTAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjia Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Lung Cancer Center/Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Lung Cancer Center/Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zhanzhan Feng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ming Shuai
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Xinyu Ma
- Department of Nanomedicine & Drug Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Shirui Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Su Yu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rui Deng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Chunlan Pu
- Medical Research Center, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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4
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Ma Y, Yang X, Ning K, Guo H. M1/M2 macrophage-targeted nanotechnology and PROTAC for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Life Sci 2024; 352:122811. [PMID: 38862062 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122811] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Macrophages play key roles in atherosclerosis progression, and an imbalance in M1/M2 macrophages leads to unstable plaques; therefore, M1/M2 macrophage polarization-targeted treatments may serve as a new approach in the treatment of atherosclerosis. At present, there is little research on M1/M2 macrophage polarization-targeted nanotechnology. Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, a targeted protein degradation technology, mediates the degradation of target proteins and has been widely promoted in preclinical and clinical applications as a novel therapeutic modality. This review summarizes the recent studies on M1/M2 macrophage polarization-targeted nanotechnology, focusing on the mechanism and advantages of PROTACs in M1/M2 macrophage polarization as a new approach for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yupeng Ma
- School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaofan Yang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ke Ning
- School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Haidong Guo
- School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
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5
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Thakur A, Rana M, Mishra A, Kaur C, Pan CH, Nepali K. Recent advances and future directions on small molecule VEGFR inhibitors in oncological conditions. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116472. [PMID: 38728867 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116472] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
"A journey of mixed emotions" is a quote that best describes the progress chart of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors as cancer therapeutics in the last decade. Exhilarated with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals of numerous VEGFR inhibitors coupled with the annoyance of encountering the complications associated with their use, drug discovery enthusiasts are on their toes with an unswerving determination to enhance the rate of translation of VEGFR inhibitors from preclinical to clinical stage. The recently crafted armory of VEGFR inhibitors is a testament to their growing dominance over other antiangiogenic therapies for cancer treatment. This review perspicuously underscores the earnest attempts of the researchers to extract the antiproliferative potential of VEGFR inhibitors through the design of mechanistically diverse structural assemblages. Moreover, this review encompasses sections on structural/molecular properties and physiological functions of VEGFR, FDA-approved VEGFR inhibitors, and hurdles restricting the activity range/clinical applicability of VEGFR targeting antitumor agents. In addition, tactics to overcome the limitations of VEGFR inhibitors are discussed. A clear-cut viewpoint transmitted through this compilation can provide practical directions to push the cart of VEGFR inhibitors to advanced-stage clinical investigations in diverse malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Thakur
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Mandeep Rana
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Anshul Mishra
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Charanjit Kaur
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
| | - Chun-Hsu Pan
- Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Kunal Nepali
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan.
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6
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Cai Z, Yang Z, Li H, Fang Y. Research progress of PROTACs for neurodegenerative diseases therapy. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107386. [PMID: 38643565 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107386] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) are characterized by the gradual deterioration of neuronal function and integrity, resulting in an overall decline in brain function. The existing therapeutic options for NDD, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, fall short of meeting the clinical demand. A prominent pathological hallmark observed in numerous neurodegenerative disorders is the aggregation and misfolding of proteins both within and outside neurons. These abnormal proteins play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeted degradation of irregular proteins offers a promising avenue for NDD treatment. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) function via the ubiquitin-proteasome system and have emerged as a novel and efficacious approach in drug discovery. PROTACs can catalytically degrade "undruggable" proteins even at exceptionally low concentrations, allowing for precise quantitative control of aberrant protein levels. In this review, we present a compilation of reported PROTAC structures and their corresponding biological activities aimed at addressing NDD. Spanning from 2016 to present, this review provides an up-to-date overview of PROTAC-based therapeutic interventions. Currently, most protein degraders intended for NDD treatment remain in the preclinical research phase. Overcoming several challenges is imperative, including enhancing oral bioavailability and permeability across the blood-brain barrier, before these compounds can progress to clinical research or eventually reach the market. However, armed with an enhanced comprehension of the underlying pathological mechanisms and the emergence of innovative scaffolds for protein degraders, along with further structural optimization, we are confident that PROTAC possesses the potential to make substantial breakthroughs in the field of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifang Cai
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Zunhua Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Huilan Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Manufacturing Technology of TCM Solid Preparation, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yuanying Fang
- National Engineering Research Center for Manufacturing Technology of TCM Solid Preparation, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China.
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7
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Haridas V, Dutta S, Munjal A, Singh S. Inhibitors to degraders: Changing paradigm in drug discovery. iScience 2024; 27:109574. [PMID: 38646175 PMCID: PMC11031827 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109574] [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] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The chemical understanding of biological processes provides not only a deeper insight but also a solution to abnormal biological functioning. Protein degradation, a natural biological process for debris removal in the cell, has been studied for years. The recent finding that natural degradation pathways can be utilized for therapeutic purposes is a paradigm shift in the drug discovery approach. Methods such as Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC), lysosomal targeting chimera, hydrophobic tagging, AUtophagy TArgeting Chimera, AUTOphagy TArgeting Chimera and several other variants of these methods have made a considerable impact on the way of drug design. Few selected examples testify that a huge wave of change is on the way. The drug design based on the targeted protein degradation is a powerful tool in our arsenal. More molecules will be invented that will uncover the hidden secrets of biological functioning and provide enduring solutions to several unmet medical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Haridas
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad, Palakkad, Kerala 678623, India
| | - Souvik Dutta
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Akshay Munjal
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, New Delhi 110067, India
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8
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Huynh T, Rodriguez-Rodriguez S, Danilov AV. Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Degraders in B-Cell Malignancies. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:619-626. [PMID: 38693903 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Tiana Huynh
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
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9
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Lucas SCC, Ahmed A, Ashraf SN, Argyrou A, Bauer MR, De Donatis GM, Demanze S, Eisele F, Fusani L, Hock A, Kadamur G, Li S, Macmillan-Jones A, Michaelides IN, Phillips C, Rehnström M, Richter M, Rodrigo-Brenni MC, Shilliday F, Wang P, Storer RI. Optimization of Potent Ligands for the E3 Ligase DCAF15 and Evaluation of Their Use in Heterobifunctional Degraders. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5538-5566. [PMID: 38513086 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02136] [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: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Unlocking novel E3 ligases for use in heterobifunctional PROTAC degraders is of high importance to the pharmaceutical industry. Over-reliance on the current suite of ligands used to recruit E3 ligases could limit the potential of their application. To address this, potent ligands for DCAF15 were optimized using cryo-EM supported, structure-based design to improve on micromolar starting points. A potent binder, compound 24, was identified and subsequently conjugated into PROTACs against multiple targets. Following attempts on degrading a number of proteins using DCAF15 recruiting PROTACs, only degradation of BRD4 was observed. Deconvolution of the mechanism of action showed that this degradation was not mediated by DCAF15, thereby highlighting both the challenges faced when trying to expand the toolbox of validated E3 ligase ligands for use in PROTAC degraders and the pitfalls of using BRD4 as a model substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon C C Lucas
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Afshan Ahmed
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - S Neha Ashraf
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Argyrides Argyrou
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Matthias R Bauer
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | | | - Sylvain Demanze
- Oncology Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Frederik Eisele
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-431 83,Sweden
| | - Lucia Fusani
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Andreas Hock
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Ganesh Kadamur
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Shuyou Li
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | - Christopher Phillips
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Marie Rehnström
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-431 83, Sweden
| | - Magdalena Richter
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Monica C Rodrigo-Brenni
- Safety Innovation and PROTAC Safety, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Fiona Shilliday
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Peng Wang
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, People's Republic of China
| | - R Ian Storer
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
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Nayak D, Lv D, Yuan Y, Zhang P, Hu W, Nayak A, Ruben EA, Lv Z, Sung P, Hromas R, Zheng G, Zhou D, Olsen SK. Development and crystal structures of a potent second-generation dual degrader of BCL-2 and BCL-xL. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2743. [PMID: 38548768 PMCID: PMC10979003 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46922-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of BCL-xL and BCL-2 play key roles in tumorigenesis and cancer drug resistance. Advances in PROTAC technology facilitated recent development of the first BCL-xL/BCL-2 dual degrader, 753b, a VHL-based degrader with improved potency and reduced toxicity compared to previous small molecule inhibitors. Here, we determine crystal structures of VHL/753b/BCL-xL and VHL/753b/BCL-2 ternary complexes. The two ternary complexes exhibit markedly different architectures that are accompanied by distinct networks of interactions at the VHL/753b-linker/target interfaces. The importance of these interfacial contacts is validated via functional analysis and informed subsequent rational and structure-guided design focused on the 753b linker and BCL-2/BCL-xL warhead. This results in the design of a degrader, WH244, with enhanced potency to degrade BCL-xL/BCL-2 in cells. Using biophysical assays followed by in cell activities, we are able to explain the enhanced target degradation of BCL-xL/BCL-2 in cells. Most PROTACs are empirically designed and lack structural studies, making it challenging to understand their modes of action and specificity. Our work presents a streamlined approach that combines rational design and structure-based insights backed with cell-based studies to develop effective PROTAC-based cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Digant Nayak
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Dongwen Lv
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Yaxia Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Peiyi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Wanyi Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Anindita Nayak
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Eliza A Ruben
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Zongyang Lv
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Patrick Sung
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Robert Hromas
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Daohong Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
| | - Shaun K Olsen
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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11
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Nalawansha DA, Mangano K, den Besten W, Potts PR. TAC-tics for Leveraging Proximity Biology in Drug Discovery. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300712. [PMID: 38015747 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300712] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Chemically induced proximity (CIP) refers to co-opting naturally occurring biological pathways using synthetic molecules to recruit neosubstrates that are not normally encountered or to enhance the affinity of naturally occurring interactions. Leveraging proximity biology through CIPs has become a rapidly evolving field and has garnered considerable interest in basic research and drug discovery. PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) is a well-established CIP modality that induces the proximity between a target protein and an E3 ubiquitin ligase, causing target protein degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Inspired by PROTACs, several other induced proximity modalities have emerged to modulate both proteins and RNA over recent years. In this review, we summarize the critical advances and opportunities in the field, focusing on protein degraders, RNA degraders and non-degrader modalities such as post-translational modification (PTM) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) modulators. We envision that these emerging proximity-based drug modalities will be valuable resources for both biological research and therapeutic discovery in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kyle Mangano
- Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Willem den Besten
- Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Patrick Ryan Potts
- Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
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12
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Setia N, Almuqdadi HTA, Abid M. Journey of Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ligase in PROTACs design: From VHL ligands to VHL-based degraders. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116041. [PMID: 38199162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116041] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The scientific community has shown considerable interest in proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) in the last decade, indicating their remarkable potential as a means of achieving targeted protein degradation (TPD). Not only are PROTACs seen as valuable tools in molecular biology but their emergence as a modality for drug discovery has also garnered significant attention. PROTACs bind to E3 ligases and target proteins through respective ligands connected via a linker to induce proteasome-mediated protein degradation. The discovery of small molecule ligands for E3 ligases has led to the prevalent use of various E3 ligases in PROTAC design. Furthermore, the incorporation of different types of linkers has proven beneficial in enhancing the efficacy of PROTACs. By far more than 3300 PROTACs have been reported in the literature. Notably, Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)-based PROTACs have surfaced as a propitious strategy for targeting proteins, even encompassing those that were previously considered non-druggable. VHL is extensively utilized as an E3 ligase in the advancement of PROTACs owing to its widespread expression in various tissues and well-documented binders. Here, we review the discovery of VHL ligands, the types of linkers employed to develop VHL-based PROTACs, and their subsequent modulation to design advanced non-conventional degraders to target various disease-causing proteins. Furthermore, we provide an overview of other E3 ligases recruited in the field of PROTAC technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Setia
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | | | - Mohammad Abid
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India.
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13
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Hickey CM, Digianantonio KM, Zimmermann K, Harbin A, Quinn C, Patel A, Gareiss P, Chapman A, Tiberi B, Dobrodziej J, Corradi J, Cacace AM, Langley DR, Békés M. Co-opting the E3 ligase KLHDC2 for targeted protein degradation by small molecules. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:311-322. [PMID: 38177675 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01146-w] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) by PROTAC (proteolysis-targeting chimera) and molecular glue small molecules is an emerging therapeutic strategy. To expand the roster of E3 ligases that can be utilized for TPD, we describe the discovery and biochemical characterization of small-molecule ligands targeting the E3 ligase KLHDC2. Furthermore, we functionalize these KLHDC2-targeting ligands into KLHDC2-based BET-family and AR PROTAC degraders and demonstrate KLHDC2-dependent target-protein degradation. Additionally, we offer insight into the assembly of the KLHDC2 E3 ligase complex. Using biochemical binding studies, X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM, we show that the KLHDC2 E3 ligase assembles into a dynamic tetramer held together via its own C terminus, and that this assembly can be modulated by substrate and ligand engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bernadette Tiberi
- Arvinas, Inc, New Haven, CT, USA
- Genetics, Genomics and Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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14
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Hoffman M, Cheah KMH, Wittrup KD. A Novel Gain-of-Signal Assay to Detect Targeted Protein Degradation. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:220-229. [PMID: 38171010 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00447] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation offers a promising avenue for expanding therapeutic development to previously inaccessible proteins of interest by regulating the target abundance rather than activity. However, current methods to screen for effective degraders serve as major bottlenecks for the development of degrader therapies. Here, we develop a novel assay platform for identification and characterization of macromolecules capable of inducing targeted degradation of oncogenic phosphatase SHP2. Unlike traditional reporter assays that utilize loss-of-signal readouts to detect degradation, our assay platform expresses a robust fluorescence signal in response to the depletion of a target protein and incorporates additional measures intended to prevent undesirable false positives. Using this gain-of-signal assay, we successfully identified novel macromolecule SHP2 degraders from a screen of 192 candidates and proposed design principles for further development of macromolecule degraders. This work demonstrates a proof of concept for gain-of-signal assays as a tool for screening targeted degrader candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Hoffman
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Keith Ming Hong Cheah
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - K Dane Wittrup
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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15
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Gong Y, Wang S, Chen XB, Yu B. Utilizing natural products as new E3 ligase ligands for targeted protein degradation. Chin J Nat Med 2023; 21:881-883. [PMID: 38143101 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(23)60500-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Gong
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Saiqi Wang
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Chen
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou 450008, China.
| | - Bin Yu
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Pingyuan Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
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16
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Castellani B, Eleuteri M, Di Bona S, Cruciani G, Desantis J, Goracci L. VHL-Modified PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) as a Strategy to Evade Metabolic Degradation in In Vitro Applications. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13148-13171. [PMID: 37699425 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are tripartite molecules consisting of a linker connecting a ligand for a protein of interest to an E3 ligase recruiter, whose rationale relies on proteasome-based protein degradation. PROTACs have expanded as a therapeutic strategy to open new avenues for unmet medical needs. Leveraging our expertise, we undertook a series of in vitro experiments aimed at elucidating PROTAC metabolism. In particular, we focused on PROTACs recruiting the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ligase. After high-resolution mass spectrometry measurements, a characteristic metabolite with mass reduction of 200 units was detected and successively confirmed as a product deriving from the cleavage of the VHL ligand moiety. Subsequently, we identified hepatic and extrahepatic prolyl endopeptidases as the main putative metabolic enzymes involved. Finally, we designed and synthesized analogs of the VHL ligands that we further exploited for the synthesis of novel VHL-directed PROTACs with an improved metabolic stability in in vitro applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michela Eleuteri
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Cruciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy
| | - Jenny Desantis
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy
| | - Laura Goracci
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy
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17
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Ma Z, Bolinger AA, Chen H, Zhou J. Drug Discovery Targeting Nuclear Receptor Binding SET Domain Protein 2 (NSD2). J Med Chem 2023; 66:10991-11026. [PMID: 37578463 PMCID: PMC11092389 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00948] [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] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor binding SET domain proteins (NSDs) catalyze the mono- or dimethylation of histone 3 lysine 36 (H3K36me1 and H3K36me2), using S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) as a methyl donor. As a key member of the NSD family of proteins, NSD2 plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases such as cancers, inflammations, and infectious diseases, serving as a promising drug target. Developing potent and specific NSD2 inhibitors may provide potential novel therapeutics. Several NSD2 inhibitors and degraders have been discovered while remaining in the early stage of drug development. Excitingly, KTX-1001, a selective NSD2 inhibitor, has entered clinical trials. In this Perspective, the structures and functions of NSD2, its roles in various human diseases, and the recent advances in drug discovery strategies targeting NSD2 have been summarized. The challenges, opportunities, and future directions for developing NSD2 inhibitors and degraders are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghui Ma
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Andrew A Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Haiying Chen
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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18
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Karki R, Gadiya Y, Gribbon P, Zaliani A. Pharmacophore-Based Machine Learning Model To Predict Ligand Selectivity for E3 Ligase Binders. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:30177-30185. [PMID: 37636935 PMCID: PMC10448689 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
E3 ligases are enzymes that play a critical role in ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation and are involved in various cellular processes. Pharmacophore analysis is a useful approach for predicting E3 ligase binding selectivity, which involves identifying key chemical features necessary for a ligand to interact with a specific protein target cavity. While pharmacophore analysis is not always sufficient to accurately predict ligand binding affinity, it can be a valuable tool for filtering and/or designing focused libraries for screening campaigns. In this study, we present a fast and an inexpensive approach using a pharmacophore fingerprinting scheme known as ErG, which is used in a multi-class machine learning classification model. This model can assign the correct E3 ligase binder to its known E3 ligase and predict the probability of each molecule to bind to different E3 ligases. Practical applications of this approach are demonstrated on commercial libraries such as Asinex for the rational design of E3 ligase binders. The scripts and data associated with this study can be found on GitHub at https://github.com/Fraunhofer-ITMP/E3_binder_Model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reagon Karki
- Fraunhofer
Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer
Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Yojana Gadiya
- Fraunhofer
Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer
Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
- Bonn-Aachen
International Center for Information Technology (B-IT), University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Philip Gribbon
- Fraunhofer
Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer
Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andrea Zaliani
- Fraunhofer
Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer
Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
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19
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Yamanaka S, Furihata H, Yanagihara Y, Taya A, Nagasaka T, Usui M, Nagaoka K, Shoya Y, Nishino K, Yoshida S, Kosako H, Tanokura M, Miyakawa T, Imai Y, Shibata N, Sawasaki T. Lenalidomide derivatives and proteolysis-targeting chimeras for controlling neosubstrate degradation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4683. [PMID: 37596276 PMCID: PMC10439208 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40385-9] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Lenalidomide, an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), is commonly used as a first-line therapy in many haematological cancers, such as multiple myeloma (MM) and 5q myelodysplastic syndromes (5q MDS), and it functions as a molecular glue for the protein degradation of neosubstrates by CRL4CRBN. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) using IMiDs with a target protein binder also induce the degradation of target proteins. The targeted protein degradation (TPD) of neosubstrates is crucial for IMiD therapy. However, current IMiDs and IMiD-based PROTACs also break down neosubstrates involved in embryonic development and disease progression. Here, we show that 6-position modifications of lenalidomide are essential for controlling neosubstrate selectivity; 6-fluoro lenalidomide induced the selective degradation of IKZF1, IKZF3, and CK1α, which are involved in anti-haematological cancer activity, and showed stronger anti-proliferative effects on MM and 5q MDS cell lines than lenalidomide. PROTACs using these lenalidomide derivatives for BET proteins induce the selective degradation of BET proteins with the same neosubstrate selectivity. PROTACs also exert anti-proliferative effects in all examined cell lines. Thus, 6-position-modified lenalidomide is a key molecule for selective TPD using thalidomide derivatives and PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Yamanaka
- Division of Cell-Free Sciences, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan
- Division of Proteo-Interactome, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Hirotake Furihata
- Division of Cell-Free Sciences, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yuta Yanagihara
- Division of Integrative Pathophysiology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Akihito Taya
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan
| | - Takato Nagasaka
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan
| | - Mai Usui
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan
| | - Koya Nagaoka
- Division of Cell-Free Sciences, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Yuki Shoya
- Division of Cell-Free Sciences, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Kohei Nishino
- Division of Cell Signaling, Fujii Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Shuhei Yoshida
- Division of Integrative Pathophysiology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Kosako
- Division of Cell Signaling, Fujii Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Masaru Tanokura
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Takuya Miyakawa
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yuuki Imai
- Division of Integrative Pathophysiology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Norio Shibata
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sawasaki
- Division of Cell-Free Sciences, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan.
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20
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Wang T, Tong J, Zhang X, Luo H, Xu L, Wang Z. In silico screening and computational evaluation of novel promising USP14 inhibitors targeting the palm-thumb pocket. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:20903-20916. [PMID: 37527190 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp02537c] [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: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Protein degradation and synthesis are essential for regulating various biological activities within the body. As a member of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14) plays a critical role in regulating protein degradation and maintaining cellular protein homeostasis. However, abnormal expression of USP14 has been associated with a variety of malignant tumors and other diseases. In this study, we conducted hierarchical virtual screening against the palm-thumb pocket of USP14, which resulted in the identification of two promising hits with novel scaffolds. We systematically evaluated the potential of these two hits in terms of their binding affinity and selectivity at the computational level. The results indicated that they had stronger binding affinities than previously reported molecules, as evidenced by lower docking scores and binding free energies. The binding stability analysis and hotspot residue prediction based on the MD simulations further revealed that they were capable of stably binding to the palm-thumb pocket of USP14 via crucial interactions with the residues GLN197, TYR476, ASP199, PHE331, TYR436 and HIS426. More importantly, both candidates exhibit higher selectivity for USP14 over several other USP family members (USP5, USP7 and USP15). Our findings are hoped to be a good starting point for the development of selective USP14 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, P. R. China.
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China.
| | - Jianbo Tong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, P. R. China.
| | - Xing Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, P. R. China.
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China.
| | - Hao Luo
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China.
| | - Lei Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou 213001, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China.
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21
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da Fonseca AM, Caluaco BJ, Madureira JMC, Cabongo SQ, Gaieta EM, Djata F, Colares RP, Neto MM, Fernandes CFC, Marinho GS, Dos Santos HS, Marinho ES. Screening of Potential Inhibitors Targeting the Main Protease Structure of SARS-CoV-2 via Molecular Docking, and Approach with Molecular Dynamics, RMSD, RMSF, H-Bond, SASA and MMGBSA. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00831-x. [PMID: 37490200 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00831-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome caused by a coronavirus is a recent viral infection. There is no scientific evidence or clinical trials to indicate that possible therapies have demonstrated results in suspected or confirmed patients. This work aims to perform a virtual screening of 1430 ligands through molecular docking and to evaluate the possible inhibitory capacity of these drugs about the Mpro protease of Covid-19. The selected drugs were registered with the FDA and available in the virtual drug library, widely used by the population. The simulation was performed using the MolAiCalD algorithm, with a Lamarckian genetic model (GA) combined with energy estimation based on rigid and flexible conformation grids. In addition, molecular dynamics studies were also performed to verify the stability of the receptor-ligand complexes formed through analyses of RMSD, RMSF, H-Bond, SASA, and MMGBSA. Compared to the binding energy of the synthetic redocking coupling (-6.8 kcal/mol/RMSD of 1.34 Å), which was considerably higher, it was then decided to analyze the parameters of only three ligands: ergotamine (-9.9 kcal/mol/RMSD of 2.0 Å), dihydroergotamine (-9.8 kcal/mol/RMSD of 1.46 Å) and olysio (-9.5 kcal/mol/RMSD of 1.5 Å). It can be stated that ergotamine showed the best interactions with the Mpro protease of Covid-19 in the in silico study, showing itself as a promising candidate for treating Covid-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aluísio Marques da Fonseca
- Mestrado Acadêmico em Sociobiodiversidades e Tecnologias Sustentáveis - MASTS, Instituto de Engenharias e Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira, Acarape, CE, Brazil
| | - Bernardino Joaquim Caluaco
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira, Acarape, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Sadrack Queque Cabongo
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira, Acarape, CE, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Menezes Gaieta
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, R. São José, S/N - Precabura, Eusébio, Ceará, 61773-270, Brazil
| | - Faustino Djata
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira, Acarape, CE, Brazil
| | - Regilany Paulo Colares
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira, Acarape, CE, Brazil
| | - Moises Maia Neto
- Curso de Graduação Em Farmácia, Centro Universitário Fametro, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Gabrielle Silva Marinho
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Dom Aureliano Matos - FAFIDAM, Universidade Estadual Do Ceará, Centro, Limoeiro Do Norte, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Emmanuel Silva Marinho
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Dom Aureliano Matos - FAFIDAM, Universidade Estadual Do Ceará, Centro, Limoeiro Do Norte, CE, Brazil
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22
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Tashima T. Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) Delivery into the Brain across the Blood-Brain Barrier. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:43. [PMID: 37489365 PMCID: PMC10366925 DOI: 10.3390/antib12030043] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug development for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease has challenging difficulties due to the pharmacokinetic impermeability based on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) as well as the blurriness of pharmacodynamic targets based on their unclarified pathogenesis and complicated progression mechanisms. Thus, in order to produce innovative central nervous system (CNS) agents for patients suffering from CNS diseases, effective, selective delivery of CNS agents into the brain across the BBB should be developed. Currently, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) attract rising attention as a new modality to degrade arbitrary intracellular proteins by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The internalizations of peptide-based PROTACs by cell-penetrating peptides and that of small molecule-based PROTACs through passive diffusion lack cell selectivity. Therefore, these approaches may bring off-target side effects due to wrong distribution. Furthermore, efflux transporters such as multiple drug resistance 1 (MDR1) expressed at the BBB might interrupt the entry of small molecule-based PROTACs into the brain. Nonetheless, intelligent delivery using machinery systems to absorb the nutrition into the brain for homeostasis, such as carrier-mediated transport (CMT) or receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT), can be established. PROTACs with N-containing groups that are recognized by the proton-coupled organic cation antiporter might cross the BBB through CMT. PROTAC-antibody conjugates (PACs) might cross the BBB through RMT. Subsequently, such small molecule-based PROTACs released in the brain interstitial fluid would be transported into cells such as neurons through passive diffusion and then demonstrate arbitrary protein degradation. In this review, I introduce the potential and advantages of PROTAC delivery into the brain across the BBB through CMT or RMT using PACs in a non-invasive way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Tashima
- Tashima Laboratories of Arts and Sciences, 1239-5 Toriyama-cho, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 222-0035, Japan
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23
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Seipp EK, Huang R. Design and synthesis of a fluorescent probe to develop a fluorescence polarization assay for the E3 ligase FEM1C. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 90:117371. [PMID: 37339537 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117371] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
A proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) is a bivalent molecule consisting of an E3 ligase ligand and a protein of interest ligand, which promotes the degradation of specific proteins by recruiting the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Although VHL and CRBN ligands have been extensively used in PROTAC development, the availability of small molecule E3 ligase ligands remains limited. Therefore, identifying novel E3 ligase ligands would expand the repertoire for PROTAC development. FEM1C, an E3 ligase that recognizes proteins with an R/K-X-R or R/K-X-X-R motif at the C-terminus, is a promising candidate for this purpose. In this study, we present the design and synthesis of a fluorescent probe ES148, exhibiting a Ki value of 1.6 ± 0.1 µM for FEM1C. Utilizing this fluorescent probe, we have established a robust fluorescence polarization (FP) based competition assay to characterize FEM1C ligands, with a Z' factor of 0.80 and a S/N ratio > 20 in a high-throughput format. Furthermore, we have validated binding affinities of FEM1C ligands using isothermal titration calorimetry, consistently corroborating the results from our FP assay. Thus, we anticipate that our FP competition assay will expedite the discovery of FEM1C ligands, offering new tools for PROTAC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K Seipp
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States.
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Liang J, Wu Y, Lan K, Dong C, Wu S, Li S, Zhou HB. Antiviral PROTACs: Opportunity borne with challenge. CELL INSIGHT 2023; 2:100092. [PMID: 37398636 PMCID: PMC10308200 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2023.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degradation of pathogenic proteins by hijacking of the ubiquitin-proteasome-system has become a promising strategy in drug design. The overwhelming advantages of PROTAC technology have ensured a rapid and wide usage, and multiple PROTACs have entered clinical trials. Several antiviral PROTACs have been developed with promising bioactivities against various pathogenic viruses. However, the number of reported antiviral PROTACs is far less than that of other diseases, e.g., cancers, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, possibly because of the common deficiencies of PROTAC technology (e.g., limited available ligands and poor membrane permeability) plus the complex mechanism involved and the high tendency of viral mutation during transmission and replication, which may challenge the successful development of effective antiviral PROTACs. This review highlights the important advances in this rapidly growing field and critical limitations encountered in developing antiviral PROTACs by analyzing the current status and representative examples of antiviral PROTACs and other PROTAC-like antiviral agents. We also summarize and analyze the general principles and strategies for antiviral PROTAC design and optimization with the intent of indicating the potential strategic directions for future progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsen Liang
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yihe Wu
- 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, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ke Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Chune Dong
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shuwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Shu Li
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- 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, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
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25
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Yan J, Zheng Z. Discovery of Highly Potent CRBN Ligands and Insight into Their Binding Mode through Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202200573. [PMID: 36750890 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200573] [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: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Cereblon (CRBN) is a substrate receptor of E3 ubiquitin ligase as well as the target of thalidomide and lenalidomide, plays a vital role in endogenous protein degradation. In this article, two series of compounds with novel structure were designed, synthesized and evaluated against CRBN. YJ1b, designed based on our previous finding, shown strong binding affinity toward CRBN (IC50 =0.206 μM) by forming a salt bridge interaction with amino acid residue Glu377 of CRBN, it was 13-fold compared with that of lenalidomide (IC50 =2.694 μM) in TR-FRET assay. YJ2c and YJ2h, two analogs of YJ1b, also exhibit high binding affinity toward CRBN (IC50 =0.211 μM and IC50 =0.282 μM, respectively). While, molecular docking and 100 ns molecular dynamic simulation studies were conducted to insight into the unique binding mode of YJ1b, YJ2c and YJ2e toward CRBN. The new compounds with special binding mode in this article may serve for the further optimization and discovery of novel high potent CRBN ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Zhibing Zheng
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
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Benssouina FZ, Parat F, Villard C, Leloup L, Garrouste F, Sabatier JM, Ferhat L, Kovacic H. Overexpression of a Novel Noxo1 Mutant Increases Ros Production and Noxo1 Relocalisation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054663. [PMID: 36902094 PMCID: PMC10003393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054663] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Noxo1, the organizing element of the Nox1-dependent NADPH oxidase complex responsible for producing reactive oxygen species, has been described to be degraded by the proteasome. We mutated a D-box in Noxo1 to express a protein with limited degradation and capable of maintaining Nox1 activation. Wild-type (wt) and mutated Noxo1 (mut1) proteins were expressed in different cell lines to characterize their phenotype, functionality, and regulation. Mut1 increases ROS production through Nox1 activity affects mitochondrial organization and increases cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer cell lines. Unexpectedly the increased activity of Noxo1 is not related to a blockade of its proteasomal degradation since we were unable in our conditions to see any proteasomal degradation either for wt or mut1 Noxo1. Instead, D-box mutation mut1 leads to an increased translocation from the membrane soluble fraction to a cytoskeletal insoluble fraction compared to wt Noxo1. This mut1 localization is associated in cells with a filamentous phenotype of Noxo1, which is not observed with wt Noxo1. We found that mut1 Noxo1 associates with intermediate filaments such as keratin 18 and vimentin. In addition, Noxo1 D-Box mutation increases Nox1-dependent NADPH oxidase activity. Altogether, Nox1 D-box does not seem to be involved in Noxo1 degradation but rather related to the maintenance of the Noxo1 membrane/cytoskeleton balance.
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Liu Z, Hu M, Yang Y, Du C, Zhou H, Liu C, Chen Y, Fan L, Ma H, Gong Y, Xie Y. An overview of PROTACs: a promising drug discovery paradigm. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:46. [PMID: 36536188 PMCID: PMC9763089 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00112-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) technology has emerged as a novel therapeutic paradigm in recent years. PROTACs are heterobifunctional molecules that degrade target proteins by hijacking the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Currently, about 20-25% of all protein targets are being studied, and most works focus on their enzymatic functions. Unlike small molecules, PROTACs inhibit the whole biological function of the target protein by binding to the target protein and inducing subsequent proteasomal degradation. PROTACs compensate for limitations that transcription factors, nuclear proteins, and other scaffolding proteins are difficult to handle with traditional small-molecule inhibitors. Currently, PROTACs have successfully degraded diverse proteins, such as BTK, BRD4, AR, ER, STAT3, IRAK4, tau, etc. And ARV-110 and ARV-471 exhibited excellent efficacy in clinical II trials. However, what targets are appropriate for PROTAC technology to achieve better benefits than small-molecule inhibitors are not fully understood. And how to rationally design an efficient PROTACs and optimize it to be orally effective poses big challenges for researchers. In this review, we summarize the features of PROTAC technology, analyze the detail of general principles for designing efficient PROTACs, and discuss the typical application of PROTACs targeting different protein categories. In addition, we also introduce the progress of relevant clinical trial results of representative PROTACs and assess the challenges and limitations that PROTACs may face. Collectively, our studies provide references for further application of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Liu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Mingxing Hu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Yu Yang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Chenghao Du
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Biological Sciences, USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Los Angeles, 90089 USA
| | - Haoxuan Zhou
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Chengyali Liu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Yuanwei Chen
- Hinova Pharmaceuticals Inc., Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Lei Fan
- Hinova Pharmaceuticals Inc., Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Hongqun Ma
- Hinova Pharmaceuticals Inc., Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Youling Gong
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Thoracic Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Yongmei Xie
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041 China
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