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Venturi A, Di Bona S, Desantis J, Eleuteri M, Bartalucci M, Baroni M, Benedetti P, Goracci L, Cruciani G. Between Theory and Practice: Computational/Experimental Integrated Approaches to Understand the Solubility and Lipophilicity of PROTACs. J Med Chem 2024; 67:16355-16380. [PMID: 39271471 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01235] [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: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Emerging drug candidates more often fall in the beyond-rule-of-five chemical space. Among them, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have gained great attention in the past decade. Although physicochemical properties of small molecules accomplishing Lipinski's rule-of-five can now be easily predicted through models generated by large data collections, for PROTACs the knowledge is still limited and heterogeneous, hampering their prediction. Here, the kinetic solubility and the coefficient of distribution at pH 7.4 (LogD7.4) of 44 PROTACs, designed and synthesized to cover a wide chemical space, were measured. Their generally low solubility and high lipophilicity required an optimization of the experimental methods. Concerning the LogD7.4, several in silico prediction tools were tested, which were quite accurate for classical small molecules but provided dissimilar outcomes for PROTACs. Finally, in silico models for the prediction of PROTACs' kinetic solubility and LogD7.4 were proposed by combining in-house generated experimental data with 3D description of PROTACs' structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Venturi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via dell' Elce di Sotto 8, Perugia 06123, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Bona
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via dell' Elce di Sotto 8, Perugia 06123, Italy
| | - Jenny Desantis
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via dell' Elce di Sotto 8, Perugia 06123, Italy
| | - Michela Eleuteri
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via dell' Elce di Sotto 8, Perugia 06123, Italy
| | - Matteo Bartalucci
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via dell' Elce di Sotto 8, Perugia 06123, Italy
| | - Massimo Baroni
- Kinetic Business Centre, Molecular Discovery Ltd., Elstree, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 4PJ, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Benedetti
- Kinetic Business Centre, Molecular Discovery Ltd., Elstree, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 4PJ, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Goracci
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via dell' Elce di Sotto 8, Perugia 06123, Italy
| | - Gabriele Cruciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via dell' Elce di Sotto 8, Perugia 06123, Italy
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Venkatesan J, Murugan D, Lakshminarayanan K, Smith AR, Vasanthakumari Thirumalaiswamy H, Kandhasamy H, Zender B, Zheng G, Rangasamy L. Powering up targeted protein degradation through active and passive tumour-targeting strategies: Current and future scopes. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 263:108725. [PMID: 39322067 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108725] [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: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 08/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has emerged as a prominent and vital strategy for therapeutic intervention of cancers and other diseases. One such approach involves the exploration of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for the selective elimination of disease-causing proteins through the innate ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Due to the unprecedented achievements of various PROTAC molecules in clinical trials, researchers have moved towards other physiological protein degradation approaches for the targeted degradation of abnormal proteins, including lysosome-targeting chimeras (LYTACs), autophagy-targeting chimeras (AUTACs), autophagosome-tethering compounds (ATTECs), molecular glue degraders, and other derivatives for their precise mode of action. Despite numerous advantages, these molecules face challenges in solubility, permeability, bioavailability, and potential off-target or on-target off-tissue effects. Thus, an urgent need arises to direct the action of these degrader molecules specifically against cancer cells, leaving the proteins of non-cancerous cells intact. Recent advancements in TPD have led to innovative delivery methods that ensure the degraders are delivered in a cell- or tissue-specific manner to achieve cell/tissue-selective degradation of target proteins. Such receptor-specific active delivery or nano-based passive delivery of the PROTACs could be achieved by conjugating them with targeting ligands (antibodies, aptamers, peptides, or small molecule ligands) or nano-based carriers. These techniques help to achieve precise delivery of PROTAC payloads to the target sites. Notably, the successful entry of a Degrader Antibody Conjugate (DAC), ORM-5029, into a phase 1 clinical trial underscores the therapeutic potential of these conjugates, including LYTAC-antibody conjugates (LACs) and aptamer-based targeted protein degraders. Further, using bispecific antibody-based degraders (AbTACs) and delivering the PROTAC pre-fused with E3 ligases provides a solution for cell type-specific protein degradation. Here, we highlighted the current advancements and challenges associated with developing new tumour-specific protein degrader approaches and summarized their potential as single agents or combination therapeutics for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janarthanan Venkatesan
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences (SAS), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India; Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics (CBCMT), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Dhanashree Murugan
- Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics (CBCMT), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India; School of Biosciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Kalaiarasu Lakshminarayanan
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences (SAS), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India; Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics (CBCMT), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Alexis R Smith
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Harashkumar Vasanthakumari Thirumalaiswamy
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences (SAS), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India; Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics (CBCMT), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Hariprasath Kandhasamy
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences (SAS), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Boutheina Zender
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul 34353, Turkey
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Loganathan Rangasamy
- Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics (CBCMT), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India.
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Wang Z, Che S, Yu Z. PROTAC: Novel degradable approach for different targets to treat breast cancer. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 198:106793. [PMID: 38740076 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106793] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The revolutionary Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTACs) have the exciting potential to reshape the pharmaceutical industry landscape by leveraging the ubiquitin-proteasome system for targeted protein degradation. Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer in women, could be treated using PROTAC therapy. Although substantial work has been conducted, there is not yet a comprehensive overview or progress update on PROTAC therapy for breast cancer. Hence, in this article, we've compiled recent research progress focusing on different breast cancer target proteins, such as estrogen receptor (ER), BET, CDK, HER2, PARP, EZH2, etc. This resource aims to serve as a guide for future PROTAC-based breast cancer treatment design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjie Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China; Office of Drug Clinical Trials, The People's Hospital of Gaozhou, Maoming, 525200, PR China
| | - Siyao Che
- Hepatological Surgery Department, The People's Hospital of Gaozhou, Maoming, 525200, PR China.
| | - Zhiqiang Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Dongguan Institute of Clinical Cancer Research, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan 523018, PR China.
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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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Vorderbruggen M, Velázquez-Martínez CA, Natarajan A, Karpf AR. PROTACs in Ovarian Cancer: Current Advancements and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5067. [PMID: 38791105 PMCID: PMC11121112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic malignancy. The majority of patients diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer will relapse, at which point additional therapies can be administered but, for the most part, these are not curative. As such, a need exists for the development of novel therapeutic options for ovarian cancer patients. Research in the field of targeted protein degradation (TPD) through the use of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) has significantly increased in recent years. The ability of PROTACs to target proteins of interest (POI) for degradation, overcoming limitations such as the incomplete inhibition of POI function and the development of resistance seen with other inhibitors, is of particular interest in cancer research, including ovarian cancer research. This review provides a synopsis of PROTACs tested in ovarian cancer models and highlights PROTACs characterized in other types of cancers with potential high utility in ovarian cancer. Finally, we discuss methods that will help to enable the selective delivery of PROTACs to ovarian cancer and improve the pharmacodynamic properties of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makenzie Vorderbruggen
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA; (M.V.); (A.N.)
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA
| | | | - Amarnath Natarajan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA; (M.V.); (A.N.)
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA
| | - Adam R. Karpf
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA; (M.V.); (A.N.)
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6805, USA
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Marques AC, Costa PC, Velho S, Amaral MH. Analytical Techniques for Characterizing Tumor-Targeted Antibody-Functionalized Nanoparticles. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:489. [PMID: 38672759 PMCID: PMC11051252 DOI: 10.3390/life14040489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The specific interaction between cell surface receptors and corresponding antibodies has driven opportunities for developing targeted cancer therapies using nanoparticle systems. It is challenging to design and develop such targeted nanomedicines using antibody ligands, as the final nanoconjugate's specificity hinges on the cohesive functioning of its components. The multicomponent nature of antibody-conjugated nanoparticles also complicates the characterization process. Regardless of the type of nanoparticle, it is essential to perform physicochemical characterization to establish a solid foundation of knowledge and develop suitable preclinical studies. A meaningful physicochemical evaluation of antibody-conjugated nanoparticles should include determining the quantity and orientation of the antibodies, confirming the antibodies' integrity following attachment, and assessing the immunoreactivity of the obtained nanoconjugates. In this review, the authors describe the various techniques (electrophoresis, spectroscopy, colorimetric assays, immunoassays, etc.) used to analyze the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles functionalized with antibodies and discuss the main results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Camila Marques
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, MEDTECH, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo C. Costa
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, MEDTECH, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgia Velho
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Helena Amaral
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, MEDTECH, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Xie H, Zhang C. Potential of the nanoplatform and PROTAC interface to achieve targeted protein degradation through the Ubiquitin-Proteasome system. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116168. [PMID: 38310686 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116168] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a crucial role in selectively breaking down specific proteins. The ability of the UPS to target proteins effectively and expedite their removal has significantly contributed to the evolution of UPS-based targeted protein degradation (TPD) strategies. In particular, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are an immensely promising tool due to their high efficiency, extensive target range, and negligible drug resistance. This breakthrough has overcome the limitations posed by traditionally "non-druggable" proteins. However, their high molecular weight and constrained solubility impede the delivery of PROTACs. Fortunately, the field of nanomedicine has experienced significant growth, enabling the delivery of PROTACs through nanoscale drug-delivery systems, which effectively improves the stability, solubility, drug distribution, tissue-specific accumulation, and stimulus-responsive release of PROTACs. This article reviews the mechanism of action attributed to PROTACs and their potential implications for clinical applications. Moreover, we present strategies involving nanoplatforms for the effective delivery of PROTACs and evaluate recent advances in targeting nanoplatforms to the UPS. Ultimately, an assessment is conducted to determine the feasibility of utilizing PROTACs and nanoplatforms for UPS-based TPD. The primary aim of this review is to provide innovative, reliable solutions to overcome the current challenges obstructing the effective use of PROTACs in the management of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, this is a promising technology for improving the treatment status of major diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanshu Xie
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China.
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Li G, Ma L, Feng C, Yin H, Bao J, Wu D, Zhang Z, Li X, Li Z, Yang C, Wang H, Fang F, Hu X, Li M, Xu L, Xu Y, Liang H, Yang T, Wang J, Pan J. MZ1, a BRD4 inhibitor, exerted its anti-cancer effects by suppressing SDC1 in glioblastoma. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:220. [PMID: 38365636 PMCID: PMC10870565 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11966-8] [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: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is a relatively prevalent primary tumor of the central nervous system in children, characterized by its high malignancy and mortality rates, along with the intricate challenges of achieving complete surgical resection. Recently, an increasing number of studies have focused on the crucial role of super-enhancers (SEs) in the occurrence and development of GBM. This study embarks on the task of evaluating the effectiveness of MZ1, an inhibitor of BRD4 meticulously designed to specifically target SEs, within the intricate framework of GBM. METHODS The clinical data of GBM patients was sourced from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2), and the gene expression data of tumor cell lines was derived from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE). The impact of MZ1 on GBM was assessed through CCK-8, colony formation assays, EdU incorporation analysis, flow cytometry, and xenograft mouse models. The underlying mechanism was investigated through RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analyses. RESULTS In this investigation, we made a noteworthy observation that MZ1 exhibited a substantial reduction in the proliferation of GBM cells by effectively degrading BRD4. Additionally, MZ1 displayed a notable capability in inducing significant cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in GBM cells. These findings were in line with our in vitro outcomes. Notably, MZ1 administration resulted in a remarkable decrease in tumor size within the xenograft model with diminished toxicity. Furthermore, on a mechanistic level, the administration of MZ1 resulted in a significant suppression of pivotal genes closely associated with cell cycle regulation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Interestingly, our analysis of RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data unveiled the discovery of a novel prospective oncogene, SDC1, which assumed a pivotal role in the tumorigenesis and progression of GBM. CONCLUSION In summary, our findings revealed that MZ1 effectively disrupted the aberrant transcriptional regulation of oncogenes in GBM by degradation of BRD4. This positions MZ1 as a promising candidate in the realm of therapeutic options for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Liya Ma
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, P.R. China
| | - Chenxi Feng
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Hongli Yin
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Jianping Bao
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Di Wu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Zimu Zhang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolu Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Zhiheng Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Chun Yang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Hairong Wang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohan Hu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Mei Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Lixiao Xu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Yunyun Xu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China
| | - Hansi Liang
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, P.R. China
| | - Tianquan Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China.
| | - Jianwei Wang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China.
| | - Jian Pan
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, P.R. China.
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Hofmann N, Harms M, Mäder K. ASDs of PROTACs: Spray-dried solid dispersions as enabling formulations. Int J Pharm 2024; 650:123725. [PMID: 38113976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123725] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are a promising class of pharmaceutical agents with a unique mode of action. PROTACs enable the targeting of a broad variety of structures including transcription factors and other "undruggable" targets. The poor solubility and slow dissolution of PROTACs currently limit the extensive use of their potential. Up to date, only very limited drug delivery options have been examined to address this challenge. Therefore, we explored the potential of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) by spray drying a model PROTAC with different polymers. The resulting formulations were assessed in terms of purity, solid state, dissolution performance, and stability. A strong increase in supersaturation compared to the physical mixture was provided, although in both systems the PROTAC molecule itself was already in the amorphous state. Evaluation of the reasons for the superiority of the ASD formulations revealed that the major factor was the homogeneous, molecular distribution of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in the polymer matrix, as well as improved wettability of the formulation containing Soluplus compared to the physical mixture. The manufactured formulations were stable over a minimum of 8 weeks when protected from light and humidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Hofmann
- Global Drug Product Development, Orals Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty I of Natural Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Strasse 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Meike Harms
- Global Drug Product Development, Orals Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Karsten Mäder
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty I of Natural Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Strasse 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Juan A, Segrelles C, del Campo-Balguerías A, Bravo I, Silva I, Peral J, Ocaña A, Clemente-Casares P, Alonso-Moreno C, Lorz C. Anti-EGFR conjugated nanoparticles to deliver Alpelisib as targeted therapy for head and neck cancer. Cancer Nanotechnol 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s12645-023-00180-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers worldwide. Even though surgical approaches, radiation therapy, and therapeutic agents are commonly used, the prognosis of this cancer remains poor, with a tendency towards recurrence and metastasis. Current targeted therapeutic options for these patients are limited to monoclonal antibodies against EGFR or PD-1 receptors. Thus, there is an urgent need to introduce new molecularly targeted therapies for treating head and neck SCC. EGFR can be used as a target to improve the ability of nanoparticles to bind to tumor cells and deliver chemotherapeutic agents. In fact, over 90% of head and neck SCCs overexpress EGFR, and other tumor types, such as colorectal and glioblastoma, show EGFR overexpression. The PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway is one of the most commonly altered oncogenic pathways in head and neck SCC. Alpelisib is a specific PI3Kα inhibitor indicated for PIK3CA mutant advanced breast cancer that showed promising activity in clinical trials in head and neck SCC. However, its use is associated with dose-limiting toxicities and treatment-related adverse effects.
Results
We generated polylactide (PLA) polymeric nanoparticles conjugated to anti-EGFR antibodies via chemical cross-linking to a polyethyleneimine (PEI) coating. Antibody-conjugated nanoparticles (ACNP) displayed low polydispersity and high stability. In vivo, ACNP showed increased tropism for EGFR-expressing head and neck tumors in a xenograft model compared to non-conjugated nanoparticles (NP). Alpelisib-loaded nanoparticles were homogeneous, stable, and showed a sustained drug release profile. Encapsulated Alpelisib inhibited PI3K pathway activation in the different cell lines tested that included wild type and altered PIK3CA. Alpelisib-NP and Alpelisib-ACNP decreased by 25 times the half-maximal inhibitory concentration compared to the free drug and increased the bioavailability of the drug in the cells. Herein we propose an efficient strategy to treat head and neck SCC based on nanotechnology.
Conclusions
Anti-EGFR-conjugated polymeric nanoparticles are an effective delivery system to increase drug efficiency and bioavailability in head and neck cancer cells. This strategy can help reduce drug exposure in disease-free organs and decrease drug-associated unwanted side effects.
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Kou P, Levy ES, Nguyen AD, Zhang D, Chen S, Cui Y, Zhang X, Broccatelli F, Pizzano J, Cantley J, Bortolon E, Rousseau E, Berlin M, Dragovich P, Sethuraman V. Development of Liposome Systems for Enhancing the PK Properties of Bivalent PROTACs. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2098. [PMID: 37631312 PMCID: PMC10458015 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are a promising new technology in drug development. They have rapidly evolved in recent years, with several of them in clinical trials. While most of these advances have been associated with monovalent protein degraders, bivalent PROTACs have also entered clinical trials, although progression to market has been limited. One of the reasons is the complex physicochemical properties of the heterobifunctional PROTACs. A promising strategy to improve pharmacokinetics of highly lipophilic compounds, such as PROTACs, is encapsulation in liposome systems. Here we describe liposome systems for intravenous administration to enhance the PK properties of two bivalent PROTAC molecules, by reducing clearance and increasing systemic coverage. We developed and characterized a PROTAC-in-cyclodextrin liposome system where the drug was retained in the liposome core. In PK studies at 1 mg/kg for GNE-01 the PROTAC-in-cyclodextrin liposome, compared to the solution formulation, showed a 80- and a 380-fold enhancement in AUC for mouse and rat studies, respectively. We further investigated the same PROTAC-in-cyclodextrin liposome system with the second PROTAC (GNE-02), where we monitored both lipid and drug concentrations in vivo. Similarly, in a mouse PK study of GEN-02, the PROTAC-in-cyclodextrin liposome system exhibited enhancement in plasma concentration of a 23× increase over the conventional solution formulation. Importantly, the lipid CL correlated with the drug CL. Additionally, we investigated a conventional liposome approach for GNE-02, where the PROTAC resides in the lipid bilayer. Here, a 5× increase in AUC was observed, compared to the conventional solution formulation, and the drug CL was faster than the lipid CL. These results indicate that the different liposome systems can be tailored to translate across multiple PROTAC systems to modulate and improve plasma concentrations. Optimization of the liposomes could further improve tumor concentration and improve the overall therapeutic index (TI). This delivery technology may be well suited to bring novel protein targeted PROTACs into clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ponien Kou
- Small Molecules Pharmaceutics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (P.K.); (E.S.L.); (A.D.N.)
| | - Elizabeth S. Levy
- Small Molecules Pharmaceutics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (P.K.); (E.S.L.); (A.D.N.)
| | - An D. Nguyen
- Small Molecules Pharmaceutics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (P.K.); (E.S.L.); (A.D.N.)
| | - Donglu Zhang
- Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (D.Z.); (S.C.); (Y.C.); (X.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Shu Chen
- Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (D.Z.); (S.C.); (Y.C.); (X.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Yusi Cui
- Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (D.Z.); (S.C.); (Y.C.); (X.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Xing Zhang
- Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (D.Z.); (S.C.); (Y.C.); (X.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Fabio Broccatelli
- Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (D.Z.); (S.C.); (Y.C.); (X.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Jennifer Pizzano
- Arvinas LLC, 5 Science Park, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (J.P.); (J.C.); (E.B.); (E.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Jennifer Cantley
- Arvinas LLC, 5 Science Park, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (J.P.); (J.C.); (E.B.); (E.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Elizabeth Bortolon
- Arvinas LLC, 5 Science Park, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (J.P.); (J.C.); (E.B.); (E.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Emma Rousseau
- Arvinas LLC, 5 Science Park, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (J.P.); (J.C.); (E.B.); (E.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Michael Berlin
- Arvinas LLC, 5 Science Park, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (J.P.); (J.C.); (E.B.); (E.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Peter Dragovich
- Medicinal Chemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA;
| | - Vijay Sethuraman
- Small Molecules Pharmaceutics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (P.K.); (E.S.L.); (A.D.N.)
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12
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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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13
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Li Q, Zhou L, Qin S, Huang Z, Li B, Liu R, Yang M, Nice EC, Zhu H, Huang C. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras in biotherapeutics: Current trends and future applications. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115447. [PMID: 37229829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The success of inhibitor-based therapeutics is largely constrained by the acquisition of therapeutic resistance, which is partially driven by the undruggable proteome. The emergence of proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, designed for degrading proteins involved in specific biological processes, might provide a novel framework for solving the above constraint. A heterobifunctional PROTAC molecule could structurally connect an E3 ubiquitin ligase ligand with a protein of interest (POI)-binding ligand by chemical linkers. Such technology would result in the degradation of the targeted protein via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), opening up a novel way of selectively inhibiting undruggable proteins. Herein, we will highlight the advantages of PROTAC technology and summarize the current understanding of the potential mechanisms involved in biotherapeutics, with a particular focus on its application and development where therapeutic benefits over classical small-molecule inhibitors have been achieved. Finally, we discuss how this technology can contribute to developing biotherapeutic drugs, such as antivirals against infectious diseases, for use in clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Zhao Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Bowen Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Ruolan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Mei Yang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Huili Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China.
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14
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Lin JY, Liu HJ, Wu Y, Jin JM, Zhou YD, Zhang H, Nagle DG, Chen HZ, Zhang WD, Luan X. Targeted Protein Degradation Technology and Nanomedicine: Powerful Allies against Cancer. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2207778. [PMID: 36693784 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202207778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is an emerging therapeutic strategy with the potential of targeting undruggable pathogenic proteins. After the first proof-of-concept proteolysis-targeting chimeric (PROTAC) molecule was reported, the TPD field has entered a new era. In addition to PROTAC, numerous novel TPD strategies have emerged to expand the degradation landscape. However, their physicochemical properties and uncontrolled off-target side effects have limited their therapeutic efficacy, raising concerns regarding TPD delivery system. The combination of TPD and nanotechnology offers great promise in improving safety and therapeutic efficacy. This review provides an overview of novel TPD technologies, discusses their clinical applications, and highlights the trends and perspectives in TPD nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yi Lin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hai-Jun Liu
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ye Wu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jin-Mei Jin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yu-Dong Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Liberal Arts, University of Mississippi, University-1848, Boston, MA, 38677, USA
| | - Hong Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Dale G Nagle
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University-1848, Boston, MA, 38677, USA
| | - Hong-Zhuan Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei-Dong Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xin Luan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
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15
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Liu Y, Qian X, Ran C, Li L, Fu T, Su D, Xie S, Tan W. Aptamer-Based Targeted Protein Degradation. ACS NANO 2023; 17:6150-6164. [PMID: 36942868 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c10379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The selective removal of misfolded, aggregated, or aberrantly overexpressed protein plays an essential role in maintaining protein-dominated biological processes. In parallel, the precise knockout of abnormal proteins is inseparable from the accurate identification of proteins within complex environments. Guided by these precepts, small molecules, or antibodies, are commonly used as protein recognition tools for developing targeted protein degradation (TPD) technology. Indeed, TPD has shown tremendous prospects in chronic diseases, rare diseases, cancer research, and other fields. Meanwhile, aptamers are short RNA or DNA oligonucleotides that can bind to target proteins with high specificity and strong affinity. Accordingly, aptamers are actively used in designing and constructing TPD technology. In this perspective, we provide a brief introduction to TPD technology in its current progress, and we summarize its application challenges. Recent advances in aptamer-based TPD technology are reviewed, together with corresponding challenges and outlooks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Xu Qian
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Chunyan Ran
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Longjie Li
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Ting Fu
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Dan Su
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Sitao Xie
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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16
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Jiang Q, Hu Y, Liu Q, Tang Y, Wu X, Liu J, Tu G, Li G, Lin X, Qu M, Cai Y, Huang X, Xu J, Deng Y, Chen Z, Wu L. Albumin-encapsulated HSP90-PROTAC BP3 nanoparticles not only retain protein degradation ability but also enhance the antitumour activity of BP3 in vivo. J Drug Target 2023; 31:411-420. [PMID: 36866593 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2185247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimaera (PROTAC) has received extensive attention in industry. However, there are still some limitations that hinder its further development. In a previous study, our group first demonstrated that the HSP90 degrader BP3 synthesised by the principle of PROTACs showed therapeutic potential for cancer. However, its application was hindered by its high molecular weight and water insolubility. Herein, we aimed to improve these properties of HSP90-PROTAC BP3 by encapsulating it into human serum albumin nanoparticles (BP3@HSA NPs). The results demonstrated that BP3@HSA NPs showed a uniform spherical shape with a size of 141.01 ± 1.07 nm and polydispersity index < 0.2; moreover, BP3@HSA NPs were more readily taken up by breast cancer cells and had a stronger inhibitory effect in vitro than free BP3. BP3@HSA NPs also demonstrated the ability to degrade HSP90. Mechanistically, the improved inhibitory effect of BP3@HSA NPs on breast cancer cells was related to its stronger ability to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, BP3@HSA NPs improved PK properties and showed stronger tumour suppression in mice. Taken together, this study demonstrated that hydrophobic HSP90-PROTAC BP3 nanoparticles encapsulated by human serum albumin could improve the safety and antitumour efficacy of BP3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingna Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Public Technology Service Center, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Quanyu Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yuanling Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xinhua Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jingwen Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Guihui Tu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ge Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqing Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Minghui Qu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yajuan Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiuwang Huang
- Department of Public Technology Service Center, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jianhua Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yanping Deng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fujian Academy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lixian Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University (FMU), Fuzhou, P.R. China
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17
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O'Brien Laramy MN, Luthra S, Brown MF, Bartlett DW. Delivering on the promise of protein degraders. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:410-427. [PMID: 36810917 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00652-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 3 years, the first bivalent protein degraders intentionally designed for targeted protein degradation (TPD) have advanced to clinical trials, with an initial focus on established targets. Most of these clinical candidates are designed for oral administration, and many discovery efforts appear to be similarly focused. As we look towards the future, we propose that an oral-centric discovery paradigm will overly constrain the chemical designs that are considered and limit the potential to drug novel targets. In this Perspective, we summarize the current state of the bivalent degrader modality and propose three categories of degrader designs, based on their likely route of administration and requirement for drug delivery technologies. We then describe a vision for how parenteral drug delivery, implemented early in research and supported by pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling, can enable exploration of a broader drug design space, expand the scope of accessible targets and deliver on the promise of protein degraders as a therapeutic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suman Luthra
- Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew F Brown
- Discovery Sciences, Worldwide Research, Development, and Medical, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, USA
| | - Derek W Bartlett
- Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, & Metabolism, Worldwide Research, Development, and Medical, Pfizer Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
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18
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Moon Y, Jeon SI, Shim MK, Kim K. Cancer-Specific Delivery of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) and Their Application to Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:411. [PMID: 36839734 PMCID: PMC9965039 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are rapidly emerging as a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy by inducing the degradation of tumor-overexpressing oncogenic proteins. They can specifically catalyze the degradation of target oncogenic proteins by recruiting E3 ligases and utilizing the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Since their mode of action is universal, irreversible, recyclable, long-lasting, and applicable to 'undruggable' proteins, PROTACs are gradually replacing the role of conventional small molecular inhibitors. Moreover, their application areas are being expanded to cancer immunotherapy as various types of oncogenic proteins that are involved in immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. However, poor water solubility and low cell permeability considerably restrict the pharmacokinetic (PK) property, which necessitates the use of appropriate delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, the general characteristics, developmental status, and PK of PROTACs are first briefly covered. Next, recent studies on the application of various types of passive or active targeting delivery systems for PROTACs are introduced, and their effects on the PK and tumor-targeting ability of PROTACs are described. Finally, recent drug delivery systems of PROTACs for cancer immunotherapy are summarized. The adoption of an adequate delivery system for PROTAC is expected to accelerate the clinical translation of PROTACs, as well as improve its efficacy for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujeong Moon
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Ik Jeon
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Woman’s University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Kyu Shim
- Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangmeyung Kim
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Woman’s University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
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19
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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: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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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20
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Ding M, Shao Y, Sun D, Meng S, Zang Y, Zhou Y, Li J, Lu W, Zhu S. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of BRD4 degraders. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 78:117134. [PMID: 36563515 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic proteins are one of the important targets in the current research fields of cancer therapy. A family of bromodomain-containing (BRD) and extra terminal domain (BET) proteins act as epigenetic readers to regulate the expression of key oncogenes and anti-apoptotic proteins. Recently, although BET degraders based on PROTAC technology have achieved significant antitumor effects, the lack of selectivity for BET protein degradation has not been fully addressed. Herein, a series of small molecule BRD4 PROTACs were designed and synthesized. Most of the degraders were effective in inhibiting MM.1S and MV-4-11 cell lines, especially in MV-4-11. Among them, degrader 8b could induce the degradation of BRD4 and exhibited a time- and concentration-dependent depletion manner and there was a significant depletion of BRD4, laying a foundation for effectively treating leukemia and multiple myeloma. Moreover, 8b could also effectively prevent the activation of MRC5 cells by inducing the degradation of BRD4 protein, which preliminarily proves that the BRD4 degrader based on the PROTAC concept has great potential for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Taken together, these findings laid a foundation for BRD4 degraders as an effective strategy for treating related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Ding
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Yingying Shao
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Danwen Sun
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Suorina Meng
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, PR China; Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Yi Zang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, PR China; Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 201203, PR China; School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, PR China
| | - Yubo Zhou
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, PR China; Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan Tsuihang New District, Guangdong 528400, PR China
| | - Jia Li
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, PR China; School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, PR China; Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan Tsuihang New District, Guangdong 528400, PR China.
| | - Wei Lu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, PR China.
| | - Shulei Zhu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, PR China.
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21
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Saraswat AL, Vartak R, Hegazy R, Patel A, Patel K. Drug delivery challenges and formulation aspects of proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTACs). Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103387. [PMID: 36184017 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have been extensively explored for targeted proteasomal degradation of disease-related proteins with enormous potential in the treatment of intractable diseases. However, PROTACs are poorly soluble and permeable bulky molecules facing several bioavailability challenges irrespective of the route of administration. Our review lays out crucial challenges in the delivery of target protein degraders and nanoformulation approaches to overcome physicochemical and biological hurdles that can aid in transporting these target-protein degraders to the disease site. We have elaborated on the current formulation approaches and further highlighted the prospective delivery strategies that could be probed for disease-specific targeted delivery of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya L Saraswat
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Richa Vartak
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Rehab Hegazy
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA; Pharmacology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Akanksha Patel
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Ketan Patel
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA.
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22
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Enhanced Antitumoral Activity of Encapsulated BET Inhibitors When Combined with PARP Inhibitors for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast and Ovarian Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184474. [PMID: 36139634 PMCID: PMC9496913 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Poly (adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) have demonstrated antitumoral activity in several cancers harbouring germline and somatic BRCA1/2 mutations. The widespread use of these agents in clinical practice is restricted by the development of acquired resistance due to the presence of compensatory pathways. A strategy to deal with this is the use of combination therapies with drugs that act synergistically against the tumour. BETis can completely disrupt the HR pathway by repressing the expression of BRCA1 and could be aimed at generation combination regimes to overcome PARPi resistance and enhance PARPi efficacy. However, this strategy is hampered by the poor pharmacokinetic profile and short half-life of BETis. In this work and as a proof of concept, we discuss the potential preclinical benefit provided by the combination of the PARPi olaparib and the BET inhibitor JQ1 encapsulated into nanoparticles for the treatment of BRCAness tumours. Abstract BRCA1/2 protein-deficient or mutated cancers comprise a group of aggressive malignancies. Although PARPis have shown considerably efficacy in their treatment, the widespread use of these agents in clinical practice is restricted by various factors, including the development of acquired resistance due to the presence of compensatory pathways. BETis can completely disrupt the HR pathway by repressing the expression of BRCA1 and could be aimed at generation combination regimes to overcome PARPi resistance and enhance PARPi efficacy. Due to the poor pharmacokinetic profile and short half-life, the first-in-class BETi JQ1 was loaded into newly developed nanocarrier formulations to improve the effectivity of olaparib for the treatment of BRCAness cancers. First, polylactide polymeric nanoparticles were generated by double emulsion. Moreover, liposomes were prepared by ethanol injection and evaporation solvent method. JQ1-loaded drug delivery systems display optimal hydrodynamic radii between 60 and 120 nm, with a very low polydispersity index (PdI), and encapsulation efficiencies of 92 and 16% for lipid- and polymeric-based formulations, respectively. Formulations show high stability and sustained release. We confirmed that all assayed JQ1 formulations improved antiproliferative activity compared to the free JQ1 in models of ovarian and breast cancers. In addition, synergistic interaction between JQ1 and JQ1-loaded nanocarriers and olaparib evidenced the ability of encapsulated JQ1 to enhance antitumoral activity of PARPis.
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23
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PROTACs: Current Trends in Protein Degradation by Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras. BioDrugs 2022; 36:609-623. [PMID: 36098871 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-022-00551-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
In the recent past, proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology has received enormous attention for its ability to overcome the limitations of protein inhibitors and its capability to target undruggable proteins. The PROTAC molecule consists of three components, a ubiquitin E3 ligase ligand, a linker, and a target protein ligand. The application of this technology is rapidly gaining momentum, especially in cancer therapy. In this review, we first look at the history of degraders, followed by a section on the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and E3 ligases used in PROTAC development. PROTACs are dependent on the UPS for degradation of target proteins. We further discuss the scope and design of degraders and mitigation strategies for overcoming the hook effect seen with degraders. As PROTACs do not follow Lipinski's 'Rule of 5', these molecules face drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic challenges. A detailed section on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of degraders is provided wherein we discuss methodologies and strategies to surmount the challenges faced by these molecules. For understanding PROTAC-mediated degradation, the characterization and measurement of protein levels in cells is important. Currently used techniques and recent advancements in assessment tools for degraders are discussed. Furthermore, we examine the challenges and emerging technologies that need to be focused on in order to competently develop potent degraders. Many companies are working in this area of emerging new modality and a few PROTACs have already entered clinical trials; the details of the trials are included in this review.
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24
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Moya-Lopez C, González-Fuentes J, Bravo I, Chapron D, Bourson P, Alonso-Moreno C, Hermida-Merino D. Polylactide Perspectives in Biomedicine: From Novel Synthesis to the Application Performance. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1673. [PMID: 36015299 PMCID: PMC9415503 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The incessant developments in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields, particularly, customised solutions for specific diseases with targeted therapeutic treatments, require the design of multicomponent materials with multifunctional capabilities. Biodegradable polymers offer a variety of tailored physicochemical properties minimising health adverse side effects at a low price and weight, which are ideal to design matrices for hybrid materials. PLAs emerge as an ideal candidate to develop novel materials as are endowed withcombined ambivalent performance parameters. The state-of-the-art of use of PLA-based materials aimed at pharmaceutical and biomedical applications is reviewed, with an emphasis on the correlation between the synthesis and the processing conditions that define the nanostructure generated, with the final performance studies typically conducted with either therapeutic agents by in vitro and/or in vivo experiments or biomedical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Moya-Lopez
- Laboratoire Matériaux Optiques Photonique et Systèmes (LMOPS), CentraleSupélec, Université de Lorraine, 57000 Metz, France
| | - Joaquín González-Fuentes
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Facultad de Farmacia de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Iván Bravo
- Facultad de Farmacia de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Unidad NanoCRIB, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - David Chapron
- Laboratoire Matériaux Optiques Photonique et Systèmes (LMOPS), CentraleSupélec, Université de Lorraine, 57000 Metz, France
| | - Patrice Bourson
- Laboratoire Matériaux Optiques Photonique et Systèmes (LMOPS), CentraleSupélec, Université de Lorraine, 57000 Metz, France
| | - Carlos Alonso-Moreno
- Facultad de Farmacia de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Unidad NanoCRIB, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Daniel Hermida-Merino
- DUBBLE@ESRF BP CS40220, 38043 Grenoble, France
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, CINBIO, Lagoas-Marcosende Campus, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
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25
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Salerno A, Seghetti F, Caciolla J, Uliassi E, Testi E, Guardigni M, Roberti M, Milelli A, Bolognesi ML. Enriching Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras with a Second Modality: When Two Are Better Than One. J Med Chem 2022; 65:9507-9530. [PMID: 35816671 PMCID: PMC9340767 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC)-mediated protein degradation has prompted a radical rethink and is at a crucial stage in driving a drug discovery transition. To fully harness the potential of this technology, a growing paradigm toward enriching PROTACs with other therapeutic modalities has been proposed. Could researchers successfully combine two modalities to yield multifunctional PROTACs with an expanded profile? In this Perspective, we try to answer this question. We discuss how this possibility encompasses different approaches, leading to multitarget PROTACs, light-controllable PROTACs, PROTAC conjugates, and macrocycle- and oligonucleotide-based PROTACs. This possibility promises to further enhance PROTAC efficacy and selectivity, minimize side effects, and hit undruggable targets. While PROTACs have reached the clinical investigation stage, additional steps must be taken toward the translational development of multifunctional PROTACs. A deeper and detailed understanding of the most critical challenges is required to fully exploit these opportunities and decisively enrich the PROTAC toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Salerno
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Seghetti
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Jessica Caciolla
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Uliassi
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleonora Testi
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Melissa Guardigni
- Department
for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum
- University of Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Marinella Roberti
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Milelli
- Department
for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum
- University of Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bolognesi
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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26
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Chen Y, Tandon I, Heelan W, Wang Y, Tang W, Hu Q. Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) delivery system: advancing protein degraders towards clinical translation. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:5330-5350. [PMID: 35713468 PMCID: PMC9382890 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00762a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs), an emerging therapeutic entity designed to degrade target proteins by hijacking the ubiquitin-proteasome system, have the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry. The broad applicability of this protein degradation strategy has been verified with a few E3 ligases and a variety of distinct targets through the construction of modular chimeric structures. Despite recent efforts to promote the use of PROTACs for clinical applications, most PROTACs do not make it beyond the preclinical stage of drug development. There are several reasons that prevent PROTACs from reaching the market, and the inadequate delivery to the target site is one of the most challenging hurdles. With the increasing need for accelerating the translational process, combining the concepts of PROTACs and delivery systems has been explored to enhance the in vivo performance of PROTACs. These improved delivery strategies can eliminate unfavorable physicochemical properties of PROTACs, improve their targetability, and decrease their off-target side effects. The integration of powerful PROTACs and versatile delivery systems will inaugurate a burgeoning orientation for the field of targeted protein degradation. In this review, we will survey the latest progress in improving the in vivo degradation efficacy of PROTACs through delivery strategies, outline design principles for PROTAC-based delivery systems, discuss the current challenges with PROTACs, and outlook future opportunities in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Ira Tandon
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - William Heelan
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - Yixin Wang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Weiping Tang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - Quanyin Hu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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27
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Wu SY, Wu FG, Chen X. Antibody-Incorporated Nanomedicines for Cancer Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2109210. [PMID: 35142395 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202109210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-based cancer therapy, one of the most significant therapeutic strategies, has achieved considerable success and progress over the past decades. Nevertheless, obstacles including limited tumor penetration, short circulation half-lives, undesired immunogenicity, and off-target side effects remain to be overcome for the antibody-based cancer treatment. Owing to the rapid development of nanotechnology, antibody-containing nanomedicines that have been extensively explored to overcome these obstacles have already demonstrated enhanced anticancer efficacy and clinical translation potential. This review intends to offer an overview of the advancements of antibody-incorporated nanoparticulate systems in cancer treatment, together with the nontrivial challenges faced by these next-generation nanomedicines. Diverse strategies of antibody immobilization, formats of antibodies, types of cancer-associated antigens, and anticancer mechanisms of antibody-containing nanomedicines are provided and discussed in this review, with an emphasis on the latest applications. The current limitations and future research directions on antibody-containing nanomedicines are also discussed from different perspectives to provide new insights into the construction of anticancer nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Yu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
| | - Fu-Gen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore
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28
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Noblejas-López MDM, Gandullo-Sánchez L, Galán-Moya EM, López-Rosa R, Tébar-García D, Nieto-Jiménez C, Gómez-Juárez M, Burgos M, Pandiella A, Ocaña A. Antitumoral Activity of a CDK9 PROTAC Compound in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5476. [PMID: 35628286 PMCID: PMC9146359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are a broad family of proteins involved in the cell cycle and transcriptional regulation. In this article, we explore the antitumoral activity of a novel proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) compound against CDK9. Breast cancer cell lines from different subtypes were used. Transcriptomic mapping of CDKs in breast cancer demonstrated that the expression of CDK9 predicted a detrimental outcome in basal-like tumors (HR = 1.51, CI = 1.08-2.11, p = 0.015) and, particularly, in the luminal B subtype with HER2+ expression (HR = 1.82, CI = 1.17-2.82, p = 0.0069). The novel CDK9 PROTAC, THAL-SNS-032, displayed a profound inhibitory activity in MCF7, T47D, and BT474 cells, with less effect in SKBR3, HCC1569, HCC1954, MDA-MB-231, HS578T, and BT549 cells. The three cell lines with HER2 overexpression and no presence of ER, SKBR3, HCC1569, and HCC1954 displayed an EC50 three times higher compared to ER-positive and dual ER/HER2-positive cell lines. BT474-derived trastuzumab-resistant cell lines displayed a particular sensitivity to THAL-SNS-032. Western blot analyses showed that THAL-SNS-032 caused a decrease in CDK9 levels in BT474, BT474-RH, and BT474-TDM1R cells, and a significant increase in apoptosis. Experiments in animals demonstrated an inverse therapeutic index of THAL-SNS-032, with doses in the nontherapeutic and toxic range. The identified toxicity was mainly due to an on-target off-tumor effect of the compound in the gastrointestinal epithelium. In summary, the potent and efficient antitumoral properties of the CDK9 PROTAC THAL-SNS-032 opens the possibility of using this type of compound in breast cancer only if specifically delivered to cancer cells, particularly in ER/HER2-positive and HER2-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- María del Mar Noblejas-López
- Translational Research Unit, Albacete University Hospital, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (E.M.G.-M.); (R.L.-R.); (D.T.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (M.B.)
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha University (UCLM), 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Lucía Gandullo-Sánchez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC, IBSAL and CIBERONC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.G.-S.); (A.P.)
| | - Eva M. Galán-Moya
- Translational Research Unit, Albacete University Hospital, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (E.M.G.-M.); (R.L.-R.); (D.T.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (M.B.)
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha University (UCLM), 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Faculty of Nursing, Castilla-La Mancha University (UCLM), 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Raquel López-Rosa
- Translational Research Unit, Albacete University Hospital, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (E.M.G.-M.); (R.L.-R.); (D.T.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (M.B.)
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha University (UCLM), 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - David Tébar-García
- Translational Research Unit, Albacete University Hospital, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (E.M.G.-M.); (R.L.-R.); (D.T.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (M.B.)
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha University (UCLM), 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Cristina Nieto-Jiménez
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IdISSC) and CIBERONC, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Mónica Gómez-Juárez
- Translational Research Unit, Albacete University Hospital, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (E.M.G.-M.); (R.L.-R.); (D.T.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (M.B.)
| | - Miguel Burgos
- Translational Research Unit, Albacete University Hospital, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (E.M.G.-M.); (R.L.-R.); (D.T.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (M.B.)
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha University (UCLM), 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Atanasio Pandiella
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC, IBSAL and CIBERONC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.G.-S.); (A.P.)
| | - Alberto Ocaña
- Translational Research Unit, Albacete University Hospital, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (E.M.G.-M.); (R.L.-R.); (D.T.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (M.B.)
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha University (UCLM), 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IdISSC) and CIBERONC, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
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29
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Kapoor V, Singh AK, Lewis CD, Deore S, Hallahan DE. Exploiting Radiation Induction of Antigens in Cancer: Targeted Drug Delivery. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063041. [PMID: 35328459 PMCID: PMC8953554 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic antibodies used to treat cancer are effective in patients with advanced-stage disease. For example, antibodies that activate T-lymphocytes improve survival in many cancer subtypes. In addition, antibody–drug conjugates effectively target cytotoxic agents that are specific to cancer. This review discusses radiation-inducible antigens, which are stress-regulated proteins that are over-expressed in cancer. These inducible cell surface proteins become accessible to antibody binding during the cellular response to genotoxic stress. The lead antigens are induced in all histologic subtypes and nearly all advanced-stage cancers, but show little to no expression in normal tissues. Inducible antigens are exploited by using therapeutic antibodies that bind specifically to these stress-regulated proteins. Antibodies that bind to the inducible antigens GRP78 and TIP1 enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy in preclinical cancer models. The conjugation of cytotoxic drugs to the antibodies further improves cancer response. This review focuses on the use of radiotherapy to control the cancer-specific binding of therapeutic antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Kapoor
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA; (V.K.); (A.K.S.); (C.D.L.)
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Abhay K. Singh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA; (V.K.); (A.K.S.); (C.D.L.)
| | - Calvin D. Lewis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA; (V.K.); (A.K.S.); (C.D.L.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sapna Deore
- Medical Guidance Systems LLC, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Dennis E. Hallahan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA; (V.K.); (A.K.S.); (C.D.L.)
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +314-362-9700; Fax: +314-747-5498
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30
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Juan A, del Mar Noblejas-López M, Arenas-Moreira M, Alonso-Moreno C, Ocaña A. Options to Improve the Action of PROTACs in Cancer: Development of Controlled Delivery Nanoparticles. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:805336. [PMID: 35186955 PMCID: PMC8851355 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.805336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical targeting in cancer focuses on the development of chemical structures able to bind to protein pockets with enzymatic activity. Some of these molecules are designed to bind the ATP side of the kinase domain avoiding protein activation and the subsequent oncogenic activity. A further improvement of these agents relies on the generation of non-allosteric inhibitors that once bound are able to limit the kinase function by producing a conformational change at the protein and, therefore, augmenting the antitumoural potency. Unfortunately, not all oncogenic proteins have enzymatic activity and cannot be chemically targeted with these types of molecular entities. Very recently, exploiting the protein degradation pathway through the ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of key target proteins has gained momentum. With this approach, non-enzymatic proteins such as Transcription Factors can be degraded. In this regard, we provide an overview of current applications of the PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) compounds for the treatment of solid tumours and ways to overcome their limitations for clinical development. Among the different constraints for their development, improvements in bioavailability and safety, due to an optimized delivery, seem to be relevant. In this context, it is anticipated that those targeting pan-essential genes will have a narrow therapeutic index. In this article, we review the advantages and disadvantages of the potential use of drug delivery systems to improve the activity and safety of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Juan
- Unidad NanoCRIB, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Albacete, Spain
| | - María del Mar Noblejas-López
- Oncología Traslacional, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Albacete, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Oncología Traslacional, Albacete, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Alonso-Moreno
- Unidad NanoCRIB, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Albacete, Spain
- Facultad de Farmacia de Albacete Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Alberto Ocaña
- Unidad de Investigación del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Oncología Traslacional, Albacete, Spain
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC and CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
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31
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Mundekkad D, Cho WC. Nanoparticles in Clinical Translation for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031685. [PMID: 35163607 PMCID: PMC8835852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of cancer therapeutics brought a paradigm shift from conventional therapy to precision medicine. The new therapeutic modalities accomplished through the properties of nanomaterials have extended their scope in cancer therapy beyond conventional drug delivery. Nanoparticles can be channeled in cancer therapy to encapsulate active pharmaceutical ingredients and deliver them to the tumor site in a more efficient manner. This review enumerates various types of nanoparticles that have entered clinical trials for cancer treatment. The obstacles in the journey of nanodrug from clinic to market are reviewed. Furthermore, the latest developments in using nanoparticles in cancer therapy are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Mundekkad
- Centre for NanoBioTechnology (CNBT), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - William C. Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: or
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32
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Li Y, Meng X, Chen G, Hou Y, Wu X, Wang J, Cong X, Mao K, Wu C, Chen H, Sun X, Zhou J, Wang Y, Yang YG, Sun T. Lipid-mediated delivery of CD47 siRNA aids JQ1 in ensuring simultaneous downregulation of PD-L1 and CD47 and improves antitumor immunotherapy efficacy. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:6755-6767. [DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01354a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy using immune checkpoint blockade has become an attractive treatment option for patients with different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Thyroid Surgery Department, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, China
| | - Xianying Meng
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Thyroid Surgery Department, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Thyroid Surgery Department, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, China
| | - Yue Hou
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Thyroid Surgery Department, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, China
- National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China
| | - Xuan Wu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Jialiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Thyroid Surgery Department, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, China
- National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China
| | - Xiuxiu Cong
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Thyroid Surgery Department, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, China
- National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China
| | - Kuirong Mao
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Thyroid Surgery Department, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, China
- National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130015, China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Thyroid Surgery Department, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, China
| | - Hongmei Chen
- Department of Oncology Chemotherapy, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250001, China
| | - Xu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Thyroid Surgery Department, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, China
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Thyroid Surgery Department, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Thyroid Surgery Department, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, China
- National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Thyroid Surgery Department, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, China
- National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130015, China
| | - Tianmeng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Thyroid Surgery Department, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, China
- National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130015, China
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130012, China
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He S, Gao F, Ma J, Ma H, Dong G, Sheng C. Aptamer‐PROTAC Conjugates (APCs) for Tumor‐Specific Targeting in Breast Cancer. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202107347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng He
- Institute of Translational Medicine Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Fei Gao
- Institute of Translational Medicine Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Junhui Ma
- School of Pharmacy Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Haoqian Ma
- School of Pharmacy Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- School of Pharmacy Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200433 China
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34
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Domínguez-Jurado E, Cimas FJ, Castro-Osma JA, Juan A, Lara-Sánchez A, Rodríguez-Diéguez A, Shafir A, Ocaña A, Alonso-Moreno C. Tuning the Cytotoxicity of Bis-Phosphino-Amines Ruthenium(II) Para-Cymene Complexes for Clinical Development in Breast Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13101559. [PMID: 34683852 PMCID: PMC8539368 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite some limitations such as long-term side effects or the potential presence of intrinsic or acquired resistance, platinum compounds are key therapeutic components for the treatment of several solid tumors. To overcome these limitations, maintaining the same efficacy, organometallic ruthenium(II) compounds have been proposed as a viable alternative to platinum agents as they have a more favorable toxicity profile and represent an ideal template for both, high-throughput and rational drug design. To support the preclinical development of bis-phoshino-amine ruthenium compounds in the treatment of breast cancer, we carried out chemical modifications in the structure of these derivatives with the aim of designing less toxic and more efficient therapeutic agents. We report new bis-phoshino-amine ligands and the synthesis of their ruthenium counterparts. The novel ligands and compounds were fully characterized, water stability analyzed, and their in vitro cytotoxicity against a panel of tumor cell lines representative of different breast cancer subtypes was evaluated. The mechanism of action of the lead compound of the series was explored. In vivo toxicity was also assessed. The results obtained in this article might pave the way for the clinical development of these compounds in breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Domínguez-Jurado
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad NanoCRIB, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (E.D.-J.); (J.A.C.-O.); (A.J.)
- Facultad de Farmacia de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Cimas
- Oncología Traslacional, Unidad de Investigación del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain;
| | - José Antonio Castro-Osma
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad NanoCRIB, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (E.D.-J.); (J.A.C.-O.); (A.J.)
- Facultad de Farmacia de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Alberto Juan
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad NanoCRIB, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (E.D.-J.); (J.A.C.-O.); (A.J.)
- Facultad de Farmacia de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Agustín Lara-Sánchez
- Facultad de Ciencias y Tecnologías Químicas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain;
| | - Antonio Rodríguez-Diéguez
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, Avda de Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain;
| | - Alexandr Shafir
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, IQAC-CSIC, c/Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Alberto Ocaña
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC and CIBERONC, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.O.); (C.A.-M.); Tel.: +34-6356-81806 (A.O.); +34-9675-99200 (C.A.-M.)
| | - Carlos Alonso-Moreno
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad NanoCRIB, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (E.D.-J.); (J.A.C.-O.); (A.J.)
- Facultad de Farmacia de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.O.); (C.A.-M.); Tel.: +34-6356-81806 (A.O.); +34-9675-99200 (C.A.-M.)
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35
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Estupiñán Ó, Niza E, Bravo I, Rey V, Tornín J, Gallego B, Clemente-Casares P, Moris F, Ocaña A, Blanco-Lorenzo V, Rodríguez-Santamaría M, Vallina-Álvarez A, González MV, Rodríguez A, Hermida-Merino D, Alonso-Moreno C, Rodríguez R. Mithramycin delivery systems to develop effective therapies in sarcomas. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:267. [PMID: 34488783 PMCID: PMC8419920 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-01008-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcomas comprise a group of aggressive malignancies with very little treatment options beyond standard chemotherapy. Reposition of approved drugs represents an attractive approach to identify effective therapeutic compounds. One example is mithramycin (MTM), a natural antibiotic which has demonstrated a strong antitumour activity in several tumour types, including sarcomas. However, its widespread use in the clinic was limited by its poor toxicity profile. RESULTS In order to improve the therapeutic index of MTM, we have loaded MTM into newly developed nanocarrier formulations. First, polylactide (PLA) polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) were generated by nanoprecipitation. Also, liposomes (LIP) were prepared by ethanol injection and evaporation solvent method. Finally, MTM-loaded hydrogels (HG) were obtained by passive loading using a urea derivative non-peptidic hydrogelator. MTM-loaded NPs and LIP display optimal hydrodynamic radii between 80 and 105 nm with a very low polydispersity index (PdI) and encapsulation efficiencies (EE) of 92 and 30%, respectively. All formulations show a high stability and different release rates ranging from a fast release in HG (100% after 30 min) to more sustained release from NPs (100% after 24 h) and LIP (40% after 48 h). In vitro assays confirmed that all assayed MTM formulations retain the cytotoxic, anti-invasive and anti-stemness potential of free MTM in models of myxoid liposarcoma, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and chondrosarcoma. In addition, whole genome transcriptomic analysis evidenced the ability of MTM, both free and encapsulated, to act as a multi-repressor of several tumour-promoting pathways at once. Importantly, the treatment of mice bearing sarcoma xenografts showed that encapsulated MTM exhibited enhanced therapeutic effects and was better tolerated than free MTM. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these novel formulations may represent an efficient and safer MTM-delivering alternative for sarcoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Óscar Estupiñán
- Sarcomas and Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Avenida de Roma, s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, 33011, Oviedo, Spain.,CIBER en Oncología (CIBERONC), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Niza
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad NanoCRIB, 02008, Albacete, Spain.,Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Facultad de Farmacia de Albacete, 02008, Albacete, Spain
| | - Iván Bravo
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad NanoCRIB, 02008, Albacete, Spain.,Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Facultad de Farmacia de Albacete, 02008, Albacete, Spain
| | - Verónica Rey
- Sarcomas and Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Avenida de Roma, s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juan Tornín
- Sarcomas and Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Avenida de Roma, s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, 33011, Oviedo, Spain.,Materials Science and Engineering Department, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Escola d'Enginyeria Barcelona Est (EEBE), 08019, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Borja Gallego
- Sarcomas and Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Avenida de Roma, s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Pilar Clemente-Casares
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Facultad de Farmacia de Albacete, 02008, Albacete, Spain.,Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), UCLM, 02008, Albacete, Spain
| | | | - Alberto Ocaña
- CIBER en Oncología (CIBERONC), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Blanco-Lorenzo
- Sarcomas and Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Avenida de Roma, s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Spain.,Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Mar Rodríguez-Santamaría
- Sarcomas and Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Avenida de Roma, s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Aitana Vallina-Álvarez
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, 33011, Oviedo, Spain.,Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - M Victoria González
- Sarcomas and Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Avenida de Roma, s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, 33011, Oviedo, Spain.,CIBER en Oncología (CIBERONC), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Cirugía, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Aida Rodríguez
- Sarcomas and Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Avenida de Roma, s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Daniel Hermida-Merino
- Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), DUBBLE@ESRF, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Carlos Alonso-Moreno
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad NanoCRIB, 02008, Albacete, Spain. .,Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Facultad de Farmacia de Albacete, 02008, Albacete, Spain.
| | - René Rodríguez
- Sarcomas and Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Avenida de Roma, s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Spain. .,Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, 33011, Oviedo, Spain. .,CIBER en Oncología (CIBERONC), 28029, Madrid, Spain.
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Lin J, Jin J, Shen Y, Zhang L, Gong G, Bian H, Chen H, Nagle DG, Wu Y, Zhang W, Luan X. Emerging protein degradation strategies: expanding the scope to extracellular and membrane proteins. Theranostics 2021; 11:8337-8349. [PMID: 34373745 PMCID: PMC8344007 DOI: 10.7150/thno.62686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Classic small molecule inhibitors that directly target pathogenic proteins typically rely on the accessible binding sites to achieve prolonged occupancy and influence protein functions. The emerging targeted protein degradation (TPD) strategies exemplified by PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are revolutionizing conventional drug discovery modality to target proteins of interest (POIs) that were categorized as "undruggable" before, however, these strategies are limited within intracellular POIs. The novel new degrader technologies such as LYsosome-TArgeting Chimaeras (LYTACs) and Antibody-based PROTACs (AbTACs) have been successfully developed to expand the scope of TPD to extracellular and membrane proteins, fulfilling huge unmet medical needs. Here, we systematically review the currently viable protein degradation strategies, emphasize that LYTACs and AbTACs turn a new avenue for the development of TPD, and highlight the potential challenges and directions in this vibrant field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Lin
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jinmei Jin
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yiwen Shen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Gang Gong
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Huiting Bian
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hongzhuan Chen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Dale G. Nagle
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences and Research of Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677-1848, USA
| | - Ye Wu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xin Luan
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
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37
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He S, Gao F, Ma J, Ma H, Dong G, Sheng C. Aptamer-PROTAC Conjugates (APCs) for Tumor-Specific Targeting in Breast Cancer. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:23299-23305. [PMID: 34240523 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202107347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Development of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) is emerging as a promising strategy for targeted protein degradation. However, the drug development using the heterobifunctional PROTAC molecules is generally limited by poor membrane permeability, low in vivo efficacy and indiscriminate distribution. Herein an aptamer-PROTAC conjugation approach was developed as a novel strategy to improve the tumor-specific targeting ability and in vivo antitumor potency of conventional PROTACs. As proof of concept, the first aptamer-PROTAC conjugate (APC) was designed by conjugating a BET-targeting PROTAC to the nucleic acid aptamer AS1411 (AS) via a cleavable linker. Compared with the unmodified BET PROTAC, the designed molecule (APR) showed improved tumor targeting ability in a MCF-7 xenograft model, leading to enhanced in vivo BET degradation and antitumor potency and decreased toxicity. Thus, the APC strategy may pave the way for the design of tumor-specific targeting PROTACs and have broad applications in the development of PROTAC-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng He
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Junhui Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Haoqian Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
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Niza E, Ocaña A, Castro-Osma JA, Bravo I, Alonso-Moreno C. Polyester Polymeric Nanoparticles as Platforms in the Development of Novel Nanomedicines for Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3387. [PMID: 34298604 PMCID: PMC8304499 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many therapeutic agents have failed in their clinical development, due to the toxic effects associated with non-transformed tissues. In this context, nanotechnology has been exploited to overcome such limitations, and also improve navigation across biological barriers. Amongst the many materials used in nanomedicine, with promising properties as therapeutic carriers, the following one stands out: biodegradable and biocompatible polymers. Polymeric nanoparticles are ideal candidates for drug delivery, given the versatility of raw materials and their feasibility in large-scale production. Furthermore, polymeric nanoparticles show great potential for easy surface modifications to optimize pharmacokinetics, including the half-life in circulation and targeted tissue delivery. Herein, we provide an overview of the current applications of polymeric nanoparticles as platforms in the development of novel nanomedicines for cancer treatment. In particular, we will focus on the raw materials that are widely used for polymeric nanoparticle generation, current methods for formulation, mechanism of action, and clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Niza
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad NanoCRIB, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (E.N.); (J.A.C.-O.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Alberto Ocaña
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC and CIBERONC, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - José Antonio Castro-Osma
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad NanoCRIB, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (E.N.); (J.A.C.-O.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Iván Bravo
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad NanoCRIB, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (E.N.); (J.A.C.-O.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Carlos Alonso-Moreno
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad NanoCRIB, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (E.N.); (J.A.C.-O.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
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