Targeted degradation of proteins by small molecules: a novel tool for functional proteomics

Comb Chem High Throughput Screen. 2004 Nov;7(7):689-97. doi: 10.2174/1386207043328364.

Abstract

A novel strategy that targets protein for degradation has recently been developed by exploiting a protein-targeting chimeric molecule ('Protac'). Typically, the chimeric Protac is composed of a small-molecule ligand ('bait') on one end and a synthetic octapeptide on the other. This octapeptide is recognized by E3 ubiquitin ligase pVHL (von Hippel Lindau tumor suppressor protein), thereby recruiting a small molecule-bound protein ('prey') to pVHL for ubiquitination and degradation. Since selective degradation of a cellular protein generates a "loss of function" mutation, this protein knock-out strategy may be useful to study the function of a given protein or to evaluate whether a cellular protein is a potential target for drug intervention, in a manner reminiscent of gene knock-out or siRNA approaches. Herein, we show that a synthetic pentapeptide is sufficient to interact with pVHL E3 ligase, and that the pentapeptide-based Protac efficiently induces ubiquitination and degradation of target protein. Our results also demonstrate that the pentapeptide-based Protac can enter cells efficiently to exerts its biological activity effectively. These results suggest that the synthetic pentapeptide can be used either directly in the preparation of cell-permeable Protacs or as a template to develop peptidomimetic or non-peptide Protacs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Membrane Permeability
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cell Survival
  • Humans
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Proteins / metabolism
  • Proteomics / methods*
  • Ubiquitin / metabolism

Substances

  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Proteins
  • Ubiquitin