Harnessing the E3 Ligase KEAP1 for Targeted Protein Degradation

J Am Chem Soc. 2021 Sep 22;143(37):15073-15083. doi: 10.1021/jacs.1c04841. Epub 2021 Sep 14.

Abstract

Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) represent a new class of promising therapeutic modalities. PROTACs hijack E3 ligases and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), leading to selective degradation of the target proteins. However, only a very limited number of E3 ligases have been leveraged to generate effective PROTACs. Herein, we report that the KEAP1 E3 ligase can be harnessed for targeted protein degradation utilizing a highly selective, noncovalent small-molecule KEAP1 binder. We generated a proof-of-concept PROTAC, MS83, by linking the KEAP1 ligand to a BRD4/3/2 binder. MS83 effectively reduces protein levels of BRD4 and BRD3, but not BRD2, in cells in a concentration-, time-, KEAP1- and UPS-dependent manner. Interestingly, MS83 degrades BRD4/3 more durably than the CRBN-recruiting PROTAC dBET1 in MDA-MB-468 cells and selectively degrades BRD4 short isoform over long isoform in MDA-MB-231 cells. It also displays improved antiproliferative activity than dBET1. Overall, our study expands the limited toolbox for targeted protein degradation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1* / metabolism
  • Models, Molecular
  • Proteolysis
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • KEAP1 protein, human
  • Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1
  • MS83 compound