Targeted Degradation of mRNA Decapping Enzyme DcpS by a VHL-Recruiting PROTAC

ACS Chem Biol. 2022 Jul 15;17(7):1789-1798. doi: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00145. Epub 2022 Jun 24.

Abstract

The RNA decapping scavenger protein, DcpS, has recently been identified as a dependency in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The potent DcpS inhibitor RG3039 attenuates AML cell viability, and shRNA knockdown of DcpS is also antiproliferative. Importantly, DcpS was found to be non-essential in normal human hematopoietic cells, which opens a therapeutic window for AML treatment by DcpS modulation. Considering this strong DcpS dependence in AML cell lines, we explored PROTAC-mediated degradation as an alternative strategy to modulate DcpS activity. Herein, we report the development of JCS-1, a PROTAC exhibiting effective degradation of DcpS at nanomolar concentrations. JCS-1 non-covalently binds DcpS with a RG3039-based warhead and recruits the E3 ligase VHL, which induces potent, rapid, and sustained DcpS degradation in several AML cell lines. JCS-1 serves as a chemical biology tool to interrogate DcpS degradation and associated changes in RNA processes in different cellular contexts, which may be an attractive strategy for the treatment of AML and other DcpS-dependent genetic disorders.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Endoribonucleases* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute* / drug therapy
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein

Substances

  • DcpS protein, human
  • Endoribonucleases
  • mRNA decapping enzymes
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • VHL protein, human
  • Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein