Targeted intracellular protein degradation induced by a small molecule: En route to chemical proteomics

Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2008 Nov 15;18(22):5904-8. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2008.07.114. Epub 2008 Jul 31.

Abstract

We have developed a heterobifunctional all-small molecule PROTAC (PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera) capable of inducing proteasomal degradation of the androgen receptor. This cell permeable PROTAC consists of a non-steroidal androgen receptor ligand (SARM) and the MDM2 ligand known as nutlin, connected by a PEG-based linker. The SARM-nutlin PROTAC recruits the androgen receptor to MDM2, which functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase. This leads to the ubiquitination of the androgen receptor, and its subsequent degradation by the proteasome. Upon treatment of HeLa cells with 10microM PROTAC for 7h, we were able to observe a decrease in androgen receptor levels. This degradation is proteasome dependent, as it is mitigated in cells pre-treated with 10microM epoxomicin, a specific proteasome inhibitor. These results have implications for the potential study and treatment of various cancers with increased androgen receptor levels.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Membrane Permeability
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cell Survival
  • Humans
  • Imidazoles / chemistry
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Piperazines / chemistry
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Proteins / metabolism
  • Proteomics / methods*
  • Receptors, Androgen / metabolism
  • Ubiquitin / metabolism
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism

Substances

  • Imidazoles
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Piperazines
  • Proteins
  • Receptors, Androgen
  • Ubiquitin
  • nutlin 1
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases