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From Conception to Development: Investigating PROTACs Features for Improved Cell Permeability and Successful Protein Degradation

Published inFrontiers in Chemistry, vol. 9
Publication date2021
Abstract

Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional degraders that specifically eliminate targeted proteins by hijacking the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). This modality has emerged as an orthogonal approach to the use of small-molecule inhibitors for knocking down classic targets and disease-related proteins classified, until now, as “undruggable.” In early 2019, the first targeted protein degraders reached the clinic, drawing attention to PROTACs as one of the most appealing technology in the drug discovery landscape. Despite these promising results, PROTACs are often affected by poor cellular permeability due to their high molecular weight (MW) and large exposed polar surface area (PSA). Herein, we report a comprehensive record of PROTAC design, pharmacology and thermodynamic challenges and solutions, as well as some of the available strategies to enhance cellular uptake, including suggestions of promising biological tools for the in vitro evaluation of PROTACs permeability toward successful protein degradation.

Keywords
  • Proteolysis targeting chimeras
  • Ubiquitin-proteasome system
  • Drug discovery
  • Cell permeability
  • Protein
  • Degradation
  • PROTAC technology
Funding
  • Swiss National Science Foundation - 186405
Citation (ISO format)
CECCHINI, Carlotta et al. From Conception to Development: Investigating PROTACs Features for Improved Cell Permeability and Successful Protein Degradation. In: Frontiers in Chemistry, 2021, vol. 9. doi: 10.3389/fchem.2021.672267
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Article (Published version)
Identifiers
ISSN of the journal2296-2646
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Technical informations

Creation04/20/2021 10:48:00 AM
First validation04/20/2021 10:48:00 AM
Update time03/16/2023 12:26:12 AM
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