Nano-Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (Nano-PROTACs) in Cancer Therapy.

Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional molecules that have the capability to induce specific protein degradation. While playing a revolutionary role in effectively degrading the protein of interest (POI), PROTACs encounter certain limitations that impede their clinical translation. These limitations encompass off-target effects, inadequate cell membrane permeability, and the hook effect. The advent of nanotechnology presents a promising avenue to surmount the challenges associated with conventional PROTACs. The utilization of nano-proteolysis targeting chimeras (nano-PROTACs) holds the potential to enhance specific tissue accumulation, augment membrane permeability, and enable controlled release. Consequently, this approach has the capacity to significantly enhance the controllable degradation of target proteins. Additionally, they enable a synergistic effect by combining with other therapeutic strategies. This review comprehensively summarizes the structural basis, advantages, and limitations of PROTACs. Furthermore, it highlights the latest advancements in nanosystems engineered for delivering PROTACs, as well as the development of nano-sized PROTACs employing nanocarriers as linkers. Moreover, it delves into the underlying principles of nanotechnology tailored specifically for PROTACs, alongside the current prospects of clinical research. In conclusion, the integration of nanotechnology into PROTACs harbors vast potential in enhancing the anti-tumor treatment response and expediting clinical translation.

Novel triazines as potent and selective phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitors.

The identification of highly potent and orally active triazines for the inhibition of PDE10A is reported. The new analogs exhibit low-nanomolar potency for PDE10A, demonstrate high selectivity against all other members of the PDE family, and show desired drug-like properties. Employing structure-based drug design approaches, we investigated the selectivity of PDE10A inhibitors against other known PDE isoforms, by methodically exploring the various sub-regions of the PDE10A ligand binding pocket. A systematic assessment of the ADME and pharmacokinetic properties of the newly synthesized compounds has led to the design of drug-like candidates with good brain permeability and desirable drug kinetics (t(1/2), bioavailability, clearance). Compound 66 was highly potent for PDE10A (IC(50)=1.4 nM), demonstrated high selectivity (>200×) for the other PDEs, and was efficacious in animal models of psychoses; reversal of MK-801 induced hyperactivity (MED=0.1mg/kg) and conditioned avoidance responding (CAR; ID(50)=0.2 mg/kg).

Identification and SAR of a new series of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines as Tpl2 kinase inhibitors.

We report here the synthesis and SAR of a new series of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines as potent Tpl2 kinase inhibitors. The proposed binding mode suggests the potential flipped binding mode depending on the substitution. Biacore studies show evidence of binding of these molecules to the protein kinase. The kinome inhibition profile of these molecules suggests good selectivity.

Discovery of indazoles as inhibitors of Tpl2 kinase.

Synthesis, modeling and structure-activity relationship of indazoles as inhibitors of Tpl2 kinase are described. From a high throughput screening effort, we identified an indazole hit compound 5 that has a single digit micromolar Tpl2 activity. Through SAR modifications at the C3 and C5 positions of the indazole, we discovered compound 31 with good potency in LANCE assay and cell-based p-Erk assay.

Total syntheses of isodomoic acids G and H: an exercise in tetrasubstituted alkene synthesis.

A unified approach to the pyrrolidine triacid natural products isodomoic acids G and H has been developed. Total syntheses of both natural products were completed, and determination of the correct stereostructure of isodomoic acid G was established by comparing 5'-(R) and 5'-(S) isomers to a sample of authentic material. A nickel-catalyzed cyclization constructs the pyrrolidine ring while simultaneously establishing either the E or Z stereochemistry of an exocyclic tetrasubstituted alkene. Stereoselective assembly of both the E- and Z-alkenes of the natural products is made possible by a predictable strategy that alters the timing of substituent introduction to control alkene stereochemistry.

Nickel-catalyzed cyclizations and couplings with vinylzirconium reagents.

[reaction: see text] 1,3-Dienes were prepared by a variety of nickel-catalyzed couplings and cyclization processes. Intermolecular or partially intramolecular couplings of alkynes, vinylzirconium reagents, and either aldehydes or enones efficiently proceeded to generate a broad range of functionalized dienes.

First total synthesis and stereochemical definition of isodomoic acid G.

[structure: see text] The first total synthesis and stereochemical definition of isodomoic acid G has been achieved. The key nickel-catalyzed coupling of an alkynyl enone with an alkenylzirconium allows formation of the pyrrolidine ring and most of the stereochemical features in a single step. This report provides the first total synthesis application of this new reaction and illustrates its utility in the stereoselective preparation of highly substituted 1,3-dienes.

Highly potent, selective, and orally active phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitors.

The identification of highly potent and orally active phenylpyrazines for the inhibition of PDE10A is reported. The new analogues exhibit subnanomolar potency for PDE10A, demonstrate high selectivity against all other members of the PDE family, and show desired druglike properties. Employing structure-based drug design approaches, we methodically explored two key regions of the binding pocket of the PDE10A enzyme to alter the planarity of the parent compound 1 and optimize its affinity for PDE10A. Bulky substituents at the C9 position led to elimination of the mutagenicity of 1, while a crucial hydrogen bond interaction with Glu716 markedly enhanced its potency and selectivity. A systematic assessment of the ADME and PK properties of the new analogues led to druglike development candidates. One of the more potent compounds, 96, displayed an IC(50) for PDE10A of 0.7 nM and was active in predictive antipsychotic animal models.

Synthetic studies and mechanistic insight in nickel-catalyzed [4+2+1] cycloadditions.

A new nickel-catalyzed procedure for the [4+2+1] cycloaddition of (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane with alkynes tethered to dienes has been developed. A broad range of unsaturated substrates participate in the sequence, and stereoselectivities are generally excellent. Stereochemical studies provided evidence for a mechanism that involves the [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangement of divinylcyclopropanes.

Enantioselective organocatalytic reductive amination.

The first enantioselective organocatalytic reductive amination reaction has been accomplished. The development of a new chiral phosphoric acid catalyst has provided a convenient strategy for the enantioselective construction of protected primary amines and provided a highly stereoselective method for the reductive amination of heterocyclic amines. A diverse spectrum of ketone and amine substrates can be accommodated in high yield and excellent enantioselectivity. This new protocol realizes a key benefit of reductive amination versus imine reduction, in that ketimines derived from alkyl-alkyl ketones are unstable to isolation, a fundamental limitation that is comprehensively bypassed using this direct organocatalytic reductive amination.

An efficient [4 + 2 + 1] entry to seven-membered rings.

A new nickel-catalyzed procedure for the [4 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition of trimethylsilyl diazomethane with alkynes tethered to dienes has been developed. A broad range of unsaturated substrates participate in the sequence, and stereoselectivities are generally excellent. Three possible mechanisms are proposed, and each involves the generation of a transient nickel carbene species.