Utilizing PROTAC technology to address the on-target platelet toxicity associated with inhibition of BCL-XL

Chem Commun (Camb). 2019 Dec 5;55(98):14765-14768. doi: 10.1039/c9cc07217a.

Abstract

BCL-XL, an anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family protein, plays a key role in cancer cell survival. However, the potential of BCL-XL as an anti-cancer target has been hampered by the on-target platelet toxicity because platelets depend on BCL-XL to maintain their viability. Here we report the development of a PROTAC BCL-XL degrader, XZ424, which has increased selectivity for BCL-XL-dependent MOLT-4 cells over human platelets compared with conventional BCL-XL inhibitors. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential of utilizing a PROTAC approach to achieve tissue selectivity.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / chemistry
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Blood Platelets / cytology
  • Blood Platelets / drug effects
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Isoquinolines / chemistry*
  • Isoquinolines / metabolism
  • Isoquinolines / pharmacology
  • Protein Binding
  • Thalidomide / analogs & derivatives*
  • Thalidomide / chemistry
  • Thalidomide / metabolism
  • Thalidomide / pharmacology
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
  • bcl-X Protein / antagonists & inhibitors
  • bcl-X Protein / metabolism*

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • CRBN protein, human
  • Isoquinolines
  • bcl-X Protein
  • Thalidomide
  • pomalidomide
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases