Discovery of SK-575 as a Highly Potent and Efficacious Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera Degrader of PARP1 for Treating Cancers

J Med Chem. 2020 Oct 8;63(19):11012-11033. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00821. Epub 2020 Sep 24.

Abstract

The nuclear protein poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) has a well-established role in the signaling and repair of DNA and is a validated therapeutic target for cancers and other human diseases. Here, we have designed, synthesized, and evaluated a series of small-molecule PARP1 degraders based on the proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) concept. Our efforts have led to the discovery of highly potent PARP1 degraders, as exemplified by compound 18 (SK-575). SK-575 potently inhibits the growth of cancer cells bearing BRCA1/2 mutations and induces potent and specific degradation of PARP1 in various human cancer cells even at low picomolar concentrations. SK-575 achieves durable tumor growth inhibition in mice when used as a single agent or in combination with cytotoxic agents, such as temozolomide and cisplatin. These data demonstrate that SK-575 is a highly potent and efficacious PARP1 degrader.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Design*
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Phthalazines* / chemistry
  • Piperazines* / chemistry
  • Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1* / metabolism
  • Proteolysis

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Ligands
  • olaparib
  • PARP1 protein, human
  • Phthalazines
  • Piperazines
  • Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1