Discovery of D-Ring-Contracted Artemisinin as a Potent Hydrophobic Tag for Targeted Protein Degradation

J Med Chem. 2025 Jan 23;68(2):1619-1631. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c02269. Epub 2025 Jan 2.

Abstract

The relentless pursuit of innovative hydrophobic tags remains a formidable challenge within the realm of targeted protein degradation. Herein, we have uncovered the remarkable potential of D-ring-contracted artemisinin as a potent hydrophobic tag that demonstrates exceptional degradation efficiency. We have crafted a series of conjugates by fusing D-ring-contracted artemisinin with raloxifene, and among these, RA3 has emerged as a promising candidate for degrading estrogen receptor α (ERα). In a breast cancer xenograft mouse model, RA3 induced pronounced tumor growth inhibition, surpassing the performance of the FDA-approved ERα degrader, Faslodex. Furthermore, the versatility of D-ring-contracted artemisinin as a hydrophobic tag has been confirmed in its ability to enhance the degradation of cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). Our work not only underscores the therapeutic potential of artemisinin derivatives in targeted protein degradation but also paves new avenues for advancing the field of protein-based drug design.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Artemisinins* / chemical synthesis
  • Artemisinins* / chemistry
  • Artemisinins* / pharmacology
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 6 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 6 / metabolism
  • Drug Discovery
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha / metabolism
  • Female
  • Histone Deacetylases / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Proteolysis* / drug effects
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Artemisinins
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha
  • artemisinin
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 6
  • Histone Deacetylases
  • CDK6 protein, human