Targeting the deubiquitinase USP7 for degradation with PROTACs

Chem Commun (Camb). 2022 Aug 4;58(63):8858-8861. doi: 10.1039/d2cc02094g.

Abstract

Targeting deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in several human cancers and other diseases. DUB inhibitors are exciting pharmacological tools but often exhibit limited cellular potency. Here we report PROTACs based on a ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) inhibitor scaffold to degrade USP7. By investigating several linker and E3 ligand types, including novel cereblon recruiters, we discovered a highly selective USP7 degrader tool compound that induced apoptosis of USP7-dependent cancer cells. This work represents one of the first DUB degraders and unlocks a new drug target class for protein degradation.

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins*
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 7 / metabolism

Substances

  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • snake venom protein C activator
  • USP7 protein, human
  • Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 7