Enhanced Tumor Targeting and Penetration of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras through iRGD Peptide Conjugation: A Strategy for Precise Protein Degradation in Breast Cancer

J Med Chem. 2023 Dec 28;66(24):16828-16842. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01539. Epub 2023 Dec 6.

Abstract

Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have recently emerged as a promising technology for drug development. However, poor water solubility, limited tissue selectivity, and inadequate tumor penetration pose significant challenges for PROTAC-based therapies in cancer treatment. Herein, we developed an iRGD-PROTAC conjugation strategy utilizing tumor-penetrating cyclic peptide iRGD (CRGDK/RGPD/EC) to deliver PROTACs deep into breast cancer tissues. As a conceptual validation study, iRGD peptides were conjugated with a bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) PROTAC through a GSH-responsive linker. The resulting iRGD-PROTAC conjugate iPR showed enhanced water solubility, tumor-targeting capability, and penetration within tumor tissues, resulting in increased antibreast cancer efficacy in animal models and patient-derived organoids. This study demonstrates the advantages of combining iRGD and PROTACs in improving drug delivery and highlights the importance of tissue selectivity and penetration ability in PROTAC-based therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Bromodomain Containing Proteins
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Proteolysis
  • Proteolysis Targeting Chimera
  • Transcription Factors
  • Water

Substances

  • N-end cysteine peptide tumor-homing peptide
  • Proteolysis Targeting Chimera
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • Water
  • BRD4 protein, human
  • Bromodomain Containing Proteins
  • Cell Cycle Proteins