Recent Progress in DNA Damage Response-Targeting PROTAC Degraders

J Med Chem. 2024 May 9;67(9):6906-6921. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00015. Epub 2024 Apr 25.

Abstract

DNA damage response (DDR) defects in cells play a crucial role in tumor development by promoting DNA mutations. These mutations create vulnerabilities specific to cancer cells, which can be effectively targeted through synthetic lethality-based therapies. To date, numerous small molecule DDR inhibitors have been identified, and some of them have already been approved for clinical use. However, due to the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, mutations may occur in the amino acid residues of DDR targets. These mutations can affect the efficacy of small molecule inhibitors targeting DDR pathways. Therefore, researchers have turned their attention to next-generation DNA damage repair modulators, particularly those based on PROTAC technology. From this perspective, we overviewed the recent progress on DDR-targeting PROTAC degraders for cancer therapy. In addition, we also summarized the biological functions of different DDR targets. Finally, the challenges and future directions for DDR-target PROTAC degraders are also discussed in detail.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • DNA Damage* / drug effects
  • DNA Repair* / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Proteolysis / drug effects
  • Small Molecule Libraries / chemistry
  • Small Molecule Libraries / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Small Molecule Libraries