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Updated: May 16, 2026

Chemical Inactivation of the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Cereblon by Pomalidomide-based Homo-PROTACs
Published on: May 15, 2019
Non-covalent proteasome inhibitors
Julia Kaffy1, Guillaume Bernadat, Sandrine Ongeri
1Molécules Fluorées et Chimie Médicinale, BioCIS UMR-CNRS 8076, LabEx LERMIT, Universite Paris- Sud, Faculté de Pharmacie, 5 rue Jean-Baptiste Clément, 92296, Châtenay- Malabry Cedex, France.
Abstract:
Regulator of a vast array of vital cellular processes including cell-cycle progression, apoptosis and antigen presentation, the proteasome represents a major therapeutic target. Therefore, selective inhibitors of the proteasome are promising candidates to develop new treatments for diseases like inflammation, immune diseases and cancer. For proof, the boronic acid, Bortezomib has been approved for treating incurable multiple myeloma in 2003 and mantle lymphoma in 2006 and five others proteasome inhibitors are currently in clinical trials for treatment of different cancers. These compounds and many described proteasome inhibitors interact covalently with the active site of the enzyme through an electrophilic reactive function. Non-covalent inhibitors, mainly peptides, pseudopeptides and some organic compounds, have been less widely investigated. Devoid of reactive function prone to nucleophilic attack, they could offer the advantage of an improved selectivity, a less excessive reactivity and instability which are often associated with side effects in therapeutics. This review highlights the current state of research in the field of non-covalent proteasome inhibitors.
Insights
Proteasome inhibitors are crucial for treating cancer and immune diseases. This review focuses on non-covalent proteasome inhibitors, exploring their potential for improved selectivity and reduced side effects compared to existing therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Drug Discovery and Development
- Immunology
Background:
- The proteasome is a key regulator of cellular processes, making it a significant therapeutic target for diseases like cancer and inflammation.
- Approved proteasome inhibitors, such as Bortezomib, primarily function through covalent interactions, leading to potential side effects.
- Non-covalent proteasome inhibitors, including peptides and organic compounds, are less explored but offer potential advantages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current research landscape of non-covalent proteasome inhibitors.
- To highlight the potential benefits of non-covalent inhibitors, such as enhanced selectivity and reduced reactivity.
- To discuss the therapeutic implications of non-covalent proteasome inhibitors for various diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications on proteasome inhibitors.
- Analysis of existing research on covalent and non-covalent proteasome inhibitor mechanisms.
- Synthesis of information regarding the development and therapeutic potential of non-covalent inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Non-covalent proteasome inhibitors, lacking reactive functional groups, may offer improved selectivity and reduced instability.
- These compounds could mitigate side effects often associated with reactive covalent inhibitors.
- The field of non-covalent proteasome inhibitors presents a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Non-covalent proteasome inhibitors represent a developing area with significant therapeutic potential.
- Further research into non-covalent inhibitors could lead to safer and more effective treatments for cancer and immune-related disorders.
- The distinct mechanism of action of non-covalent inhibitors warrants continued investigation for drug development.
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