
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) technology is a promising strategy for degrading proteins of interest. Traditional PROTACs, however, often face challenges such as poor solubility, low stability, and off-target toxicity. To address these challenges, we integrated nanotechnology to enhance the delivery of target-protein degraders to the tumor sites, thereby improving their properties. Here, we report silica-based nano-PROTACs (SiPROTACs) that feature multiple ligands on the surface to target and degrade the transmembrane protein epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). SiPROTACs, with a diameter of approximately 50 nm, can efficiently bind to EGFR, recruit cereblon (CRBN) to induce EGFR ubiquitination, and facilitate their degradation by proteasomes. In HCC-827 and PC-9 cell lines, SiPROTACs initiated EGFR degradation at a notably low concentration of 50 nM, demonstrating greater efficiency compared to traditional PROTACs. In HCC-827 xenograft tumor-bearing mice, SiPROTACs accumulated at tumor site for at least 48 h and exhibited significant anti-tumor effects in vivo without causing noticeable side effects. These findings suggest a novel approach for the application of PROTACs highlighting their therapeutic potential for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Mice, Inbred BALB C, Lung Neoplasms, Mice, Nude, Antineoplastic Agents, Silicon Dioxide, Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays, ErbB Receptors, Mice, Drug Delivery Systems, Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung, Cell Line, Tumor, Proteolysis, Animals, Humans, Nanoparticles
Mice, Inbred BALB C, Lung Neoplasms, Mice, Nude, Antineoplastic Agents, Silicon Dioxide, Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays, ErbB Receptors, Mice, Drug Delivery Systems, Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung, Cell Line, Tumor, Proteolysis, Animals, Humans, Nanoparticles
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| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
