Current strategies for improving limitations of proteolysis targeting chimeras

Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are bifunctional degrader molecules via hijacking the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to specifically eliminate targeted proteins. PROTACs have gained momentum as a new modality of attractive technologies in the drug discovery landscape, since it allows to degrade disease-related proteins effectively. Although some PROTACs drugs reached the clinical research, they are still facing some bottlenecks and challenges that should not be neglected, such as poor oral bioavailability and potential toxic side effects. To overcome these limitations, herein, we provide an overview of recent strategies for improving the durability of PROTACs by enhancing cell permeability and reducing toxic side effects. Meanwhile, the impact of these strategies on improving oral bioavailability as well as their advantages and drawbacks will also be discussed. This review will give a useful reference toolbox for PROTACs design and further promote its clinical application.(c) 2023 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.