Featured Publications
Catalytic in vivo protein knockdown by small-molecule PROTACs
Bondeson DP, Mares A, Smith IE, Ko E, Campos S, Miah AH, Mulholland KE, Routly N, Buckley DL, Gustafson JL, Zinn N, Grandi P, Shimamura S, Bergamini G, Faelth-Savitski M, Bantscheff M, Cox C, Gordon DA, Willard RR, Flanagan JJ, Casillas LN, Votta BJ, den Besten W, Famm K, Kruidenier L, Carter PS, Harling JD, Churcher I, Crews CM. Catalytic in vivo protein knockdown by small-molecule PROTACs. Nature Chemical Biology 2015, 11: 611-617. PMID: 26075522, PMCID: PMC4629852, DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.1858.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsAntineoplastic AgentsBinding SitesBiocatalysisBreast NeoplasmsFemaleHumansMCF-7 CellsMiceModels, MolecularMolecular Targeted TherapyNeoplasm ProteinsNeoplasm TransplantationProteasome Endopeptidase ComplexProtein BindingProteolysisReceptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinase 2Receptors, EstrogenSmall Molecule LibrariesUbiquitinUbiquitinationVon Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor ProteinChemical Genetic Control of Protein Levels: Selective in Vivo Targeted Degradation
Schneekloth JS, Fonseca FN, Koldobskiy M, Mandal A, Deshaies R, Sakamoto K, Crews CM. Chemical Genetic Control of Protein Levels: Selective in Vivo Targeted Degradation. Journal Of The American Chemical Society 2004, 126: 3748-3754. PMID: 15038727, DOI: 10.1021/ja039025z.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGreen fluorescent proteinProtein functionCell biological questionsGenetic model systemUbiquitin-proteasome pathwayChemical knockoutTargeted degradationBiological questionsProtein degradationGenetic strategiesGenetic controlGenetic lossTarget proteinsFluorescent proteinChimeric moleculesCultured cellsFKBP12 ligandsProteinProtein levelsModel systemWestern blotGeneral strategyFunction analysisVivo examplesFluorometric analysis
2022
PROTACs: past, present and future
Li K, Crews CM. PROTACs: past, present and future. Chemical Society Reviews 2022, 51: 5214-5236. PMID: 35671157, PMCID: PMC10237031, DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00193d.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsProtein of interestProteolysis-targeting chimerasUbiquitin-proteasome systemE3 ubiquitin ligaseSmall molecule inhibitorsUbiquitin ligaseNonenzymatic functionProtein degradationHeterobifunctional moleculesDrug resistance mechanismsMolecule inhibitorsSubsequent degradationUbiquitinationLigasePromising therapeuticsProteinChimerasPotential toxicityDegradationMechanismPROTAC targeted protein degraders: the past is prologue
Békés M, Langley DR, Crews CM. PROTAC targeted protein degraders: the past is prologue. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 2022, 21: 181-200. PMID: 35042991, PMCID: PMC8765495, DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00371-6.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2021
Major advances in targeted protein degradation: PROTACs, LYTACs, and MADTACs
Alabi SB, Crews C. Major advances in targeted protein degradation: PROTACs, LYTACs, and MADTACs. Journal Of Biological Chemistry 2021, 296: 100647. PMID: 33839157, PMCID: PMC8131913, DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100647.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsProtein degradationProtein degradation pathwaysProteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technologyUbiquitin-proteasome systemEndo-lysosomal pathwaySmall molecule inhibitorsDruggable spaceChemical toolsInnovative chemical toolMolecular glueChimera technologyProtein moleculesDegradation pathwayOutstanding questionsCurrent understandingMajor advancesPathwayAutophagyPROTACsDegradationCellsInhibitorsAdvances
2014
Small‐Molecule Control of Intracellular Protein Levels through Modulation of the Ubiquitin Proteasome System
Buckley DL, Crews CM. Small‐Molecule Control of Intracellular Protein Levels through Modulation of the Ubiquitin Proteasome System. Angewandte Chemie International Edition 2014, 53: 2312-2330. PMID: 24459094, PMCID: PMC4348030, DOI: 10.1002/anie.201307761.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsDrug DesignHumansProteasome Endopeptidase ComplexProteasome InhibitorsProteinsProteolysisSmall Molecule LibrariesUbiquitinUbiquitin-Protein Ligase ComplexesConceptsSmall molecule modulatorsProtein levelsSmall-molecule probesUbiquitin-proteasome systemActivity of proteinsIntracellular protein levelsBiological probesProteasome systemProtein degradationUbiquitin-proteasomeProtein activitySmall moleculesMolecule controlDruggable targetsProteomeProteasomeTargeted fashionProteinRemaining majorityGlobal increaseProbeUPSMoleculesDegradationMultiple strategies
2010
Chemical Inducers of Targeted Protein Degradation*
Raina K, Crews CM. Chemical Inducers of Targeted Protein Degradation*. Journal Of Biological Chemistry 2010, 285: 11057-11060. PMID: 20147751, PMCID: PMC2856979, DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r109.078105.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsProtein degradationTargeted Protein DegradationPost-translational levelSubsequent phenotypic analysisProtein functionSelective gene inactivationCellular proteinsCellular phenotypesRNA interferenceGene inactivationSpecific proteinsChemical inducersPhenotypic analysisChemical inductionGenetic mutationsProteinGenesDegradationMutationsPhenotypeDecreased productionMRNAInducerInactivationInduction
2008
Targeting steroid hormone receptors for ubiquitination and degradation in breast and prostate cancer
Rodriguez-Gonzalez A, Cyrus K, Salcius M, Kim K, Crews CM, Deshaies RJ, Sakamoto KM. Targeting steroid hormone receptors for ubiquitination and degradation in breast and prostate cancer. Oncogene 2008, 27: 7201-7211. PMID: 18794799, PMCID: PMC5573236, DOI: 10.1038/onc.2008.320.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAntineoplastic AgentsBlotting, WesternBreast NeoplasmsCell CycleCell Line, TumorCell ProliferationDihydrotestosteroneDrug Delivery SystemsEstradiolEstrogen Receptor alphaFemaleFlow CytometryHumansHypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha SubunitMaleNeoplasms, Hormone-DependentProstatic NeoplasmsProteasome Endopeptidase ComplexReceptors, AndrogenReceptors, SteroidRecombinant Fusion ProteinsUbiquitinationConceptsBreast cancer cellsProstate cancer cellsCancer cellsAndrogen-dependent prostate cancer cellsHormone-dependent cell linesEstrogen-independent breast cancer cellsEstrogen-dependent breast cancer cellsHormone receptorsHormone-dependent breastG1 arrestDegradation of ERαSteroid hormone receptorsERα expressionProgesterone receptorAndrogen receptorProstate cancerEstrogen receptorCyclin D1Retinoblastoma phosphorylationReceptorsCell linesERαBreastProliferationProteasome-dependent manner
2003
Selective inhibitors of the osteoblast proteasome stimulate bone formation in vivo and in vitro
Garrett IR, Chen D, Gutierrez G, Zhao M, Escobedo A, Rossini G, Harris SE, Gallwitz W, Kim KB, Hu S, Crews CM, Mundy GR. Selective inhibitors of the osteoblast proteasome stimulate bone formation in vivo and in vitro. Journal Of Clinical Investigation 2003, 111: 1771-1782. PMID: 12782679, PMCID: PMC156102, DOI: 10.1172/jci16198.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsBlotting, NorthernBlotting, WesternBone and BonesBone DevelopmentBone Morphogenetic Protein 2Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4Bone Morphogenetic ProteinsCarrier ProteinsCell DivisionCell LineCysteine EndopeptidasesDNADose-Response Relationship, DrugEnzyme-Linked Immunosorbent AssayGenetic VectorsHumansLuciferasesMiceMice, Inbred ICRMultienzyme ComplexesOrgan Culture TechniquesOsteoblastsPromoter Regions, GeneticProteasome Endopeptidase ComplexProteinsRNA, MessengerSkullTranscription, GeneticTransfectionTransforming Growth Factor betaConceptsUbiquitin-proteasome pathwayBMP-4BMP-2Osteoblast differentiationBMP-6 mRNA expressionUbiquitin-proteasome machineryEffect of nogginCatalytic beta subunitsProteasome inhibitorsBMP-2 gene expressionBone morphogenetic protein-2Drosophila homologueMorphogenetic protein-2Gli3 proteinGene expressionBeta subunitProteolytic processingProtein 2Bone formationDifferent inhibitorsEndogenous inhibitorOsteoblastic cellsProteasomeNogginInhibitor-1
2001
The ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway and proteasome inhibitors
Myung J, Kim K, Crews C. The ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway and proteasome inhibitors. Medicinal Research Reviews 2001, 21: 245-273. PMID: 11410931, PMCID: PMC2556558, DOI: 10.1002/med.1009.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsCysteine EndopeptidasesCysteine Proteinase InhibitorsHumansMultienzyme ComplexesProteasome Endopeptidase ComplexUbiquitinsConceptsUbiquitin-proteasome pathwayComplex biochemical machineryHuman diseasesDiverse cellular processesImportant cellular substratesMajor cellular networksCellular processesBiochemical machineryProtein degradationNatural proteasome inhibitorsCellular substratesCentral playerIntracellular processesMode of actionProteasome inhibitorsPathwayMolecular probesInhibitorsPotential therapeutic agentProteasomeImportant componentMachineryRegulationTherapeutic agentsLack of Proteasome Active Site Allostery as Revealed by Subunit-Specific Inhibitors
Myung J, Kim K, Lindsten K, Dantuma N, Crews C. Lack of Proteasome Active Site Allostery as Revealed by Subunit-Specific Inhibitors. Molecular Cell 2001, 7: 411-420. PMID: 11239469, DOI: 10.1016/s1097-2765(01)00188-5.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAllosteric RegulationAnimalsBinding SitesCattleCell DivisionCells, CulturedChymotrypsinCysteine EndopeptidasesEndopeptidasesEpoxy CompoundsHumansHydrolysisKetonesKineticsModels, BiologicalMultienzyme ComplexesProtease InhibitorsProteasome Endopeptidase ComplexProtein SubunitsRecombinant Fusion ProteinsSerineSubstrate SpecificityTransfectionConceptsProtein degradation assaysSubunit-specific inhibitorsProtein degradationDegradation assaysCellular proliferationChymotrypsin-like activityPeptidyl-glutamyl peptideEpoxyketone inhibitorsActive siteSuch interactionsInhibitorsAllosteryProteasomeSitesSubunitsInhibitionSubstrateActivityProliferationAssaysPeptidesOccupancyCells adapted to the proteasome inhibitor 4-hydroxy- 5-iodo-3-nitrophenylacetyl-Leu-Leu-leucinal-vinyl sulfone require enzymatically active proteasomes for continued survival
Princiotta M, Schubert U, Chen W, Bennink J, Myung J, Crews C, Yewdell J. Cells adapted to the proteasome inhibitor 4-hydroxy- 5-iodo-3-nitrophenylacetyl-Leu-Leu-leucinal-vinyl sulfone require enzymatically active proteasomes for continued survival. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences Of The United States Of America 2001, 98: 513-518. PMID: 11149939, PMCID: PMC14618, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.98.2.513.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAmino Acid Chloromethyl KetonesAminopeptidasesAnimalsAntigen PresentationAntigensBoronic AcidsBortezomibCD8-Positive T-LymphocytesCell SurvivalCysteine EndopeptidasesDipeptidyl-Peptidases and Tripeptidyl-PeptidasesDrug ResistanceEndopeptidasesEnzyme ActivationH-2 AntigensLeupeptinsLymphoma, T-CellMiceMultienzyme ComplexesNeoplasm ProteinsOligopeptidesPeptide FragmentsPhenolsProtease InhibitorsProteasome Endopeptidase ComplexProtein Processing, Post-TranslationalPyrazinesSelection, GeneticSerine EndopeptidasesSulfonesThymus NeoplasmsTumor Cells, CulturedTumor Suppressor Protein p53TyramineUbiquitinsConceptsII activityLarge proteolytic complexSpecific proteasome inhibitorInhibitor 4Degradation of p53Ala-AlaProteolytic complexPolyubiquitinated proteinsLeu-LeuProteolytic functionActive proteasomesPrimary proteaseProperties of cellsProteolytic systemProteasomeSpecific inhibitorMajor histocompatibility complexPhe-chloromethylketoneProteasome inhibitors
2000
The Selective Proteasome Inhibitors Lactacystin and Epoxomicin Can Be Used to Either Up- or Down-Regulate Antigen Presentation at Nontoxic Doses
Schwarz K, de Giuli R, Schmidtke G, Kostka S, van den Broek M, Kim K, Crews C, Kraft R, Groettrup M. The Selective Proteasome Inhibitors Lactacystin and Epoxomicin Can Be Used to Either Up- or Down-Regulate Antigen Presentation at Nontoxic Doses. The Journal Of Immunology 2000, 164: 6147-6157. PMID: 10843664, PMCID: PMC2507740, DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.164.12.6147.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAcetylcysteineAmino Acid SequenceAnimalsAntigen PresentationAntigens, ViralApoptosisCell DivisionCell LineCysteine EndopeptidasesCysteine Proteinase InhibitorsDose-Response Relationship, ImmunologicDown-RegulationGlycoproteinsHumansHybridomasHydrolysisLymphocyte ActivationLymphocytic choriomeningitis virusMiceMice, Inbred BALB CMice, Inbred C57BLMolecular Sequence DataMultienzyme ComplexesNucleoproteinsOligopeptidesPeptide FragmentsProteasome Endopeptidase ComplexT-Lymphocytes, CytotoxicTumor Cells, CulturedUbiquitinsUp-RegulationViral ProteinsConceptsAg presentationProteasome inhibitor lactacystinCellular proliferationProteasome activitySelective inhibitionMHC class IDose-dependent mannerTransplant rejectionAutoimmune diseasesMouse CMVAntigen presentationMost MHC class INontoxic dosesChymotrypsin-like activityClass ISelective proteasome inhibitor lactacystinApoptosis inductionMicroM lactacystinViral proteinsPresentationInhibitionComplete inhibitionLactacystinVivoProliferation
1999
Proteasome inhibition by the natural products epoxomicin and dihydroeponemycin: Insights into specificity and potency
Kim K, Myung J, Sin N, Crews C. Proteasome inhibition by the natural products epoxomicin and dihydroeponemycin: Insights into specificity and potency. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 1999, 9: 3335-3340. PMID: 10612595, DOI: 10.1016/s0960-894x(99)00612-5.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsCell DivisionCysteine EndopeptidasesCysteine Proteinase InhibitorsMultienzyme ComplexesOligopeptidesProteasome Endopeptidase ComplexSerineSubstrate SpecificityTowards subunit-specific proteasome inhibitors: synthesis and evaluation of peptide α', β'-epoxyketones
Elofsson M, Splittgerber U, Myung J, Mohan R, Crews C. Towards subunit-specific proteasome inhibitors: synthesis and evaluation of peptide α', β'-epoxyketones. Cell Chemical Biology 1999, 6: 811-822. PMID: 10574782, DOI: 10.1016/s1074-5521(99)80128-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsAortaCattleCell DivisionCells, CulturedChymotrypsinCysteine EndopeptidasesCysteine Proteinase InhibitorsDrug DesignEndothelium, VascularEpoxy CompoundsGlutamatesIndicators and ReagentsIrritantsKineticsMacromolecular SubstancesMiceMolecular ConformationMultienzyme ComplexesPeptidesProteasome Endopeptidase ComplexTrypsinConceptsCatalytic activityMolecular probesAcetylated peptidesExcellent selectivityPotent proteasome inhibitorVivo anti-inflammatory activityMost compoundsMajor catalytic activityChymotrypsin-like activityPeptide αAromatic amino acidsEpoxyketonesAminoP2-P4Multicatalytic protease complexPeptidesAnti-inflammatory activitySelectivityProbeLarge multicatalytic protease complexesProteasome inhibitorsAmino acidsSynthesisCompoundsComplexesEpoxomicin, a potent and selective proteasome inhibitor, exhibits in vivo antiinflammatory activity
Meng L, Mohan R, Kwok B, Elofsson M, Sin N, Crews C. Epoxomicin, a potent and selective proteasome inhibitor, exhibits in vivo antiinflammatory activity. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences Of The United States Of America 1999, 96: 10403-10408. PMID: 10468620, PMCID: PMC17900, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.96.18.10403.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAnimalsAntibiotics, AntineoplasticAnti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-SteroidalCattleCells, CulturedCysteine EndopeptidasesCysteine Proteinase InhibitorsEndothelium, VascularErythrocytesHeLa CellsHumansKineticsMultienzyme ComplexesOligopeptidesProteasome Endopeptidase ComplexTumor Cells, CulturedTumor Suppressor Protein p53UbiquitinsUmbilical VeinsTotal synthesis of the-potent proteasome inhibitor epoxomicin: a useful tool for understanding proteasome biology
Sin N, Kim K, Elofsson M, Meng L, Auth H, Kwok B, Crews C. Total synthesis of the-potent proteasome inhibitor epoxomicin: a useful tool for understanding proteasome biology. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 1999, 9: 2283-2288. PMID: 10465562, DOI: 10.1016/s0960-894x(99)00376-5.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchEponemycin exerts its antitumor effect through the inhibition of proteasome function.
Meng L, Kwok BH, Sin N, Crews CM. Eponemycin exerts its antitumor effect through the inhibition of proteasome function. Cancer Research 1999, 59: 2798-801. PMID: 10383134.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAmidesAnimalsAntibiotics, AntineoplasticApoptosisCattleCell CycleCells, CulturedCysteine EndopeptidasesMiceMultienzyme ComplexesProteasome Endopeptidase ComplexSerineConceptsProteasome inhibitionCyclin-dependent kinase inhibitorNovel chemotherapeutic strategiesPharmacological interventionsAntitumor effectsPossible cancer therapySubunits LMP2Chemotherapeutic strategiesKinase inhibitorsCellular morphological changesCell cycle progressionCancer therapyCycle progressionInhibitionProteasome functionMorphological changesKey regulatory proteinsProteasomal subunitsTherapy