This work was supported by an Innovation and Technology Development award from the Center for the Development of Therapeutics at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. The authors wish to thank the members of the senior leadership team and the review committee for their support of this work.

All the proteins were overexpressed in E.coli with good yield and purity (&#62;80%) following the literature protocols18. Biotinylation was carried out using a BirA-catalyzed reaction18. All small molecules were prepared at 1 mM stock solutions in 100% DMSO. The procedures described herein do not require specialized laboratory safety equipment or precautions. Standard laboratory personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used (i.e., lab coat, safety goggles, and...

Characterization of Ternary Complex Formation in PROTACs Using Biophysical Assays

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	<li>Balaji, V., Hoppe, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Regulation+of+E3+ubiquitin+ligases+by+homotypic+and+heterotypic+assembly.">Regulation of E3 ubiquitin ligases by homotypic and heterotypic assembly.</a> F1000Research. 9, (2020).</li><li>Song, L., Luo, Z. -. Q. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Post-translational+regulation+of+ubiquitin+signaling.">Post-translational regulation of ubiquitin signaling.</a> Journal of Cell Biology. 218 (6), 1776-1786 (2019).</li><li>Yang, Q., Zhao, J., Chen, D., Wang, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=E3+ubiquitin+ligases:+styles,+structures+and+functions.">E3 ubiquitin ligases: styles, structures and functions.</a> Molecular Biomedicine. 2 (1), 23 (2021).</li><li>Grice, G. L., Nathan, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+recognition+of+ubiquitinated+proteins+by+the+proteasome.">The recognition of ubiquitinated proteins by the proteasome.</a> Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences: CMLS. 73 (18), 3497-3506 (2016).</li><li>Chirnomas, D., Hornberger, K. R., Crews, C. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Protein+degraders+enter+the+clinic+-+a+new+approach+to+cancer+therapy.">Protein degraders enter the clinic - a new approach to cancer therapy.</a> Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology. 20 (4), 265-278 (2023).</li><li>Toure, M., Crews, C. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Small-molecule+PROTACS:+New+approaches+to+protein+degradation.">Small-molecule PROTACS: New approaches to protein degradation.</a> Angewandte Chemie (International ed. In English). 55 (6), 1966-1973 (2016).</li><li>Ottis, P., Toure, M., Cromm, P. M., Ko, E., Gustafson, J. L., Crews, C. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Assessing+different+E3+ligases+for+small+molecule+induced+protein+ubiquitination+and+degradation.">Assessing different E3 ligases for small molecule induced protein ubiquitination and degradation.</a> ACS Chemical Biology. 12 (10), 2570-2578 (2017).</li><li>Riching, K. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Quantitative+live-cell+kinetic+degradation+and+mechanistic+profiling+of+PROTAC+mode+of+action.">Quantitative live-cell kinetic degradation and mechanistic profiling of PROTAC mode of action.</a> ACS Chemical Biology. 13 (9), 2758-2770 (2018).</li><li>Nabet, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+dTAG+system+for+immediate+and+target-specific+protein+degradation.">The dTAG system for immediate and target-specific protein degradation.</a> Nature Chemical Biology. 14 (5), 431-441 (2018).</li><li>Paiva, S. -. L., Crews, C. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Targeted+protein+degradation:+elements+of+PROTAC+design.">Targeted protein degradation: elements of PROTAC design.</a> Current Opinion in Chemical Biology. 50, 111-119 (2019).</li><li>Hershko, A., Ciechanover, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+ubiquitin+system.">The ubiquitin system.</a> Annual Review of Biochemistry. 67, 425-479 (1998).</li><li>Chan, K. -. H., Zengerle, M., Testa, A., Ciulli, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Impact+of+target+warhead+and+linkage+vector+on+inducing+protein+degradation:+Comparison+of+bromodomain+and+extra-terminal+(BET)+degraders+derived+from+triazolodiazepine+(JQ1)+and+tetrahydroquinoline+(I-BET726)+BET+inhibitor+scaffolds.">Impact of target warhead and linkage vector on inducing protein degradation: Comparison of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) degraders derived from triazolodiazepine (JQ1) and tetrahydroquinoline (I-BET726) BET inhibitor scaffolds.</a> Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 61 (2), 504-513 (2018).</li><li>Roy, M. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=SPR-measured+dissociation+kinetics+of+PROTAC+ternary+complexes+influence+target+degradation+rate.">SPR-measured dissociation kinetics of PROTAC ternary complexes influence target degradation rate.</a> ACS Chemical Biology. 14 (3), 361-368 (2019).</li><li>Pierce, N. W., Kleiger, G., Shan, S., Deshaies, R. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Detection+of+sequential+polyubiquitylation+on+a+millisecond+timescale.">Detection of sequential polyubiquitylation on a millisecond timescale.</a> Nature. 462 (7273), 615-619 (2009).</li><li>Gadd, M. S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Structural+basis+of+PROTAC+cooperative+recognition+for+selective+protein+degradation.">Structural basis of PROTAC cooperative recognition for selective protein degradation.</a> Nature Chemical Biology. 13 (5), 514-521 (2017).</li><li>Nahta, R., Castellino, R. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Phosphatase+magnesium-dependent+1+&#948;+(PPM1D),+serine/threonine+protein+phosphatase+and+novel+pharmacological+target+in+cancer.">Phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1 &#948; (PPM1D), serine/threonine protein phosphatase and novel pharmacological target in cancer.</a> Biochemical Pharmacology. 184, 114362 (2021).</li><li>Douglass, E. F., Miller, C. J., Sparer, G., Shapiro, H., Spiegel, D. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+comprehensive+mathematical+model+for+three-body+binding+equilibria.">A comprehensive mathematical model for three-body binding equilibria.</a> Journal of the American Chemical Society. 135 (16), 6092-6099 (2013).</li><li>Zorba, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Delineating+the+role+of+cooperativity+in+the+design+of+potent+PROTACs+for+BTK.">Delineating the role of cooperativity in the design of potent PROTACs for BTK.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 115 (31), E7285-E7292 (2018).</li><li>Fairhead, M., Howarth, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Site-specific+biotinylation+of+purified+proteins+using+BirA.">Site-specific biotinylation of purified proteins using BirA.</a> Methods in Molecular Biology. 1266, 171-184 (2015).</li><li>Nowak, R. 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Biophysical characterization of the binary and ternary interactions between PROTAC molecules and their protein binding partners can provide unique and complementary insights relative to widely used cellular systems. Understanding the affinity between each warhead of a PROTAC molecule and its protein binding partners can help guide medicinal chemistry efforts toward the optimization of those interactions. Previously published crystal structures of ternary PROTAC complexes have revealed that atoms in the linker region can ...

The polyubiquitination of proteins in the cell is a tightly regulated process that involves enzymes in the Ubiquitin Ligase family1,2. The terminal enzymes in the pathway are the E3 ubiquitin ligases that covalently attach ubiquitin molecules to their protein-binding partners3. The polyubiquitination of those protein binding partners targets them for proteolytic degradation by the proteasome4. This system is part of the protein homeostasis process that has been therapeutically leveraged to induce the degradation of proteins involved in disease5. Small molecules that induce the interaction between E3 ubiquitin ligases, such as Von Hippel-Lindau E3 ligase (VHL) or cereblon (CRBN), are typically composed of an E3 ligase binding warhead connected by a flexible linker to a warhead that binds to the protein being targeted for degradation. These heterobifunctional molecules are commonly referred to as proteolysis targeting chimeras or PROTACS6.
The development of PROTACS involves evaluating the ability of molecules to induce the degradation of proteins in cells. Many cellular assay systems have been developed that monitor the induced interaction between the target protein and E3 ligase components, such as VHL or CRBN, upon treatment of the cells with a PROTAC molecule. One such cellular assay, the nanoluc-Halotag system7, involves an E3 ligase fused to the Halotag acceptor and a target protein tagged with a nanoluc donor. Ternary complex formation brings the nanoluc donor and Halotag acceptor into proximity allowing the transfer of energy from the donor to the acceptor resulting in the emission of light. Variations of this system can be used to assess the cellular permeability of PROTACS molecules8 or changes in the relative level of target protein ubiquitination9. While these cellular systems are essential for driving the optimization of PROTACS, the formation of complexes between E3 ligases and proteins targeted for degradation is a multi-step process10,11. The kinetics and thermodynamics of the binary and ternary interactions involved contribute to efficiency ubiquitination and resulting degradation of the protein12,13,14.
Herein are described protocols that can be adapted for the biophysical characterization of ternary complex formation induced by PROTACS using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), biolayer interferometry (BLI), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). SPR and ITC protocols for the MZ1 PROTAC molecule that induces ternary complex formation between Brd4BD2 and VHL derived from literature reports13,15 and described here were able to recapitulate the reported results with some modification of the reported procedures, which will be discussed. A description of a BLI assay used to evaluate ternary complex formation between MZI, Brd4BD2, and VHL is included in this report. Affinity measurements from BLI were consistent with those observed in SPR and ITC. A previously published protocol in which an SPR assay was developed for assessing the PROTAC-induced ternary complex formation between PPM1D, a Ser/Thr protein phosphatase whose expression is induced in a p53-dependent manner16, and CRBN is also described. In this instance, the PROTAC molecule has a nanomolar affinity for PPM1D but only a micromolar affinity for CRBN. In this case, the binding of the PROTAC molecule to CRBN is not saturable, resulting in the commonly observed &#34;hook effect&#34;. The hook effect is a property of three body systems in which there are two species that can form a heterotrimeric complex when both are bound to a bridging molecule (Figure 1)17. The hook effect is observed when the bridging species is in excess concentration relative to the two other species. The resulting state is one in which the binary interactions outcompete the ternary interactions. The systems where the hook effect is observed require specific experimental design considerations discussed in this report. General concepts and reagent requirements for evaluating the utilization of biophysical assays for the evaluation of PROTAC-induced ternary complex formation are provided.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>96-plate</td>
			<td>Greiner</td>
			<td>655076</td>
			<td>flat-bottom, black plates used In BLI experiments</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>96-well plate</td>
			<td>Nunc</td>
			<td>73520-120</td>
			<td>Plate use for ITC sample preparation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>96-well plate</td>
			<td>Greiner</td>
			<td>650101</td>
			<td>Plate used to prepare samples for SPR experiments</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Auto iTC200 micro-calorimeter</td>
			<td>Malvern Panalytical</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Instrument used to perform ITC experiments. Product discontinued.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Biacore S200</td>
			<td>Cytiva</td>
			<td>29136649</td>
			<td>Instrument used to perform SPR experiments</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MZ1</td>
			<td>ProbeChem</td>
			<td>PC-60099</td>
			<td>PROTAC that binds to VHL and Brd4BD2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NTA sensor chip</td>
			<td>Cytiva</td>
			<td>BR100532</td>
			<td>SPR chip used to perform SPR experiments involving PPM1D</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Octet Red-384</td>
			<td>Sartorius</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Instrument used to perform BLI experiments. Product discontinued.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Plate cover</td>
			<td>Malvern</td>
			<td>PQA0001</td>
			<td>Cover for Nunc 96-well plate (73520-120)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Plate cover</td>
			<td>Cytiva</td>
			<td>28975816</td>
			<td>Plate cover for Greiner plate (650101)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Series S SA sensor chip</td>
			<td>Cytiva</td>
			<td>BR100531</td>
			<td>SPR chip used to perform SPR experiments involving MZ1:VHL:BRD4</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Streptavidin (SA) Dip and Read Biosensors</td>
			<td>Sartorius</td>
			<td>18-509</td>
			<td>Coated sensors used in BLI experiments</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

the development and application of biophysical assays for evaluating ternary complex formation induced by proteolysis targeting chimeras (protacs)

E3 ligases and proteins targeted for degradation can be induced to form complexes by heterobifunctional molecules in a multi-step process. The kinetics and thermodynamics of the interactions involved contribute to efficiency of ubiquitination and resulting degradation of the protein. Biophysical techniques such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR), biolayer interferometry (BLI), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) provide valuable information that can be used in the optimization of those interactions. Using two model systems, a biophysical assay tool kit for understanding the cooperativity of ternary complex formation and the impact of the &#39;hook effect&#39; on binding kinetics was established. In one case, a proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) molecule that induced ternary complex formation between Brd4BD2 and VHL was evaluated. The heterobifunctional molecule, MZ1, has nM affinities for both the Brd4BD2 protein (SPR KD = 1 nM, ITC KD = 4 nM) and the VHL complex (SPR KD = 29 nM, ITC KD = 66 nM). For this system, robust SPR, BLI, and ITC assays were developed that reproduced published results demonstrating the cooperativity of ternary complex formation. In the other case, a molecule that induced ternary complexes between a 46.0 kDa protein, PPM1D, and cereblon [CRBN (319-442)] was studied. The heterobifunctional molecule, BRD-5110, has an SPR KD = 1 nM for PPM1D but much weaker binding against the truncated CRBN (319-442) complex (SPR KD= ~ 3 &#181;M). In that case, the binding for CRBN in SPR was not saturable, resulting in a &#34;hook-effect&#34;. Throughput and reagent requirements for SPR, BLI, and ITC were evaluated, and general recommendations for their application to PROTAC projects were provided.

Author Spotlight: Evaluating Biophysical Assays for Characterizing PROTACS Ternary Complexes 

The Development and Application of Biophysical Assays for Evaluating Ternary Complex Formation Induced by Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACS)

Our research focuses on replicating established model systems, validating them through additional assays and adapting these methodologies to suit our specific research context. We aim to demonstrate a versatile approach that can be applied to various projects. The current experimental challenge, licensing strategically selecting the appropriate assay format and conditions based on project specific requirements and existing knowledge gaps.This is essential for achieving efficient and accurate answers in our experiments. Our protocol provides a streamlined approach for seamless adaption to various ProTech systems. Furthermore, we conduct a thorough evaluation of each method, highlighting their respective pros and cons.We offer informed instructions on choosing the most suitable format based on specific conditions.

Characterization of VHL: MZ1 binary complex and VHL: MZ1: Brd4BD2 ternary complex can be found in Figure 2 (ITC), Figure 3 (BLI), and Figure 4 (SPR) using a very similar buffer. The KD extracted from orthogonal assays is consistent. The cooperativity can be calculated by KD (binary) / KD (ternary), which is highly positive (15 from ITC or 26 from SPR).
Character...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Evaluating Biophysical Assays for Characterizing PROTACS Ternary Complexes at JoVE.com

Here we describe protocols for the biophysical characterization of ternary complex formation induced by proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACS) that involve the ubiquitin ligases Von Hippel-Lindau E3 ligase (VHL) and Cereblon (CRBN). Biophysical methods illustrated herein include surface plasmon resonance (SPR), biolayer interferometry (BLI), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC).

E3 ligases and proteins targeted for degradation can be induced to form complexes by heterobifunctional molecules in a multi-step process. The kinetics ...

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Isothermal Titration Calorimetry for Evaluating PROTACS-Induced Ternary Complex Formation

Biolayer Interferometry (BLI) for Evaluating PROTACS-Induced Ternary Complex Formation

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) for Evaluating PROTACS-Induced Ternary Complex Formation

2.1K Views.  The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.  Here we describe protocols for the biophysical characterization of ternary complex formation induced by proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACS) that involve the ubiquitin ligases Von Hippel-Lindau E3 ligase (VHL) and Cereblon (CRBN).  Biophysical methods illustrated herein include surface plasmon resonance (SPR), biolayer interferometry (BLI), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC).  

Characterization of Ternary Complex Formation in PROTACs Using Biophysical Assays

Summary