Split‐Deliver‐Click: Tumor‐Specific Protein Degradation via “AND” Logic‐Gated In‐Cell Bioorthogonal Clicking of PROTACs

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Authors: He Dong, Cilong Chu, Ihsan Ullah, Qing Xu, Zhenhai Pan, Youyong Yuan
Cited by: 5
References: 37

Abstract

PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) represents a promising therapeutic modality with the potential to revolutionize targeted protein degradation. However, challenges such as low bioavailability and off-target effects significantly limit their clinical efficacy. Herein, we introduce a Split-Deliver-Click nanoplatform that enables tumor-specific protein degradation through "AND" logic-gated, in-cell bioorthogonal clicking of PROTACs, inspired by the ternary structure of PROTACs and logic-gated stimulus-sensitive drug delivery. First, PROTACs were split with click-reactive ligands, enabling their direct use in cellular assays for efficient PROTAC screening. Next, a delivery system was developed, utilizing an "AND" logic gate mechanism triggered by tumor-overexpressed enzymes legumain and cathepsin B to separately activate and release the split PROTAC precursors. Finally, this approach permitted in-cell click chemistry to generate PROTAC (Click-PROTAC), achieving efficient and specific protein degradation. This Split-Deliver-Click strategy facilitated the in situ generation of PROTACs for precise protein degradation.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Protein Degradation and Inhibitors Click Chemistry and Applications Chromatin Remodeling and Cancer

Publication details

Journal / source
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
65
Issue
10
Pages
e20774–e20774
Publication date
28 January 2026
Language
EN