Development of a targeted BioPROTAC degrader selective for misfolded SOD1
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The accumulation of misfolded protein species underlies a broad range of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Due to their dynamic nature, these misfolded proteins have proven challenging to target therapeutically. Here, we specifically target misfolded disease variants of the ALS-associated protein; SOD1, using a biological proteolysis targeting chimera (BioPROTAC) composed of a SOD1-specific intrabody and an E3 ubiquitin ligase. Screening of intrabodies and E3 ligases for optimal BioPROTAC construction revealed a candidate capable of degrading multiple disease variants of SOD1, preventing their aggregation in cultured cells. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to develop a BioPROTAC transgenic mouse line, we demonstrate that the presence of the BioPROTAC delays disease progression in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. Delayed disease progression was associated with protection of motor neurons, reduced accumulation of insoluble SOD1 and protection of neuromuscular junctions. These findings provide proof-of-concept evidence and a platform for developing BioPROTACs as a therapeutic strategy for the targeted degradation of neurotoxic misfolded species in the context of neurodegenerative diseases.
