Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta cover image

Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta

Therapeutics Controlling Protein Turnover - Dr. Juliet Williams

Oct 21, 2023
Dr. Juliet WIlliams of Kymera discusses the use of molecular linkers to connect proteins that need to be degraded with the machinery to tag them for destruction, targeting proteins for degradation as a therapeutic approach, exploring the potential of targeted protein degradation in treating various diseases, and the exciting technology and sponsorship opportunities for the podcast.
38:18

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Quick takeaways

  • Targeted protein degradation offers the potential to target a wide range of disease-causing proteins, regardless of their mutation or role in signaling pathways.
  • The field of targeted protein degradation is expected to expand, with new E3 ligases being used as molecular glues and more therapeutic areas being explored.

Deep dives

Targeted Protein Degradation: Harnessing the Body's Natural System

Targeted protein degradation involves utilizing the natural protein recycling system in cells to selectively eliminate disease-causing proteins. Cells have proteins called E3 ligases that tag unwanted proteins with ubiquitin, which is then recognized by the cell's recycling system, the proteasome, for degradation. Heterobifunctional molecules and molecular glues are used to bring the E3 ligase in close proximity to the target protein, leading to ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. This approach allows for the degradation of a wide range of disease-causing proteins, regardless of their mutation, amplification, or role in signaling pathways. By degrading proteins with heterobifunctionals and molecular glues, targeted protein degradation offers the potential to target previously undrugged proteins or proteins that may have inadequate drug options available.

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