DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/F2KK-6H92

Defense Date

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Human and Molecular Genetics

First Advisor

Dr. Swadesh Das

Second Advisor

Dr. Luni Emdad

Third Advisor

Dr. Paul Dent

Abstract

There is a continued need for new technology and strategies for tackling cancer and other diseases, and within the current century a novel therapeutic strategy has emerged in the realm of targeted protein degradation called Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs). This technology specifically targets and degrades disease-causing proteins via the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and has seen an explosion of research and intrigue in both academia and industry over the past two decades. The diversity of PROTAC classes based on the E3 ligase recruiting ligand and the target protein allows for a universal molecular structure that can be customized for a specific target and disease. While it is primarily heavily focused in the realm of cancer therapeutics, PROTACs have expanded into other diseases such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and virus-caused diseases. The discovery of novel PROTAC designs also allows for the field to overcome its own shortcomings and develop into new directions. Overall, the intrigue of PROTAC technology’s ability to degrade ‘undruggable’ targets has driven the field of research to expand rapidly in the short time since its initial discovery and continued intense efforts will help further shape the field to transition into the clinical setting to benefit the world.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

8-9-2023

Download

Share

COinS