Dual-function PROTAC suppresses ferroptosis and restores neuronal function via brain-targeted delivery.
Dual-function PROTAC suppresses ferroptosis and restores neuronal function via brain-targeted delivery.
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Beijing, CN · Author affiliation
Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, CAS Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.Location evidence
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Original abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) via proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) offers a promising strategy for modulating disease-associated proteins, yet effective brain-preferred protein degradation remains challenging. Herein, we report a dual-function PROTAC, dACSL4, and its nose-to-brain delivery for brain-preferred protein degradation and therapeutic suppression of ferroptosis in neurodegeneration. dACSL4 selectively degrades acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) while concurrently activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), thereby coordinating lipid metabolism and oxidative stress to suppress neuronal ferroptosis. dACSL4 achieved up to 30-fold greater protection against neuronal ferroptosis compared to conventional ferroptosis inhibitors. Intranasal delivery of dACSL4 using biodegradable lipid nanoparticles (BAmP-TK12) enabled brain-preferred ACSL4 degradation and PPARγ activation, reducing lipid peroxidation and preserving dopaminergic neurons in a Parkinson's disease model, ultimately improving motor function. Our findings establish a modular strategy for brain-preferred protein degradation and highlight the therapeutic potential of dual-function degraders for ferroptosis suppression in neurodegenerative diseases.