DUBTACs

Deubiquitinase-targeting chimeras

Deubiquitinase-targeting chimeras (DUBTACs), a class of heterobifunctional protein stabilizers consisting of deubiquitinase (DUB) and protein-of-interest (POI) targeting ligands conjugated with a linker, can rescue such proteins from aberrant elimination. DUBTACs stabilize the levels of POIs in a DUB-dependent manner, removing ubiquitin from polyubiquitylated and degraded proteins. DUBTACs can induce a new interaction between POI and DUB by forming a POI-DUBTAC-DUB ternary complex. The chemically induced proximity of a DUB with a POI by the DUBTAC promotes the removal of polyubiquitin chains attached to the POI to block proteasome-mediated degradation, thereby stabilizing and elevating the level of the POI with protective functions. Rescuing the POIs by DUBTACs from aberrant degradation provides therapeutic potential for the treatment of various diseases.