Addressing Kinase-Independent Functions of Fak via PROTAC-Mediated Degradation

Enzymatic inhibition has proven to be a successful modality for the development of many small-molecule drugs. In recent years, small-molecule-induced protein degradation has emerged as an orthogonal therapeutic strategy that has the potential to expand the druggable target space. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a key player in tumor invasion and metastasis, acting simultaneously as a kinase and a scaffold for several signaling proteins. While previous efforts to modulate FAK activity were limited to kinase inhibitors with low success in clinical studies, protein degradation offers a possibility to simultaneously block Fak's kinase signaling and scaffolding capabilities. Here, we report the development of a selective and potent FAK degrader, PROTAC-3, which outperforms a clinical candidate, defactinib, with respect to FAK activation as well as Fak-mediated cell migration and invasion. These results underline the potential that PROTACs offer in expanding the druggable space and controlling protein functions that are not easily addressed by traditional small-molecule therapeutics.