Small molecule and peptide inhibitors of βTrCP and the βTrCP–NRF2 protein–protein interaction

The E3 ligase beta-transducin repeat-containing protein (βTrCP) is an essential component of the ubiquitin–proteasome system that is responsible for the maintenance of cellular protein levels in human cells. Key target substrates for degradation include inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B, programmed cell death protein 4 and forkhead box protein O3, alongside the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2) that is responsible for cellular protection against oxidative damage. The tumour suppressive nature of many of its substrates and the overexpression of βTrCP observed in various cancers support a potential therapeutic role for inhibitors in the treatment of cancer. A small molecule substituted pyrazolone, GS143, and the natural product erioflorin have been identified as inhibitors of βTrCP and protect its targets from proteasomal degradation. Modified peptides based on the sequences of native substrates have also been reported with K(D) values in the nanomolar range. This review describes the current status of inhibitors of this E3 ligase. The scope for further inhibitor design and the development of PROTAC and molecular glue-type structures is explored in the context of βTrCP as an example of WD40 domain-containing proteins that are gaining attention as drug targets.