LYMTACs: Chimeric Small Molecules Repurpose Lysosomal Membrane Proteins for Target Protein Relocalization and Degradation
Proximity-inducing modalities that co-opt cellular pathways offer new opportunities to regulate oncogenic drivers. Inspired by the success of proximity-based chimeras in both intracellular and extracellular target space, here we describe the development of LYsosome Membrane TArgeting Chimeras (LYMTACs) as a novel small molecule-based platform that functions intracellularly to modulate the membrane proteome. Conceptually, LYMTACs are heterobifunctional small molecules that co-opt short-lived lysosomal membrane proteins (LMPs) as effectors to deliver targets for lysosomal degradation. We demonstrate that a promiscuous kinase inhibitor-based LYMTAC selectively targets membrane proteins for lysosomal degradation via RNF152, a short-lived LMP. To extend these findings, we show that oncogenic, membrane-associated KRASG12D protein can be tethered to RNF152, inducing KRAS relocalization to the lysosomal membrane, inhibiting downstream phospho-ERK signaling, and leading to lysosomal degradation of KRASG12D in a LYMTAC-dependent manner. Notably, potent cell killing could be attributed to the multi-pharmacology displayed by LYMTACs, which differentiates the LYMTAC technology from existing modalities. Thus, LYMTACs represent a proximity-based therapeutic approach that promises to expand the target space for challenging membrane proteins through targeted protein relocalization and degradation.