PROTAC

PROTAC is a heterologous bifunctional molecule, which consists of two ligand domains, which are coupled by linkers of different lengths. One ligand (Binder, target protein-specific ligand) can bind to the target protein (POI, Protein of interest), while the other ligand (Warhead, E3 ligaserecruiter) binds to the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. PROTAC can bring the target protein and the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex closer. As long as the protein conformation is appropriate and the lysine of the target protein can be exposed to the area touched by E3, POI can be ubiquitinated. The ubiquitinated target protein is then degraded by the 26S proteasome system, and the PROTAC molecule can be recycled and continue to function in the next protein degradation cycle.