Single-Domain Antibody-Based Protein Degrader for Synucleinopathies
Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of -synuclein (-syn) in the brain, leading to motor and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Currently, there are no known cures for synucleinopathies, and treatments mainly focus on symptom management. In this study, we developed a single-domain antibody (sdAb)-based protein degrader with features designed to enhance proteasomal degradation of -syn. This sdAb derivative targets both -syn and Cereblon (CRBN), a substrate-receptor for the E3-ubiquitin ligase CRL4CRBN, and thereby induces -syn ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Our results indicate that this therapeutic ligand enhances proteasomal degradation of -syn, in addition to the endogenous lysosomal degradation machinery. By promoting proteasomal degradation of -syn, we improved clearance of -syn in primary culture and mouse models of synucleinopathy. These findings indicate that our sdAb-based protein degrader is a promising therapeutic for synucleinopathies. Considering that only a small percentage of antibodies enter the brain, more potent sdAbs with greater brain entry than whole antibodies could enhance clinical benefits of antibody-based therapies.