# OICR-41103 as a chemical probe for the DCAF1 WD40 domain

## TL;DR

OICR-41103 is a new chemical probe that targets the DCAF1 protein, offering potential for cancer and HIV treatments.

## Contribution

Development of OICR-41103, a potent and selective small molecule probe for the DCAF1 WDR domain.

## Key findings

- OICR-41103 binds to the DCAF1 WDR domain and displaces the HIV Vpr protein in biochemical and cellular assays.
- The co-crystal structure of DCAF1 with OICR-41103 reveals its binding mode, aiding in PROTAC design.
- OICR-41103 is a promising tool for targeted protein degradation and antiviral therapy.

## Abstract

Human DCAF1 is a multidomain protein that plays a critical role in protein homeostasis. Its WDR domain functions as a substrate recruitment module for RING-type CRL4 and HECT family EDVP E3 ubiquitin ligases, enabling the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of specific substrates. DCAF1’s activity has been implicated in cell proliferation and is documented to promote tumorigenesis. Additionally, the DCAF1 WDR domain is hijacked by lentiviral accessory proteins to induce the degradation of host antiviral factors, such as SAMHD1 and UNG2. These diverse roles make DCAF1 an attractive target for therapeutic development in oncology and antiviral strategies. It is also a promising candidate for use in targeted protein degradation. We previously reported a novel ligand, OICR-8268, that targets the DCAF1 WDR domain. In this study, we present the development of OICR-41103, a potent, selective, and cell-active small molecule chemical probe for DCAF1, derived from OICR-8268. The co-crystal structure of the DCAF1-OICR-41103 complex reveals the ligand’s binding mode within the WDR central pocket, demonstrating its potential for PROTAC design and development. Notably, OICR-41103 effectively displaces the lentiviral Vpr protein from DCAF1 in both biochemical and cellular settings, highlighting its potential for the development of HIV therapeutics.

OICR-41103 is a potent, selective probe targeting the DCAF1 WDR domain and displacing viral Vpr protein. It enables new opportunities in cancer research, antiviral therapy, and targeted protein degradation via PROTACs.