AI-ACCELERATED DRUG DISCOVERY
Available from Reaxense
This protein is integrated into the Receptor.AI ecosystem as a prospective target with high therapeutic potential. We performed a comprehensive characterization of Alpha-crystallin A chain including:
1. LLM-powered literature research
Our custom-tailored LLM extracted and formalized all relevant information about the protein from a large set of structured and unstructured data sources and stored it in the form of a Knowledge Graph. This comprehensive analysis allowed us to gain insight into Alpha-crystallin A chain therapeutic significance, existing small molecule ligands, relevant off-targets, and protein-protein interactions.
Fig. 1. Preliminary target research workflow
2. AI-Driven Conformational Ensemble Generation
Starting from the initial protein structure, we employed advanced AI algorithms to predict alternative functional states of Alpha-crystallin A chain, including large-scale conformational changes along "soft" collective coordinates. Through molecular simulations with AI-enhanced sampling and trajectory clustering, we explored the broad conformational space of the protein and identified its representative structures. Utilizing diffusion-based AI models and active learning AutoML, we generated a statistically robust ensemble of equilibrium protein conformations that capture the receptor's full dynamic behavior, providing a robust foundation for accurate structure-based drug design.
Fig. 2. AI-powered molecular dynamics simulations workflow
3. Binding pockets identification and characterization
We employed the AI-based pocket prediction module to discover orthosteric, allosteric, hidden, and cryptic binding pockets on the protein’s surface. Our technique integrates the LLM-driven literature search and structure-aware ensemble-based pocket detection algorithm that utilizes previously established protein dynamics. Tentative pockets are then subject to AI scoring and ranking with simultaneous detection of false positives. In the final step, the AI model assesses the druggability of each pocket enabling a comprehensive selection of the most promising pockets for further targeting.
Fig. 3. AI-based binding pocket detection workflow
4. AI-Powered Virtual Screening
Our ecosystem is equipped to perform AI-driven virtual screening on Alpha-crystallin A chain. With access to a vast chemical space and cutting-edge AI docking algorithms, we can rapidly and reliably predict the most promising, novel, diverse, potent, and safe small molecule ligands of Alpha-crystallin A chain. This approach allows us to achieve an excellent hit rate and to identify compounds ready for advanced lead discovery and optimization.
Fig. 4. The screening workflow of Receptor.AI
Receptor.AI, in partnership with Reaxense, developed a next-generation technology for on-demand focused library design to enable extensive target exploration.
The focused library for Alpha-crystallin A chain includes a list of the most effective modulators, each annotated with 38 ADME-Tox and 32 physicochemical and drug-likeness parameters. Furthermore, each compound is shown with its optimal docking poses, affinity scores, and activity scores, offering a detailed summary.
Alpha-crystallin A chain
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
P02489
UPID:
CRYAA_HUMAN
Alternative names:
Heat shock protein beta-4
Alternative UPACC:
P02489; A0A140G945; E9PHE4; Q53X53
Background:
Alpha-crystallin A chain, also known as Heat shock protein beta-4, plays a crucial role in maintaining the transparency and refractive index of the lens, according to research findings (PubMed:18302245). Its oxidized form functions as a chaperone, preventing protein aggregation under stress (PubMed:22120592, PubMed:31792453, PubMed:18199971, PubMed:19595763). It is essential for lens intermediate filaments formation, working alongside BFSP1, BFSP2, and CRYAA (PubMed:28935373).
Therapeutic significance:
Given its pivotal role in lens transparency and protein aggregation prevention, Alpha-crystallin A chain's dysfunction is linked to Cataract 9, multiple types, a condition leading to visual impairment or blindness. Understanding the role of Alpha-crystallin A chain could open doors to potential therapeutic strategies for cataract and related ocular diseases.
