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 Vitamin K-dependent protein C 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 Vitamin K-dependent protein C 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 Vitamin K-dependent protein C, 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 Vitamin K-dependent protein C. 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 Vitamin K-dependent protein C. 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 Vitamin K-dependent protein C 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.
Vitamin K-dependent protein C
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
P04070
UPID:
PROC_HUMAN
Alternative names:
Anticoagulant protein C; Autoprothrombin IIA; Blood coagulation factor XIV
Alternative UPACC:
P04070; B4DPQ7; Q15189; Q15190; Q16001; Q53S74; Q9UC55
Background:
Vitamin K-dependent protein C, also known as Anticoagulant protein C, Autoprothrombin IIA, and Blood coagulation factor XIV, plays a pivotal role in blood coagulation. It acts as a serine protease that regulates coagulation by inactivating factors Va and VIIIa, crucial for blood clot formation. This regulation is dependent on the presence of calcium ions and phospholipids, highlighting its complex interaction within the coagulation cascade.
Therapeutic significance:
Protein C deficiency, manifesting in autosomal dominant and recessive forms, leads to thrombophilia characterized by a propensity for venous thrombosis. Understanding the role of Vitamin K-dependent protein C could open doors to potential therapeutic strategies, particularly in developing treatments for thrombophilia due to protein C deficiency. Its critical function in coagulation and endothelial cell barrier protection underscores its therapeutic potential.
