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 Neurofilament heavy polypeptide 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 Neurofilament heavy polypeptide 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 Neurofilament heavy polypeptide, 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 Neurofilament heavy polypeptide. 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 Neurofilament heavy polypeptide. 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 Neurofilament heavy polypeptide 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.
Neurofilament heavy polypeptide
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
P12036
UPID:
NFH_HUMAN
Alternative names:
200 kDa neurofilament protein; Neurofilament triplet H protein
Alternative UPACC:
P12036; B4DYY4; Q96HF8; Q9UJS7; Q9UQ14
Background:
Neurofilament heavy polypeptide (NEFH), also known as the 200 kDa neurofilament protein, plays a crucial role in the maintenance of neuronal caliber alongside NEFL and NEFM. It is part of the neurofilament triplet proteins and is essential in mature axons, working in concert with PRPH and INA to form neuronal networks.
Therapeutic significance:
NEFH's involvement in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, axonal, 2CC, highlights its potential as a target for therapeutic intervention. Understanding the role of NEFH could open doors to potential therapeutic strategies.