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 Guanylyl cyclase 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 Guanylyl cyclase 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 Guanylyl cyclase 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 Guanylyl cyclase 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 Guanylyl cyclase 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 Guanylyl cyclase 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.
Guanylyl cyclase C
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
P25092
UPID:
GUC2C_HUMAN
Alternative names:
Heat-stable enterotoxin receptor; Intestinal guanylate cyclase
Alternative UPACC:
P25092; B2RMY6
Background:
Guanylyl cyclase C, also known as the heat-stable enterotoxin receptor or intestinal guanylate cyclase, plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of cyclic GMP (cGMP) from GTP. This enzyme is uniquely activated by bacterial enterotoxins, such as those from E.coli, and endogenous peptides like guanylin and uroguanylin, highlighting its critical function in gastrointestinal physiology.
Therapeutic significance:
The association of Guanylyl cyclase C with diseases such as Diarrhea 6 and Meconium ileus, conditions stemming from gene variants affecting this protein, underscores its therapeutic potential. Targeting this enzyme could lead to innovative treatments for these gastrointestinal disorders, offering hope for patients suffering from these conditions.
