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 Monocarboxylate transporter 8 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 Monocarboxylate transporter 8 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 Monocarboxylate transporter 8, 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 Monocarboxylate transporter 8. 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 Monocarboxylate transporter 8. 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 Monocarboxylate transporter 8 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.
Monocarboxylate transporter 8
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
P36021
UPID:
MOT8_HUMAN
Alternative names:
Monocarboxylate transporter 7; Solute carrier family 16 member 2; X-linked PEST-containing transporter
Alternative UPACC:
P36021; Q7Z797
Background:
Monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8), also known as solute carrier family 16 member 2, plays a pivotal role in thyroid hormone transport across cell membranes. It facilitates the uptake and efflux of thyroid hormones, including T3 and T4, crucial for metabolic regulation and development. MCT8's unique ability to transport thyroid hormones independently of pH or sodium gradients underscores its significance in maintaining hormonal balance.
Therapeutic significance:
Monocarboxylate transporter 8 deficiency is a severe X-linked condition characterized by psychomotor retardation and abnormal thyroid hormone levels. This disorder highlights the critical role of MCT8 in neurological development and thyroid hormone distribution. Understanding MCT8's function could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for managing its deficiency and related thyroid hormone transport disorders.
