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 DNA polymerase epsilon catalytic subunit A 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 DNA polymerase epsilon catalytic subunit A 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 DNA polymerase epsilon catalytic subunit A, 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 DNA polymerase epsilon catalytic subunit A. 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 DNA polymerase epsilon catalytic subunit A. 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 DNA polymerase epsilon catalytic subunit A 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.
DNA polymerase epsilon catalytic subunit A
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
Q07864
UPID:
DPOE1_HUMAN
Alternative names:
3'-5' exodeoxyribonuclease; DNA polymerase II subunit A
Alternative UPACC:
Q07864; Q13533; Q86VH9
Background:
DNA polymerase epsilon catalytic subunit A, also known as 3'-5' exodeoxyribonuclease, plays a pivotal role in chromosomal DNA replication. It is a key component of the DNA polymerase epsilon complex, essential for the synthesis of leading DNA strands at the replication fork. This protein not only binds at or near replication origins but also travels with the replication fork, ensuring high fidelity of DNA replication through its 3'-5' proofreading exonuclease activity. Additionally, it participates in DNA repair processes, including DNA synthesis during DNA repair and excision repair synthesis following UV irradiation.
Therapeutic significance:
Given its crucial role in DNA replication and repair, DNA polymerase epsilon catalytic subunit A is directly linked to diseases such as Colorectal cancer 12, characterized by a predisposition to colorectal adenomas and carcinomas. Understanding the role of DNA polymerase epsilon catalytic subunit A could open doors to potential therapeutic strategies, especially in targeting genetic alterations associated with cancer progression.
