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 Guanine nucleotide exchange factor subunit RIC1 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 Guanine nucleotide exchange factor subunit RIC1 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 Guanine nucleotide exchange factor subunit RIC1, 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 Guanine nucleotide exchange factor subunit RIC1. 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 Guanine nucleotide exchange factor subunit RIC1. 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 Guanine nucleotide exchange factor subunit RIC1 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.
Guanine nucleotide exchange factor subunit RIC1
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
Q4ADV7
UPID:
RIC1_HUMAN
Alternative names:
Connexin-43-interacting protein of 150 kDa; Protein RIC1 homolog; RAB6A-GEF complex partner protein 1
Alternative UPACC:
Q4ADV7; B2RN24; B7ZM67; G5E932; Q4VXJ8; Q4VXJ9; Q76MT5; Q8N6E0; Q8TEH4; Q9H0A5; Q9H9S1
Background:
The Guanine nucleotide exchange factor subunit RIC1, also known as Connexin-43-interacting protein of 150 kDa, Protein RIC1 homolog, and RAB6A-GEF complex partner protein 1, plays a pivotal role in cellular processes. It acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for RAB6A, facilitating the fusion of endosome-derived vesicles with the Golgi compartment. Additionally, it is involved in the recycling of mannose-6-phosphate receptors, phosphorylation and localization of GJA1, and is crucial for procollagen transport and secretion, impacting cartilage morphogenesis and craniofacial skeleton development.
Therapeutic significance:
Given its critical role in cellular processes and development, understanding the function of Guanine nucleotide exchange factor subunit RIC1 could unveil new therapeutic strategies, particularly in addressing CATIFA syndrome, a disorder linked to variants affecting this gene.
