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 Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 18 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 Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 18 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 Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 18, 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 Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 18. 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 Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 18. 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 Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 18 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.
Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 18
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
Q6ZSZ5
UPID:
ARHGI_HUMAN
Alternative names:
114 kDa Rho-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor; Septin-associated RhoGEF
Alternative UPACC:
Q6ZSZ5; A8MV62; B5ME81; I3L1I5; O60274; Q6DD92
Background:
Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 18, also known as a 114 kDa Rho-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor or Septin-associated RhoGEF, plays a pivotal role in cellular processes. It acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for RhoA GTPases, promoting actin stress fiber formation, and for RAC1, enhancing reactive oxygen species production. This protein does not influence CDC42 but is activated by G protein beta-gamma subunits, integrating effects of LPA and other GPCR agonists on cell morphology and ROS generation.
Therapeutic significance:
Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 18 is implicated in Retinitis pigmentosa 78, a retinal dystrophy characterized by night vision blindness and progressive loss of visual field. Understanding the role of this protein could open doors to potential therapeutic strategies for this autosomal recessive disease.
