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 Sodium leak channel NALCN 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 Sodium leak channel NALCN 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 Sodium leak channel NALCN, 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 Sodium leak channel NALCN. 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 Sodium leak channel NALCN. 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 Sodium leak channel NALCN 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.
Sodium leak channel NALCN
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
Q8IZF0
UPID:
NALCN_HUMAN
Alternative names:
CanIon; Sodium leak channel non-selective protein; Voltage gated channel-like protein 1
Alternative UPACC:
Q8IZF0; Q6P2S6; Q6ZMI7; Q8IZZ1; Q8TAH1
Background:
The Sodium leak channel NALCN, also known as CanIon, Sodium leak channel non-selective protein, and Voltage gated channel-like protein 1, plays a pivotal role in neuronal excitability. It is the voltage-sensing, pore-forming subunit of the NALCN channel complex, which is essential for the resting Na(+) permeability. This channel complex, including NALCN, NALF1, UNC79, and UNC80, is constitutively active, conducting monovalent cations but blocked by extracellular divalent cations. NALCN's functions extend to regulating respiratory rhythm, systemic osmoregulation, and intestinal pace-making activity.
Therapeutic significance:
NALCN's involvement in diseases such as Hypotonia, infantile, with psychomotor retardation and characteristic facies 1, and Congenital contractures of the limbs and face, hypotonia, and developmental delay, underscores its therapeutic potential. Understanding the role of Sodium leak channel NALCN could open doors to potential therapeutic strategies for these neurodegenerative and developmental disorders.
