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 E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2 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 E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2 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 E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2, 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 E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2. 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 E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2. 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 E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2 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.
E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
Q96MF7
UPID:
NSE2_HUMAN
Alternative names:
E3 SUMO-protein transferase NSE2; MMS21 homolog; Non-structural maintenance of chromosomes element 2 homolog
Alternative UPACC:
Q96MF7; Q8N549
Background:
E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2, also known as MMS21 homolog, plays a pivotal role in DNA repair mechanisms, particularly in DNA double-strand break repair via homologous recombination. It functions as part of the SMC5-SMC6 complex, contributing to genomic stability and telomere maintenance. This protein is also involved in the sumoylation of various proteins, including components of the shelterin complex, which is crucial for telomere protection and length regulation.
Therapeutic significance:
Given its critical role in DNA repair and telomere maintenance, E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2's dysfunction is linked to Seckel syndrome 10, a disorder characterized by dwarfism, severe microcephaly, and intellectual disability. Understanding the role of E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2 could open doors to potential therapeutic strategies for treating or managing this syndrome.