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 TERF1-interacting nuclear factor 2 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 TERF1-interacting nuclear factor 2 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 TERF1-interacting nuclear factor 2, 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 TERF1-interacting nuclear factor 2. 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 TERF1-interacting nuclear factor 2. 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 TERF1-interacting nuclear factor 2 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.
TERF1-interacting nuclear factor 2
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
Q9BSI4
UPID:
TINF2_HUMAN
Alternative names:
TRF1-interacting nuclear protein 2
Alternative UPACC:
Q9BSI4; B3W5Q7; Q9H904; Q9UHC2
Background:
TERF1-interacting nuclear factor 2, also known as TRF1-interacting nuclear protein 2, plays a crucial role in telomere maintenance by being a component of the shelterin complex. This complex is essential for regulating telomere length and protection, ensuring chromosome ends are shielded from DNA damage surveillance mechanisms. Its involvement in shelterin complex assembly and potential role in tethering telomeres to the nuclear matrix highlight its significance in cellular longevity and genomic stability.
Therapeutic significance:
The protein's association with Dyskeratosis congenita, autosomal dominant, 3 and 5, diseases characterized by defective telomere maintenance leading to a spectrum of clinical manifestations, underscores its therapeutic potential. Targeting the pathways involving TERF1-interacting nuclear factor 2 could offer novel strategies for treating these complex disorders, emphasizing the importance of understanding its biological functions.
