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 WD repeat-containing protein 26 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 WD repeat-containing protein 26 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 WD repeat-containing protein 26, 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 WD repeat-containing protein 26. 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 WD repeat-containing protein 26. 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 WD repeat-containing protein 26 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.
WD repeat-containing protein 26
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
Q9H7D7
UPID:
WDR26_HUMAN
Alternative names:
CUL4- and DDB1-associated WDR protein 2; Myocardial ischemic preconditioning up-regulated protein 2
Alternative UPACC:
Q9H7D7; A0MNN3; Q4G100; Q59EC4; Q5GLZ9; Q86UY4; Q9H3C2
Background:
WD repeat-containing protein 26, also known as CUL4- and DDB1-associated WDR protein 2 or Myocardial ischemic preconditioning up-regulated protein 2, plays a pivotal role in cell signal transduction. It acts as a negative regulator in the MAPK signaling pathway and functions as a scaffolding protein to promote PLCB2 plasma membrane translocation in leukocytes. Additionally, it is a core component of the CTLH E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase complex, influencing the ubiquitination and degradation of HBP1. It also regulates the Wnt signaling pathway and PI3K/AKT pathway, and protects cells from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.
Therapeutic significance:
WD repeat-containing protein 26's involvement in Skraban-Deardorff syndrome, characterized by developmental delay and seizures, underscores its therapeutic significance. Understanding its role could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for this syndrome and other related conditions.
