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 Sialidase-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 Sialidase-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 Sialidase-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 Sialidase-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 Sialidase-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 Sialidase-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.
Sialidase-2
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
Q9Y3R4
UPID:
NEUR2_HUMAN
Alternative names:
Cytosolic sialidase; N-acetyl-alpha-neuraminidase 2
Alternative UPACC:
Q9Y3R4; Q3KNW4; Q6NTB4
Background:
Sialidase-2, also known as cytosolic sialidase or N-acetyl-alpha-neuraminidase 2, plays a crucial role in the catabolism of glycolipids, glycoproteins, and oligosaccharides. It specifically catalyzes the hydrolytic cleavage of terminal sialic acids, displaying a preference for certain sialylated gangliosides. This enzyme's activity varies based on the sialyl linkage positions and the supramolecular organization of sialoglycoconjugates.
Therapeutic significance:
Understanding the role of Sialidase-2 could open doors to potential therapeutic strategies. Its specific enzymatic function in the metabolism of sialoglycoconjugates suggests a foundational role in cellular processes, hinting at its potential as a target in therapeutic interventions.
