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 Harmonin 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 Harmonin 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 Harmonin, 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 Harmonin. 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 Harmonin. 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 Harmonin 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.
Harmonin
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
Q9Y6N9
UPID:
USH1C_HUMAN
Alternative names:
Antigen NY-CO-38/NY-CO-37; Autoimmune enteropathy-related antigen AIE-75; Protein PDZ-73; Renal carcinoma antigen NY-REN-3; Usher syndrome type-1C protein
Alternative UPACC:
Q9Y6N9; A8K423; Q7RTU8; Q96B29; Q9UM04; Q9UM17; Q9UPC3
Background:
Harmonin, encoded by the gene with the accession number Q9Y6N9, serves as an anchoring/scaffolding protein crucial for mechanotransduction in cochlear hair cells. It is part of a network including USH1C, USH1G, CDH23, and MYO7A, essential for the development and maintenance of cochlear hair cell bundles. Additionally, as a component of the intermicrovillar adhesion complex, it regulates microvilli organization in brush border cells.
Therapeutic significance:
Harmonin's involvement in Usher syndrome 1C and autosomal recessive deafness 18A highlights its therapeutic potential. Understanding the role of Harmonin could open doors to potential therapeutic strategies for these conditions, emphasizing the importance of targeted research in uncovering novel treatments.
