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 Citron Rho-interacting kinase 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 Citron Rho-interacting kinase 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 Citron Rho-interacting kinase, 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 Citron Rho-interacting kinase. 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 Citron Rho-interacting kinase. 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 Citron Rho-interacting kinase 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.
Citron Rho-interacting kinase
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
O14578
UPID:
CTRO_HUMAN
Alternative names:
Serine/threonine-protein kinase 21
Alternative UPACC:
O14578; Q2M5E1; Q6XUH8; Q86UQ9; Q9UPZ7
Background:
Citron Rho-interacting kinase, also known as Serine/threonine-protein kinase 21, is pivotal in cytokinesis and central nervous system development. It exhibits serine/threonine protein kinase activity, crucial for KIF14 localization to the central spindle and midbody. This kinase binds to the GTP-bound forms of RHO and RAC1, displaying a preference for p21, and phosphorylates MYL9/MLC2, underscoring its integral role in cell division and neural development.
Therapeutic significance:
Linked to Microcephaly 17, primary, autosomal recessive, Citron Rho-interacting kinase's dysfunction manifests in severe brain development issues, including lissencephaly and cerebellar hypoplasia. Understanding its role could unveil novel therapeutic strategies for treating not only microcephaly but potentially other neurodevelopmental disorders.
