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 NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 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 NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 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 NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 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 NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 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 NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 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 NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 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.
NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 2
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
P61916
UPID:
NPC2_HUMAN
Alternative names:
Epididymal secretory protein E1; Human epididymis-specific protein 1; Niemann-Pick disease type C2 protein
Alternative UPACC:
P61916; B4DQV7; Q15668; Q29413
Background:
NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 2 (NPC2) is pivotal in the egress of cholesterol from lysosomes, working alongside NPC1. It binds and mobilizes cholesterol with a 1:1 stoichiometry, also interacting with various sterols. This protein is essential for maintaining cholesterol homeostasis and is implicated in Niemann-Pick disease C2, characterized by cholesterol accumulation in lysosomes.
Therapeutic significance:
Given its crucial role in cholesterol transport and homeostasis, NPC2 is a target for therapeutic intervention in Niemann-Pick disease C2. Understanding NPC2's function and interaction with cholesterol could lead to novel treatments for this lysosomal storage disorder, offering hope for patients with severe neurological dysfunction.
