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 Na(+)/citrate cotransporter 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 Na(+)/citrate cotransporter 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 Na(+)/citrate cotransporter, 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 Na(+)/citrate cotransporter. 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 Na(+)/citrate cotransporter. 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 Na(+)/citrate cotransporter 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.
Na(+)/citrate cotransporter
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
Q86YT5
UPID:
S13A5_HUMAN
Alternative names:
Sodium-coupled citrate transporter; Sodium-dependent citrate transporter; Solute carrier family 13 member 5
Alternative UPACC:
Q86YT5; B3KXR0; B7Z4P2; B7ZLB4; F8W7N2; Q6ZMG1
Background:
The Na(+)/citrate cotransporter, also known as Sodium-coupled citrate transporter or Solute carrier family 13 member 5, plays a pivotal role in cellular metabolism. It facilitates the high-affinity transport of citrate into cells, a key component in energy production and biosynthetic pathways. This protein operates in a Na(+)-dependent manner, primarily recognizing the trivalent form of citrate at physiological pH, and exhibits a lower affinity for succinate.
Therapeutic significance:
The protein's involvement in Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 25, with amelogenesis imperfecta, underscores its clinical importance. Understanding the role of Na(+)/citrate cotransporter could open doors to potential therapeutic strategies for this severe neurological disorder, offering hope for targeted interventions.
