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 Histone chaperone ASF1A 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 Histone chaperone ASF1A 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 Histone chaperone ASF1A, 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 Histone chaperone ASF1A. 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 Histone chaperone ASF1A. 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 Histone chaperone ASF1A 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.
Histone chaperone ASF1A
partner:
Reaxense
upacc:
Q9Y294
UPID:
ASF1A_HUMAN
Alternative names:
Anti-silencing function protein 1 homolog A; CCG1-interacting factor A
Alternative UPACC:
Q9Y294; Q6IA08; Q9P014
Background:
Histone chaperone ASF1A, also known as Anti-silencing function protein 1 homolog A and CCG1-interacting factor A, plays a pivotal role in nucleosome assembly and disassembly. It facilitates histone deposition, exchange, and removal, cooperating with chromatin assembly factor 1 (CAF-1) and HIRA for chromatin assembly. ASF1A is crucial in homologous recombination-mediated repair of double-strand breaks at stalled or collapsed replication forks by mediating histone replacement, leading to recruitment of the MMS22L-TONSL complex and RAD51 loading. It also aids in the nuclear import of the histone H3-H4 dimer, recognizing specific histone modifications.
Therapeutic significance:
Understanding the role of Histone chaperone ASF1A could open doors to potential therapeutic strategies.