1 week ago
AI Helps Target ‘Undruggable’ Protein in Pancreatic Cancer
Scientists are studying a protein called GIPC1 that can help some cancer cells grow and spread.
It is found in high amounts in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer.
GIPC1 has been difficult to target because it connects with many other proteins.
Mayo Clinic and Sravathi AI Technology used artificial intelligence to search for a molecule that could block it.
They examined about 40,000 possible molecules and eventually chose one called GIPCi.
Tests so far have included laboratory research and animal trials.
The study suggests that GIPCi may slow tumour growth and improve chemotherapy response in research models.
However, the findings are still preclinical and do not show that the treatment is safe or effective in people.
Researchers estimate human use could be about three years away if further studies are successful.
Mayo Clinic and Bengaluru-based Sravathi AI Technology co-developed a molecule targeting the GIPC1 protein.
The candidate, called GIPCi, targets GIPC1’s PDZ domain, which has been difficult to address with conventional drugs.
Researchers narrowed about 40,000 molecules to five candidates, synthesizing and testing two before selecting the final candidate.
The work used generative AI, predictive AI, molecular modeling, and quantum chemistry to assess drug properties and binding.
The findings are preclinical; if further research supports human use, the treatment could potentially be available in about three years.
- Who
- Mayo Clinic and Bengaluru-based Sravathi AI Technology, with researchers including Mayo Clinic Florida’s Debabrata Mukhopadhyay.
- What
- They identified and studied GIPCi, a small-molecule inhibitor designed to target the GIPC1 protein’s PDZ domain.
- Where
- The collaboration involved Mayo Clinic in the United States and Sravathi AI Technology in Bengaluru.
- When
- Sravathi AI began the discovery work in 2023 and completed its research in about five months; the findings were later published in Cell Reports.
- Why
- GIPC1 is overproduced in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and is linked to tumour growth and chemotherapy resistance, but its structure has made it difficult to target.
Key facts
- Target protein
- GIPC1, a signalling protein associated with cancer growth in certain circumstances.
- Candidate molecule
- GIPCi, a selective small-molecule inhibitor targeting GIPC1’s PDZ domain.
- Cancer focus
- Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, or PDAC, the most common and aggressive type of exocrine pancreatic cancer.
- Reported survival rate
- The article states that PDAC has a five-year survival rate under 13.3%.
- AI-assisted screening
- Researchers started with about 40,000 molecules and narrowed them to five candidates.
- Research status
- The findings are preclinical, and Mayo Clinic has continued research including animal trials.
- Potential timeline
- According to Sravathi AI founder Gurram Kishan, human use could be possible in about three years if the treatment proves suitable.
Quotes
Debabrata Mukhopadhyay
Senior author of the study and cancer researcher at Mayo Clinic Florida
“We started with around 40,000 molecules and progressively narrowed them down to five candidates, of which two were synthesised and tested. Generative AI helped us design the initial molecules, while predictive AI was used to assess properties such as toxicity and absorption.”
indianexpress.com
“Its PDZ domain interacts with multiple proteins through broad, shallow surfaces, making it difficult for conventional small molecules to bind effectively. It is also a signalling hub, so blocking one pathway may not be enough to stop the others that remain active.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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