About this Research Topic
The venture of structure-based design aims to decode and influence the mechanisms of action for active compounds. Analyzing the three-dimensional configurations of protein-ligand complexes provides an understanding of how these interactions modulate the function of the target protein. Moreover, structure-based virtual screening has advanced as a prominent computational technique, enabling the assessment of vast libraries of compounds for their binding capabilities. This screening facilitates the identification of lead compounds that exhibit both high selectivity and affinity, including the discovery of allosteric modulators that offer the advantage of targeting protein functions without competing with natural ligands.
To delimit the investigation of structure-based design in drug discovery, this article collection seeks to focus on strategic computational approaches and innovative methods, while also emphasizing the efficacy and safety assessment of potential therapeutics. Specifically, the scope includes:
Exploration of transient pocket targeting and allosteric site identification to enhance the precision in hitting therapeutic targets.
Utilization of advanced ADMET prediction and molecular dynamics simulations to refine the safety profiles and binding efficacy of candidates.
In-depth analysis using MM/PBSA methods to quantify the binding energy of ligands, thus providing insights into their potential as lead compounds.
We welcome contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:
Molecular docking and virtual screening for lead compound identification.
Allosteric and transient pocket identification for hit optimization.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic predictions to assess drug behavior.
Molecular dynamics simulation for in-depth study of compound interactions.
Comprehensive binding energy calculations to evaluate compound efficacy.
Keywords: protein modeling, binding site prediction, molecular docking, virtual screening, ADMET prediction, molecular dynamics simulation, binding energy calculation
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.