KinasePred: A Computational Tool for Small-Molecule Kinase Target Prediction
Authors:
- Miriana Di StefanoMSMiriana Di Stefano
- Lisa PiazzaLPLisa Piazza
- Clarissa PolesCPClarissa Poles
- Salvatore GalatiSGSalvatore Galati
- Carlotta GranchiCGCarlotta Granchi
- Antonio GiordanoAntonio Giordano
- Luca CampisiLCLuca Campisi
- Marco MacchiaMMMarco Macchia
- Giulio PoliGiulio Poli
- Tiziano TuccinardiTiziano Tuccinardi
Open Access
- 27 February 2025
- journal article
- research article
- Published by MDPI AG in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
- Vol. 26 (5) , 2157
Abstract
Protein kinases are key regulators of cellular processes and critical therapeutic targets in diseases like cancer, making them a focal point for drug discovery efforts. In this context, we developed KinasePred, a robust computational workflow that combines machine learning and explainable artificial intelligence to predict the kinase activity of small molecules while providing detailed insights into the structural features driving ligand-target interactions. Our kinase-family predictive tool demonstrated significant performance, validated through virtual screening, where it successfully identified six kinase inhibitors. Target-focused operational models were subsequently developed to refine target-specific predictions, enabling the identification of molecular determinants of kinase selectivity. This integrated framework not only accelerates the screening and identification of kinase-targeting compounds but also supports broader applications in target identification, polypharmacology studies, and off-target effect analysis, providing a versatile tool for streamlining the drug discovery process.Keywords
Funding Information
- National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)
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