AI is revolutionising how we approach protein structure problems. The recent release of RFdiffusion allows accurate design of artificial proteins with novel functionalities (Watson Nature 2023). We have recently established RFdiffusion at WEHI to design proteins that modulate cell fate.
Apoptosis is the principal programmed cell death pathway. Defective apoptosis contributes to a range of diseases including cancer, and degenerative diseases. We are interested in the BCL-2 protein family that regulate mitochondrial apoptosis (Czabotar Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol. 2023). This project will will use RFdiffusion to design novel BAK protein binders that modulate apoptosis.
This project will suit students with an interest in protein structure and function. It will provide exposure to various techniques including protein crystallography, protein-ligand interaction analysis, and protein design.
