📅 Day 1: Macro-Molecular Modeling & Structural Integrity
- Core Objective: Generate high-confidence 3D macro-molecular structures and interpret deep-learning confidence metrics for structural validation.
- Curation of raw PDB files and fixing missing structural loops or gaps
- Running multi-entity complex predictions including Protein-DNA, Protein-RNA, and post-translational modifications
- Interpreting pLDDT, PAE, and ipTM matrices for confidence, domain positioning, and interface quality
- Quantitative structural validation and identifying structural strain before docking
🛠️ Hands-on:
- Hands-on Lab: Submit sequences to the AlphaFold 3 engine for multi-entity complex prediction and import the model into UCSF ChimeraX to highlight high-confidence and flexible regions
🧰 Tools Covered: AlphaFold 3 Server, UCSF ChimeraX
📅 Day 2: Virtual Screening & Target Docking Workflows
- Core Objective: Screen chemical libraries, apply drug-likeness filters, and map target-ligand binding interactions using docking workflows.
- Setting up high-throughput virtual screening workflows for large chemical datasets
- Applying ADMET filters and Lipinski’s Rule of 5 to remove unsuitable drug candidates
- Using DiffDock for global blind docking and AutoDock Vina for targeted active-site docking
- Understanding grid box parameterization and binding free energy calculation
🛠️ Hands-on:
- Hands-on Lab: Screen a target compound library against the validated Day 1 structural model and rank high-affinity lead molecules based on binding scores and orientation
🧰 Tools Covered: DiffDock, AutoDock Vina
📅 Day 3: Molecular Dynamics Trajectories & Manuscript Graphics
- Core Objective: Analyze molecular stability over time and generate clean, publication-ready structural biology visuals.
- Understanding system solvation, ion neutralization, and force-field assignment steps
- Reading and interpreting RMSD, RMSF, and hydrogen bond stability over time
- Plotting 2D and 3D non-bonded interaction networks
- Creating surface hydrophobicity meshes and structural interaction graphics
- Reporting AI-generated data in manuscripts and addressing reviewer comments
🛠️ Hands-on:
- Hands-on Lab: Analyze MD trajectory outputs and prepare publication-ready molecular interaction graphics
🧰 Tools Covered: GROMACS, PyMOL