Targeting protein-protein interactions with low molecular weight and short peptide modulators: insights on disease pathways and starting points for drug discovery.

Journal: Expert opinion on drug discovery
PMID:

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) have been often considered undruggable targets although they are attractive for the discovery of new therapeutics. The spread of artificial intelligence and machine learning complemented with experimental methods is likely to change the perspectives of protein-protein modulator research. Noteworthy, some novel low molecular weight (LMW) and short peptide modulators of PPIs are already in clinical trials for the treatment of relevant diseases.

Authors

  • Daniela Trisciuzzi
    Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70125Bari, Italy.
  • Bruno O Villoutreix
    INSERM UMR 1141, Robert-Debré Hospital, Paris, France.
  • Lydia Siragusa
    Molecular Horizon S.R.l, Bettona, Italy.
  • Massimo Baroni
    Molecular Discovery Ltd, Kinetic Business Centre, Elstree, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, UK.
  • Gabriele Cruciani
    Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
  • Orazio Nicolotti
    Department of Pharmacy- Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.