Development of novel high sensitivity cellular assays to complement artificial-intelligence-based rational design of small molecule protein inhibitors

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The development of specific small molecules that can modify or inhibit certain proteins represents critically important technology for many sectors, with applications ranging from drug compounds in the biomedical sector to small molecule inhibitors for use in industrial chemical manufacture. The identification of small molecule inhibitors or modifiers of protein function has to date been performed by resource-intensive processes involving screening of large libraries of chemical compounds in the laboratory. Cyclica Inc. has developed groundbreaking new artificial intelligence technology that allows rational drug design by the screening of interactions between small molecules and proteins in silico, at a fraction of the cost of laboratory screening assays. Cyclica Inc. now seeks a partnership with Dr. Costin Antonescu at Ryerson University and support in the form of this NSERC Engage grant to develop novel, highly sensitive laboratory cell-based assays to complement its existing molecular design pipeline. These new assays will allow assessment of the activity of the in silico designed small molecules on protein and cellular function in vitro. Moreover, these assays will allow assessment of the action of the small molecules on large numbers of individual cells in real time, as will be highly sensitive and represent cutting-edge, next generation transformative technology for Cyclica Inc. This represents a significant advancement and a large competitive for advantage Cyclica Inc., and as such an opportunity for this Canadian company to lead and to create high-level research and marketing positions.****