RESEARCH: CANCER
FOLDING PROJECT #18710 PROFILE

Scientists are testing a new computer model called FPOP to find promising cancer treatments. They're using it on beta-lactamase TEM-1, a well-studied protein, and sharing all the data publicly. This project is a partnership between Folding@home and Roivant Sciences.

Here we are collecting data to test a new experimental reweighting method called FPOP (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6690683/) fot use in modeling of new cancer target hits.

The protein running is the old friend, beta-lactamase TEM-1, for which plenty of experimental data exists. This is a project run by Roivant Sciences (formerly Silicon Therapeutics) as was officially announced in this press release: https://foldingathome.org/2021/04/20/maximizing-the-impact-of-foldinghome-by-engaging-industry-collaborators/ All data is being made publicly available as soon as it is received at https://console.cloud.google.com/storage/browser/stxfah-bucket.

FPOP

Experimental reweighting method for protein modeling

FPOP stands for Fold-Protein Optimization Protocol. It's a new technique being used to improve the accuracy of computer models predicting how proteins fold. This is important for drug discovery, as understanding how proteins fold can help scientists design drugs that interact with them more effectively.

beta-lactamase

An enzyme that breaks down beta-lactam antibiotics

Beta-lactamase is an enzyme produced by some bacteria that allows them to resist the effects of certain antibiotics, called beta-lactams. These antibiotics work by interfering with the construction of bacterial cell walls. Beta-lactamases break down the beta-lactam ring in these antibiotics, rendering them ineffective.

TEM-1

A type of beta-lactamase enzyme

TEM-1 is a specific type of beta-lactamase enzyme, commonly found in bacteria like Escherichia coli. It's known for its ability to break down various beta-lactam antibiotics, leading to antibiotic resistance.

Roivant Sciences

A biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new therapies

Roivant Sciences is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to accelerating the development of new drugs. They use innovative approaches and technologies to bring promising treatments to patients faster. Their projects often involve collaborations with academic institutions and other industry partners.

Silicon Therapeutics

A former name for Roivant Sciences

Silicon Therapeutics was the previous name for Roivant Sciences. They rebranded to Roivant Sciences as they expanded their operations and focus.