Bioinformatics 2018: Targeting Autophagy ULK1 Ser/thr Protein Kinase Through Network Analysis and E-Pharmacophore Modeling, Molecular Dynamics Simulation Approach

Anantha Krishnan Dhanabalan

Abstract

A key mechanism that allows eukaryotic cells to survive nutrient starvation is the catabolic process known as autophagy. ULK1/Atg1 is that the only serine/threonine kinase within the core autophagy pathway and thus represents a superb drug target. The role of ULK1/Atg1 kinase in autophagy activation is well established and projected as a crucial rug target for various diseases. This work aimed to identify the gene function and identify suitable, high affinity small molecule inhibitor against ULK1/ Atg1 using pharmacophore modeling and simulations studies.