Recep Adiyaman
Research Vision

From Static Snapshots to Dynamic Ensembles

Transforming protein structure prediction from static snapshots to dynamic ensembles for de novo design and drug discovery.

Simulation: The Breathing Protein

Proteins are not static statues. They vibrate, shift, and breathe. Hover over the visualization to trigger a conformational shift—simulating the transition from a closed (inactive) to an open (active) state.

Ensemble State A
Ensemble State B
State A (Closed)
State B (Open)
Static Structure
Steric Clash Revealed
1

Limitations of Rigid-Body Assumptions

Conventional algorithms rely on static crystal structures, ignoring thermodynamic fluctuations.

This leads to false negatives in mutation impact analysis, as steric clashes and entropy changes are overlooked.

2

Enhanced Sampling & Ensemble Generation

We integrate Deep Learning Potentials with Molecular Dynamics (MD).

By generating Boltzmann-weighted ensembles, we capture the full conformational landscape, revealing transient states critical for function.

Pocket Closed
Pocket Open & Bound
3

Cryptic Pocket Identification & Ligand Docking

We identify cryptic allosteric sites that only open in specific conformational states.

This facilitates the rational design of small molecules for "undruggable" targets and the engineering of de novo enzymes with novel catalytic functions.

BS HF DK