Can protein structure prediction lead to new cancer treatments?
Yes, accurate prediction of protein structures can lead to the identification of novel drug targets. For example, if a predicted structure reveals a unique binding site on a cancer-related protein, researchers can design small molecules or antibodies to specifically target that site, potentially inhibiting the protein’s function and stopping cancer progression. This approach is the basis for developing targeted therapies, which are more effective and have fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments like chemotherapy.
