Innovative Biotech Solutions

Proteomes are the entire collection of proteins in an organism. Proteins are biomacromolecules that play essential roles in almost all cellular functions all domains of life. The ability of proteins to function properly is dependent on them adopting the correct three-dimensional structure. Proteins that adopt an incorrect structure are usually inactive and are said to be misfolded.

These misfolded proteins will often aggregate and trigger a response wherein they are degraded by the cell through the proteostasis network. One key component of this network is the Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS), which degrades proteins earmarked for degradation with ubiquitin. The malfunction of the UPS can result in the accumulation and aggregation of misfolded proteins. This can spell disaster for the cell, leading in cell death, aging, and neurodegenerative disease.

VLI Research is focused on identifying and manipulating these protein-degradation pathways by employing Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) and Molecular Glues (MGs). By capitalizing on the specificity and potency of these small molecules, VLI Research will induce degradation of target proteins that are implicated in aging, cancer, and other diseases where targeted protein degradation presents an opportunity for clinical treatment.