Weiru Wang
Executive Director - Protein Sciences & Structural Biology Frontier Medicines
Seminars
Thursday 5th February 2026
Panel Discussion: How Do We Push the Boundaries in Structure-Based Drug Design? What’s Next & What’s Needed?
9:00 am
As the toolbox of techniques and modalities continues to expand, structure-based drug design is at a crossroads. This interactive panel invites the audience and expert panellists to reflect on the most pressing challenges, biggest opportunities, and future directions to maximize the impact of structural insights on drug discovery.
Key Discussion Points:
- What are the key bottlenecks still limiting the impact of SBDD (resolution, dynamics, integration, translation to clinic)?
- Which emerging tools (AI, cryo-ET, integrative modelling, real-time structural methods) will reshape the field in the next 5 years?
- How can we bridge the gap between structural data and actionable design decisions for both small molecules and biologics?
- What collaborations, technologies, or standards are still needed to make SBDD more predictive and accessible?
Thursday 5th February 2026
Expanding the E3 Ligase Toolbox: Structural Validation of DCAF2 as a Novel Adaptor for Targeted Protein Degradation
11:00 am
- Reveal high-resolution cryo-EM structures of the DCAF2:DDB1:DDA1 complex to elucidate ligand binding and substrate recruitment mechanisms
- Demonstrate covalent fragment engagement of C141 and degrader-mediated ternary complex formation driving BRD4 ubiquitination and degradation
- Discuss how structural and functional validation of DCAF2 expands the usable E3 ligase repertoire for next-generation molecular glue and degrader design
