Novel Therapeutic Candidates for Rare Cancer (MPNST) via Targeting the Galectin-1/Ras Pathway Using AI-Guided Drug Desig

Overview

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are a rare and aggressive cancer that develops from nerve tissues, affecting about 1 in 100,000 people. These tumors are difficult to remove because they grow along nerves and often return or spread. About 30–70% of patients experience recurrence, and 30–60% develop metastasis, which leads to low 5-year survival rates (23–69%). There are currently no FDA-approved targeted treatments for MPNST, which creates an urgent need for new therapies. Previous research shows that the interaction between two proteins, Ras and Galectin-1, plays an important role in tumor growth. A compound called LLS30 can block this interaction and reduce tumor growth, which suggests that this pathway is a promising target for treatment. In this project, we developed new drug candidates designed to block the Galectin-1/Ras interaction. We introduced original molecular designs with stronger predicted binding to the target site compared to existing compounds. Computational tools were used to support the design and evaluation process. This project presents a new strategy and new candidate molecules that could help lead to more effective treatments for MPNST in the future.

Competition history

• CSEF 2026 Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology (Junior Division) · Entry J-04-18

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