#22. Molecular Glue Degraders

This episode introduces molecular glue degraders (MGDs), an exciting class of targeted protein degraders that catalytically eliminate disease-causing proteins, including those once considered “undruggable.” We explain how MGDs function by promoting proximity between E3 ligases and target proteins, triggering their destruction via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The conversation highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in accelerating MGD discovery—ranging from virtual screening and generative drug design to structural modeling of ternary complexes and phenotypic screening analysis. Finally, the episode explores therapeutic opportunities in cancer, neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and infectious diseases, underscoring how AI is unlocking a powerful new drug development frontier. Produced by Dr. Jake Chen.