Ligands

A critical functional component in PROTAC (Proteolysis Targeting Chimera) molecules, typically comprising a small molecule designed to bind specifically to the target protein of interest (POI). This ligand determines the selectivity and affinity for the intended protein substrate, enabling its recruitment to the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex for subsequent ubiquitination and degradation. Ligands can be derived from known inhibitors, agonists, or allosteric modulators, covering a wide range of target classes including kinases, nuclear receptors, and transcriptional regulators.