Sharing Patterns Between Proteins and Exploring Possible Drug Interactions

Due to the nature of amino acids that make up proteins, it is possible to detect small patterns within their sequence. Some of these sequences have been identified as motifs, characterized by defined signatures that are shared across different proteins. In this study, patterns are defined as short amino acid sequences that are commonly found among proteins involved in various types of cancer. The focus of this research is on the localization of such patterns in ALDH2, which is used as a reference protein because it is known to be inhibited by disulfiram. Disulfiram, originally used to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD), has been repurposed for the treatment of lung cancer. Analyzing shared patterns can help identify common protein structures and may assist in locating potential binding cavities and interaction sites. Moreover, it can improve our understanding of how closely related or structurally similar proteins might also be affected by certain drugs. This approach could offer a new perspective on drug specificity and targeting strategies in the context of disease.