Announcements
29 July 2026
Topics Webinar | Kinases, Cancer, Drugs and Artificial Intelligence, 10 August 2026
Today, we turn our focus to a field that has become central to modern oncology: the study and therapeutic targeting of protein kinases. Over the past two decades, kinases have emerged as one of the most clinically successful classes of drug targets in cancer. These enzymes act as critical molecular switches, governing a vast network of signaling pathways that control cell proliferation, survival, and metabolism. When dysregulated—whether through mutation, overexpression, or chromosomal translocation—kinases drive the hallmark behaviors of malignancy.
It is no exaggeration to say that the discovery of kinase inhibitors has transformed the therapeutic landscape. From the groundbreaking success of imatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia to the latest generation of highly selective ATP-competitive and allosteric inhibitors, we have seen how a deep understanding of kinase biology can translate into life-saving drugs. However, we are also acutely aware of the persistent challenges: acquired resistance, off-target toxicity, and the daunting complexity of kinase signaling networks. The question is no longer simply which kinase to target, but how to target it more intelligently, more selectively, and for the right patient at the right time.
This is where artificial intelligence enters the picture, and while much of our conversation will be anchored in kinase biology, we will explore how AI is beginning to accelerate drug discovery—from structure prediction to virtual screening. Yet let us be clear: biology remains the foundation. Our goal today is to ask how these powerful computational tools can help us navigate the complexity of the kinome and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Date: 10 August 2026 at 4:00 p.m. CEST | 10:00 a.m. EDT
Webinar ID: 889 3819 0599
Register now for free!
Program:
|
Speaker/Presentation |
Time in CEST |
Time in EDT |
|
Dr. Jonas Cicenas Chair Introduction |
4:00–4:10 p.m. |
10:00–10:10 a.m. |
|
Dr. Jonas Cicenas AI and Machine Learning in Kinase Inhibitor Development |
4:10–4:30 p.m. |
10:10–10:30 a.m. |
|
Prof. Dr. Lee M. Graves Applying Affinity Proteomics to Profile Kinome Dynamics and Inhibitor Specificity |
4:30–4:50 p.m. |
10:30–10:50 a.m. |
|
Dr. Eglė Žalytė Targeting Kinases in Gynecological Cancers: From Molecular Pathways to Clinical Practice |
4:50–5:10 p.m. |
10:50–11:10 a.m. |
|
Q&A Session |
5:10–5:25 p.m. |
11:10–11:25 a.m. |
|
Dr. Jonas Cicenas Closing of Webinar |
5:25–5:30 p.m. |
11:25–11:30 a.m. |
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar.
Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.
If you are unable to attend, please register anyway, and we will let you know when the recording is available to watch.
Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:
- Dr. Jonas Cicenas, 1 Faculty of Informatics, Engineering and Technologies, Kauno Kolegija Higher Education Institution, Lithuania; 2 SMK College of Applied Sciences, Kalvarijų, Lithuania; 3 UAB CDKjc, Kukučių, Lithuania;
- Prof. Dr. Lee M. Graves, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC;
- Dr. Eglė Žalytė, Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania.
Relevant Topics:
“Kinases in Cancer and Other Diseases, 2nd Edition”
Topic Editors: Dr. Jonas Cicenas and Dr. Anna M. Czarnecka
Abstract submission deadline: 31 July 2026
Manuscript submission deadline: 31 August 2026
“Kinases and GTPases in Cancer: The Role of Mutations and sRNAs”
Topic Editors: Dr. Jonas Cicenas and Prof. Dr. Lee M. Graves
Abstract submission deadline: 31 October 2027
Manuscript submission deadline: 31 December 2027
For more information about this webinar, please visit the following website:
https://sciforum.net/event/TOPICS-51.
If you have any questions about this event, please contact journal.webinar@mdpi.com.
Topics Webinar Secretariat
