alterlab-diffdock

Predict protein-ligand binding poses and confidence scores via diffusion-model docking.

58|9|Updated Mar 16, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/AlterLab-IEU/AlterLab-Academic-Skills --skill alterlab-diffdock
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: alterlab-diffdock
Source: https://github.com/AlterLab-IEU/AlterLab-Academic-Skills/tree/main/skills/cheminformatics/alterlab-diffdock
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/AlterLab-IEU/AlterLab-Academic-Skills --skill alterlab-diffdock

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires pandas, rdkit, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) and assets (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This DiffDock-based skill provides a diffusion-model workflow to predict 3D protein-ligand binding poses and associated confidence scores, enabling structure-based interpretation and downstream rescoring.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Pose prediction: generate candidate binding poses for protein targets and ligands (SMILES or structure files)
  • Confidence scoring: output per-pose confidence estimates to prioritize plausible bindings
  • Batch docking & ensembles: handle single and multi-complex docking, including protein conformation ensembles
  • Use Case: evaluate a library of ligands against a target protein to identify high-confidence poses for experimental follow-up

Quick Start

Run a docking workflow by providing a protein (PDB or sequence) and a ligand (SMILES or structure) to generate pose predictions and confidence scores.

Frequently Asked Questions about alterlab-diffdock

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I predict protein-ligand binding poses from a SMILES string and protein sequence?

This workflow predicts protein-ligand binding poses by accepting a protein PDB or sequence and a ligand SMILES string, then executing a diffusion-model docking workflow to output candidate 3D poses and confidence scores.

Can I batch dock multiple ligands against a single protein target?

Yes, batch docking handles protein-ligand pose prediction for multiple complexes. You can evaluate a library of ligands against a target protein to identify high-confidence binding poses for experimental follow-up.

Do I need PyTorch and RDKit installed to run molecular docking with a diffusion model?

Yes, molecular docking with this diffusion model requires a configured environment with Python, PyTorch, RDKit, and DiffDock checkpoints installed to execute the protein-ligand binding pose prediction workflow.

What is diffusion-based docking and how does it generate docking poses?

Diffusion-based docking is a method that predicts 3D protein-ligand binding poses by applying a diffusion model to generate candidate conformations, outputting per-pose confidence scores to prioritize plausible bindings.

How does confidence scoring work for molecular docking poses?

Confidence scoring for molecular docking poses outputs per-pose estimates to prioritize plausible bindings, allowing you to filter candidate protein-ligand complexes generated by the diffusion model for experimental follow-up.

Can I use protein conformation ensembles for structure-based docking predictions?

Yes, structure-based docking predictions support protein conformation ensembles. The diffusion-model workflow handles single and multi-complex docking across PDBs, SMILES, and protein sequences generated via ESMFold.