diffdock

Generate protein-ligand docking poses with diffusion models and confidence scores.

21|1|Updated Mar 19, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/OwnLabAI/ownlab --skill diffdock-ownlabai
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: diffdock
Source: https://github.com/OwnLabAI/ownlab/tree/main/mart/skills/scientific-skills/diffdock
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/OwnLabAI/ownlab --skill diffdock-ownlabai

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

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

What problem does it solve?

DiffDock provides a method to predict plausible protein-ligand binding poses from structural inputs, delivering 3D pose coordinates and per-pose confidence scores while not estimating binding affinity.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Diffusion-based docking to generate ligand poses within protein binding sites.
  • Supports inputs as PDB (protein) and SMILES or structure files for ligands; enables batch/differential docking and ensemble docking.
  • Integrates with downstream rescoring and refinement workflows (e.g., GNINA, MM/GBSA) for affinity assessment in structure-based drug design and virtual screening.

Quick Start

Run a docking job by supplying a protein PDB and a ligand SMILES, then inspect the top poses and their confidence scores.

Frequently Asked Questions about diffdock

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I predict protein-ligand docking poses from a PDB file and a SMILES string?

To predict protein-ligand docking poses, supply a protein PDB and ligand SMILES as inputs. The diffusion models generate 3D binding configurations and output multiple docking poses with corresponding per-pose confidence scores.

What is diffusion-based molecular docking and how does it generate binding configurations?

Diffusion-based molecular docking uses diffusion models to predict 3D binding configurations between proteins and ligands. It generates multiple plausible ligand poses within the binding site and assigns per-pose confidence scores for evaluation.

Can I run batch molecular docking or ensemble docking for multiple ligand structures?

Yes, you can run batch molecular docking and ensemble docking. The workflow accepts multiple protein inputs and ligand structures, enabling differential and ensemble docking to generate 3D binding configurations at scale.

Do I need a pre-folded protein structure or can I use a protein sequence for molecular docking?

You do not need a pre-folded structure for molecular docking; you can use a protein sequence. The workflow supports optional protein folding via ESMFold to generate the required 3D structures before predicting docking poses.

Does diffusion-based molecular docking estimate protein-ligand binding affinity?

No, diffusion-based molecular docking does not estimate binding affinity. It predicts 3D binding configurations and provides confidence scores, which require integration with downstream rescoring workflows like GNINA or MM/GBSA for affinity assessment.

What are the limitations of using confidence scores for virtual screening?

Confidence scores evaluate docking pose plausibility but cannot estimate binding affinity during virtual screening. You must use downstream rescoring and refinement workflows like GNINA or MM/GBSA to assess affinity and validate the predicted 3D binding configurations.