diffdock

Predict 3D protein-ligand binding poses and confidence scores with diffusion models.

15|2|Updated Dec 17, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/rubensliv/k-dense-ai --skill diffdock-rubensliv
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: diffdock
Source: https://github.com/rubensliv/k-dense-ai/tree/main/scientific-skills/diffdock
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/rubensliv/k-dense-ai --skill diffdock-rubensliv

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires pandas, rdkit, numpy, scipy, pytorch_lightning, biopython, PyYAML, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) and assets (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

DiffDock addresses the challenge of generating accurate 3D protein-ligand binding poses along with model-generated confidence scores, streamlining structure-based docking workflows and reducing manual pose exploration.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Diffusion-based docking for predicting 3D ligand poses in protein binding sites.
  • Supports protein inputs as PDB files or sequences via ESMFold, and ligand inputs as SMILES or structure files (SDF/MOL2).
  • Single-complex docking, batch docking, and virtual screening workflows.
  • Generates per-pose confidence scores and enables ensemble and downstream rescoring with GNINA, MM/GBSA, or related tools.
  • Guidance on environment setup, parameter tuning, and integration with downstream analyses.

Quick Start

Run the inference module with your protein input (PDB or sequence) and a ligand (SMILES or file) to generate poses and 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 binding poses using diffusion models?

Predict protein-ligand binding poses by running DiffDock inference with a protein PDB file or sequence and a ligand SMILES or SDF/MOL2 file. The workflow generates 3D pose files and per-pose confidence scores for structure-based docking analysis.

Can I run batch virtual screening with a protein sequence and SMILES inputs?

Yes, batch virtual screening is supported using protein sequences via ESMFold and ligand inputs as SMILES. The workflow processes multiple complexes to generate 3D poses and confidence scores suitable for downstream analysis.

What is the best way to rescore DiffDock poses with GNINA or MM/GBSA?

Rescore DiffDock poses by feeding the generated 3D pose files and protein structures into GNINA, MM/GBSA, or open-source energy calculation tools. This downstream rescoring validates the predicted ligand poses using independent scoring functions.

Does DiffDock support generating protein structures from sequences for molecular docking?

Yes, DiffDock supports protein inputs as sequences by utilizing ESMFold to generate the required protein structures. This allows molecular docking workflows when only the protein sequence is available instead of a PDB file.

Do I need PyTorch Lightning and RDKit installed for diffusion-based molecular docking?

Yes, diffusion-based molecular docking requires PyTorch Lightning, RDKit, BioPython, and Pandas to operate. These dependencies handle the neural network inference, molecular parsing, and structural data processing.

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

DiffDock confidence scores provide model-generated estimates for pose prediction reliability but are not absolute binding affinities. Downstream rescoring with GNINA or MM/GBSA is recommended to rigorously evaluate virtual screening hits.