Targeting Transcription Factors & Regulators
Small Molecule and Peptide Drugs to Modulate TF Structure, Function & Interactions
April 13, 2026 ALL TIMES PDT
Transcription factors (TFs) are proteins with DNA-binding domains that are involved in transcribing DNA into RNA. They are a subset of a larger group of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) that lack defined structure and binding pockets and are inherently “difficult to drug”. Targeting transcription factors involves preventing their binding with the DNA sequence, disrupting their interactions with other proteins and co-factors, or modulating the proteins and epigenetic regulators that are involved with their structure and function. This conference on Targeting Transcription Factors & Regulators brings together scientists who are working on innovative chemistries and technologies to develop inhibitors and activators of transcription factor-driven pathways for therapeutic intervention.

Monday, April 13

Pre-Conference Training Seminar & Symposium Registration

DISCOVERY OF NOVEL TARGETS & DRUG MODALITIES

Welcome Remarks

Chairperson's Remarks

Sherry Niessen, PhD, Vice President, Proteomics, Belharra Therapeutics , VP , Proteomics , Belharra Therapeutics

FEATURED PRESENTATION: Targeting the Hippo Pathway in Cancers

Photo of Anwesha Dey, PhD, Executive Director & Distinguished Scientist, Research Oncology, Genentech Inc. , Executive Director & Distinguished Scientist , Research Oncology , Genentech Inc
Anwesha Dey, PhD, Executive Director & Distinguished Scientist, Research Oncology, Genentech Inc. , Executive Director & Distinguished Scientist , Research Oncology , Genentech Inc

TEAD transcription factors (TEAD1–4) are key effectors of the Hippo signaling pathway and critical targets in cancer therapy. We investigated mechanisms underlying resistance to the pan-TEAD inhibitor GNE-7883. Our findings reveal that resistance is driven by upregulation of AP-1 transcription factors and reactivation of YAP–TEAD signaling. While acute GNE-7883 treatment disrupts YAP–TEAD binding and suppresses FOSL1 activity, resistant cells restore YAP/TEAD chromatin occupancy, gain additional FOSL1 binding, and display enhanced MAPK pathway activation. Importantly, FOSL1 is essential for YAP and TEAD chromatin association. This study uncovers a key crosstalk between the Hippo and MAPK pathways and suggests that MAPK pathway inhibition could help overcome resistance to TEAD-targeted therapies in Hippo-dependent cancers.

Native Regulome Profiling for AI-Guided Discovery of Transcription Factor Inhibitors

Photo of Alexander Federation, PhD, Co-Founder & CEO, Talus Bioscience , CoFounder & CEO , Talus Bioscience
Alexander Federation, PhD, Co-Founder & CEO, Talus Bioscience , CoFounder & CEO , Talus Bioscience

Native regulome profiling captures the complete landscape of chromatin-associated proteins in their natural context, quantifying transcription factors (TFs), cofactors, and chromatin machinery that regulate gene expression. Integrating these proteomic measurements with chemical perturbations and AI-driven modeling reveals how compounds reshape regulatory networks. This systems-level approach enables machine learning–guided discovery of small molecules that functionally modulate TF activity, unlocking new therapeutic opportunities across the previously “undruggable” regulome.

Development of RTX-117, an Inhibitor of the Integrated Stress Response, for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Photo of Sridhar Narayan, PhD, Vice President, ReviR Therapeutics , VP , ReviR Therapeutics
Sridhar Narayan, PhD, Vice President, ReviR Therapeutics , VP , ReviR Therapeutics

The cellular integrated stress response (ISR) enables cells to adapt to stressors and return to homeostasis. However, unresolved chronic ISR activation leads to cellular apoptosis and is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases. The ISR pathway signals through transcription factors ATF4, CHOP, GADD34, and ATF5, which determine cellular fate. Here, I will describe the discovery and development of RTX-117, an oral, brain-penetrant inhibitor of the ISR currently entering Phase 1 clinical trials. 

Networking Refreshment Break

Discovery and Optimization of a First-in-Class p300-Selective Oral Degrader Candidate

Photo of Susanta Samajdar, PhD, CSO, Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd. , Chief Scientific Officer , Drug Discovery , Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd
Susanta Samajdar, PhD, CSO, Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd. , Chief Scientific Officer , Drug Discovery , Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd

The p300-selective degrader candidate of represents a novel therapeutic strategy targeting epigenetic regulation in cancer. By selectively degrading the histone acetyltransferase p300, our molecule disrupts oncogenic transcriptional programs while sparing CBP, minimizing off-target effects like thrombocytopenea. Preclinical studies demonstrate potent antiproliferative activity in p300-dependent malignancies, including hematologic and solid tumors. The degrader exhibits favorable pharmacokinetics suitable for oral administration. Its mechanism of action offers a promising avenue for precision oncology, particularly in cancers with p300 over expression or dependency (e.g., CBP mutation). Ongoing optimization aims to enhance selectivity, bioavailability, and clinical translation potential.

Optimization of NRF2 Modulators Targeting the Kelch Domain of KEAP1

Photo of Terry Moore, PhD, Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago , Associate Professor , Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Illinois Chicago
Terry Moore, PhD, Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago , Associate Professor , Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Illinois Chicago

We describe efforts to optimize small-molecule NRF2 modulators that disrupt the interaction between NRF2 and the Kelch domain of KEAP1. Structure-guided design and SAR studies have led to improved potency and selectivity, enhancing NRF2 stabilization and downstream antioxidant responses. This work supports the development of therapeutics targeting oxidative stress-related diseases by modulating the KEAP1–NRF2 axis.

Small-Molecule Covalent Stabilization and Inhibition of TEAD•YAP1 Transcription Factor Activity in Cancer Cells

Photo of Samy O. Meroueh, PhD, Professor, Biochemistry; Member, Cancer Center Drug Discovery Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign , Professor , Biochemistry & Cancer Center Drug Discovery Program , University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Samy O. Meroueh, PhD, Professor, Biochemistry; Member, Cancer Center Drug Discovery Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign , Professor , Biochemistry & Cancer Center Drug Discovery Program , University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Here we report acrylamide small molecules that form a covalent bond with a conserved cysteine at the TEAD palmitate pocket. Binding studies showed profound stabilization of TEADs by the small molecules, and co-crystal structures reveal that the compounds mimic the binding mode of palmitate. In mammalian cells, the compounds stabilize the TEAD•YAP1 interaction yet reduce TEAD and YAP1 protein levels and inhibit TEAD transcription factor activity.

Close of Symposium

Dinner Short Courses*

*Premium Pricing or separate registration required. See Short Courses page for details.


For more details on the conference, please contact:
Tanuja Koppal, PhD
Senior Conference Director
Cambridge Healthtech Institute
Email: tkoppal@healthtech.com

For sponsorship information, please contact:
Kristin Skahan
Senior Business Development Manager
Cambridge Healthtech Institute
Phone: (+1) 781-972-5431
Email: kskahan@healthtech.com