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Mapping the global landscape of molecular glues in drug discovery: a bibliometric analysis from 2010 to 2024
Sonali Labhade1,2, Ritesh Bhole3,4, Pawan Karwa3,5
1Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pune, 411018, Maharashtra, India. sonali.labhade@dypvp.edu.in.
Abstract:
Molecular glues are an emerging class of small molecules that reprogram protein-protein interactions (PPIs), often by recruiting E3 ubiquitin ligases to neosubstrates, leading to targeted protein degradation. This bibliometric analysis systematically maps the molecular glue research landscape between 2010 and 2024, using the Dimensions database and visualization tools (VOSviewer and Bibliometrix). After screening, a curated set of 2491 publications was analyzed to assess trends in annual growth, geographic distribution, institutional output, author networks, and thematic hotspots. Results show rapid post-2020 expansion, driven by advances in structural biology, chemoproteomics, and computational design. The USA and China dominate in both productivity and collaboration networks, with European nations acting as strategic bridges and emerging contributors such as India, Japan, and South Korea showing thematic specialization. Beyond oncology-the dominant field-applications are expanding into neurodegenerative, inflammatory, and infectious diseases. Distinctive features of this study include pharmacology-focused tagging of E3 ligases (e.g., CRBN, DCAF15, RNF114), neosubstrates (IKZF1/3, RBM39, BRD4), and translational signals (clinical-phase and patient-linked studies). By capturing 2024 publications and providing therapeutic and mechanistic stratifications, this analysis complements earlier bibliometric studies and highlights opportunities for global collaboration, disease diversification, and translational development of molecular glues.
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