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Published on: December 11, 2016
Structural genomics: the ultimate approach for rational drug design
1Flamel Technologies, 33, Avenue du Georges Levy, 69693 Venisseux, France. lundstrom@flamel.com
Molecular Biotechnology
|December 19, 2006
Summary
Structural genomics aims to determine protein structures rapidly. Despite challenges with membrane proteins, structural genomics networks are crucial for advancing drug discovery targeting these vital biological molecules.
Area of Science:
- Structural biology
- Genomics
- Drug discovery
Background:
- Structural genomics accelerates structure-based drug design.
- Integral membrane proteins are difficult to express, purify, and crystallize.
- Few membrane protein structures exist despite their importance as drug targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the challenges in structural genomics for membrane proteins.
- To emphasize the need for improved structural knowledge of membrane proteins for drug design.
- To introduce the establishment of structural genomics networks to overcome these hurdles.
Main Methods:
- Large-scale parallel structural biology approaches.
- Analysis of existing membrane protein structure databases.
- Establishment of collaborative structural genomics networks.
Main Results:
- Limited success in determining high-resolution structures of membrane proteins.
- Membrane proteins constitute a significant proportion (60-70%) of drug targets.
- Networks are being formed to enhance membrane protein structure resolution.
Conclusions:
- Overcoming technical challenges in membrane protein structural biology is critical.
- Enhanced structural data for membrane proteins will significantly benefit drug discovery.
- Structural genomics networks are essential for advancing this field.
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