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Identification of Small Molecule-binding Proteins in a Native Cellular Environment by Live-cell Photoaffinity Labeling
Published on: September 20, 2016
Chemical genetics-based target identification in drug discovery.
Feng Cong1, Atwood K Cheung, Shih-Min A Huang
1Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA. feng.cong@novartis.com
Chemical genetics offers an unbiased approach to discovering new drug targets by screening entire pathways. Reliable methods for identifying the specific targets of small molecules are crucial for realizing its full potential in drug discovery.
Area of Science:
- Drug discovery and chemical genetics
- Target identification and validation
Background:
- Identifying novel drug targets is essential for modern drug discovery.
- Chemical genetics provides an unbiased phenotypic screening approach to identify drug-sensitive nodes within signaling pathways.
- A major challenge is identifying the specific molecular targets of small-molecule probes used in chemical genetics screens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the essential elements of the chemical genetics process.
- To discuss challenges faced in chemical genetics target identification.
- To review biochemical and genetic methods for target deconvolution and provide practical perspectives.
Main Methods:
- Review of biochemical and genetic approaches for target deconvolution.
- Analysis of the chemical genetics screening process.
- Discussion of common challenges and lessons learned.
Main Results:
- Chemical genetics enables efficient and unbiased screening of entire molecular pathways.
- Target identification remains a significant hurdle for realizing the potential of chemical genetics.
- Various biochemical and genetic techniques have been developed for target deconvolution.
Conclusions:
- Reliable target identification mechanisms are vital for advancing chemical genetics.
- Addressing challenges in target deconvolution will facilitate the broader application of chemical genetics.
- This review provides a practical perspective to advance the field of chemical genetics.
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