Target selection for structural genomics of infectious diseases

Area of Science:

• Structural biology
• Infectious diseases
• Drug discovery

Background:

• Identifying novel protein targets is crucial for developing new treatments against infectious diseases.
• Existing methods for target identification often require integration of diverse data sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe protocols for identifying, filtering, and annotating potential protein targets from infectious disease-causing organisms.
• To provide a comprehensive guide for researchers in the field of structural genomics for infectious diseases.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing computational approaches for mining public databases and assessing protein structure determination status.
• Employing manual strategies, including literature review for protein biological roles and knockout experiments.
• Describing in-house tools developed for the Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases where public tools are unavailable.

Main Results:

• Established protocols for systematic identification and characterization of potential protein targets.
• Integration of computational and manual methods for robust target validation.
• Availability of described protocols for the research community.

Conclusions:

• The described protocols offer a robust framework for identifying and prioritizing protein targets in infectious disease research.
• Combining computational and experimental approaches enhances the efficiency and accuracy of target selection.
• These methods support the broader goal of structural genomics for combating infectious diseases.