Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

06:26
Nano-Differential Scanning Fluorimetry for Screening in Fragment-based Lead Discovery
Published on: May 16, 2021
5.7K
Diamond: shedding light on structure-based drug discovery.
David G Brown1, Elizabeth J Shotton2
1School of Biosciences, Stacey Building, and Argenta Structural Biology, Ingram Building, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK dave.brown@crl.com.
Summary
Structure-based drug design uses 3D protein structures to create new medicines. Crystallography and synchrotron radiation accelerate the discovery of potent and selective drug candidates.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Structure-based drug design (SBDD) is crucial for developing novel therapeutics.
- It relies on understanding the 3D structure of drug targets and potential drug molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the 3D structure of drug molecules bound to target proteins.
- To leverage structural information for optimizing drug properties like potency and selectivity.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing X-ray crystallography to determine high-resolution structures.
- Employing synchrotron radiation for faster and more detailed structural analysis.
Main Results:
- Identification of existing and potential interactions within protein binding sites.
- Informed improvements in drug molecule potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties.
Conclusions:
- SBDD, enhanced by advanced crystallography techniques, significantly impacts drug discovery.
- Accelerated structure determination leads to more efficient development of effective medicines.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Discovery: Overview
13.6K
Drug discovery is a multifaceted process involving extensive screening, testing, and optimization of lead compounds to identify potential new drugs for therapeutic use. It combines several approaches, including screening large numbers of natural products, chemical modification of known active molecules, identification of new drug targets, and rational design based on biological mechanisms and drug-receptor structure. These approaches are carried out in both academic research laboratories and...
13.6K
Structure-Activity Relationships and Drug Design
2.2K
Drug design is a dynamic field that involves discovering and developing new medications based on specific biological targets. This process heavily relies on structure-activity relationships (SAR) and quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) to guide the design and optimization of efficient drugs.
SAR studies the intricate relationship between a drug's chemical structure and biological activity. It focuses on understanding how modifications to a drug's structure can influence...
SAR studies the intricate relationship between a drug's chemical structure and biological activity. It focuses on understanding how modifications to a drug's structure can influence...
2.2K
Drug-Receptor Bonds
5.4K
Drug-receptor bonds are formed through various chemical forces when drugs interact with target cells. Covalent bonds, strong and irreversible, are exemplified by DNA-alkylating anticancer agents that inhibit cell division. However, such irreversible drug binding lacks selectivity and can modify the DNA of the surrounding healthy cells. Covalent binding often contributes to tissue toxicity, as seen with chloroform and paracetamol metabolites binding to the liver, causing hepatotoxicity.
In...
In...
5.4K
Targets for Drug Action: Overview
11.9K
Drugs target macromolecules to modify ongoing cellular processes. Primary drug targets include receptors, ion channels, transporters, and enzymes.
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...
11.9K
G Protein-coupled Receptors
20.1K
G Protein-Coupled Receptors or GPCRs are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to sensory stimuli such as light, odors, hormones, cytokines, or neurotransmitters.
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
20.1K

