Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026

A Screening Method for Identification of Heterochromatin-Promoting Drugs Using Drosophila
Published on: March 12, 2020
Label-free target identification in drug discovery via phenotypic screening
Hankum Park1, Jaeyoung Ha2, Seung Bum Park3
1CRI Center for Chemical Proteomics, Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Phenotypic screening has demonstrated its advantage in the discovery of first-in-class therapeutics, whereas target-based screening has showed strength for follower drugs. Owing to the unbiased nature of phenotypic screening, novel druggable proteins can be uncovered by target identification. Chemical label-free target identification methods can eliminate the functionalization step of an original bioactive compound. Herein, we summarize recent advances in the development of label-free target identification methods, which are based on changes in protein stability against proteolysis, and chemical and thermal denaturation. Owing to the increasing application of shift in thermal stability for protein analysis in live cells and tissues, we mainly focus on the cellular stability shift assay and its proteome-wide application for target identification.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Discovery: Overview
Targets for Drug Action: Overview
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...
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Labeling Emotion
Genetic Screens
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which...
Methods of Classification and Identification

