Using Transcriptomics and Cell Morphology Data in Drug Discovery: The Long Road to Practice.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Genomics
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Gene expression and cell morphology data are high-dimensional biological readouts.
• These data describe biological systems in various states, including healthy, diseased, and compound-treated conditions.
• They are valuable for drug discovery, enabling the matching of biological spaces and characterization of compound efficacy and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in utilizing gene expression and cell morphology data for drug discovery and repurposing.
• To identify current limitations and future directions for enhancing the application of these data.
• To emphasize the need for a clearer understanding of the applicability domain and decision-making relevance of biological readouts.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature and advancements.
• Focus on applied drug discovery and drug repurposing strategies.
• Analysis of the utility and limitations of high-dimensional biological data.

Main Results:

• Gene expression and cell morphology data are increasingly utilized in drug discovery and repurposing.
• These datasets facilitate the characterization of compounds concerning efficacy and safety endpoints.
• The applicability domain and decision-making relevance of these readouts require further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Recent advancements have enhanced the use of gene expression and cell morphology data in drug discovery.
• Further research is crucial to define the scope and reliability of these biological readouts for practical applications.
• A clearer understanding of applicability domains will improve decision-making in drug development and repurposing.