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Whole cell assays in screening for biologically active substances
1Department of Biomolecular Discovery, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, King of Prussia, PA 19406.
Current Opinion in Biotechnology
|February 1, 1993
Summary
New recombinant cell-based assays are identifying lead compounds for cellular processes like transactivation and signaling. These whole-cell assays offer advantages over traditional methods using purified macromolecules.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Recombinant cell-based assays have advanced significantly.
- Mechanism-based whole-cell assays are emerging as powerful tools.
- Subcellular assays with purified macromolecules have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight recent developments in recombinant cell-based assays.
- To showcase the utility of whole-cell assays in identifying lead compounds.
- To emphasize the advantages of cell-based systems over purified macromolecule systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing mechanism-based whole-cell assays.
- Focusing on inhibitors of cellular processes such as transactivation and signaling.
- Comparing cell-based systems with subcellular assay systems.
Main Results:
- Lead compounds are being identified using these novel assays.
- Cellular processes like transactivation and signaling can be effectively targeted.
- Recombinant cell-based assays demonstrate efficacy in lead compound discovery.
Conclusions:
- Recombinant cell-based assays represent a significant advancement in drug discovery.
- Whole-cell assays provide a valuable platform for targeting complex cellular pathways.
- These assays offer practical advantages for a wide range of biological targets.