Chemical Genomics |
This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison.
What is chemical genomics?
Chemogenomics, or chemical genomics, is the systematic screening of targeted chemical libraries of small molecules against individual drug target families (e.g., GPCRs, nuclear receptors, kinases, proteases, etc.) with the ultimate goal of identification of novel drugs and drug targets [1].
Chemical genetics employs diverse small-molecule compounds to elucidate biological processes in a manner analogous to the mutagenesis strategies at the core of classical genetics. Screening small-molecule libraries for compounds that induce a phenotype of interest represents the forward chemical genetic approach, whereas the reverse approach involves small molecules targeting a single protein [2].
What are the applications of chemical genomics?
The two main applications of chemical genomics is to identify new drug targets and to identify genes in biological pathways. Chemical genetics can provide insights into the level of cross-resistance between drugs and their underlying mechanistic basis. This systematic screening can serve as a basis for predicting drug behaviors and drug–drug interactions [3]. The use of databases such as PubChem serve as a useful tool for it provides information on chemical structures, identifiers, chemical and physical properties, biological activities, patents, health, safety, toxicity data, and many others [4].
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Conclusion
When looking through the PubChem Database, there was not enough information on the NRXN3 protein or prior chemical genetic research conducted on the NRXN3 protein to find small molecules that interact with NRXN3. Since there is a gap in knowledge of small compounds that can rescue the NRXN3 mutant phenotype of uncoordination, employing chemogenomics to study NRXN3 and its function should produce interesting results and fruitful results in identifying new drug targets. These small molecules will hopefully restore proper synaptic function and decrease alcohol dependence.
References
[1] Bredel, M., & Jacoby, E. (2004). Chemogenomics: An emerging strategy for rapid target and drug discovery. Nature Reviews Genetics, 5(4), 262-275. doi:10.1038/nrg1317
[2] Kawasumi, M., & Nghiem, P. (2007). Chemical Genetics: Elucidating Biological Systems with Small-Molecule Compounds. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 127(7), 1577-1584. doi:10.1038/sj.jid.5700853
[3] Cacace, E., Kritikos, G., & Typas, A. (2017). Chemical genetics in drug discovery. Current Opinion in Systems Biology,4, 35-42. doi:10.1016/j.coisb.2017.05.020
[4] About. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://pubchemdocs.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/about
Images
Header: http://www.szkklm.si/assets/images/upload/1dnacapsule-e1422976231276.jpg
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/agui/images/pubchem-logo.svg
Figure 1: http://polyp.biochem.uci.edu/wiki/images/2/2a/Chemical_1.png
[1] Bredel, M., & Jacoby, E. (2004). Chemogenomics: An emerging strategy for rapid target and drug discovery. Nature Reviews Genetics, 5(4), 262-275. doi:10.1038/nrg1317
[2] Kawasumi, M., & Nghiem, P. (2007). Chemical Genetics: Elucidating Biological Systems with Small-Molecule Compounds. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 127(7), 1577-1584. doi:10.1038/sj.jid.5700853
[3] Cacace, E., Kritikos, G., & Typas, A. (2017). Chemical genetics in drug discovery. Current Opinion in Systems Biology,4, 35-42. doi:10.1016/j.coisb.2017.05.020
[4] About. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://pubchemdocs.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/about
Images
Header: http://www.szkklm.si/assets/images/upload/1dnacapsule-e1422976231276.jpg
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/agui/images/pubchem-logo.svg
Figure 1: http://polyp.biochem.uci.edu/wiki/images/2/2a/Chemical_1.png