Forward chemical genetics: progress and obstacles on the path to a new pharmacopoeia

✍ Scribed by R Scott Lokey

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2003
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 165 KB
• Volume: 7
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1367-5931
• DOI: 10.1016/s1367-5931(02)00002-9

✦ Synopsis

Forward chemical genetics is a new method to systematize the discovery and use of small molecules as tools for basic biological research. This approach requires three basic components: a library of compounds; an assay, in which the library is screened for a cellular or organismal phenotype; and a method to trace an active compound to its biological target. Bioactive compounds have traditionally been isolated from natural product extracts, although 'diversity-oriented synthesis' and commercial compound collections are gaining in prominence. New techniques, such as image-based screening and the cytoblot method, have increased the throughput of phenotypic assays. Strategies are also being developed to streamline target identification using molecular biological approaches.