Target Identification & Validation for Early Drug Discovery
Early stages of drug discovery start with initial steps of target identification and moves to the later stages of lead optimization. Multiple sources including academic research, clinical works, and commercial sector help in the identification of a suitable disease target. The chosen target is then used by the pharmaceutical industry and more recently by some academic centers to identify molecules for making acceptable drugs. The process involves various early steps.
Figure 1.Early Drug Discovery
1. Target Identification & Validation
Target Identification & Characterization
Target identification and characterization begins with identifying the function of a possible therapeutic target (gene/protein) and its role in the disease. Identification of the target is followed by characterization of the molecular mechanisms addressed by the target. A good target should be efficacious, safe, meet clinical and commercial requirements and be "druggable".
Approaches:
- Data mining using bioinformatics
— identifying, selecting and prioritizing potential disease targets - Genetic association
— genetic polymorphism and connection with the disease - Expression profile
— changes in mRNA/protein levels - Pathway and phenotypic analysis
— In vitro cell-based mechanistic studies - Functional screening
— knockdown, knockout or using target specific tools
Target Validation
Target Validation shows that a molecular target is directly involved in a disease process, and that modulation of the target is likely to have a therapeutic effect. The most important criteria for target validation is to take multi-validation approach.
Approaches:
- Genetic manipulation of target genes (in vitro)
— knocking down the gene (shRNA, siRNA, miRNA), knocking out the gene (CRISPR, ZFNs), knocking in the gene
(viral transfection of mutant genes)
- Antibodies
— interacting to the target with high affinity and blocking further interactions
- Chemical genomics
— chemical approaches against genome encoding protein
Is your lab having difficulty discovering novel targets? Our broad portfolio of assays, reagents, and libraries can help you find the right lock so you can begin the work to unlock it. From the Sanger Whole Genome CRISPR Library to Duolink® PLA to measure protein-protein interactions, and bioactive small molecules, we provide you with the right tools to enable the identification, validation, and characterization of the novel targets you’re looking for.
Products Supporting Target Identification, Characterization, and Validation |
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References
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