This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison.
What is chemical genomics?
Chemical genomics or chemogenomics describes the identification and development of target-specific chemical ligands and small molecules to globally study gene and protein function. This can be very useful in drug discovery and development through systematic ligand screening and technologies in synthetic chemistry. [1]
By designing chemical ligands or small molecules that target specific components of biological processes, scientists can figure out potential treatments for disease phenotypes. [2] |
Chemical Genomics and StAR
Before implementing a chemical ligand screen, scientists can check databases, such as PubChem, for comprehensive information about various chemical structures, biological processes, cellular targets, and safety. When searching PubChem for information on StAR, it appears that there have been a few unsuccessful attempts to elucidate an effective inhibitor of StAR expression. Identification of a chemical ligand or small molecule that successfully reduces StAR expression could potentially be very useful in treating the overproduction of androgens in people with PCOS; this could be an area of continued research.
Conclusion
Chemical genomics can be very useful in the discovery and development of target-specific drugs for use in treating or even curing certain diseases. Further exploration of chemical ligands or small molecules that target the steroidogenesis pathway through StAR could be potentially very useful in the treatment of excess androgen levels in people with PCOS.
References
[1] Zheng, X. F. & Chan, T. F. 2002. Chemical genomics: a systematic approach in biological research and drug discovery. Current Issues in Molecular Biology. 4(2):33-43.
[2] Kawasumi, M. & Nghiem, P. 2007. Chemical genetics: elucidating biological systems with small-molecule compounds. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 127(7)1577-1584.
[1] Zheng, X. F. & Chan, T. F. 2002. Chemical genomics: a systematic approach in biological research and drug discovery. Current Issues in Molecular Biology. 4(2):33-43.
[2] Kawasumi, M. & Nghiem, P. 2007. Chemical genetics: elucidating biological systems with small-molecule compounds. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 127(7)1577-1584.