Targenomics
Targenomics
is a phenotype to genotype approach for discovering and validating
new drug targets for cancer therapy. The first step in this approach
is the search for gene products that are abnormally regulated
in cancer cells or the search for genetic variations that are
associated with the cancer cells. DNA microarray
analysis
is used to measure the changes in expression patterns in cancer
cells and pinpoint abnormally expressed genes in those cells.
Second, proteins encoded by these genes are identified
and their associated pathways
are studied to determine key regulatory patterns and assign probable
function to these proteins. Third,
structure of the target is predicted using structure prediction
and modeling tools (below) that use methods such as comparative/homology
modeling or fold recognition and threading. Once an interesting
target has been identified Computer Aided Drug Design (CADD) tools
are used to discover and design a lead compound that could bind
to the target. The lead compound may be further studied and developed
as a potential drug candidate.
