CHEMICAL GENETICS
ROLE
Chemical genetics is the study of interactions between biology and chemistry. This approach can be used to better understand molecular events such as transcription, cellular evens such as apoptosis and organismal events like growth and development [1]. There are multiple ways to go about using chemical genetics. Scientists can study one gene to protein interaction at a time or all relevant genes and proteins in one network can be studied at once.
One way to define chemical genetics is the process of observing a phenotypic change determined by single or multiple exposures to small molecules, whether that be in vivo (whole organisms) or in vitro (specific cells or tissues). There are two ways this change is recorded. First, forward chemical genetics begins by screening the samples or specimens for a certain phenotype after a chemical library has been introduced. This then helps identify new drugs and their assumed targets, either a gene or protein product. Secondly, reverse chemical genetics validates chemical targets in experimental models. Just the opposite, refer to Figure 1. A chemical is identified as effective and the phenotype is observed second to its discovery.
One way to define chemical genetics is the process of observing a phenotypic change determined by single or multiple exposures to small molecules, whether that be in vivo (whole organisms) or in vitro (specific cells or tissues). There are two ways this change is recorded. First, forward chemical genetics begins by screening the samples or specimens for a certain phenotype after a chemical library has been introduced. This then helps identify new drugs and their assumed targets, either a gene or protein product. Secondly, reverse chemical genetics validates chemical targets in experimental models. Just the opposite, refer to Figure 1. A chemical is identified as effective and the phenotype is observed second to its discovery.
Chemical genetics has proven to be a successful tool in many life science disciplines, including biology, medicinal means and pharmaceuticals. One of the main challenges of using chemical genetics the the application of different assays. Assays are being produced that will be able to retrieve data from screening procedures directly to target identification [2].
CHEMICAL GENETICS & HDC ANALYSIS
Histidine decarboxylase is an enzyme present in the brain and gastric cells of the human body. This enzyme is not known to interact with any chemicals directly. However, Tourette syndrome is currently treated with many types of medications. These medications take various approaches when suppressing symptoms. Some molecules suppress the urges in the brain to have outbursts of language and unintentional gestures while others calm the overall temperament of the patient. Below I have listed a few common molecules prescribed to those affected with Tourette's.
COMMON MOLECULES ASSOCIATED WITH TOURETTE SYNDROME [3]
Haloperidol, clonidine and central nervous system stimulants have both therapeutic roles and potential causation roles relating to Tourette syndrome [3]. This is one reason that this disorder is so difficult to treat. Compounds doctors prescribe to patients may subdue symptoms for a period of time but then the same compound could amplify symptoms some time later during treatment.
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REFERENCES
1 "Chemical Genomics: New Tools for Medicine" BioInteractive: Free Resources for Science Teachers & Students. Lecture by Dr. Schreiber. Retrieved 28 Apr 2014. http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/chemical-genomics-new-tools-medicine
2 "Chemogenomics and Biotechnology" Wuster 2008, Trends Biotechnology. Retrieved 28 Apr 2014 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18346803
3 "Tourette Syndrome" CTD: Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. Retrieved 28 Apr 2014. http://ctdbase.org/detail.go?type=disease&acc=MESH%3aD005879&view=chem
REFERENCES
1 "Chemical Genomics: New Tools for Medicine" BioInteractive: Free Resources for Science Teachers & Students. Lecture by Dr. Schreiber. Retrieved 28 Apr 2014. http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/chemical-genomics-new-tools-medicine
2 "Chemogenomics and Biotechnology" Wuster 2008, Trends Biotechnology. Retrieved 28 Apr 2014 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18346803
3 "Tourette Syndrome" CTD: Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. Retrieved 28 Apr 2014. http://ctdbase.org/detail.go?type=disease&acc=MESH%3aD005879&view=chem
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Spring 2014 Genetics 564 |
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