Target protein
Encyclopedia
Target proteins are functional biomolecule
s that are addressed and controlled by biologically active compounds
. The identification of target proteins, the investigation of signal transduction
processes and the understanding of their interaction with ligands
are key elements of modern biomedical research. Since the interaction with target proteins is the molecular origin of most drug
s, their particular importance for molecular biology
, molecular pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
is obvious. Target proteins control the action and the kinetic behavior
of drugs within the organism. The elucidation of structure, conformational signaling and catalytic properties
of particular target proteins facilitates a rational design of drugs
and biotechnological processes
. Known as biologicals, target proteins can also be drugs by themselves when their modification and formulation is emphasized within the pharmaceutical sciences. Finally, target protein - inducer interactions can be exploited for biomolecular transcription
regulating systems in order to control for example gene therapeutic approaches
.
Biomolecule
A biomolecule is any molecule that is produced by a living organism, including large polymeric molecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, and nucleic acids as well as small molecules such as primary metabolites, secondary metabolites, and natural products...
s that are addressed and controlled by biologically active compounds
Drug
A drug, broadly speaking, is any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function. There is no single, precise definition, as there are different meanings in drug control law, government regulations, medicine, and colloquial usage.In pharmacology, a...
. The identification of target proteins, the investigation of signal transduction
Signal transduction
Signal transduction occurs when an extracellular signaling molecule activates a cell surface receptor. In turn, this receptor alters intracellular molecules creating a response...
processes and the understanding of their interaction with ligands
Ligand (biochemistry)
In biochemistry and pharmacology, a ligand is a substance that forms a complex with a biomolecule to serve a biological purpose. In a narrower sense, it is a signal triggering molecule, binding to a site on a target protein.The binding occurs by intermolecular forces, such as ionic bonds, hydrogen...
are key elements of modern biomedical research. Since the interaction with target proteins is the molecular origin of most drug
Drug
A drug, broadly speaking, is any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function. There is no single, precise definition, as there are different meanings in drug control law, government regulations, medicine, and colloquial usage.In pharmacology, a...
s, their particular importance for molecular biology
Molecular biology
Molecular biology is the branch of biology that deals with the molecular basis of biological activity. This field overlaps with other areas of biology and chemistry, particularly genetics and biochemistry...
, molecular pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Pharmacy
Pharmacy is the health profession that links the health sciences with the chemical sciences and it is charged with ensuring the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical drugs...
is obvious. Target proteins control the action and the kinetic behavior
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics, sometimes abbreviated as PK, is a branch of pharmacology dedicated to the determination of the fate of substances administered externally to a living organism...
of drugs within the organism. The elucidation of structure, conformational signaling and catalytic properties
Biocatalysis
Biocatalysis is the use of natural catalysts, such as protein enzymes, to perform chemical transformations on organic compounds. Both enzymes that have been more or less isolated and enzymes still residing inside living cells are employed for this task....
of particular target proteins facilitates a rational design of drugs
Drug design
Drug design, also sometimes referred to as rational drug design or structure-based drug design, is the inventive process of finding new medications based on the knowledge of the biological target...
and biotechnological processes
Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a field of applied biology that involves the use of living organisms and bioprocesses in engineering, technology, medicine and other fields requiring bioproducts. Biotechnology also utilizes these products for manufacturing purpose...
. Known as biologicals, target proteins can also be drugs by themselves when their modification and formulation is emphasized within the pharmaceutical sciences. Finally, target protein - inducer interactions can be exploited for biomolecular transcription
Transcription (genetics)
Transcription is the process of creating a complementary RNA copy of a sequence of DNA. Both RNA and DNA are nucleic acids, which use base pairs of nucleotides as a complementary language that can be converted back and forth from DNA to RNA by the action of the correct enzymes...
regulating systems in order to control for example gene therapeutic approaches
Gene therapy
Gene therapy is the insertion, alteration, or removal of genes within an individual's cells and biological tissues to treat disease. It is a technique for correcting defective genes that are responsible for disease development...
.
External links
- Target Protein Database of the University of Kansas