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, is a term that describes the study and development of chemical ligands that interact with specific genes or proteins[1]. These chemical ligands can then be used to study the function and level of expression of specific genes. Chemical genomics is most often used in the development of new drugs and drug targets.
These techniques can be used in a forward and reverse approach[2]. In the forward approach, a selection of chemical compounds is chosen. These compounds are then tested to determine what biological targets interact with the compounds. This is the method used for discovery of drug targets. In the reverse approach, The known target is isolated. This target is then treated with assorted chemical compounds to identify which chemical compounds interact with the selected target. This method can be used to develop new drugs.
These techniques can be used in a forward and reverse approach[2]. In the forward approach, a selection of chemical compounds is chosen. These compounds are then tested to determine what biological targets interact with the compounds. This is the method used for discovery of drug targets. In the reverse approach, The known target is isolated. This target is then treated with assorted chemical compounds to identify which chemical compounds interact with the selected target. This method can be used to develop new drugs.
How have chemical genomics been used for LCT study?
Hermida et al. have optimized the synthesis of a chemical compound which can be used to detect lactase activity[3]. This chemical compound is 4-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-d-xylose. It is a disaccharide which can be delivered to a live subject. Subsequent measurement of derived d-xylose in urine allows for quantification of lactase activity in-vivo. This compound will be very useful in the study of potential cures or drug treatments for CLD.
Conclusions
The development of a target chemical of the lactase protein is very useful for the further study of LCT mutations and drug therapies. In the future, this compound can be used for CLD diagnosis in a non-invasive manner that does not require any sequencing. This compound can also be used for the study of any future genetic engineering or drug therapy testing, as it serves as a concrete and quantifiable measure of lactase activity and treatment effectiveness.
References
[1] Zheng, S. and Chan, T. (2002, April). Chemical genomics: a systematic approach in biological research and drug discovery. Current Issues in Molecular Biology. Retrieved from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11931568
[2] Zimmermann A, et al. (2018, March). Yeast as a tool to identify anti-aging compounds. FEMS Yeast Research. Retrieved from www.researchgate.net/publication/325781721_Yeast_as_a_tool_to_identify_anti-aging_compounds
[3] Hermida, C. et. al. (2007, July). Optimizing the enzymatic synthesis of β-d-galactopyranosyl-d-xyloses for their use in the evaluation of lactase activity in vivo. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry. Retrived from www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096808960700394X?via%3Dihub
Header image: www.ohio.edu/cas/chemistry/grad/online/
[1] Zheng, S. and Chan, T. (2002, April). Chemical genomics: a systematic approach in biological research and drug discovery. Current Issues in Molecular Biology. Retrieved from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11931568
[2] Zimmermann A, et al. (2018, March). Yeast as a tool to identify anti-aging compounds. FEMS Yeast Research. Retrieved from www.researchgate.net/publication/325781721_Yeast_as_a_tool_to_identify_anti-aging_compounds
[3] Hermida, C. et. al. (2007, July). Optimizing the enzymatic synthesis of β-d-galactopyranosyl-d-xyloses for their use in the evaluation of lactase activity in vivo. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry. Retrived from www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096808960700394X?via%3Dihub
Header image: www.ohio.edu/cas/chemistry/grad/online/