This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate course at UW-Madison .
What is chemical genetics?____________________________________________________________________________________
Chemical genetics is an approach to studying biological processes and their underlying molecular mechanisms through the use of small molecules [1]. Small molecules can interact with proteins by binding to them, resulting in the inhibition or activation of the said protein. Chemical genetics can therefore be used as a tool for discovering potential drugs that can be use in therapy and treating diseases.
Chemical genetics is an approach to studying biological processes and their underlying molecular mechanisms through the use of small molecules [1]. Small molecules can interact with proteins by binding to them, resulting in the inhibition or activation of the said protein. Chemical genetics can therefore be used as a tool for discovering potential drugs that can be use in therapy and treating diseases.
What chemicals are known to interact with DRD2?___________________________
Based on a PubChem search, about 2.1 million compounds have been tested on the long DRD2 isoform (D2L); 12,054 of which are labeled 'active', which means that those compounds are known to interact with D2L. On the other hand, only five compounds are listed in the database for the short DRD2 isoform (D2S). Only one compound was labeled 'active' for D2S. |
Discussion__________________________________________________________________________________________________
The lack of data for compounds known to interact with the D2S may be due to greater focus on D2L in research, which is the isoform that is more favorably co-expressed with D2S during alternative splicing of the DRD2 mRNA transcript [2].
The lack of data for compounds known to interact with the D2S may be due to greater focus on D2L in research, which is the isoform that is more favorably co-expressed with D2S during alternative splicing of the DRD2 mRNA transcript [2].
References
[1] Stockwell, B. R. (2004). Exploring biology with small organic molecules. Nature,432(7019), 846-854.
[2] Usiello, A. et al. (2000). Distinct functions of the two isoforms of dopamine D2 receptors. Nature, 408(6809), 199-203.
[1] Stockwell, B. R. (2004). Exploring biology with small organic molecules. Nature,432(7019), 846-854.
[2] Usiello, A. et al. (2000). Distinct functions of the two isoforms of dopamine D2 receptors. Nature, 408(6809), 199-203.