What is chemical genomics?
Chemical genomics is the study directed at understanding how small molecules interact with different genes and gene products [1]. The presence or lack of certain small molecules can alter gene expression, protein function, and biological processes. Experiments involving the drug treatment of cells in combination with large-scale expression analysis or large-scale protein analysis is useful in identifying sensitivities to certain drugs [1]. The identified drugs can give insight into finding new treatments and therapies.
This image depicts how changes in expression data when comparing a control group to a experimental group with a chemical screen can be useful in identifying drugs that target the pathway of interest. After obtaining this initial data, more studies can be conducted to assess how the chemical interacts and with which proteins [2].
Resources for chemical genomicsPubChem is a chemical database that serves as a useful tool for chemical genomics. The site allows for searching by targets such as a disease-associated protein, by bioassays such as searching by a disease, and lastly by bioactivites including searching by drug [3]. Although there is a lot fo useful data on this site, there is still much research needed to be done in this area.
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FGFR2 and chemical genomics
By searching through PubChem, FGFR2 was not identified to interact with any small molecule or drug. This however does not mean that there are no drugs that interact with this protein. It indicates chemical genomic screenings involving FGFR2 have yet to be conducted. Designing a chemical screen as discussed above could lead to advancements in treatment and therapy for diseases involving FGFR2 like Apert Syndrome.
References:
[1] MacBeath G. Chemical genomics: what will it take and who gets to play?. Genome Biol. 2001;2(6):COMMENT2005. doi:10.1186/gb-2001-2-6-comment2005. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC138939/
[2] Yang J. Chemical genetics and drug target discovery. (n.d.). https://www.singerinstruments.com/application/chemical-genetics-and-drug-target-discovery/
[3] PubChem database: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Header image: www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/pattern-chemistry-chemical-background-vector-20200500
[1] MacBeath G. Chemical genomics: what will it take and who gets to play?. Genome Biol. 2001;2(6):COMMENT2005. doi:10.1186/gb-2001-2-6-comment2005. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC138939/
[2] Yang J. Chemical genetics and drug target discovery. (n.d.). https://www.singerinstruments.com/application/chemical-genetics-and-drug-target-discovery/
[3] PubChem database: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Header image: www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/pattern-chemistry-chemical-background-vector-20200500