Chemical genetics: tailoring tools for cell biology.
Chemical genetics is a research approach that uses small molecules as probes to study protein functions in cells or whole organisms. Here, I review the parallels between classical genetic and chemical-genetic approaches and discuss the merits of small molecules to dissect dynamic cellular processes. I then consider the pros and cons of different screening approaches and specify strategies aimed at identifying and validating cellular target proteins. Finally, I highlight the impact of chemical genetics on our current understanding of cell biology and its potential for the future.
Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Am Klopfersitz 18a, D-82152 Martinsried, Germany. mayer@biochem.mpg.de
Thomas U
TU
Mayer
D000818:Animals; D001695:Biology / Q000379:methods*; D003585:Cell Biology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D005823:Genetics; D016678:Genome; D006801:Humans; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008954:Models, Biological; D008956:Models, Chemical; D008967:Molecular Biology; D015336:Molecular Probe Techniques; D011506:Proteins
D011506:Proteins