High-throughput screening of natural products for cancer therapy.
Natural products have been the biggest single source of anticancer drugs and there are continued efforts to explore the chemical diversity provided by nature in order to find new lead compounds. Bioassay test methods have developed into high throughput screening assays using both cell-based and molecular approaches. The various ways to detect effects on cell viability and cell proliferation are summarised and examples are given of developments using three-dimensional cultures and cancer stem cells. Cell-based reporter assays have also been created in order to look more directly for effects on specific physiological pathways. The molecular assays include those directed at microtubules and related proteins and at many different protein kinases.
Harvey
Alan L
AL
Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. a.l.harvey@strath.ac.uk
Cree
Ian A
IA
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001681:Biological Assay / Q000379:methods; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D017930:Genes, Reporter; D057166:High-Throughput Screening Assays; D008156:Luciferases / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D013379:Substrate Specificity; D050257:Tubulin Modulators / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D050257:Tubulin Modulators; D008156:Luciferases