Proteomics-Based Anticancer Drug Discovery

Abstract

Proteomic technologies are being used in an effort to correct some of the deficiencies in traditional drug discovery. Proteins are important targets for drug discovery, particularly for cancer as well because there is a defect in the protein machinery of the cell in malignancy. Because proteome analysis can produce comprehensive molecular description of the differences between normal and diseased states, it can be used to compare the effect of candidate drugs on the disease process. The trend now is to integrate oncoproteomics with oncogenomics for drug discovery and target validation in oncology. Among the large number of proteomic technologies available for this purpose, the most important ones are three-dimensional protein structure determination, protein biochips, laser capture microdissection, and study of protein-protein and protein-drug interactions. Cancer biomarkers and signaling pathways involved in malignancy are important drug targets. The wealth of new information in proteomics databases, along with microarrays and bioinformatics, provides unlimited possibilities for designing new therapeutic agents for cancer. Proteomic approaches will also play an important role in the discovery and development of personalized medicines.