The Book Corner

After the completion of the sequencing phase of the Human Genome Project, the focus of contemporary science shifts to reveal gene functions, i.e., the examination of proteins that are encoded within. The goal of chemical genomics is to dissect the function of organisms and cells by having a small-molecule partner for every gene product. Chemical genomics holds the promise for the determination of the function and biological role of any genes through small-molecule interactions with the protein or proteins that is expressed by that particular gene. In addition, various chemical genomics methods can address such biological questions that are not amenable to genetic manipulation or to structural genomic approaches. In the last couple of years, significant advances have been made in the fields of genomics-driven drug discovery, chemoinformatics, and high-throughput screening, proven by the increasing number of papers that have appeared in the literature already utilizing chemical genomics tools. This book is dedicated solely to chemical genomics, discussing a full spectrum of chemical genomics topics, as well as related technologies ranging from in silico approaches to experimental techniques. The first part describes the definition and basics of chemical genomics. The second part focuses on specific approaches, discussing the generation and utility of small-molecule probes in the study of specific gene products. The last three chapters are practical case studies related to the area of drug discovery. This book provides an overview of this emerging field to practitioners in drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, and molecular biology as well as scientists working in the laboratories and for students at the graduate and undergraduate levels. It is well written and presented.