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Target discovery

Nature Reviews Drug Discovery volume 2, pages 831–838 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

Target discovery, which involves the identification and early validation of disease-modifying targets, is an essential first step in the drug discovery pipeline. Indeed, the drive to determine protein function has been stimulated, both in industry and academia, by the completion of the human genome project. In this article, we critically examine the strategies and methodologies used for both the identification and validation of disease-relevant proteins. In particular, we will examine the likely impact of recent technological advances, including genomics, proteomics, small interfering RNA and mouse knockout models, and conclude by speculating on future trends.

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Figure 1: Overview of molecular- and system-based approaches to target discovery.
Figure 2: Correlative technologies used in target identification.
Figure 3: Phenotype-driven target identification.
Figure 4: Overview of the techniques used in target validation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, 19F19 Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, Cheshire, UK

    Mark A. Lindsay

  2. Thoracic Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College School of Medicine, Dovehouse Street, London, SW3 6LY, UK

    Mark A. Lindsay

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Lindsay, M. Target discovery. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2, 831–838 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd1202

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