Protein Sequence Analysis: Identifying Potential Drug Targets from Pathogens

[karthik3k]

Drug target ??

I've got a protein produced by pathogens and I've got its sequence.
How would i know whether it can be a potential Drug target ...

 

[iansmith]

You should do a BLASTP search at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST/
This will give you homologue of you sequence and will give you a possible function including the target. The next step migth be to look for specific pattern at http://ca.expasy.org/tools/scanprosite/

Once you think you migth have a good target you can then do solid phase binding assays and affinity isolation.

 

[ravenprp]

Protein sequence analysis is a valuable tool in identifying potential drug targets from pathogens. The first step in determining if a protein can be a potential drug target is to analyze its sequence. This involves comparing the protein sequence with known sequences of proteins that have been successfully targeted by drugs in the past. If the protein sequence shows significant similarity to known drug targets, then it is a strong indication that it could be a potential drug target.

Another important factor to consider is the function of the protein. If the protein is essential for the survival of the pathogen, then it is a promising drug target. This is because targeting such a protein would disrupt the pathogen's ability to cause disease, making it an effective treatment option.

In addition to sequence analysis, other tools such as structural analysis and computational modeling can also be used to predict the potential of a protein as a drug target. These methods can provide insights into the protein's structure and function, and help identify potential binding sites for drug molecules.

It is important to note that not all proteins make good drug targets. Some may be highly variable or essential for the survival of the host, making them unsuitable for drug targeting. Therefore, a thorough analysis of the protein's sequence, structure, and function is crucial in determining its potential as a drug target.

In summary, protein sequence analysis is an important step in identifying potential drug targets from pathogens. It can provide valuable insights into the protein's function and similarity to known drug targets, helping researchers narrow down their search for effective drug targets. Further research and validation are necessary to confirm the efficacy of a potential drug target and develop effective treatments for diseases caused by pathogens.