Chemical Approaches to Control Gene Expression

Authors: GOTTESFELD J.M.¹; TURNER J.M.¹; DERVAN P.B.²

Source: Gene Expression, Volume 9, Numbers 1-2, 2001 , pp. 77-92(16)

Publisher: Cognizant Communication Corporation

Abstract:

A current goal in molecular medicine is the development of new strategies to interfere with gene expression in living cells in the hope that novel therapies for human disease will result from these efforts. This review focuses on small-molecule or chemical approaches to manipulate gene expression by modulating either transcription of messenger RNA-coding genes or protein translation. The molecules under study include natural products, designed ligands, and compounds identified through functional screens of combinatorial libraries. The cellular targets for these molecules include DNA, messenger RNA, and the protein components of the transcription, RNA processing, and translational machinery. Studies with model systems have shown promise in the inhibition of both cellular and viral gene transcription and mRNA utilization. Moreover, strategies for both repression and activation of gene transcription have been described. These studies offer promise for treatment of diseases of pathogenic (viral, bacterial, etc.) and cellular origin (cancer, genetic diseases, etc.).

Keywords: Gene transcription Molecular medicine Novel therap

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: *Department of Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 2: †Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125

Publication date: 2001-01-01

• The Molecular and Cellular Biology area of Gene Expression covers all aspects of the gene including it structure, functions, and regulation in prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and viruses; molecular and cell biological aspects of cell growth and development, chromatin structure and function. These include topics such as DNA replication, DNA repair, gene transcription, transcriptional control, RNA processing, posttranscriptional control, oncogenes, molecular mechanisms of action of hormones, molecular mechanism of cellular differentiation, growth and development, protein synthesis, and posttranslational control.
  The Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience area of Gene Expression covers all aspects of gene expression as described but is devoted exclusively to the nervous system in health and disease. Topics include studies of neurogenesis, development, aging, and neurodegeneration. Complex neural systems, motor control, special senses, and higher cortical function, when viewed from the perspective of gene expression, are appropriate for the journal. Research related to molecular mechanisms of drug tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal are solicited. Manuscripts on state-of-the-art methods and protocols for molecular profiling of neuronal structure and function are welcome.

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• In this Subject: Biotechnology ,  Genetics
• By this author: GOTTESFELD J.M. ;  TURNER J.M. ;  DERVAN P.B.

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