Farmacologia y Toxicologia
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Commentary Article - (2023) Volume 13, Issue 2
Received: 03-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. ipft-23-13753; Editor assigned: 05-Apr-2023, Pre QC No. P-23-13753; Reviewed: 19-Apr-2023, QC No. Q-23-13753; Revised: 22-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. R-23-13753; Published: 28-Apr-2023
Pharmacological screenings play a critical role in drug discovery and development. These screenings involve the testing of large libraries of compounds to identify potential therapeutic candidates for various diseases. In this manuscript, we review the different types of pharmacological screenings, their advantages and limitations, and their applications in drug discovery. We also discuss the various techniques and technologies used in pharmacological screenings, including highthroughput screening and virtual screening. Finally, we highlight some recent advancement in the field of pharmacological screenings and their potential impact on drug discovery.
Pharmacological screenings; Drug discovery; Highthroughput screening; Virtual screening; Compound libraries
Pharmacological screenings are a crucial step in the drug discovery process, allowing researchers to identify potential therapeutic candidates for a wide range of diseases. These screenings typically involve the testing of large libraries of compounds, ranging from natural products to synthetic molecules, to identify those that exhibit specific pharmacological activities. The results of these screenings can then be used to guide further drug development and optimization [1, 2]
Types of pharmacological screenings There are several types of pharmacological screenings, each with its own advantages and limitations. These include target-based screenings, phenotypic screenings, and in vivo screenings [3, 4].
Target-based screenings involve the use of assays that measure the interaction between a compound and a specific target, such as a receptor or enzyme. These assays are highly specific and can be used to identify compounds that bind to a particular target with high affinity. Targetbased screenings are often used in the early stages of drug discovery to identify compounds that have the potential to modulate a specific target.
Phenotypic screenings, on the other hand, involve the use of assays that measure a specific cellular response, such as cell proliferation or apoptosis. These screenings are less specific than target-based screenings but can identify compounds with a broader range of pharmacological activities. Phenotypic screenings are often used in later stages of drug discovery, where the goal is to identify compounds that exhibit a desired biological effect in cells or tissues [5, 6].
In vivo screenings involve the testing of compounds in animal models to evaluate their efficacy and safety. These screenings are the most physiologically relevant and can provide valuable information about the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a compound. In vivo screenings are typically used in the later stages of drug development, after a compound has been identified as a potential therapeutic candidate [7].
Techniques and technologies used in pharmacological screenings
Pharmacological screenings rely on a variety of techniques and technologies to identify potential therapeutic candidates. High-throughput screening (HTS) is a widely used technique that allows for the rapid testing of large libraries of compounds. HTS typically involves the use of robotics and automation to perform assays in a highly parallelized manner, allowing for the screening of hundreds of thousands of compounds in a relatively short amount of time.
Virtual screening is another technique that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Virtual screening involves the use of computer algorithms to screen large libraries of compounds in silico, based on their predicted binding affinity to a target of interest. Virtual screening can be used to identify potential therapeutic candidates before they are synthesized, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional screening approaches [8].
Recent advancements in pharmacological screenings
Recent advancements in pharmacological screenings have led to the development of new screening platforms and technologies. For example, organ-on-a-chip technology allows for the testing of compounds in three-dimensional microenvironments that more closely resemble human tissues. This technology has the potential to improve the accuracy and relevance of in vitro screenings [9]. Another recent advancement is the use of machine learning algorithms to analyse large datasets generated by pharmacological screenings. Machine learning algorithms can be used to identify patterns and relationships in the data that may be missed by traditional analysis methods, allowing for the identification of new therapeutic candidates [10].
Pharmacological screenings play a critical role in drug discovery and development, allowing researchers to identify potential therapeutic candidates for various diseases. The different types of pharmacological screenings, their advantages and limitations, and their applications in drug discovery have been reviewed in this manuscript. The various techniques and technologies used in pharmacological screenings, including high-throughput screening and virtual screening, have been discussed. Finally, some recent advancement in the field of pharmacological screenings and their potential impact on drug discovery has been highlighted.
None
No conflict of interest to declare about this work.
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