Dynamic template-assisted strategies in fragment-based drug discovery

Trends Biotechnol. 2009 Sep;27(9):512-21. doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2009.06.001. Epub 2009 Aug 11.

Abstract

Fragment-based methods for drug discovery are increasingly popular because they provide drug leads with greater ligand efficiency than conventional high-throughput screening. However, established methods for fragment detection do not address the central question in fragment-based ligand discovery: how can a primary ligand be optimally extended by a secondary fragment? Dynamic screening methods solve this issue by using a protein target as a template for ligand assembly, thus yielding high-affinity binders from low-affinity fragments. This review summarizes recent work on dynamic screening methodology, which resulted in the development of several high-affinity binders for various targets. Strengths and limitations of the published approaches are discussed and possible contributions of dynamic screening methodology to the drug discovery process are highlighted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Discovery / methods*
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / methods*
  • Humans
  • Ligands*
  • Protein Binding
  • Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Proteins