Drugs that could bind to specific genes and control their expression would have significant therapeutic benefits. To date, we have used our technologies to measure DNA sequence-binding preferences for many molecules and numerous compounds have been designed and synthesized from these molecules. Many of the compounds synthesized in 2000 were designed to target key DNA sequences in genes previously identified by Genelabs. Genelabs believes that DNA is an advantageous and under-explored target for drug discovery and development because proper DNA functioning is fundamental to proper functioning of all cells and organisms. The regulatory region of a gene is the site responsible for controlling gene expression and is therefore an attractive target for drug intervention.
Gene expression is regulated by specialized proteins called transcription factors.
A disruption in the level or proper function of one or more transcription factors can lead to inappropriate gene expression and initiate a disease process. Drugs that could bind to specific genes, control their expression, and restore the proper function of cells would have significant therapeutic benefits. These advisors have extensive expertise in chemistry, virology, molecular biology, microbiology and gene expression - all areas of critical importance in Genelabs' drug discovery process.