Small molecule

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

In

therapeutic agents. Some can inhibit a specific function of a protein or disrupt protein–protein interactions.[2]

teratogens and carcinogens
).

Molecular weight cutoff

The upper

rule of five") has been recommended for oral small molecule drug candidates based on the observation that clinical attrition rates are significantly reduced if the molecular weight is kept below this limit.[4][5]

Drugs

Further information:
Pharmaceutical drug and Targeted therapy

Most pharmaceuticals are small molecules, although some drugs can be proteins (e.g.,

cancers are often resistant to their effects.[7]

Secondary metabolites

A variety of organisms including bacteria, fungi, and plants, produce small molecule secondary metabolites also known as natural products, which play a role in cell signaling, pigmentation and in defense against predation. Secondary metabolites are a rich source of biologically active compounds and hence are often used as research tools and leads for drug discovery.[8] Examples of secondary metabolites include:

Research tools

antibodies, Hedgehog interacting protein, or cyclopamine, where the first two molecules are proteins and the last a small molecule.[9]

Enzymes and receptors are often activated or inhibited by endogenous protein, but can be also inhibited by endogenous or exogenous small molecule inhibitors or activators, which can bind to the active site or on the allosteric site

.

An example is the teratogen and carcinogen

artificial transcription factors to regulate gene expression, examples include wrenchnolol (a wrench shaped molecule).[11]

Binding of

dual polarisation interferometry to quantify the reaction affinities and kinetic properties and also any induced conformational changes
.

Anti-genomic therapeutics

Small-molecule anti-genomic therapeutics, or SMAT, refers to a biodefense technology that targets DNA signatures found in many biological warfare agents. SMATs are new, broad-spectrum drugs that unify antibacterial, antiviral and anti-malarial activities into a single therapeutic that offers substantial cost benefits and logistic advantages for physicians and the military.[13]

See also

References

  1. ^
    ISBN 978-1-4614-1400-1
    . The majority of [oral] drugs from the general reference set have molecular weights below 550. In contrast the molecular-weight distribution of oral antibacterial agents is bimodal: 340–450 Da but with another group in the 700–900 molecular weight range.
  2. S2CID 13879559
    .
  3. PMID 12036371
    .
  4. PMID 24981612
    .
  5. S2CID 205476574
    .
  6. ISBN 978-0-12-397176-0
    . Table 5.13: Route of Administration: Small Molecules: oral administration usually possible; Biomolecules: Usually administered parenterally
  7. PMID 30108965
    .
  8. ISBN 978-0-444-53836-9
    .
  9. S2CID 32726998
    .
  10. ISBN 978-0-471-58651-7
    .
  11. PMID 17894442
    .
  12. PMID 20981028
    .
  13. ^ Levine DS (2003). "Bio-defense company re-ups". San Francisco Business Times. Retrieved September 6, 2006.

External links

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