DRUG TARGET Meaning and
Definition
-
A drug target refers to a specific molecule or biological structure in the body that is implicated in a disease or biological process and can be manipulated by a drug to bring about a therapeutic effect. It is a critical component of the drug discovery and development process as it serves as the primary objective for drug researchers to identify and design molecules that can bind to this target and modulate its activity.
Targets can include various types of molecules such as proteins, enzymes, receptors, or genetic material like DNA or RNA. These targets are typically involved in crucial cellular or physiological processes and are often dysregulated in disease states. By selectively acting on these targets, drugs can either inhibit or activate their function, thereby altering the biological pathways and signaling cascades associated with the disease.
The identification and validation of drug targets require a comprehensive understanding of the underlying biology and pathogenesis of the disease. This involves studying the target's structure, function, expression levels, and its role in disease progression. Once a target has been identified, drug researchers employ various techniques such as high-throughput screening, computational modeling, and structure-based design to discover and optimize drug candidates that can bind to the target with high affinity and specificity.
In summary, drug targets are specific molecules or structures in the body that are implicated in a disease or biological process and can be modulated by drugs to achieve a therapeutic effect. They serve as the basis for drug discovery and development, involving the identification, validation, and optimization of molecules that interact with these targets.
Common Misspellings for DRUG TARGET
- srug target
- xrug target
- crug target
- frug target
- rrug target
- erug target
- deug target
- ddug target
- dfug target
- dtug target
- d5ug target
- d4ug target
- dryg target
- drhg target
- drjg target
- drig target
- dr8g target
- dr7g target
- druf target
- druv target
Etymology of DRUG TARGET
The term "drug target" is a compound phrase consisting of the words "drug" and "target".
The word "drug" can be traced back to the Old French word "drogue", which signifies a medicinal substance. It further originates from the Dutch word "droog", meaning "dry" or "dried". The term "drug" entered English in the 14th century and initially referred to any kind of medicinal preparation.
The word "target" has origins in the late Middle English period, derived from the Old French word "targette", meaning a small shield. The Old French word, in turn, was influenced by the earlier Frankish word "targa", meaning a shield. Over time, the meaning of "target" expanded to refer to a goal or objective.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
