"This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison."
Introduction
What is chemical genetics?
Chemical genetics is the screening of proteins against small molecule/ drug libraries. These screens help understand and identify small molecules that can affect protein activity, leading to the development of novel drugs and medications. Specifically altering the activity of proteins in diseased states can help treat or alleviate symptoms.
Results
alpha synuclein bioactivities
According to PubChem, the molecule resveratrol has been found to interact with alpha synuclein (1). Resveratrol is a polyphenol commonly found in red wine, and has been shown to inhibit HSV replication (2). Polyphenols act like antioxidants, repairing and protecting DNA damaged by free radicals (3). Free radicals can cause oxidative stress and damage proteins in the brain and throughout the body. Oxidative stress has been shown to play a role in Lewy body dementia (4).
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Discussion
Resveratrol interaction with alpha synuclein shows that free radicals may play a key role in Lewy body dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidative stress and excess free radicals damage alpha synuclein proteins, which can cause misfolding, leading to destructive synuclein aggregates (4). These aggregates impair necessary neuronal functions, such as proper dopamine release. However, these interactions are rather indirect and weak, and they do not serve to fully prevent or cure debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. Future directions involve determining small molecules or drugs that directly interact with these protein aggregates to restore proper dopamine release and regulation.
References
Cover photo reference:
http://blogs.plos.org/dnascience/2016/04/14/second-gene-therapy-nears-approval-in-europe-lessons-for-crispr/
1. SNCA- Synuclein Alpha (Human). (April 4, 2018). Retrieved from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/target/gene/6622#section=Tested-Compounds
2. Resveratrol- DrugBank. (March, 2018). Retrieved from https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB02709
3. Resveratrol Supplements- WebMD. (August, 2016). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/resveratrol-supplements
4. Mao, P., (2013). Oxidative Stress and Its Clinical Applications in Dementia. Journal of Neurodegenerative Diseases, 2013(319898). http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/319898
http://blogs.plos.org/dnascience/2016/04/14/second-gene-therapy-nears-approval-in-europe-lessons-for-crispr/
1. SNCA- Synuclein Alpha (Human). (April 4, 2018). Retrieved from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/target/gene/6622#section=Tested-Compounds
2. Resveratrol- DrugBank. (March, 2018). Retrieved from https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB02709
3. Resveratrol Supplements- WebMD. (August, 2016). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/resveratrol-supplements
4. Mao, P., (2013). Oxidative Stress and Its Clinical Applications in Dementia. Journal of Neurodegenerative Diseases, 2013(319898). http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/319898