PERSPECTIVE: THE SMALL-MOLECULE APPROACH TO BIOLOGY

Abstract

SMALL MOLECULES HAVE LONG BEEN ASSOCIATED with biological discoveries, but, in contrast to biochemical and genetic approaches, the small-molecule approach has lacked generality Although the advances made through the use of small molecules as probes (as distinct from medicines) are impressive, they have in general come about on a case-by-case basis. Advances in diversity-oriented organic synthesis and a focus on the underlying similarities between the small-molecule and genetic approaches have increased the generality of the small-molecule approach. Although a truly systematic way to explore any and all facets of biology with small-molecule modulators has not yet been reached, these advances are beginning to influence researchers on a much broader scale. It is becoming more common for a life scientist to ask, "Should I tackle this problem with small molecules?" or even to state, "The only way I can tackle this problem is with small molecules."1 The latter is becoming increasingly common as global views ...