Target Discovery and Validation Reviews and Protocols : Emerging Molecular Targets and Treatment Options

From The Critics

Reviewer: Bao Ting Zhu, PhD(University of Kansas Medical Center)
Description: This volume in the Methods in Molecular Biology series reports on some of the protocols relevant to emerging molecular targets and treatment options. It focuses on some of the practical details of conducting translational research aimed at converting discovered targets into pharmaceutical drugs. Discussed at considerable length are targets in cancers and autoimmunity, the use of siRNA, and the use of antisense oligonucleotides and RNA aptamers in patients. Some chapters also explore the application of genotyping and gene expression profiling as a potential future tool.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide an updated description and discussion of the protocols relevant to developing emerging molecular targets as treatment options.
Audience: This book is of value to basic science researchers as well as clinicians for a better understanding of some of the methods involved in this new area of research.
Features: One of the book's notable features is the way it effectively combines the theoretical aspects of topics with their clinical applications. Clinical examples are often provided to help readers better understand the potential usefulness of these methods.
Assessment: This book provides an effective, concise review of some of the state-of-the-art methods that can be used for therapeutic/drug target identification. Examples illustrate their potential clinical applications. The book will be helpful to basic biomedical scientists as well as to clinicians who want a quick overview of this area of research and its recent developments. The book also provides some useful methodological guidelines and examples for researchers new to this field who are considering embarking on a venture into this area.