Functional Protein Microarrays in Drug Discovery

As central actors in most biological functions, proteins are the subject of intense study. This has driven the development of increasingly sophisticated approaches for the study of proteins, which has extended to proteomic level methodologies. Yet currently no book has addressed all aspects of functional microarrays in a coherent and integrated fashion. Until now. Meeting the need for comprehensive and authoritative information, Functional Protein Microarrays in Drug Discovery provides an up-to-date overview of the field and the background required to actually design and develop arrays or perform and analyze array experiments.

The book is divided into five main sections that address critical aspects of the field. The first focuses on the generation of functional protein content, the first and perhaps most challenging aspect of protein microarrays. The second section describes 'standard' and state-of-the-art fabrication methods, focusing on issues of particular significance to functional protein microarrays. Similarly, the third section reviews current and next generation approaches to assay detection. The fourth and largest section, dedicated to applications, spans the breadth of published applications, from biomolecular interaction discovery and characterization to humoral response biomarker profiling, enzyme substrate identification and drug discovery. The final section addresses fundamental computational issues including image and data analysis as well as data visualization.

While the field's early successes have set the stage for rapid growth, it is not without challenges. Indeed, challenges are to be expected in a fast-moving, interdisciplinary endeavor such as this, where molecular biology, protein chemistry, bioinformatics, engineering, and physical sciences intersect. As the first integrated reference for functional protein microarrays, this book helps you not only meet the challenges but also excel in your research.

X. Y. Zhu, one of the contributors to this text, was recently featured in an article in Austin's The Statesman.

Daniel E. Levy, editor of the Drug Discovery Series, is the founder of DEL BioPharma, a consulting service for drug discovery programs. He also maintains a blog that explores organic chemistry.