Chemical genetics: a small molecule approach to neurobiology

Neuron. 2002 Nov 14;36(4):563-6. doi: 10.1016/s0896-6273(02)01059-0.

Abstract

Chemical genetics, or the specific modulation of cellular systems by small molecules, has complemented classical genetic analysis throughout the history of neurobiology. We outline several of its contributions to the understanding of ion channel biology, heat and cold signal transduction, sleep and diurnal rhythm regulation, effects of immunophilin ligands, and cell surface oligosaccharides with respect to neurobiology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology
  • Humans
  • Immunophilins
  • Ion Channels / physiology
  • Membrane Proteins / drug effects
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Molecular Biology / methods*
  • Molecular Biology / trends
  • Molecular Probe Techniques / trends*
  • Neurobiology / methods*
  • Neurobiology / trends
  • Thermosensing / physiology

Substances

  • Ion Channels
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Immunophilins