The emerging role of mass spectrometry-based proteomics in drug discovery

System-wide methods to monitor protein activity are still underused in drug discovery. This Review discusses the potential of proteomics and chemoproteomics approaches for target identification, validation and identification of safety hazards. Proteins are the main targets of most drugs; however, system-wide methods to monitor protein activity and function are still underused in drug discovery. Novel biochemical approaches, in combination with recent developments in mass spectrometry-based proteomics instrumentation and data analysis pipelines, have now enabled the dissection of disease phenotypes and their modulation by bioactive molecules at unprecedented resolution and dimensionality. In this Review, we describe proteomics and chemoproteomics approaches for target identification and validation, as well as for identification of safety hazards. We discuss innovative strategies in early-stage drug discovery in which proteomics approaches generate unique insights, such as targeted protein degradation and the use of reactive fragments, and provide guidance for experimental strategies crucial for success.

Automated summary

This Review discusses the potential of proteomics and chemoproteomics approaches in drug discovery, specifically in target identification, validation, and identification of safety hazards. The advancements in biochemical methods and mass spectrometry-based proteomics have allowed for a better understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of targeted drugs.