Tools and methodologies capable of isolating and identifying a target molecule for a bioactive compound

Elucidating the mechanism of action of bioactive compounds, such as commonly used pharmaceutical drugs and biologically active natural products, in the cells and the living body is important in drug discovery research. To this end, isolation and identification of target protein(s) for the bioactive compound are essential in understanding its function fully. And, development of reliable tools and methodologies capable of addressing efficiently identification and characterization of the target proteins based on the bioactive compounds accelerates drug discovery research. Affinity-based isolation and identification of target molecules for the bioactive compounds is a classic, but still powerful approach. This paper introduces recent progress on affinity chromatography system, focusing on development of practical affinity matrices and useful affinity-based methodologies on target identification. Beneficial affinity chromatography systems with using practical tools and useful methodologies facilitate chemical biology and drug discovery research. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.