Using Transcriptomics and Cell Morphology Data in Drug Discovery: The Long Road to Practice

Gene expression and cell morphology data are highdimensional biological readouts of much recent interest for drug discovery. They are able to describe biological systems in different states (e.g., healthy and diseased), as well as biological systems before and after compound treatment, and they are hence useful for matching both spaces (e.g., for drug repurposing) as well as for characterizing compounds with respect to efficacy and safety endpoints. This Microperspective describes recent advances in this direction with a focus on applied drug discovery and drug repurposing, as well as outlining what else is needed to advance further, with a particular focus on better understanding the applicability domain of readouts and their relevance for decision making, which is currently often still unclear.

Automated summary

Gene expression and cell morphology data are valuable in drug discovery, providing insight into biological systems in different states and after compound treatment. This article discusses recent advances in using these data for drug repurposing and highlights the need for further understanding of the applicability domain and relevance of the readouts for decision making.