TARGET PROTEIN Meaning and
Definition
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A target protein refers to a specific protein molecule that is the focus of scientific investigation, drug discovery, or therapeutic intervention. It is typically a predetermined protein involved in a biological process or disease pathway that researchers aim to understand, manipulate, or modulate for various purposes.
In the realm of drug discovery, a target protein serves as a potential target for the development of medications or therapeutic interventions. These proteins play vital roles in physiological or pathological pathways, and altering their activity can provide therapeutic benefits. Researchers identify target proteins by studying the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, neurological conditions, or infectious diseases. By targeting specific proteins involved in these disease processes, scientists aim to develop drugs that can either inhibit or activate the protein's function, leading to desired therapeutic outcomes.
Understanding the structure, function, and interactions of target proteins is crucial in the development of effective drugs. Researchers employ various techniques, including high-throughput screening, proteomics, genomics, molecular modeling, and structure determination, to gain insights into the characteristics of target proteins. These investigations allow researchers to identify potential drug candidates, design drug molecules that bind selectively to target proteins, and evaluate their efficacy and safety.
Overall, target proteins are pivotal in biomedical research and pharmaceutical development as they provide a starting point for the design, discovery, and development of drugs and therapies that can specifically modulate proteins involved in key biological processes or disease pathways.
Common Misspellings for TARGET PROTEIN
- rarget protein
- farget protein
- garget protein
- yarget protein
- 6arget protein
- 5arget protein
- tzrget protein
- tsrget protein
- twrget protein
- tqrget protein
- taeget protein
- tadget protein
- tafget protein
- tatget protein
- ta5get protein
- ta4get protein
- tarfet protein
- tarvet protein
- tarbet protein
- tarhet protein
Etymology of TARGET PROTEIN
The word "target protein" does not have a specific etymology because it is a scientific term created by combining two words commonly used in biology and biochemistry. However, we can break it down to understand its meaning.
1. Target: The word "target" comes from the Old French word "targette", meaning small shield. It was used in the 17th century to refer to a marked object or goal that one aims to hit or achieve. In a biological context, a target refers to a specific biological molecule or structure that is being sought or acted upon.
2. Protein: The word "protein" is derived from the Greek word "proteios", meaning primary or of prime importance. It was coined in the 19th century by Dutch chemist Gerardus Johannes Mulder. Proteins are large, complex molecules composed of amino acids that play crucial roles in various biological processes.
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