This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison.
What is Chemical Genomics?
Chemical genetics is the study of biological systems using small molecule intervention instead of genetic intervention. Selective small molecules can be used to alter protein function rapidly, reversibly, and conditionally with temporal and quantitative control in any biological system. Chemical genomics is the application of this method on a genome-wide scale; small molecules are introduced to a system and changes are recorded to determine which molecules affect which genes. Chemical genomics can be applied to both forward and reverse genetics. Forward genetics involves applying the chemical, screening for a phenotype, and analyzing the genes that have changed to create the phenotype. Reverse genetics involves applying a chemical that you know affects a certain protein and analyzing how it affects this protein [1]. PubChem can be used identify small molecules relevant to certain proteins.
What chemicals can be used to study LIPC?
Progesterone Analogs
Progesterone analogs are molecules with similar chemical structures to progesterone. These molecules can mimic progesterone in vivo and have been used to treat certain reproductive conditions [2].
Progesterone analogs are molecules with similar chemical structures to progesterone. These molecules can mimic progesterone in vivo and have been used to treat certain reproductive conditions [2].
Conclusion
My current hypothesis is that mutations in LIPC reduce reproduction by decreasing the cholesterol substrate available to make progesterone. Therefore, it may be useful to introduce progesterone analogs, chemicals that mimic progesterone, to see if they are able to rescue reproductive potential in these organisms.
References
[1] Spring, D. R. (2005). Chemical genetics to chemical genomics: Small molecules offer big insights. Chemical Society Reviews, 34(6), 472. doi:10.1039/b312875j
[2] Ciampaglia, W., & Cognigni, G. E. (2015). Clinical use of progesterone in infertility and assisted reproduction. Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 94, 17-27. doi:10.1111/aogs.12770
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[2] Ciampaglia, W., & Cognigni, G. E. (2015). Clinical use of progesterone in infertility and assisted reproduction. Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 94, 17-27. doi:10.1111/aogs.12770
Non-linked Figures:
Header