Potential biological targets for bioassay development in drug discovery of Sturge-Weber syndrome

Abstract

Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS) is a neurocutaneous disease with clinical manifestations including ocular (glaucoma), cutaneous (port-wine birthmark), neurological (seizures) and vascular problems.

Molecular mechanisms of SWS pathogenesis are initiated by the somatic mutation in GNAQ. Therefore, no definite treatments exist for SWS and treatment options only mitigate the intensity of its clinical manifestations. Biological assay design for drug discovery against this syndrome demands comprehensive knowledge on mechanisms which are involved in its pathogenesis. By analysis of the interrelated molecular targets of SWS, some in vitro bioassay systems can be allotted for drug screening against its progression. Development of such platforms of bioassay can bring along the implementation of high throughput screening of natural or synthetic compounds in drug discovery programs. Regarding the fact that study of molecular targets and their integration in biological assay design can facilitate the process of effective drug discovery; some potential biological targets and their respective biological assay for SWS drug discovery are propounded in this review. For this purpose, some biological targets for SWS drug discovery such as acetylcholinesterase, alkaline phosphatase, GABAergic receptors, Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF) -1α and 2α are suggested.

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With perspective to the clinical importance of drug discovery for Sturge-Weber (SWS) syndrom, development of new bioassays using some molecular targets are suggested. Designing the respective assays, may lead to the discovery of more efficient compounds especially from the unlimited diverse chemical space of natural compounds.

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