Phenotypic screening involves target-agnostic, unbiased evaluation of large compound collections to identify novel small molecules with unique functions. Such investigations can provide drug leads and biological probes. Whole-cell or live animal screens offer the opportunity to discover new biochemical pathways and regulators, and therefore promise to advance our understanding of biological systems in addition to providing chemical tools to modulate those systems. Phenotypic screens appear especially attractive in the context of academic laboratories because they have as a primary objective increased understanding of biology, and because they are distinct from the target-based screens which dominate industrial screening. Recent phenotypic screens from UT Southwestern will be discussed, including those that led to novel neuroprotective compounds and adjuvants for bone marrow transplantation.

Phenotypic screening as a platform to discover biological tools and drug leads

247th National Meeting (2014)

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