Chemical Genetics is a useful field is genetics research. Many institutions and companies use chemical genetics to develop new therapeutics for human diseases using small molecule assays, high-throughput screening, and cheminformatics. By altering the protein we can further study the role of the gene [1]. For this screen I used the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. This repository identifies compounds that interact with the protein of choice and elucidates on how differnt chemicals can impact human health [2].
GABRB3 Interacting chemicals
Alphaxalone
- Used as anesthetic in veterinary practice [3].
- Found to be a modulator for chloride ion transport in neuronal cells.
- Promotes the Muscimol binding to GABRB3 reaction.
Acetic Acid
- Affects the expression of GABRB3 protein
- Commonly used in vinegars
Estradiol
- Results in increased expression of GABRB3 (unless co-treated with Progesterone, in which case it results in decreased expression).
- Found in oral contraceptives
Ammonium Chloride
- Affects expression of GABRB3 mRNA
- Mainly used as a nitrogen source in crop fertilizers
Amitriptyline
- Results in increased expression of GABRB3 mRNA
- Used to treat depression
Bicuculline
- Results in decreased expression of GABRB3 mRNA
- Blocks nhibitory action of GABA receptors, mimicking action of epilepsy
benzamide
- Promotes reaction of GABA proteins
- Known to be used in antipsychotics
The results of this screen reveal a variety of drugs that affect GABRB3 expression. Some increase expression, while others decrease expression. Some have more complicated interactions that don't directly interact with GABRB3 but may affect its binding partners. The results with the most interest to me include those compounds that are found in over-the-counter medications. We often see warning labels on drugs that alert to adverse effects such as change in mood. Any drug that affects signaling in the brain is likely to have a symptom such as this.
For a more extensive list of interacting chemicals of GABRB3
References:
1. NIH Chemical Genomics Center: http://www.ncats.nih.gov/research/reengineering/ncgc/ncgc.html
2. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database: ctdbase.org
3. Harrison, Neil L. (2007). A Steroid Anesthetic Prolongs Inhibitory Postsynaptic Currents in Cultured Rat Hippocampal Neurons. The Journal of Neuroscience 7(2): 604-609.
1. NIH Chemical Genomics Center: http://www.ncats.nih.gov/research/reengineering/ncgc/ncgc.html
2. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database: ctdbase.org
3. Harrison, Neil L. (2007). A Steroid Anesthetic Prolongs Inhibitory Postsynaptic Currents in Cultured Rat Hippocampal Neurons. The Journal of Neuroscience 7(2): 604-609.