Book description
This textbook provides a fresh, comprehensive and accessible
introduction to the rapidly expanding field of molecular pharmacology.
Adopting a drug target-based, rather than the traditional
organ/system based, approach this innovative guide reflects the
current advances and research trends towards molecular based drug
design, derived from a detailed understanding of chemical responses in
the body. Drugs are then tailored to fit a treatment profile, rather
than the traditional method of 'trial and error' drug discovery which
focuses on testing chemicals on animals or cell cultures and matching
their effects to treatments.
Providing an invaluable resource for advanced under- and
post-graduate students, new researchers to the field and practitioners
for continuing professional development, Molecular Pharmacology
explores; recent advances and developments in the four major human
drug target families (G-protein coupled receptors, ion channels,
nuclear receptors and transporters), cloning of drug targets,
transgenic animal technology, gene therapy, pharmacogenomics and
looks at the role of calcium in the cell. It includes numerous
real-world examples and a detailed case-study based chapter that
looks at current and possible future gene therapy treatment strategies
for cystic fibrosis. This case study considers the relative merits of
both drug therapy for specific classes of mutation and gene therapy to
correct the underlying defect.
