With combinatorial chemistry millions of organic compounds can be produced simultaneously, quickly, and in most cases by automated procedures. These compound libraries are a cost-effective resource for the pharmaceutical industry in their search for biologically active lead structures. Furthermore simultaneous parallel synthesis of single peptides and peptide libraries solve the problem of the worldwide increasing demand for peptides. The synthetic methods described here in detail contribute to a forward-looking technology that has a high impact for industrial and academic research. Fast and efficient analytical techniques are essential for using the complicated product mixtures and detecting by-products. Various synthetic approaches and technologies, mass spectrometry, and screening assays are discussed extensively. This book is a must and an indispensible source of information for every researcher in this rapidly developing field, which spans organic synthesis, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medicinal, and clinical chemistry.

The continued successes of large- and small-scale genome sequencing projects are increasing the number of genomic targets available for drug d- covery at an exponential rate. In addition, a better understanding of molecular mechanisms—such as apoptosis, signal transduction, telomere control of ch- mosomes, cytoskeletal development, modulation of stress-related proteins, and cell surface display of antigens by the major histocompatibility complex m- ecules—has improved the probability of identifying the most promising genomic targets to counteract disease. As a result, developing and optimizing lead candidates for these targets and rapidly moving them into clinical trials is now a critical juncture in pharmaceutical research. Recent advances in com- natorial library synthesis, purification, and analysis techniques are not only increasing the numbers of compounds that can be tested against each specific genomic target, but are also speeding and improving the overall processes of lead discovery and optimization. There are two main approaches to combinatorial library production: p- allel chemical synthesis and split-and-mix chemical synthesis. These approaches can utilize solid- or solution-based synthetic methods, alone or in combination, although the majority of combinatorial library synthesis is still done on solid support. In a parallel synthesis, all the products are assembled separately in their own reaction vessels or microtiter plates. The array of rows and columns enables researchers to organize the building blocks to be c- bined, and provides an easy way to identify compounds in a particular well.

The new time-saving revolution in drug discovery. Combinatorial chemistry, a method for synthesizing millions of chemical compounds much faster than usual, is becoming one of the most useful technical tools available to chemists and researchers working today. Using current advances in computer and laboratory techniques, combinatorial chemistry has freed professionals from the drudgery of piecemeal experimental work and opened new creative possibilities for experimentation. Combinatorial Chemistry: Synthesis and Application details critical aspects of the technique, featuring the work of some of the world's leading chemists, many of whom played a key role in its development. Including examples of both solution-phase and solid-phase approaches as well as the full complement of organic chemistry technologies currently available, the book describes: * Concepts and terms of combinatorial chemistry * Polymer-supported synthesis of organic compounds * Macro beads as microreactors * Solid-phase methods in combinatorial chemistry * Encoded combinatorial libraries, including Rf-encoding of synthesis beads * Strategies for combinatorial libraries of oligosaccharides * Combinatorial libraries of peptides, proteins, and antibodies using biological systems. While combinatorial chemistry originated in peptide chemistry, this volume has deliberately focused on nonpeptide organic applications, illustrating the technique's wide uses. Combinatorial Chemistry introduces organic, medicinal, and pharmaceutical chemists as well as biochemists to this exciting, cost-effective, and practical technique, which has unlocked creative potential for the next millennium.

In recent years, research has shown the importance of peptides in neuroscience, immunology, and cell biology. Active research programs worldwide are now engaged in developing peptide-based drugs and vaccines using modification of natural peptides and proteins, design of artificial peptides and peptide mimetics, and screening of peptide and phage libraries. In this comprehensive book, the authors discuss peptide synthesis and application within the context of their increasing importance to the pharmaceutical industry. Peptides: Synthesis, Structures, and Applications explores the broad growth of information in modern peptide synthetic methods and the structure-activity relationships of synthetic polypeptides. - The history of peptide chemistry - Amide formation, deprotection, and disulfide formation in peptide synthesis - Solid-phase peptide synthesis - a-helix formation by peptides in water - Stability and dynamics of peptide conformation - An overview of structure-function studies of peptide hormones - Neuropeptides:peptide and nonpeptide analogs - Reversible inhibitors of serine proteinases - Design of polypeptides - Current capabilities and future possibilities of soluble chemical combinatorial libraries - Epitope mapping with peptides - Synthesis and applications of branched peptides in immunological methods and vaccines

Based on the international workshop on 'Small Molecule - Protein Interactions' held in Berlin, April 24-26, 2002, researchers from industry and academic laboratories describe novel and efficient ways selecting promising new drug targets and developing small molecule inhibitors against them. The structure of the book corresponds to the different aspects of the drug discovery process. All chapters are written by leading experts in the field, who present and discuss the most recent state-of-the-art tools and techniques for the development of novel drugs. The value of the book lies in surveying and summarizing the approaches taken by different companies and institutions giving the reader a balanced view on the use of the latest techniques on the one hand and experience-based assistance in selecting appropriate tools for their own work on the other hand.

Since the publication of the benchmark first edition of this book, chemical library and combinatorial chemistry methods have developed into mature technologies. There have also been significant shifts in emphasis in combinatorial synthesis. Reflecting the growth in the field and the heightened focus on select areas, Analytical Methods in Combinator