Human genome sequencing project has tremendously contributed towards
the identification of GPCRs and orphan GPCRs. Currently, more than 800 GPCRs and
orphan GPCRs are known. The exploration of the mechanism of the signalling
pathways is imperative to understand various roles of these GPCRs, particularly orphan
GPCRs. The characterization of physiological functions of orphan GPCRs through
development of knockout mice has been a successful method. However, designing and
development of novel molecules as agonist or antagonist, having higher efficacy,
potency and better safety profile, requires consideration of a more dynamic, multipath
way system that a drug can take to exert an effect. Most recently, synthetic circuits
have become an important feature of electronic service delivery within the modern life
science field, demanding close attention to their functionality, sustainability and
usability. Some researchers have begun to examine the functionality of synthetic
circuits but there is no relevant work done on software designing related to this specific
field which will help to build a comprehensive model for regulatory system. The major
objective of system biology is to identify all molecules and their interactions within a
living cell. The knowledge about these molecules and the intermolecular interactions is
critical to determine the function of human physiological system. The de novo
engineering of genetic circuits, biological modules and synthetic pathways is a step
towards understanding the biological machinery. The construction of genetic circuits
involves proteins as input nodes (receptors), bowires (repressors and activators), or
output nodes (enzymes and signaling) to the system. The intrinsic complexity of the
proteins makes it difficult to correlate their sequence, structure, functions and
interactions. Switching biology deals with redesigning natural proteins or designing
novel proteins. An insight into the role of GPCR, its multiple interactions with other
proteins, gene and other biomolecules is essential in order to design and develop better
therapeutic intervention. An integrated approach combining structure based drug
design, systems biology and biological circuits can help in gaining synergy in drug
design. The chapter highlights the role of systems biology and biological circuits in
drug discovery.
Keywords: 7TM, Biological Circuit, Bowires, De-novo, Drug Discovery, Genetic
Circuit, GPCR’s, Switching Biology, Synthetic Pathways, Synthetic Biology,
Systems Biology.
