Searching for Molecular Solutions

A comprehensive look at empirical approaches to molecular discovery, their relationships with rational design, and the future of both

Empirical methods of discovery, along with serendipitous and rational design approaches, have played an important role in human history. Searching for Molecular Solutions compares empirical discovery strategies for biologically useful molecules with serendipitous discovery and rational design, while also considering the strengths and limitations of empirical pathways to molecular discovery.

Logically arranged, this text examines the different modes of molecular discovery, empha-sizing the historical and ongoing importance of empirical strategies. Along with a broad overview of the subject matter, Searching for Molecular Solutions explores:

• The differing modes of molecular discovery
• Biological precedents for evolutionary approaches
• Directed evolutionary methods and related areas
• Enzyme evolution and design
• Functional nucleic acid discovery
• Antibodies and other recognition molecules
• General aspects of molecular recognition
• Small molecule discovery approaches
• Rational molecular design
• The interplay between empirical and rational strategies and their ongoing roles in the future of molecular discovery

Searching for Molecular Solutions covers several major areas of modern research, development, and practical applications of molecular sciences. This text offers empirical-rational principles of broad relevance to scientists, professionals, and students interested in general aspects of molecular discovery, as well as the thought processes behind experimental approaches.

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction xiii

1 If It Works, It Works: Pragmatic Molecular Discovery 1

2 Empirical Miracles: Nature's Precedents for Empirical Solutions 22

3 Evolution's Gift: Natural Somatic Diversification and Molecular Design 61

4 Evolution While You Wait 103

5 The Blind Protein Maker 145

6 The Blind Shaper of Nucleic Acids 187

7 Evolving and Creating Recognition Molecules 234

8 Molecules Small and Large 275

9 An Empirical--Rational Loop Forwards 315

10 Exploring the Limits 343

Glossary 365

Bibliography 374

References in Figure Legends 440

Index 443

"This is a valuable resource that compares empirical discovery and rational design, while also considering the strengths and limitations of empirical pathways to molecular discovery. Scientists, professionals, and students interested in general aspects of molecular discovery will find this book extremely useful." (Doody's, 19 August 2011)

Ian S. Dunn, PhD, is the Director of Research at Cytocure, LLC, in Beverly, Massachusetts. In keeping with the scope of this book, he has a diverse background in immunology, cell and molecular biology, and biotechnology. His current research focuses on antigen gene regulation in melanoma cells.

A comprehensive look at empirical approaches to molecular discovery, their relationships with rational design, and the future of both

Empirical methods of discovery, along with serendipitous and rational design approaches, have played an important role in human history. Searching for Molecular Solutions compares empirical discovery strategies for biologically useful molecules with serendipitous discovery and rational design, while also considering the strengths and limitations of empirical pathways to molecular discovery.

Logically arranged, this text examines the different modes of molecular discovery, empha-sizing the historical and ongoing importance of empirical strategies. Along with a broad overview of the subject matter, Searching for Molecular Solutions explores:

• The differing modes of molecular discovery
• Biological precedents for evolutionary approaches
• Directed evolutionary methods and related areas
• Enzyme evolution and design
• Functional nucleic acid discovery
• Antibodies and other recognition molecules
• General aspects of molecular recognition
• Small molecule discovery approaches
• Rational molecular design
• The interplay between empirical and rational strategies and their ongoing roles in the future of molecular discovery

Searching for Molecular Solutions covers several major areas of modern research, development, and practical applications of molecular sciences. This text offers empirical-rational principles of broad relevance to scientists, professionals, and students interested in general aspects of molecular discovery, as well as the thought processes behind experimental approaches.

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.