Enzyme Drug Targets

This lecture covers the importance of enzymes as drug targets, focusing on examples such as cyclooxygenases, dihydrofolate reductase, protein kinase C, tyrosine kinases, GABA transaminase, HIV aspartyl protease, and angiotensin-converting enzyme. It explains the development of molecules targeting these enzymes and the specificity of inhibitors. The lecture also discusses the role of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in cancer treatment, with a spotlight on imatinib. Furthermore, it delves into the control of vascular smooth muscle tone, the renin-angiotensin system, and the synthesis of vasoconstrictor Angiotensin II. The session concludes with insights into the viral life cycle, pharmacological interventions, and the development of ritonavir through structure-based drug design.