Understanding Off-Target Effects of Psychoactive Drugs Using Yeast
Author Information
Author(s): Ericson Elke, Gebbia Marinella, Heisler Lawrence E., Wildenhain Jan, Tyers Mike, Giaever Guri, Nislow Corey
Primary Institution: University of Toronto
Hypothesis
To better understand off-target effects of widely prescribed psychoactive drugs, we performed a comprehensive series of chemogenomic screens using the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system.
Conclusion
The study identified 81 psychoactive drugs that inhibited yeast growth and revealed that many of these drugs affect multiple cellular functions, suggesting potential secondary drug targets.
Supporting Evidence
- Among 214 tested psychoactive drugs, 81 were found to inhibit yeast growth.
- Half of the analyzed drugs affected core cellular processes such as secretion and RNA processing.
- Fluoxetine was found to interfere with cell polarity, while paroxetine affected RNA metabolism.
Takeaway
Researchers tested many drugs on yeast to see how they affect cells, finding that some drugs can mess with important cell functions.
Methodology
The study used genome-wide deletion strains of yeast to assess drug sensitivity and identify off-target effects through chemogenomic profiling.
Limitations
The study's findings may not fully translate to human biology due to differences between yeast and human cellular processes.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<10−7
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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