Small-Molecule Initiated Chemical Biology

In human history, small organic molecules have been utilized for improving human health and for revealing secrets of life. Discovery or design of small organic molecules with unique biological activity permits small-molecule-initiated exploration of biology and further understanding of human diseases. Our laboratory has been discovering and designing bioactive small synthetic molecules to use them as tools to explore biology. This personal perspective summarizes our contributions to chemical biology, particularly in the fields of gene transcription, library design, and growth factor signaling.