In toxicology, identifying drug targets is essential for several reasons:
Predicting Toxicity: Understanding which targets a drug affects can help predict potential toxic effects. For example, if a drug non-selectively binds to multiple targets, it might cause off-target effects that lead to toxicity. Mechanism of Action: By identifying the target, toxicologists can elucidate the mechanism of action responsible for both therapeutic and adverse effects. Risk Assessment: Knowledge of drug targets contributes to risk assessment by providing insights into dose-response relationships and identifying vulnerable populations.
