The application of small molecule bioactive probes in the identification of cellular targets

 Identification of the cellular targets of bioactive compounds is a major challenge and a key issue in chemical biology and drug discovery.  As an important technology in functional proteomics, small molecule probes play a pivotal role in the identification of cellular targets of bioactive compounds.  This review is intended to introduce the application principles and structural design philosophy of chemical probes for the purpose of mechanistic study.  Recent cases of successful application were also discussed to further demonstrate the principles and significance of bioactive small molecule-based probes.