Target identification and validation

Oncodesign has a platform for the discovery and validation of novel targets with known or unknown function in tumor cells. This platform is based on functional genomic techniques.

The process of target validation is described below:

• Starting with a DNA sequence from the gene of interest, we can study its expression profile in cancer cell lines, primary human tumor samples and healthy tissues.
• Using constitutive or inducible systems, we can downregulate or overexpress the gene of interest in cell lines and to further understand its role in vitro using functional and phenotypic assays (proliferation, apoptosis and determination of molecular pathway).
• After determination of the interest of the target in oncology, antibody production and screening are performed and protein partners are investigated, using western blot, co-immunoprecipitation and 2D gel analysis/mass spectroscopy.
• If the cell line(s) of interest are tumorigenic, the implication of the gene in tumor growth can be studied in vivo. Inducible systems are also used in vivo.
• Antibodies can then be engineered and used for target expression profile using tissue arrays of tumor and healthy tissues.

This process leads to the validation of a target with therapeutic potential that can then be used for high-throughput screening.