Target Validation

Target identification and validation lies at the root of drug discovery. Genomic and proteomic techniques, including microarray analyses of gene expression, comparative proteomic analyses, and bioinformatics, have made possible a new approach to identifying drug targets. The addition of global transcriptional analyses using microarrays will allow the Centre for Drug Research and Development investigators to analyze cells to determine global gene expression in response to specific conditions or drugs. This technology applies to areas as diverse as identifying novel drug targets and determining side effects.

The Target Validation Division has established collaborations with several proteomics initiatives in BC in order to access mass spectrometry capacity to service the needs of CDRD. The division has also invested in equipment for multiplexing analyte detection and biomarker identification to facilitate target validation.

Capabilities and Resources

The Centre for Drug Research and Development's Target Validation Division provides investigators with help performing global transcriptional analyses, microarrays, global gene expression, comparative proteomic analyses, and bioinformatics.

Functional GenomicsProteomicsProteomics/Imaging
  • Gene microarray analysis
  • Quantitative real-time PCR
  • Bioinformatics
  • SNP analysis
  • Multiplex chemokine and cytokine analyses
  • Expression of cell-surface and intracellular molecules
  • 2D gel electrophoresis
  • Determination of protein structure
  • Spot synthesis of peptides
  • Live imaging of cells
EquipmentEquipmentEquipment
  • Bioanalyzer
  • Microarray platform
  • QRT-PCR machine
  • Sequenom MassARRAY® System
  • Meso Scale Discovery SECTOR® Imager 2400
  • 2D gel imager
  • Crystallization robot
  • Solid-phase synthesis of peptides
  • Confocal microscope

Equipment Highlights

A high-throughput microarray platform provides a systems-biology perspective for both gene-expression profiling and DNA analysis. Microarrays supported by the platform include whole-genome genotyping, whole-transcript exon expression profiling, and ChIP on chip.

Sequenom MassARRAY® System offering a suite of quantitative and qualitative applications for genetic research. Based on MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, MassARRAY provides unparalleled specificity and sensitivity for genotyping, gene-expression profiling, and methylation analysis.

Meso Scale Discovery SECTOR® Imager 2400. This instrument uses ultra-low-noise charge-coupled-device (CCD) cameras with custom-designed telecentric lenses for rapid detection in all MULTI-ARRAY® or MULTI-SPOT® plates, which are ideal for applications on multiplexing biomarker detection requiring high information content and high throughput.

Staff

T. Michael Underhill, Ph.D. — Division Chair

Associate Professor, Cell Physiology, UBC. Dr. Underhill's laboratory recently established an important role for the retinoid signalling pathway in chondrogenesis. Full bio

Edie Dullaghan, Ph.D. — Head

Dr. Dullaghan has more than 10 years of experience studying pathogenic bacteria and 5 years studying the mechanism of action of host-defense peptides at Inimex Pharmaceuticals. Full bio