A Translational Research Resource Centre and Image-Based Screening Platform for MRC-LMCB, UCL.

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We propose to establish a Translational Research Resource Centre at the MRC-Laboratory for Molecular Biology/Cell Biology Unit (LMCB/CBU) that will provide know-how and technical platforms for the MRC, UCL and the surrounding research community to facilitate and develop the translation of basic research. The initial platform will be an automated image-based high through-put screening system, coupled with the technique of RNA interference (RNAi), which has now become one of the most powerful methods for identifying genes/proteins involved in a variety of cellular pathways and pathological conditions. The same assays and equipment can be used to screen small compound libraries, thus allowing not only the identification of novel targets for drug development but also lead compounds for a range of genetic and infectious diseases as well as conditions such as cancer, neuro-degeneration and visual failure. Major programmes of this sort are already underway elsewhere in Europe and the USA. Our program will bring these key new technologies to the MRC and the UCL communities - one of the largest concentrations of biomedical research in the UK.