| Research in this theme aims to identify novel genes that are involved in cancer-relevant pathways. Such genes are prime targets for drug discovery programmes. We will use two types of functional screens: gain-of-function and loss-of-function, both to be performed in cultured cells and model systems. Identification of genes will be followed by validating them for therapeutic intervention, using RNAi inhibition techniques. The next step, identifying suitable drugs of therapeutic interventions, requires a more industrial approach. Therefore, we see this project as particularly suited to generate new spin-offs or collaborations with existing (bio)pharmaceutical companies. |
