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Abstract
Grant Number: 1R43AI056636-01 PI Name: JACKSON, PAUL D. PI Email: pdjackson@athersys.com PI Title: Project Title: Drug Target Discovery in Mast Cells by GECKO Technology Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of the present research program is to utilize a genome-wide, high-throughput gene knock-out technology in combination with cellular assays to identify anti-inflammatory drug targets. This novel knockout technology, termed Genome-wide Cell-based Knockout technology or GECKO, is capable of inactivating expression of each transcriptionally active gene in cultured cells. Genome-wide GECKO libraries contain a relatively small number of clones, typically less than 1,000,000 clones, wherein each clone contains a different gene knockout, and collectively each transcriptionally active gene has been knocked out within the library. In this phase I research program, we will establish mast cell activation assays compatible with the GECKO technology, and create a genome-wide GECKO library for identification of genes whose function is necessary for mast cell degranulation. The specific aims of this phase I program, therefore, are 1) to develop robust high-throughput assays to enable screens for mast cell mutants with defective activation and degranulation responses.; and 2) to generate a phenotypically stable, genome-wide, GECKO library for use in identifying degranulation mutants in the chosen mast cell model. Success in this Phase I program will enable a full scale effort to identify genes that inhibit various mast cell functions involved in allergy, asthma, and anaphylaxis as well as in degenerative fibrosis and arthritis, and thereby identify new drug targets for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Thesaurus Terms:
drug discovery /isolation, high throughput technology, mast cell, technology /technique development
genetic library, genetic manipulation, inflammation
biotechnology, cell line, flow cytometry, site directed mutagenesis, tissue /cell culture
Institution: ATHERSYS, INC. 3201 CARNEGIE AVE CLEVELAND, OH 44115 Fiscal Year: 2003 Department: Project Start: 01-AUG-2003 Project End: 31-JAN-2004 ICD: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES IRG: ZRG1