Post Genomics
In the past few years much attention has been given to the sequencing of
the human genome. A watershed achievement in the biological sciences,
the thrust of research related to the genome has shifted and is now focused
on attaining a comprehensive understanding of this vast reservoir of data
and how to exploit and apply that knowledge to produce valuable therapies
and diagnostics. Already the increased understanding of that sequence
data is yielding many more potential targets for drug discovery. An unprecedented
opportunity to understand the genetic and molecular basis of disease is
in parallel creating compelling investment opportunities in those companies
developing post-genomics solutions. TBV will seek to invest in the most
promising young technology-based companies in this space. Disciplines
of interest include:
•
Functional genomics: The identification of gene function and role
in the disease process. Modern functional genomics approaches incorporate
major advances in several different areas such as analytical biochemistry,
image analysis and robotics to undertake the task on a much larger scale
than was possible in the past;
• Transcriptomics: Involves the large-scale analysis of messenger
RNAs (molecules that are transcribed from active genes) to determine when,
where, and under what conditions genes are expressed;
•
Proteomics: The study of protein expression and function to elucidate
their role in the disease process. Because proteins are common drug targets,
analysis of proteins is more direct than looking at their precursors,
genes and mRNA;
•
Structural genomics: Generating the three-dimensional structure of
proteins to assist in the identification of the characteristics of compounds
that will effectively interact with target proteins active sites;
•
Glycomics: A field of studying the biological function of carbohydrates.
This group of biological macromolecules has the potential to aid in the
drug discovery process.
•
Pharmacogenomics: The analysis of genetic variations among individuals
and the effect those variations may have on an individual’s susceptibility
to disease or response to treatment. The desired outcome of this field
is to reduce clinical development times and costs, reveal new indications
for existing drugs and ultimately generate personalized medicines.
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