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Updated: May 13, 2026
Orthotopic Transplantation of Breast Tumors as Preclinical Models for Breast Cancer
Published on: May 18, 2020
Functional interrogation of breast cancer: from models to drugs
Sharon F McGee1, Darran P O'Connor, William M Gallagher
1UCD Conway Institute, UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. william.gallagher@ucd.ie.
Abstract:
Functional genomics allows for the activity of the whole genome to be surveyed at once. Using this technology for the identification of novel targets and their validation in disease-specific contexts has profound implications for the future of drug discovery. Now researchers have the technological means to gather comprehensive data on basic biological phenomena and disease mechanisms, while monitoring the effect of drug candidates on a molecular level. Pathway analysis can facilitate the genetic profiling of patients and, in turn, predict individual responses to treatment regimes. Functional interrogation of a disease-specific phenotype at a whole genome level (through, for example, the use of whole genome RNAi libraries) allows for the identification of critical regulators in complex biological systems, and the detection of putative targets for future therapeutic intervention. The authors describe the applications of functional genomics in models of breast cancer and the integration of these disparate technologies, specifically in the context of the search for novel therapeutic targets.
Insights
Functional genomics enables whole genome analysis for drug discovery. This approach identifies novel therapeutic targets and predicts patient responses to treatment, particularly in breast cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Drug Discovery
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Functional genomics offers comprehensive genome activity analysis.
- It has significant implications for identifying novel drug targets and validating them in disease contexts.
- This technology enables monitoring drug candidate effects at a molecular level.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the applications of functional genomics in breast cancer models.
- To integrate functional genomics technologies for novel therapeutic target identification.
- To leverage whole genome approaches for understanding disease mechanisms and drug responses.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing whole genome RNAi libraries for functional interrogation of disease phenotypes.
- Applying pathway analysis for genetic profiling and predicting treatment responses.
- Integrating diverse functional genomics technologies.
Main Results:
- Identification of critical regulators in complex biological systems.
- Detection of putative targets for therapeutic intervention.
- Demonstration of functional genomics applications in breast cancer models.
Conclusions:
- Functional genomics is a powerful tool for identifying novel therapeutic targets.
- Integrating these technologies accelerates drug discovery and personalized medicine.
- This approach is crucial for advancing breast cancer research and treatment.
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