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Utilizing Functional Genomics Screening to Identify Potentially Novel Drug Targets in Cancer Cell Spheroid Cultures
Published on: December 26, 2016
'Big data' approaches for novel anti-cancer drug discovery
Graeme Benstead-Hume1, Sarah K Wooller1, Frances M G Pearl1
1a Bioinformatics Group, School of Life Sciences , University of Sussex , Brighton , United Kingdom.
Introduction:
The development of improved cancer therapies is frequently cited as an urgent unmet medical need. Recent advances in platform technologies and the increasing availability of biological 'big data' are providing an unparalleled opportunity to systematically identify the key genes and pathways involved in tumorigenesis. The discoveries made using these new technologies may lead to novel therapeutic interventions. Areas covered: The authors discuss the current approaches that use 'big data' to identify cancer drivers. These approaches include the analysis of genomic sequencing data, pathway data, multi-platform data, identifying genetic interactions such as synthetic lethality and using cell line data. They review how big data is being used to identify novel drug targets. The authors then provide an overview of the available data repositories and tools being used at the forefront of cancer drug discovery. Expert opinion: Targeted therapies based on the genomic events driving the tumour will eventually inform treatment protocols. However, using a tailored approach to treat all tumour patients may require developing a large repertoire of targeted drugs.
Insights
Big data analysis is revolutionizing cancer research by identifying key genes and pathways driving tumor growth. This approach accelerates the discovery of novel drug targets for more effective cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Bioinformatics
- Genomics
Background:
- Improved cancer therapies remain a critical unmet medical need.
- Advances in platform technologies and biological 'big data' offer new opportunities for cancer research.
- Systematic identification of tumorigenesis drivers can lead to novel therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss current approaches utilizing 'big data' for cancer driver identification.
- To review the use of big data in discovering novel drug targets.
- To provide an overview of data repositories and tools in cancer drug discovery.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genomic sequencing data.
- Pathway data analysis.
- Multi-platform data integration.
- Identification of genetic interactions (e.g., synthetic lethality).
- Cell line data utilization.
Main Results:
- Big data approaches enable systematic identification of cancer drivers.
- These methods facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic targets.
- Various data repositories and tools are available for cancer drug discovery.
Conclusions:
- Genomic-event-based targeted therapies will shape future cancer treatment protocols.
- Developing a broad range of targeted drugs is essential for personalized cancer care.
- Big data analytics are pivotal in advancing precision oncology.
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