Function-first approaches to improve target identification in cancer. (June 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kinch, Michael S; Kohli, Manu; Goldblatt, Michael; Li, Wu-Bo
• Is Part Of: Future oncology. Volume 5:Number 5(2009)
• Page Start: 617
• Page End: 623
• Publication Date: 2009-06
• Subjects: cancer -- drug resistance -- random homozygous gene perturbation -- RHGP -- siRNA -- target discovery; Oncology -- Periodicals; 616.99405
• DOI: 10.2217/fon.09.42
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-6694

Abstract

Target discovery for cancer is undergoing a sort of revival with an increasing need for improved therapeutics. Likewise, the strategies to discover new and better therapeutic targets have come full circle, with greater emphasis placed upon targets that are functionally relevant to the disease process. In this article, we review the evolution of cancer target discovery and discuss random homozygous gene perturbation, an emerging technology that combines the practicality of screening for new targets by emphasizing function as the primary criterion, with cutting-edge advances in gene-based screening of all potential targets in a cell.