2012/12/25 |
The Pharmacology of Mie University has particular strengths in the areas of pharmacogenomics and systems pharmacology on cellular signaling mechanisms and gene expression as targets of drug action. Systems pharmacology is defined to identify the gene network which are involved in determining the responsiveness and to distinguish responders and non-responders to a given drug. Genome sequensing, transcriptome, proteome and metabolome analysis are of particular significance in pharmacogenomics. Sequencing is used to locate polymorphisms, and monitoring of functional gene expression can provide clue about the genomic response to disease and treatment. The transcriptome analysis can be done by next generation DNA sequencer and oligomicrochip differential hybridization. We use multiomics analysis to identify and validate therapeutic target genes by studying change of gene expression in human cells and zebrafish model of various human diseases and find novel drug target candidates through this systems pharmacology strategy. By performing primary screening in vivo, the bioactivity, toxicity, and off-target side effects are determined from the onset of drug development in zebrafish. Recent study validates the zebrafish as an effective model for not only drug discovery but also drug optimization. The pharmacogenomics and systems pharmacology has the potential for strategy to define novel drug targets in various diseases of unmet medical needs and holds the promise that drugs might be tailor-made for individuals and adapted to each person’s own genetic makeup.
http://pgx.medic.mie-u.ac.jp/zqsp/