One prominent challenge of the incipient genomic era is the de-convolution of the genetic mechanisms and networks underlying complex biological phenotypes. When applied to the study of diseases, this approach is meant to reduce pathological traits into their molecular components, which might correspond to disease markers or potential targets for pharmacological intervention. Molecular markers and targets represent the basis to build-up rationale programs of disease prevention, early detection and treatment.
The scientific program of the IIT node at the IFOM-IEO Campus in Milan will be focused on the identification of disease-associated molecular markers/targets, with particular emphasis on cancer, using genomic approaches.
De-convolution of cancer traits will be tackled using two parallel approaches: i) genetic or chemical screenings of relevant cell phenotypes; and ii) decoding of molecular pathways in relevant biological samples by holistic analysis of DNA (genome), chromatin (epigenome), RNA (transcriptome) and proteins (proteome). Due to its emphasis on different genomic technologies (so called omics), the acronym of the “Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM” is Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM).
Pivotal to the success of these approaches is the availability of a number of cutting-edge technologies (including last and next generation genomic approaches, advanced high-throughput screening technologies and integrated computational platforms).
This technological set-up will be initially challenged within two specific Scientific Programs:
- Target identification through chemical screens
- Environmental Cancer Risk Assessment.
Finally, the “Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM” will provide the scientific (through its cancer-pathways deconvolution-programs) and technological (through its Screening Unit and its repertoires of chemical diversity) resources for the drug discovery programs that are currently operative at both the IFOM-IEO Campus and the IIT-Genova.