High Throughput Screening for target and drug discovery

Teachers:

A. Provenzani, V. Adami, P. Gatto, M. Cardano (University of Trento)

M. Mano (CNC-University of Coimbra)

J. Houser (CEITEC- Masarik University)

The goal of this course is to provide the basis for the understanding of modern biomedical research technologies, including high-throughput screening platforms especially relevant in the target and drug discovery process. In addition, the course will cover knowledge on biophysical techniques used to characterize biomolecular structures/interactions and tools for the development of new experimental models such as cell reprogramming, genome editing and organoids generation.

Upon successful completion of this course, participants should:

  • Distinguish among different approaches for Drug Discovery
  • Know about paradigm shift in innovation: from closed innovation to open innovation
  • Understand the rationale of HTS in academia
  • Familiarize with the library formats, miniaturization and Microplates choice 
  • Understand the principle of liquid handling technologies
  • Learn about a pooled screening approach: DNA Encoded Libraries
  • Illustrate the requirements of a Bioassay for HTS and the possible classification
  • Be able to go through the data analysis process
  • List the canonical targets of common drugs and be aware of the druggable space 
  • Apply correctly biochemical and cell based assays
  • Know the basics of target-compound interaction
  • List the existing biophysical techniques for molecules interaction
  • Familiarize with advanced models for cell-based screening assays: stem cells, iPS cells, 3D models
  • Distinguish between target based and phenotypic screening
  • Know about High Content Screening: the workflow, instrumentation and software
  • Know about the principle of functional genomics
  • Familiarize with RNAi screening: arrayed and pooled