Services

A number of key core services are located in the CTT to assist all investigators at MD Anderson in bringing their discoveries from concept to clinic. These services include an siRNA Screening Service to help identify new targets; the Translational Chemistry Core Facility offering custom synthesis and development services; and the Sequencing and Non-Coding RNA Program, which will identify undiscovered genes through state-of-the-art genomic research and technology development. Each of these core services enables the Center for Targeted Therapy to rapidly bring new types of cancer agents from concept to clinic not only for the benefit of patients at MD Anderson, but in Texas, the U.S. and throughout the world.

siRNA Screening Service

• Established to serve as a hypothesis-generating engine for the identification of new therapeutic targets
• Available to all MD Anderson investigators
• High-throughput screening (HTS) of the human genome siRNA library allows investigators the chance to further develop potential targets by using this HTS, which contains siRNAs targeting ~21,000 known human genes
• This hypothesis-driven technology enables investigators to identify previously unknown modulators of genes of interest

Translational Chemistry Core Facility

• Service has three dedicated research scientists -- including a molecular modeler -- in addition to a full-time director
• Available to all MD Anderson investigators
• Provides custom synthesis services to researchers by manufacturing specific compounds for use in research

Sequencing and Non-Coding RNA Program

• The Sequencing and Non-Coding RNA Program was launched in December 2008.
• Open to all MD Anderson investigators
• Offers cutting-edge, emerging technology and expertise in functional genomics, including SOLiD™ Next Generation Sequencing, for the discovery of new non-coding RNAs and expression profiling for known ncRNAs to further cancer research
• Eventually generate new cancer prevention and therapeutic agents by targeting and utilizing ncRNAs