The
Situation: Identification of New Molecular Targets.
The sequencing of the Human Genome has revealed information of
potentially great value for therapeutic and diagnostic applications
but requires the development of parallel technologies for its
efficient exploitation. The emerging field of 'chemical genomics'
focuses on the characterization of small molecules and peptides
as molecular targets and drug candidates. SerOptix possesses novel
technology and a powerful target identification strategy that
can be efficiently used to identify differences in the chemical
genomic profile between diseased and healthy states.
The
Problem: The search for therapeutic markers is presently
segregated into discovery strategies directed to specific molecular
classes such as nucleic acids, protein, peptides or small molecules
without elucidation of their molecular interactions. This effort
typically requires massive information sorting of gene expression,
molecular abundance and mass spectrometric data. The eventual
identification of molecular targets requires the establishment
of a definitive association between candidate molecules and specific
disease process. Unfortunately, the identification of useful targets
is often obscured by the need to analyze subtle molecular changes
on a background of common molecular profiles, or by a limited
understanding of the physiological role of the identified target.
The
Solution:
Spectra-Molecular Informatics. SerOptix has developed a new flexible
approach based on intrinsic, or natural, fluorescence to identify
the molecular signature of disease. This method, called Spectra-Molecular
Informatics (SMI), combines elements of biochemistry, spectroscopy,
statistical modeling and informatics to measure and interpret
the interaction of molecules and molecular complexes with light.
Our research and development over the last three years has provided
a substantial proof-of-principle for this strategy, supporting
our present efforts to enhance this platform technology and apply
it to a broad range of diseases. The SMI technology platform creates
an efficient means for identifying molecular markers of disease
for use in drug development, therapeutic monitoring & diagnostic
products.
The
Process:
SerOptix is establishing multi-dimensional databases for the screening
of disease cohorts for Spectra Molecular information useful for
defining appropriate disease candidates for expanded detailed
study and to support initiation of molecular target discovery
efforts. Using a combination of molecular separation strategies
and spectroscopic analysis, intrinsic fluorescence differences
within a set of molecules are captured. The SerOptix SMI approach
utilizes advanced optics and multiple laser excitation for characterization
of small molecule, peptide and protein targets. Through a systematic,
high throughput process these differences are refined and molecular
profiles are established utilizing the sensitivity of fluorescence
to detect small changes in concentration, molecular structure,
and molecular interactions.
The
Comprehensive and Dynamic Database:
The two fundamental elements of the SerOptix SMI technology, molecular
separations and spectroscopic analyses, form a coherent structure
for our data system. The database architecture and complementary
system access design provide the primary search engine for identifying
initial differences between control and disease groups based on
spectral signatures. SerOptix and its partners will share in the
power of the unique SMI data matrix and molecular profiling system,
and exploit the novel intellectual property contained in the SMI
information-base for high value applications of molecular target
discovery and molecular modeling of disease. This resource will
offer new and creative approaches for understanding disease processes,
identification of new product candidates and for monitoring the
efficacy of therapeutic intervention, throughout all phases of
therapeutic and diagnostic product development .
Commitment
to Technological Development: Our systems are designed
to take full advantage of progress in laser and optical fiber
technology and advances in spectrometer and detector design to
precisely identify spectra-molecular signatures of disease with
high sensitivity. Analysis of our complex, multi-dimensional databases
with advanced pattern recognition systems provides optimized analysis
methods for managing our complex information portfolio. Our proprietary
analytical tools offer an efficient strategy for the direct identification
of changes in the concentration of small molecules and and alterations
of protein interactions of potential diagnostic and therapeutic
importance.
The
Elements of SMI:
To efficiently collect and process novel intrinsic fluorescence
profile data, SerOptix has developed a series of laser-based fluorescence
capture units and data analysis strategies designed to be directly
integrated with molecular separation and data mining systems.
The Intrinsic Fluorescence Informatics Technology (INFLIT) provides
a novel technology for the efficient compilation of high value
data-streams at the core of our proprietary information-bases:
- Optimized
methods for blood and tissue extraction
- The HR-INFLIT systems for high throughput initial spectral
surveys
- The XL-INFLIT system for coupling to state-of-the-art
chromatographic methods
- Integration of XL-INFLIT with mass spectrometry for efficient
molecular isolation, identification and validation of fluorescent
markers of disease.
- An expanding SMI database and informatics asset for efficient
molecular target identification, and discovery of valuable molecular
disease correlates.
The
Value of SMI: The SerOptix technology platform was
designed for the rapid identification of appropriate disease classes
for further investigation by the establishment of definitive spectral
discrimination. The full application of the SMI platform with
fine molecular separation supports the efficient discovery and
validation of biomarkers for therapeutic product development,
therapeutic monitoring and diagnostic assays. The value SMI platform
will be established through the combination of:
- A synergistic team of creative
biologists, physicists and data analysts with complementary
skills and scientific approaches
-
Creation of novel algorithms which permit the definitive identification
of unique molecular signatures
- Establishment
of efficient strategies for exploiting these signatures for
molecular target identification
- Elucidation
of the biological role of molecular targets in disease processes
in support of breakthrough product development
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