In recent years, RNA interference (RNAi) has become an increasingly powerful research tool, and the introduction of small interfering (si)RNA screening libraries, targeted at the genomes of different species, has allowed real insight into previously unknown interactions.
The principal interests of the RNAi Screening Facility at the Beatson Institute are twofold. We aim to facilitate the translation of existing cancer research into cancer treatments, and to enhance the efficacy of existing cancer drugs, potentially through a combinatorial therapeutic approach.
Coupling screening of our human and mouse whole genome siRNA libraries with High Content Imaging, we aim to identify novel interactions, pathways and mechanisms in specific types of carcinoma. Our current portfolio includes a number of synthetic lethality approaches to targeting cancer.
The state-of-the-art laboratory is comprised of liquid handling robotics and readers and an Operetta High Content Imaging System (Perkin Elmer), to bring accuracy, precision and speed to the screening process.
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Lab Report
Key Publications
Shanks EJ, Ong HB, Robinson DA, Thompson S, Sienkiewicz N, Fairlamb AH, Frearson JA (2010). Development and validation of a cytochrome c-coupled assay for pteridine reductase 1 and dihydrofolate reductase. Analytical Biochemistry 396, 194–203.
Biography
Education and qualifications
2004: PhD, Molecular Biology, University of Dundee
2000: BSc (Hons), Neuroscience, University of Sussex
Appointments
2011-present: Head of Screening, Beatson Institute for Cancer Research
2005-2010: Postdoctoral Screening Scientist, DDU, University of Dundee
Recent Publications
Spinks D, Ong HB, Mpamhanga CP, Shanks EJ, Robinson DA, Collie IT, Read KD, Frearson JA, Wyatt PG, Brenk R, Fairlamb AH, Gilbert IH (2010). Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei Pterine Reductase 1. ChemMedChem 6, 302-8.
Shanks EJ, Ong HB, Robinson DA, Thompson S, Sienkiewicz N, Fairlamb AH, Frearson JA (2010). Development and validation of a cytochrome c-coupled assay for pteridine reductase 1 and dihydrofolate reductase. Analytical Biochemistry 396, 194–203.
Spinks D, Shanks EJ, Cleghorn LAT, McElroy S, Jones D, James D, Fairlamb AH, Frearson JA, Wyatt PG, Gilbert IH (2009). Investigation of Trypanothione Reductase as a Drug Target in Trypanosoma brucei. ChemMedChem 4, 2060-9.
Patterson S, Jones DC, Shanks EJ, Frearson JA, Gilbert IH, Wyatt PG, Fairlamb AH (2009). Synthesis and Evaluation of 1-(1-(Benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)cyclohexyl)piperidine (BTCP) Analogues as Inhibitors of Trypanothione Reductase. ChemMedChem 4, 1341-53.
Birmingham A, Selfors LM, Forster T, Wrobel D, Kennedy CJ, Shanks E, Santoyo-Lopez J, Dunican DJ, Long A, Kelleher D, Smith Q, Beijersbergen RL, Ghazal P, Shamu CE (2009). Statistical methods for analysis of high-throughput RNA interference screens. Nature Methods 6, 569-75.
Mpamhanga CP, Spinks D, Tulloch LB, Shanks EJ, Robinson DA, Collie IT, Fairlamb AH, Wyatt PG, Frearson JA, Hunter WN, Gilbert IH, Brenk R (2009). One Scaffold, Three Binding Modes: Novel and Selective Pteridine Reductase 1 Inhibitors Derived from Fragment Hits Discovered by Virtual Screening. J Med Chem. 52, 4454-65.
Lab Members
Senior Scientific Officer: Lynn McGarry
