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Poster: Genome-Wide RNAi Screens – Reducing Bottlenecks in Target Identification and Validation
SBS 2006

Silencing gene expression by small interfering RNAs has proven to be a robust and straightforward technique for gene function analysis. Applying this approach in a high-throughput setting enables a genome-wide study of cellular processes. A broad range of biological questions can be addressed by using different functional assays from simple survival tests to complex read-outs. Genome-wide loss-of-function screens are conducted using high-content imaging platforms for the observation of resulting phenotypes. The challenge lies in assessing the quality of the large amounts of data produced and interpreting complex results.

We show how the integration of automated quality control with statistical analysis of high-content images generates reliable, detailed information on gene function. In a second step, this information is systematically mapped to metabolic pathways, thus providing a solid basis for target identification and validation, thus removing an important bottleneck in the drug discovery process.

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