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NNRCO comprises an Operations Department and the following Research Departments:

Computational Biology

To identify novel targets and add value to other research projects, our teams are using in silico pipelines, novel algorithms and advanced machine learning activities. We achieve this by utilizing state-of-the-art data integration pipelines to analyze large scale data (e.g. clinical biobanks, GTEX, and all types of omics) that are generated by in-house experiments and external collaborators. We then use cloud based computational and flexible environments. Collaborations are an essential part of the group, to strengthen our research for the benefit of patients. Our current partnerships are with academic groups and biotechs.

Department head: Ramneek Gupta 

Discovery Technologies and Genomics

We establish and apply state-of-the-art genomics and screening technologies to discover and validate novel therapeutic targets for cardiometabolic diseases using human-centric in vitro approaches. Our technologies include high throughput screening, high content imaging, single-cell sequencing, CRISPR editing, functional genomics, proteomics, peptidomics, and statistical modelling. By applying these technologies to human samples and human centric in vitro models, we interrogate disease pathogenesis, elucidate the function of genes and proteins, and identify targets and key biology to discover new disruptive therapeutics.

Department head: Tom Meek

Discovery Biology and Pharmacology

We utilize cutting-edge technologies to follow research hypotheses from gene, to cell, to tissue, to organ cross-talk, to organism. To do this we capitalize upon stem cell biology, CRISPR and other genome engineering techniques, in vitro differentiation and multi-parametric cellular assays. We plan to extend the complexity of our systems using bioprinting and organ-on-a-chip technologies going forward. Our cellular studies focus on capturing physiologically-representative function and phenotypes to push the boundaries of translational research to validate novel targets in complex systems that mimic human tissues.

Department head: Carina Ammala

Genetics

The Genetics Department generates and applies human genetics knowledge to improve drug target prioritisation by identifying novel targets and biomarkers, their tissue/cell-specific expression and potential contra-indications. We utilize approaches such as patient stratification from genetic risk scores for precision medicine; Mendelian Randomization screens for identifying causal risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases; perform in silico screens to go from associated variants to causal genes. In tandem with these approaches, we perform phenotypic screens to identify contraindications for any potential targets we identify. We work with the Discovery Technologies and Genomics Department and the Discovery Biology and Pharmacology Department to obtain in vitro validation of our candidate targets.

Department head: Joanna Howson