High-throughput target validation in model organisms

Modern drug discovery includes a progression from the identification of molecular targets pertinent to disease processes to the validation of those targets and compound screening to modulate the targets of interest. To save time and reduce cost, analysis of gene function can be rapidly assessed in model organisms using several approaches, including mutagenesis, antisense knockdown and chemical genetics. Furthermore, a high degree of conservation for molecular pathways related to disease has been demonstrated, increasing the value of model organisms such as nematodes, fruit flies and zebrafish to the drug discovery process. Author Keywords: target validation; RNAi; morpholinos; chemical genetics; zebrafish; model organisms