The field of Agribiotech
plays a major role in facilitating and driving Africa's development towards economic
sustainability. Improving crop quality by way of identifying markers that enhance the selection of stress- or pathogen-resistant traits is just one avenue the CPGR pursues in collaboration with
scientists in South Africa. Unique workflows established at the CPGR can be used to enhance the molecular characterisation of genetically modified (GM) plants, for the identification and monitoring
of allergenic proteins in GM food or the detection of pathogens threatening crop and livestock.
Molecular Medicine'One size fits' all is a
a paradigm of the past in modern health care provision. New molecular diagnostic (MDx)
applications employing panels of validated biomarkers are transforming society by facilitating better and more cost efficient treatments for many complex diseases. The CPGR is leading the way by
introducing a unique portfolio of DNA, RNA and protein multivariate diagnostic assays based on microarray and other technologies to improve diagnosis in cancer, allergy, neurodegenerative and other
complex genetic disorders.Drug Discovery
In drug development, pharmaceutical
companies are using 'omics' technologies to increase certainty through improved
target identification, a better understanding of mechanisms-of-action and responder/non-responder patterns, thereby improving efficacy and preventing toxicity of drugs molecules. The CPGR's validated
workflows can speed up the research and development process in early and late-stage drug development by tackling biological questions in a uniquely integrated fashion. From custom bioassays via
information-rich read-outs to informatics-enhanced data interpretation, the CPGR is set to speed up new drug research and development.Biomarkers
Biomarkers are biochemical
features found in biological tissue or body fluid that correlate - directly or indirectly -
with the presence of a disease, its progression or recurrence, and the effects of treatment on the disease. The CPGR offers comprehensive, bioinformatics-enhanced DNA, RNA and protein based workflows
that allow for a complete biomarker development value chain: From whole-genome wide RNA expression to validated RT-PCR assays; from MS-based protein identification to validated, multiplex
immunoassays.
