TARUN Target Research UnitNetwork

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TARUNTarget Research Unit/Network
Introduction to the programme and activities

• Yongyuth Yuthavong and
• Sumalee Kamchonwongpaisan
• BIOTEC, NSTDA

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Target researchKey to new drugs

• Target research links basic studies to
  development of drugs, diagnostics and vaccines.

TARGET RESEARCH
Development of drugs, diagnostics and vaccines
Basic research
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Limited number of proven drug targets

• Humans (about 500, 45 receptors, eg. for
  hormones, neurotransmitters)
• Bacteria (3 classes, cell wall, DNA, proteins)
• Malaria (2-4 validated targets, Hb digestion, DNA
  synthesis)
• Genomics and proteomics can lead to more
  efficient target finding and validation

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Objectives of TARUN networks

• To set up research networks comprising of
  researchers working on malaria/Dengue/TB
  drug/diagnostic/vaccine targets.
• To collaborate in research which require new
  knowledge and tools, especially those essential
  for obtaining relevant data on targets from the
  genomic information available, or soon to be
  available.
• To set up necessary equipment for the
  collaborative research, especially concerning
  information system and tools for target
  identification and validation, target
  characterization and utilization for
  drug/diagnostic/vaccine development.

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TARUN Central Facilities

• Functional Genomics DNA Microarray, Proteomics,
  and Real time PCR
• Structural Determination of Macromolecules
  X-ray crystallography
• Bioinformatics Computer Cluster and Software

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DNA Chip Technology

• Chips for DNA microarray of malaria.
• Instruments to be obtained
• Microarrayer (possibly by 2004)
• Hybridization Station (?)
• Microarray Reader (start date Sep 2002)
• The Fluoro/Phosphor Image analyzer (installed) is
  capable of reading microarray slides, one by one,
  at resolution of 10 micron.

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Proteomics

• Instruments obtained from TARUN
• MALDI-TOF MS with reflectron (start date Sep
  2002)
• Fluoro/Phosphor image analyzer (start date Aug
  2002)

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Structural Determination of Target Proteins

• X-ray diffractometer
• Purchasing order is to being done
• Start date Dec 2002
• Computer Cluster for structure resolution
• Acquired and available for access to all members
  anywhere

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Computer Cluster

• Obtained as part of TARUN programme
• Ready to be used for
• Modelling
• Resolving Protein Structure
• etc.

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List of equipment and services
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Sharing of Equipment and Facilities

• Priority 1
• Priority 1-1 all target research works in the
  areas of TARUN
• Priority 1-2 not target research but within T-2
  interest
• (1-1 higher priority than 1-2).

Priority 2 Any other works, only when the
equipment and facilities are available.
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TARUN Research Clinic

• There are Two Features
• Monthly seminars
• To encourage discussion of scientific problems in
  TARUN seminars
• Virtual Clinic on the Web
• To encourage discussion of scientific problems in
  TARUN area on the web Virture Research Clinic

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TARUN Research Clinic TARUN Seminars

• Monthly seminars
• To encourage discussion of scientific problems
• 23 seminars (25 speakers) were arranged since
  October 2000
• 8 International specialists/scientists
• 17 Local specialists/scientists

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TARUN Research Clinic The Virtual Research Clinic
The Virtual Research Clinic is under development
and will be launched soon, as a part of the T-2
web site.

• Special Features
• Internet-based discussion group
• Easy-access forum for asking, comment, or
  communication on technical subjects
• Update information on scientific problems, new
  technologies and related issues
• in research.

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http//t2.biotec.or.th/TARUN/VirtualClinic
An Example of Webpage of TARUN Virtual Research
Clinic including Technical Forum
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Conclusion

• Several main equipment for TARUN have been
  installed and will be ready for service soon
• Twenty five seminars have been arranged.
• Virtual TARUN Clinic has been launched