The Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory (FGSL) is based in the Milner Therapeutics Institute at the University of Cambridge and provides researchers from across the UK with access to large-scale biological and technological tools and an advanced automated arrayed-CRISPR screening platform.
It is hoped that through the use of CRISPR gene editing, scientists will discover new opportunities to develop therapies for chronic diseases including cardiovascular, inflammatory, respiratory and metabolic disease.
Scientists from across the UK can apply to run projects with the new laboratory. The FGSL is looking for people with deep expertise in a particular disease or biology who have assays that are amenable to functional genomic screening but who do not have the expertise or the capability to do the screening themselves.
“In setting up this new laboratory, we are building on a long and successful partnership with the Milner Therapeutics Institute which housed the previous functional genomics centre focused on oncology.”
Steve Rees, SVP, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca
“This collaboration with the MRC and AstraZeneca is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when academia and industry share expertise and resources, and I’m excited by the FGSL’s potential to deliver new diagnostics and treatments to people with chronic diseases.”
Professor Sir Tony Kouzarides, Director of the Milner Therapeutics Institute
“The UK’s new Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory marks a key milestone in enhancing the national ecosystem needed to improve our understanding of how genetic variance impacts health and disease.”
“The insights gained from the laboratory, along with the broader efforts of the MRC-led UK human functional genomics initiative, will pave the way for the next generation of diagnostics and targeted treatments.”
Professor Patrick Chinnery, Executive Chair, Medical Research Council