R&D

Biotechnologies used in research and discovery

The objectives for the different projects are pursued in Rotta Research Laboratorium adopting the most relevant and up-to-dated biotechnologies. In particular, most of the project involve the study of gene regulation both in vivo and in vitro.
Gene expression is studied qualitatively (analysis of gels) and quantitatively applying the realtime PCR techniques (TAQ-Man technology). These studies are performed, for instance, in human tissues or obtained from animal models, or in blood cells taken from human volunteers. Pure cell populations from blood samples are obtained by magnetic cell sorting (MACS). More often PCR experiments are conducted in cell lines or in primary cultures of animal or human cells.

Besides gene expression at the level of mRNA, the presence of the encoded protein is also revealed by western blotting. Moreover, the regulation of transcription factors is studied, for instance, by the Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA).
Besides using these "biotech" techniques as a tool for evaluating the biological activities of the new chemical entities, most of the research programmes that start at Rotta Research Laboratorium have a strong background based on gene analysis performed internally or in collaboration with selected external centres. For instance, products endowed with strong affinity for a given receptor are targeted for the treatment of a specific human disease taking into account also the complete distribution of this particular receptor, via PCR analysis, in several human tissue (normal or pathologic). This analysis could also contribute in predicting the possible adverse reactions on unwanted target organs.
Conversely, several biological targets to be hit for treating a particular condition are selected on the basis of the most updated pharmacogenomic data.