Cenix will apply its expertise in combining high throughput (HT) applications of RNA interference (RNAi) based gene silencing with high content phenotypic analyses in cultured human cells. The initial project will involve a HT-RNAi screen using an assay strategy co-designed with AstraZeneca scientists to discover and validate novel oncology targets. Cenix will adapt and implement multi-parametric microscopy-based assays using the Cellenger image analysis platform from Munich-based Definiens, to generate detailed insights into the cellular functions and loss-of-function phenotypes of analyzed genes.
Christophe Echeverri, CEO and chief scientific officer of Cenix, said: “We are very excited to begin working with AstraZeneca scientists to help advance their discovery pipeline with this powerful and well-proven technology.”