Molecular Algorithmics for Pharmacological Interventions

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla CA

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This proposal originates from discussions between scientists from different scientific fields: Drosophila aging physiology, information theory, statistics, bioengineering and systems biology. Biological dysfunction in aging is complex and global, and therapeutic interventions on multiple targets are likely to be necessary. When we screen drugs, or combinations of them, the efficiency of transmission of information is important, not simply the meaning of the signal. Therefore some aspects of information theory are expected to be relevant, integrated with an in depth knowledge of the biological system and high-throughput techniques to interrogate it on a large scale. The phenotyping techniques we have developed measure cardiac function and exercise capacity in Drosophila. We wish to test two algorithms that help in the search for the optimal combinations of drug when using a large number of compounds. The algorithms are derived from information theory but we adapted them to combinations of molecular interventions, with the output obtained in our Drosophila biological system. These algorithms could be extended to other models and interventions used in aging and in complex diseases. This project will provide methods and suggest interventions that might alleviate the declines in cardiac function and exercise capacity with age. These age-related changes have a major effect on the quality of life of older individuals.