LINCS project goal: To understand how alterations in biological processes affect cellular phenotype (molecular, cellular, behavioral, and functional changes) to shed light on disease mechanisms.
LINCS data availability: Data releases make LINCS data accessible to the public as a community resource, supporting basic research and drug target identification.
LINCS database content: Includes data from human cell experiments treated with bioactive compounds, ligands, or genetic changes.
LINCS data types: Assays measure transcript and protein expression, biochemical and imaging data, capturing cellular phenotypic characteristics.
LINCS project phases: A two-part NIH Common Fund project, with a pilot phase in 2013 focusing on: large-scale molecular and cellular modification signatures, database development for data access, software development and data gathering, and advancements in cost-effective phenotyping.
.5.1 The program’s overall goal
LINCS aims to understand health and illness by identifying ""cellular signatures"" across various tissues and cells. These signatures represent patterns of common networks and cellular responses.
The program operates on the principle that changes in any biological process can alter cellular characteristics, behavior, and function.
Cellular signatures are defined as data descriptors with reduced dimensionality, providing insights and predictive capabilities.
These signatures are generated by analyzing how various stimuli affect cellular phenotypes.
The data integration and normalization process is complex, requiring theoretical and practical considerations.
.5.2 Test performed under LINCS
Drug Toxicity Signature Generation Center: This center focuses on understanding how differentiated iPSCs (induced pluripotent stem cells) respond to medications.
HMS LINCS Center: This center uses various assays like imaging, transcriptional response tests, cell viability assays, and drug-kinase interaction studies to monitor cellular responses to drugs.
LINCS Center for Transcriptomics: Collaborates with the HMS LINCS Center to conduct transcriptional response tests.
Purpose: The overall aim is to develop a comprehensive understanding of how differentiated iPSCs react to medications, ultimately contributing to drug safety assessments.