Scientific Capabilities
The Fisher Drug Discovery Resource Center works with investigators at different stages of discovery, from evaluating an initial experimental strategy to interpreting complex screening and biophysical data. Projects may involve a single capability or combine several as scientific questions evolve.
Technical Consultation
Many projects begin with a discussion rather than an experiment.
We work with investigators to define the scientific question, evaluate experimental strategies, assess available reagents, and identify practical next steps. Early consultation can help determine whether existing materials are suitable for quantitative studies and what additional reagents, controls, or validation may be needed before experimental work begins.
Related guide:
Choosing the Right Experimental Approach
Assay Development
Reliable discovery begins with reliable measurements.
The DDRC develops and optimizes quantitative biochemical, cellular, and molecular assays for screening and mechanistic studies. We emphasize appropriate controls, reproducibility, reagent quality, assay robustness, and efficient use of often limited or expensive biological materials.
Assays can be developed from an investigator’s existing experimental system or designed collaboratively around a biological question.
Related guide:
Developing a Robust Assay
Screening
Chemical starting points for drug discovery are important.
The DDRC provides automated screening capabilities ranging from focused compound studies to high-throughput screening using large chemical libraries.
Our screening collection includes more than 650,000 small molecules, providing broad chemical diversity for identifying potential starting points for discovery. Screening strategies can include assay optimization, pilot studies, primary screening, confirmation, dose-response analysis, counter-screens, and follow-up characterization.
The objective is not simply to identify activity, but to generate reproducible evidence that supports the next experimental decision.
Related guides:
Preparing for High-Throughput Screening
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From Screening Hit to Evidence
Biophysical Characterization
Measure the affinity constants of molecular interactions; show target engagement.
Biophysical measurements can help determine whether reagents and candidate molecules behave as expected.
The DDRC provides complementary approaches for studying molecular interactions, affinity, stability, folding, aggregation, and other properties important to quantitative drug discovery.
Techniques include surface plasmon resonance (SPR), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), microscale thermophoresis (MST), dynamic light scattering (DLS), circular dichroism (CD), Temperature-Related Intensity Change (TRIC), and thermal stability measurements.
Using multiple orthogonal approaches can be particularly valuable for validating screening results and distinguishing meaningful biological activity from experimental artifacts.
Related guide:
Preparing for Biophysical Characterization
Data Analysis
Get meaning from your experiments.
Modern discovery experiments can generate far more data than can reasonably be evaluated manually.
The DDRC develops and uses computational workflows for assay quality assessment, screening analysis, dose-response studies, compound prioritization, chemical structure analysis, and visualization. We use established statistical and open-source computational methods and adapt them to the needs of individual projects.
Analysis is integrated with experimentation: results from one round of work can inform the design of the next.
Need help determining the next step?
Request a Technical Consultation