Ron Johnson, Ph'D'

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The NIH Chemical Genomics CenterMany Paths to
Large-Scale Science
Technology Day The Universities at Shady
Grove November 7, 2009

• Ron Johnson, Ph.D.
• NIH Chemical Genomics Center
• National Human Genome Research Institute
• National Institutes of Health

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What is chemical genomics?
Understanding the interaction between biology and
chemicals
Sodium dodecyl sulfate
Acetyl salicylic acid
N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide
Beta carotene
Curcumin
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What is chemical genomics?
Understanding the interaction between biology and
chemicals
Aspirin
Sodium lauryl sulfate
DEET
Vitamin A precursor
Tumeric
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Whats with the genomics part ?

• The genome is the blueprint for an organism and
  is composed of DNA
• The human genome contains over 20,000 genes which
  encode cell components (parts list)
• Many components have unknown function.
• Our goal is to find chemicals that are useful for
  understanding how cell components work.

DNA
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Why do chemical genomics?

• Find chemicals useful to understand biology
• Learn how cells and cell parts work
• Starting points for making medicines
• Improve human health
• Better knowledge of disease states
• Detecting and treating disease
• Toxicology knowing which chemicals are safe and
  which are toxic

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How is chemical genomics done?

• Test chemicals for activity in assays.
• Assay- a means to measure a biological response
• Example Increase in cell number

Grow multiply
Animal cell
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How is chemical genomics done?

• Search for chemicals that block a response
  (inhibitor)
• Example stop cells from growing or living.

Animal cell
Death
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How is chemical genomics done?

• Search for chemicals that stimulate a response
  (activator)
• Example cause cells to multiply more

Animal cell
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Test many chemicals in many assays.
Requirements Robots Miniaturization Computers Tea
ms of Scientists
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Movie of the screening robot
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Teamwork is central
Biologists
Engineers
Chemists
Informatics Scientists
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Teamwork Activity
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What is the path to a career in science and
engineering?

• Excel in academics
• Mathematics
• Science earth and space science, physics,
  chemistry, biology
• English and writing
• Learn to play well with others
• Cultivate a passion for science and learning
• Be curious ask How and Why questions
• Get experience doing science clubs, activities,
  labs

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Some examples of science careers

• Academic research
• Science education- K-12, universities
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
• Government research- NIH, FDA, EPA, others
• Medicine- nursing, medical doctor, pharmacy

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Using science in nonscientific careers

• Business- management, sales
• Law- forensics, patents
• Communication- science reporting