Dr Stephen Brown

Functional genomics, siRNA genome screens, drug screening, cell models of Human disease.

Functional Genomics and RNAi Screening

• Many diseases have an unknown or poorly defined molecular diagnosis. There is a need to identify the molecular nature of these orphan diseases and the changes these mutations cause to cells and tissues.
• The Sheffield RNAi Screening Facility uses robotics and automated systems to leverage RNAi/small molecules and genome editing tools to identify novel biological and disease candidates.
• I use Drosophila and Human cell models of disease. In particular, I use normal, cancer and Human embryonic stem cells. Recently we have been growing 3D tumour spheroids for screening.
• I collaborate with Dr. Xiubo Zhao using self-assembling nano-peptides, Dr. Ivana Barbaric and Dr. Paul Gokhale investigating miR regulation of Human embryonic stem cells and Dr. Martin Zeidler identifying new members of the JAK/STAT signalling pathway.

I have managed over 50 RNAi library screens for both UK and international scientists. My laboratory uses both automation (robotics) and molecular cell biology to identify genes involved in disease. I am also involved in teaching Masters and PhD students in the art of “Functional Genomics”.