Structural Genomics Consortium

Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) is a global, public-private partnership that focuses on determining the 3D structures of proteins of medical relevance, and making these data available to the public without restrictions. The consortium aims to support the discovery of new medicines by providing a comprehensive understanding of the structure of proteins, which are the targets for most drugs.

Overview

The Structural Genomics Consortium was established with the goal of advancing the field of structural genomics, which involves the determination of protein structures on a large scale. By understanding the three-dimensional shapes of proteins, researchers can better understand how diseases occur at the molecular level and develop more effective treatments. The SGC operates under an open-access model, meaning that all the data and research outputs are made freely available to the scientific community and the public. This approach is intended to accelerate scientific discovery and the development of new therapies.

History

The SGC was founded in the early 2000s as a response to the growing need for a systematic approach to protein structure determination. It brought together researchers from academia, industry, and government organizations around the world. Since its inception, the consortium has been instrumental in determining the structures of thousands of proteins, many of which are implicated in human diseases.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Structural Genomics Consortium are to:

• Determine the 3D structures of proteins of medical relevance.
• Share the structural data and related information without restriction.
• Foster collaboration among scientists in academia, industry, and government.
• Support the development of new therapies by providing a comprehensive resource of protein structures.

Research and Impact

The research conducted by the SGC has led to significant advancements in the field of structural biology and drug discovery. By making protein structures freely available, the consortium has enabled scientists around the world to understand the function of proteins in health and disease more deeply. This has facilitated the identification of potential drug targets and the development of new therapeutic agents.

Collaboration and Funding

The Structural Genomics Consortium is supported by a combination of public and private funding. It collaborates with numerous academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and other organizations. These collaborations are essential for the SGC's success, as they provide the necessary resources and expertise to achieve its objectives.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its successes, the SGC faces challenges such as the need for continuous funding and the technical difficulties associated with determining the structures of complex proteins. Looking forward, the consortium aims to expand its efforts to include more challenging targets and to further enhance the accessibility and utility of its data for drug discovery.

See Also

• Protein structure
• Drug discovery
• Structural biology
• Genomics

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