Where can I find definitions for terms I’m not familiar with?
What is a "z" factor?
What compounds libraries does Prebys Center have?
How do I develop an assay?
What is the NIH’s definition of a probe?
What are the goals of the NIH Roadmap Molecular Libraries and Chemical probes (MLP) Program?
How many R03 grants (PAR-09-129) have been funded?
Who receives these awards?
What diseases areas get funded?
What is a Chemical Probe Development Plan (CPDP)?
What is a Probe Report?
How can Prebys Center help me achieve my research goals?
FAQ can also be found on the NIH MLP website
Where can I find definitions for terms I’m not familiar with?
All scientific terms used by the MLPCN are defined in the NIH glossary.
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What is a "z" factor?
The robustness of the assay is evaluated by the coefficient called “Z-factor”. It is reflective of both the assay signal dynamic range and the data variation associated with the signal measurements, and therefore is suitable for assay quality assessment. The Z-factor is a dimensionless, simple statistical characteristic for each HTS assay. The Z-factor provides a useful tool for comparison and evaluation of the quality of assays, and can be utilized in assay optimization and validation.
For more, see the Wikipedia article or the PubMed citation.
Publication: Journal of Biomolecular Screening, Vol. 4, No. 2, 67-73 (1999)
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What compounds libraries does Prebys Center have?
A complete list of our compound libraries is available online.
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How do I develop an assay?
Eli Lilly has prepared a comprehensive guide for assay development available on the NCATS website.
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What is the NIH’s definition of a probe?
Download the NIH probe guidelines.
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What are the goals of the NIH Roadmap Molecular Libraries and Chemical probes (MLP) Program?
The goal for MLP is to produce small molecule chemical probes to explore biology of targets and cell pathways. It also offers public sector researchers access to assay development, HTS and medicinal chemistry capabilities necessary to identify and optimize small molecule probes. In addition, MLP is designed to expand the PubChem chemical-biological database that matches HTS data to active small molecules.
This program is not for drug development. However, once a probe is developed the investigator can extend this research into a drug development project and can apply for further grants such as the R01.
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How many R03 grants (PAR-09-129) have been funded?
In 2008, NIH received a total of 453 applications (cycle 1-11) and awarded 201 applications (cycle 1-10). This program is currently expired.
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Who receives these awards?
Applicants from around the world receive these grants. In 2008, 273 principal investigators, 103 new investigators, 135 research institutes and 5 foreign countries (UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and Chile) received funding.
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What diseases areas get funded?
There are no specific disease areas that are more likely to be funded. However, Prebys Center focuses on orphan diseases.
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What is a Chemical Probe Development Plan (CPDP)?
The CPDP outlines the projected probe development path for a specific assay, assigns responsibilities to each member of the team and sets a timeline for project completion. The CPDP involves the assay provider, screening center staff and the NIH Science Officer assigned to the assay project. Download the CPDP template as a PDF|Word Doc.
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What is a Probe Report?
A Probe Report is generated for each structurally unique compound that meets or surpasses the MLPCN requirements for a new probe and the specific characteristics specified in the CPDP for the probe project. The probe report is eventually submitted to the NIH. Download a probe report template as a PDF|Word Doc.
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How can Prebys Center help me achieve my research goals?
There are basically two avenues an investigator can take to achieve their research goals: 1) apply for grants from the NIH or 2) Use the Prebys Center core services directly on a fee-for-service basis.
The core service has a wide range of resources and capabilities to offer and further information can be found on our website. Also look at our Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute website which includes all the technologies that we are involved with. Frequently asked questions can also be found on the NIH website.
We will be happy to answer any questions. Please contact the Prebys Center Outreach Coordinator: Jena Diwan.
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