Nucleome has an innovative platform technology that gives us the unique ability to connect disease-linked variants in the dark matter of the genome to gene function and thereby map disease pathways. Our cell type-specific platform creates high resolution 3D genome structure maps and enables variant functional validation at scale in primary cell types. This enables us to discover and develop better and safer drugs guided by genetics.
The dark matter of the genome is the genetic material within cells which does not encode proteins – it makes up over 98% of our DNA. Instead of coding for proteins, this ‘dark matter’ has a regulatory role, acting as a genetic switch for protein-coding genes, managing the timing and quantities of proteins produced. This allows the interpretation of the universal genome into hundreds of differentiated cell types, resulting in various tissues and organs and, ultimately, the development of the human body.
The majority of disease-linked genetic changes, including for multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis are located within the dark genome. However, the dark genome remains largely unexplored and the majority of these genetic changes currently have no function ascribed. This represents a significant opportunity for drug discovery and development.