High-throughput target discovery using cell-based genetics

High-throughput target discovery requires robust disease models and the ability to rapidly survey the genome for function. In the post-genomics era, there has been a strong emphasis placed upon 'gene-to-function' approaches that take advantage of the large amount of gene sequence information now available. Here, we advocate a return to 'function-to-gene' approaches as a first step in target discovery (and validation), followed by hypothesis-driven research to validate new targets identified by their activity in cell-based disease models.