Mary Ludlam (Cole) Scientist: Cell Regulation Profile | Education/Background | Top Scientific Papers | Awards & Honors

"Prior to joining Genentech, my training and professional experience were grounded in experimental physics with a focus on the development of novel fluorescence imaging techniques that can be applied to interrogate biological systems in vitro. I joined Genentech in August 2002 to establish in vivo optical imaging tools within the biomedical imaging group, which afforded me the opportunity to adapt and apply my training to benefit Genentech's preclinical drug discovery. Since then, Genentech has broadened its research into new disease biology areas and expanded its efforts to identify small molecule drug targets. This increased breadth of drug discovery activities necessitates that we develop technologies to accurately evaluate the activity of our candidate therapeutics at the cellular level. Consequently, in 2008, I took on a role to expand our microscopy-based assay capabilities so that we are poised to rapidly assess the interplay of the various cell signaling pathways that are disrupted by disease and that we aim to modulate with our candidate therapeutics."

Current Projects "My main scientific motivation is the development and application of novel optical technologies that can address biological questions relevant to drug discovery. Optical technologies offer exquisite flexibility to interrogate biological phenomena at a variety of resolutions and in a variety of formats including high content and high throughput screening, live cell microscopy and in vivo imaging. My lab's goal is to leverage this flexibility and develop fluorescence microscopy-based assays that can report on the molecular behavior of diseased and healthy cells when they are treated with our experimental therapeutics. We implement novel labeling strategies, microscopy readouts and image analysis approaches in support of this goal. We apply this approach to high content imaging assay development and lower-throughput live-cell imaging assays in support of a number of target programs."

Collaborations "My group relies on collaborations with other Genentech scientists to ensure that the assays we develop are designed to optimally address the biology under investigation. Working closely with colleagues who are experts in disease biology means that we can pool our understanding of relevant biological processes and imaging approaches to design powerful assays that drive our programs forward. Additionally, I collaborate with other technology and bioinformatics scientists to ensure that we collectively leverage the tools and technologies at our disposal as efficiently as possible in support of our drug discovery research."

Inspiration/Vision "Genentech has always been a leader in bringing breakthrough medicines to patients. I find it inspiring to work in a company where each department understands their role in continuing this important mission. I find it particularly motivating to work in a research department with outstanding colleagues where innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration is valued as an integral part of a strategy that endeavors to build on this success and benefit numerous patients."