Robert Damoiseaux: Bridging Academia and Industry at UCLA’s Molecular Screening Shared Resource

When Robert Damoiseaux made the major transition from a successful career in the pharmaceuticals sector to spearheading the launch of an innovative open-access technology platform at the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) at UCLA, it appeared to many as a significant shift from the corporate world to the realm of academia. However, Damoiseaux perceives this change through a different lens. “CNSI isn’t really just academia,” he remarked, underscoring its unique position. As the director of UCLA’s Molecular Screening Shared Resource (MSSR), he highlights that while a substantial number of clients originate from UCLA, the resource attracts diverse clients globally. The pharmaceutical industry frequently collaborates with MSSR due to its esteemed reputation and reliable output. According to Damoiseaux, these partnerships not only enhance their capabilities but also allow for mutual benefits, through which both academics and industry players develop innovative tools and methodologies.

His attraction to UCLA was fueled by his inherent intellectual curiosity and a yearning for challenging work. As the head of MSSR, he finds himself engrossed in solving complex scientific challenges across a variety of disciplines, in alignment with his dual appointments in molecular and medical pharmacology at the David Geffen School of Medicine and in bioengineering at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering. “If you figure it out, it’s no longer interesting, so you find something else to figure out,” Damoiseaux shared. “We have the resources to tackle fascinating problems, and that keeps me continuously engaged and intellectually stimulated.”

At MSSR, Damoiseaux leads a facility dedicated to advancing drug discovery and development, alongside fundamental biological explorations. The facility’s state-of-the-art capabilities allow investigators to sift through extensive libraries of chemical compounds at a pace that was previously unattainable. This is largely credited to MSSR’s skilled personnel and advanced, automated machines that operate nonstop, enhancing research efficiency and productivity.

Since its establishment in 2004, MSSR has garnered an impressive track record, playing a pivotal role in transforming basic research inquiries related to cancer and other illnesses into viable drug candidates that are currently undergoing clinical trials. The impact of MSSR extends even further, facilitated by the cutting-edge research tools developed by its staff and the unparalleled training opportunities available to students engaging in this dynamic environment.

“We are focused on addressing the challenging problems that affect humanity,” Damoiseaux affirmed. “That mission is at the core of everything we do here.”

Transforming Molecules into Medications

Damoiseaux expresses pride when discussing several investigational drugs that originated at MSSR. Notably, a compound known as TRE-515 was discovered at MSSR in 2010 and has progressed to midstage clinical trials at UCLA Health. In Damoiseaux’s words, it represents “our first homegrown, home-discovered, home-tested, and home-everything molecule.” This promising compound was meticulously selected from a pool of 90,000 chemical candidates and has shown the ability to inhibit a crucial enzyme involved in DNA synthesis. This significant biochemical pathway has the potential to influence treatment strategies for various cancers and autoimmune disorders. TRE-515 has been exclusively licensed to a biopharma company through the UCLA Technology Development Group, representing a substantial milestone.

“This molecule targets a universal mechanism that is present in all cancer cells,” Damoiseaux explained. “The broad applicability of such a drug is paramount from a practical standpoint. I also find it personally rewarding that thus far, it’s been well-tolerated by patients. Ideally, we aim to make a significant impact without subjecting individuals to numerous side effects.”

In another promising development, the fight against tropical diseases may receive a significant increase in capabilities, thanks to burkfloxacin, a synthetic molecule identified at MSSR in 2019. This compound has been recognized as a potential treatment for melioidosis, a severe infection caused by a bacterium notorious for its resistance to conventional antibiotics.

“As we drive some of our candidates into clinical testing, we are determined to enhance our drug discovery efforts even further,” Damoiseaux remarked. “Accelerating the progress and effectiveness of this work is my primary focus.”

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Research Explorations

In a remarkable fusion of technology and biology, MSSR employs automation to analyze nearly 500 samples simultaneously, with the capacity to test more than 10,000 samples each day. This capability aligns seamlessly with the work being conducted at MSSR, expanding the avenues available for researchers to explore new frontiers. “The automation allows for quicker experimentation and opens doors to novel investigative approaches,” Damoiseaux noted. “Moreover, it liberates our team to concentrate on other innovative areas of research.”

Machine learning, a powerful branch of artificial intelligence, plays a vital role at MSSR. This technology involves algorithms that identify patterns in large datasets—patterns that are often obscured from human analysis. Among its many applications, MSSR utilizes a voice control system powered by a large language model, akin to what drives chatbots, to execute verbal commands that modify robotic testing protocols. AI also facilitates bespoke image recognition tuned to specific phenomena under examination, an indispensable tool for making sense of the vast quantity of images captured by MSSR’s instruments each day. Users can even highlight traits of interest using a touchscreen, empowering algorithms to extrapolate and categorize similar images automatically.

“This functionality is tremendously powerful, allowing scientists to perform their work without the need for extensive coding,” Damoiseaux emphasized. “Even more promising, my team has pioneered a groundbreaking technology that seamlessly integrates AI with automation to confer complete control over experimental setups.”

“Our automation offers the capability to measure various parameters at any given time point according to your specific research needs,” he added. “We have developed a system in which all experiments can be adjusted during ongoing operations, something rarely attainable in typical robotic environments. This level of flexibility is transformative for research biology.”

A Catalyst for the Scientific Workforce of Tomorrow

Students engaged at MSSR receive invaluable hands-on experience with cutting-edge instruments and intricate investigations across the life sciences spectrum. According to Damoiseaux, these workforce development initiatives are driven by a commitment to democratize access to advanced technological tools. “We take a highly inclusive approach here,” he revealed. “Our goal is to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to leverage automation and AI productivity tools that may otherwise be beyond their reach.”

Damoiseaux also highlights that the training offered at MSSR transcends merely instructing students on the operation of sophisticated equipment. “Our objective isn’t limited to teaching technical skills,” he explained. “We strive to cultivate a new generation of scientists who can think differently in response to the evolving questions facing the field today. By fostering both scientific and social competencies, we aim to produce well-rounded professionals.”

The scholarly atmosphere, opportunities for hands-on learning, and interactions with diverse users beyond academia create an environment rich in scientific inquiry, professionalism, and high standards. Students build confidence through their ability to consistently deliver results day in and day out. “We have cultivated a culture around the German term, Leistung,” Damoiseaux stated. “Though hard to translate directly, it conveys a deep-rooted value of performance and excellence in delivering high-quality work at a reliable pace. This principle holds great significance for me.”

“In the end, graduates from MSSR have a very favorable employment landscape awaiting them,” he added with a smile, reflecting on the success of the program.

AI legalese decoder: Navigating legal Complexities for Scientists

In addition to the dynamic scientific advances at MSSR, endeavors like the AI legalese decoder can further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of research environments by simplifying legal jargon and making the intricacies of contracts more accessible to researchers. In an era where navigating intellectual property rights, compliance regulations, and partnership agreements is crucial, the AI legalese decoder acts as an invaluable tool for scientists. By clarifying legal language, it empowers researchers and innovators, allowing them to focus more on their groundbreaking work without the worry of misunderstanding legal obligations or oversight.

This is especially important in academic settings like UCLA, where collaborations between academia and industry frequently produce complex legal documents that can be intimidating for scientists who may not have formal training in legal matters. The ability to effectively interpret these documents can streamline processes, facilitate smoother collaborations, and ultimately enhance the impact of scientific research. As the lines between academia and industry continue to blur, tools like the AI legalese decoder will be essential for fostering clearer communication and understanding in the collaborative landscape of scientific research.