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Application of the Cytosensor microphysiometer to drug discovery
Kirsten Wille1, Lisa A Paige, Alan J Higgins
1Nobex Corporation, 617 Davis Drive, Durham, NC 27713, USA. kwille@nobexcorp.com
Receptors & Channels
|August 15, 2003
Summary
The Cytosensor microphysiometer measures cellular metabolism changes via extracellular acidification rates. This technology aids drug discovery by screening compounds and studying their mechanisms of action.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Pharmacology
- Cellular Physiology
Background:
- Cellular metabolism is a key indicator of physiological response.
- Drug discovery requires sensitive methods to assess compound effects on cells.
- Surface receptor signaling influences cellular metabolic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the Cytosensor microphysiometer as a tool for measuring cellular metabolism.
- To highlight its utility in drug discovery research.
- To demonstrate its application in assessing ligand-induced cellular responses.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes silicon chip technology to monitor extracellular acidification rates.
- Correlates acidification rates with cellular metabolic activity.
- Applies the instrument to study responses to ligand binding on surface receptors.
Main Results:
- Demonstrates quantitative correlation between acidification rates and metabolic changes.
- Shows the Cytosensor's capability in functional physiological measurement.
- Validates its use in evaluating drug candidates.
Conclusions:
- The Cytosensor microphysiometer is a valuable tool for drug discovery.
- It enables efficient screening of pharmacologically active agents.
- Facilitates detailed characterization of drug mechanisms and dose-response relationships.