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High Content Screening in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: January 6, 2012
High content screening as a screening tool in drug discovery
1Molecular Screening and Cell Pharmacology Department, Serono Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Geneva, Switzerland.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|September 22, 2006
Summary
High content screening (HCS) enhances drug discovery by providing multiplexed, functional cell-based assays. This method offers insights into cellular effects for lead candidate optimization in various therapeutic areas.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Improving lead candidate quality is crucial in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
- Cell-based screening is a preferred method for drug discovery.
- High content screening (HCS) offers multiplexed, functional cell-based assays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the application of HCS assays in drug discovery.
- To highlight essential steps for successful HCS assay setup.
- To demonstrate HCS's role in lead discovery and candidate optimization.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing HCS for multiplexed, functional cell-based screening.
- Implementing HCS across various drug discovery stages: assay development, primary/secondary screening, and toxicology.
- Analyzing cellular effects through assays like dual reporter assays, subcellular target translocation, and cellular morphology.
Main Results:
- HCS provides insights into cellular effects of clinical candidates.
- Biological applications include research in signaling, cell shape changes, and toxicology.
- HCS supports the discovery of therapeutic proteins and small molecules for neurological and autoimmune diseases.
Conclusions:
- HCS is a powerful engine for driving lead discovery and optimization.
- Successful HCS assay implementation is key for efficient drug development.
- HCS assays are versatile tools applicable throughout the drug discovery pipeline.
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