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Updated: May 26, 2026
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A Fluorescence-based Protocol for Preliminary Screening of Protein Synthesis Inhibitors from Natural Sources
Published on: January 27, 2026
[Development of fluorescence imaging-based system for screening compounds with antitumor activity]
Xiao-jing Nie1, Xiao-ping Zhao, Yi Wang
1College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
Summary
A new fluorescence imaging system rapidly screens antitumor compounds from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Two Lindera aggregate components showed over 90% inhibition of HepG2 cell proliferation, with norboldine identified as a key active compound.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a rich source of potential anticancer agents.
- Developing rapid and reliable in vitro screening methods is crucial for drug discovery.
- HepG2 cells are a widely used model for studying liver cancer and drug efficacy.
Purpose:
- To establish a novel fluorescence imaging-based system for high-throughput screening of antitumor compounds.
- To evaluate the antitumor activity of 26 components derived from Lindera aggregate.
- To validate the linearity and precision of the developed fluorescence assay.
Summary:
- The study developed and validated a fluorescence imaging assay using fluorescein diacetate (FDA) for quantifying viable cells.
- Two out of 26 Lindera aggregate components demonstrated significant inhibition (>90%) of HepG2 cell proliferation.
- Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis tentatively identified norboldine as the primary active compound in Lindera aggregate.
Impact:
- This rapid and reliable assay facilitates efficient screening of antitumor compounds from natural sources like TCM.
- The findings contribute to the identification of novel therapeutic leads for cancer treatment.
- The study validates a cost-effective and sensitive method for preclinical drug evaluation.
