Advances in laser scanning imaging cytometry for high-content screening

The advent of high-content screening more than a decade ago remodeled drug discovery workflows by recasting the role of cell-based approaches in target identification, primary screening, lead optimization, and toxicity. The ability to identify and quantify compound effects on multiple cellular functions allows for rapid characterization of chemical libraries. Laser scanning imaging cytometry (LSIC) is one of the technologies that is being applied to a broad range of assays utilizing fluorescent labeling, at throughputs compatible with primary screening campaigns. Cellular resolution is achieved using laser scanning excitation through a specialized F-theta scan lens. This configuration results in rapid whole well scanning and large depth of field. The recent availability of systems equipped with multiple sources of laser excitation and arrays of detectors for spectral analysis has significantly increased its applicability through enabling more fluorescent reagents and higher levels of multiplexing. LSIC is being used most extensively for phenotypic screening especially in areas such as cell health, RNA interference (RNAi) screening, and three-dimensional cell models. This review communicates advances in LSIC and how it is being applied by presenting an overview of the technology and a range of real-world case studies.