High content screening
High content screening (HCS) uses microscopic imaging to observe, measure and analyse multiple parameters within cells in a biological assay.
By using fluorescent dyes, fluorescently labelled proteins and fluorescently labelled antibodies, events that occur within cells following the addition of compounds and ligands can be detected and quatitated.
In addition to our in-house CellInsight CX5 platform, our scientists have access to the Image Xpress Ultra from the Molecular Devices Corporation.
Examples of the types of assays we can perform include:
Cell cycle analaysis
This assay uses a nuclear strain to determine the cell cycle position of each cell based on the intensity of staining within the nucleus. It can be used for cell viability, apoptosis or mitosis assays.
Protein translocation
By determining the location of a receptor, protein or molecule of interest in treated and untreated cells, we can make assumptions about the biological effects due to the translocation of these molecules in the cell. For example, the internalisation of receptors from the cell surface due to interaction with ligands results in vesicle formation that can be measured using a membrane fluoresecnt stain, a nuclear stain and a stain to detect the location of the receptor within the cell and the degree of internalisation.
Granularity
This assay detects any punctate structures such as granules, vesicles and spots of fluorescence within the cell. This analysis approach can be used to detect the localised increase in concentration of fluorescent proteins due to their movement with the cell. Highly fluorescent granules represent the accumulation of tis protein within very defined areas in cells.
Multi-wavelength cell sorting
This assay uses more than one wavelength to determine the status of each cell, then scores each wavelength based on size, shape and position against other wavelengths.This approach can be used for transformation studies, uptake assays or any assays where scoring for the presence of molecules is required.
Dedicated image analysis service
We offer custom algorithm generation or the use of standard algorithms to analyse and quantify your assay.
CellInsight CX5
With proprietary autofocus and integrated plate scanning intelligence methods, the CellInsight CX5 HCS Platform brings speed and accuracy to investigate cell populations and phenotypes without sacrificing sensitivity and resolution. The CX5 uses five channel fluorescent imaging allowing analysis of single cells in up to five fluorescent colours. The CX5 is compatible with 96, 384 and 1536 well plates.
Image Xpress Ultra
The Ultra is a true point scanning confocal microscope and can capture higher resolution images than the Micro. It houses four solid state lasers with an excitation range of 405 and 633 nm.
The Ultra has 10x, 20x, 40x and 60x air objectives and can image most well plate sizes. The Ultra is served by a plate loading robot that, when combined with automated analysis procedures gives us close to high throughput screening capabilities.