Phenotypic assays
Viability assays are important methods in neuroscience, oncology and other fields, and are among our most requested services. The effects of compound libraries, newly developed modulator compounds, drug combinations or RNAi knockdown on specific cell-based disease models can be determined. A wide range of viability assays are available. Some assays measure ATP levels (figure A, a single synergy analysis graph extracted from a multiple cell line multi-drug combination screen), others measure the reducing capacity of cells (e.g. WST-type assays) or the release of cytoplasmic markers such as LDH (B) in cell culture wells with a plate reader. Yet others evaluate cell and tissue membrane permeability (C, organohippocampal slice culture shown, see ref 2) and/or nuclear morphology with imagers and/or plate readers. Examples of dual PI/LDH analyses can be found in reference 1. Figure D below zooms in on sub-field from a single well in a multiplate 384 well assay for caspase activation in primary neuronal culture (red indicates activated caspase is present, yellow/green shows it is not). Contact: Michael Courtney (michael.courtney [at] utu.fi)Cell Viability
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We offer a unique screening pipeline (Figure below), specifically tailored for the needs in early stage drug discovery. Our organotypic 3D cell culture models specifically address the complex biology of human tissues, and recapitulate histology and morphologic features. We offer expert services in cancer invasion, but address many phenotypic features of normal & disease tissues. Apart from 200+ cell lines, we work with primary, patient-derived cells. Contact: Malin Åkerfelt (malin.akerfelt [at] utu.fi)Organotypic 3D Cell Culture Models
The organotypic 3D models includes important elements found in real tissues, e.g. tumor microenvironment (e.g. stromal or connective tissue cells), and matrix, both needed for the formation of tissue architecture. Microtissues form spontaneously from a small number of cells, seeded between two layers of biologically relevant extracellular matrix. Relevant tissue structures can be generated from small numbers of cells. Heterogeneous cell populations, typical for human cancers, can be quantitatively addressed. Despite considerable complexity, our platform is miniaturized and standardized. This allows rapid chemo-sensitivity tests and screening campaigns; and enables significant experimental throughput without simultaneously sacrificing the high level of biological significance that can be offered.
For more information visit the HCSLab websiteReferences
We also offer opportunities to record changes to cells with small animal models such as C.elegans as shown (see Lehtonen et al., 2016). Contact: Michael Courtney (michael.courtney [at] utu.fi) Lehtonen Š, Jaronen M, Vehviläinen P, Lakso M, Rudgalvyte M, Keksa-Goldsteine V, Wong G, Courtney MJ, Koistinaho J, Goldsteins G. Inhibition of Excessive Oxidative Protein Folding Is Protective in MPP(+) Toxicity-Induced Parkinson‘s Disease Models. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2016 Sep 10;25(8):485-97. doi:10.1089/ars.2015.6402. Epub 2016 Jun 15. PubMed PMID: 27139804.
Our phenotypic screening pipeline is based on live cell imaging, where we use live cell dyes to stain cells and organoids. Confocal microscopy is used for imaging of different structures and morphologies. The Automated Morphometric Image Data Analysis software AMIDA, allows segmentation and quantitative measurements of large numbers of images and structures, with a multitude of different cell or organoid shapes, sizes, and textures. AMIDA supports an automated workflow, and can be combined with quality control and statistical tools for data interpretation and visualization.Small Animal Models
We are currently establishing high-throughput imaging assays for monitoring behaviour of zebrafish larvae (<5 dpf) in collaboration with the zebrafish core facility at the Turku Centre for Biotechnology. Our long-term capacity is being increased from 3 x 96 well plates imaged simultaneously. Time-projection data from sample 6 wells (only single larvae in each well, movement is visualised by the appearance of larvae in multiple positions) are shown below as an example. Larvae can be exposed to reagents and libraries and/or physiological stimulus such as a flash of light, and behaviour is analysed by automated image analysis.
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Image Analysis and Quantification
Contact: Malin Åkerfelt (malin.akerfelt [at] utu.fi)
For more information visit the HCSLab websiteReferences