Cell Based Assays Agenda

Registration

High-Content Time-Lapse Assays of Proliferation and Cell Survival
Peter Antinozzi, Assistant Professor, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, United States of America

We will present methods which combine automated time-lapse microscopy with robust image analysis algorithms to simultaneously assess cell proliferation, survival, and motility. Examples will include a compound screen for beta-cell regeneration targets and a genetic screen of allelic variants involved in kidney disease. 

Coffee Break & Networking in Exhibition Hall

Cell-Based Assays for the Discovery of Inhibitors of Viral Proteome Processing
Roland Wolkowicz, Associate Professor, San Diego State University, United States of America

We have developed a T-cell based assay that monitors the activity of HIV-1 protease, where inhibition of protease leads to the activation of GFP. The assay is further developed in a multiplexed format for high throughput screening.

The Implementation of Micro-Plate Bioreactors and 3D Assay Systems for Enhancing the Relevance and Reproducibility of Cell Based Assays for Image Based Screening.
Anthony Mitchell Davies, Director, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

We have developed a new suite of micro-plate and 3D assay technologies that offer demonstrable improvements in both experimental reproducibility and physiological relevance.  In this presentation we will examine the key advantages of these technologies when used in cell based screening workflows.   

Technology Spotlight

Lunch and Networking in Exhibition Hall

Poster Viewing Session

3D Chemical Compounds Screening Assay to Uncover Signalling Pathways Involved in CAFs-remodeling Tumor Microenvironment.
Cedric Gaggioli, Baby Team Leader, Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, France

Carcinoma Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) can lead collective carcinoma cells invasion by extracellular matrix remodeling and tracks formation through actomyosin-dependent force generation. Using chemical compounds screening assay based on 3D matrix remodeling by CAFs, we identified Janus Kinase (JAK) signaling pathway as a regulator of actomyosin contractility and matrix remodeling by stroma cells. 

Characterization of Cell-Based Assays for use with 3D Culture Models to Determine the Mechanism of Cytotoxicity
Jeffrey Kelly, Researcher, Promega, United States of America

A variety of 3-dimensional cell culture approaches are emerging as candidates to represent more physiologically relevant models for in vitro toxicity testing. Although many convenient add-mix-measure cell-based assay protocols exist to interrogate markers of cytotoxicity, most protocols were designed for use on cells grown as monolayers or as a suspension cultures. There is a need to verify the validity of metabolic indicators used as markers of cell health as well as the performance of standard assays with increasingly complex 3D model systems.

Coffee Break & Networking in Exhibition Hall

Computational Imaging for Telemedicine and High-throughput Analysis
Aydogan Ozcan, Chancellor's Professor, University of California-Los Angeles; Associate Director, California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI), United States of America

We explore our recent progress on computational microscopy for telemedicine and wide-field imaging applications.

Unconventional Luciferase- and Image-based Assays in Phenotypic Screening
Robin Ketteler, Group Leader/Manager, University College London, United Kingdom

Phenotypic Screening is a powerful tool to identify mechanisms of actions of small molecule compounds. Here, I will present novel high-throughput screening methods using luciferases and fluorescent proteins to identify chemicals that modulate autophagy and mitogenic signal transduction. 

End of Day One

Highly Sensitive Cell Model for Botulinum Neurotoxin Detection Using Human Neurons from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.
Eric Johnson, Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin, United States of America

Currently, several neuronal cell models exist for botulinum toxin detection, but none achieve high sensitivity with species-specific relevance. The most sensitive cell models are mouse or rat primary cells and neurons from mouse embryonic stem cells, but these require significant technical expertise for cell preparation. Neurons derived from hiPS cells provide a highly sensitive, reproducible, and human in vitro cell model for BoNT activity and neutralizing antibody detection, as well as for basic research.

Coffee Break & Networking in Exhibition Hall

The Scalpel or the Bazooka: Selecting the Optimal Screening Tool for Phenotypic Screening From Your Arsenal
Robert Damoiseaux, Scientific Director, University of California Los Angeles, United States of America

Here we examine how technologies such as laser scanning cytometry, plate reader based technologies and traditional high content screening can be combined to full effect for phenotypic screening for modulators of inflammation, cell cycle modulators, X-chromosome re-activators and functional genomics screen for nano-toxicology applications.

Target-bBased and Phenotypic Drug Screening Using Yeast Cell Assays
Michel Roberge, Scientific Director, University of British Columbia, Canada

I will discuss how the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be used as a versatile, technically simple, inexpensive and high throughput system to screen for inhibitors of heterologous (e.g. human) proteins or for small molecules that alleviate cellular defects caused by gene mutations.  

Technology Spotlight

Lunch & Networking in Exhibition Hall

Poster Viewing Session

Patient Specific Cell Based Disease Models for Drug Discovery 
Anne Bang, Director, Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute, United States of America

We have focused on developing models for drug discovery relevant to the pathophysiology of muscular dystrophy and will discuss results from initial compounds screens using a patient specific cell-based assay. 

Identification of Molecules Targeting Inherited Genetic Diseases: a Case Study for the Gene-Dosage Disorder CMT1A
Sung Wook Jang, Investigator, National Institutes of Health (NIH), United States of America

Cell-based reporter assays can be particularly enabling in the discovery of pharmacologically responsive effectors of genetic lesions.  The design and validation of this assay category and strategies for their use will be the subject of this presentation. 

Coffee Break & Networking in Exhibition Hall

Cancelled - Due to Unforeseen Circumstances
Nathan Bays, Senior Therapeutic Scientist, Merck and Co Inc, United States of America

Close of Conference