Abstract

Phenotypic Screening in 3D Culture Including ECM: Advantages and Challenges

Nathalie Maubon , CEO/CSO, HCS Pharma

Cellular assays in 3D culture have shown many advantages to better mimic the in vivo situation. 3D technologies for phenotypic screening have become simpler and more accessible, such as the use of Ultra Low Attachment (ULA) plates. However, we can now go even further using 3D technologies which allow us to reproduce the micro-environment of healthy or pathological organs of interest. During this talk, we will show how the cellular microenvironment impacts the proliferation and/or differentiation of cells. A few examples from the fields of oncology, CNS and metabolic disease will be presented. High-Content Screening (HCS) devices, such as our ImageXpress® Micro Confocal system, are now fast enough and sensitive enough to allow image acquisition in 3D cellular models. Nevertheless, to go further, perceptions and processes need to be changed. We will discuss cutting-edge new technologies, including virtual and augmented realities, deep learning and machine learning, and explain how these new technologies can be of benefit to phenotypic screening.