Abstract

The Implementation of 3D Cell Based Assays and High Content Imaging in Translational Research: Choosing the Right Tools for the Job

Anthony Davies, Director, Trinity College Dublin

High Content Screening and analysis (HCS/A) technologies have over the last 15 years become widely adopted in both the academic and industrial research sectors. The acceptance of these technologies has in the large part been due to their demonstrable utility as both drug-discovery and basic research tools, indeed these imaging technologies such as HCS/A have the capability of providing researchers with a ready means of performing both large scale primary screens as well as permitting more detailed downstream analysis. Alongside the rapid uptake of these technologies, we have also seen a concomitant increase in the demand for more refined and flexible hardware and biologically relevant cell based assay approaches that can be utilized for translational research. Currently one the biggest drivers in the field is the need to improve the physiological relevance of cell based assays used within transnational research campaigns. To achieve these aims the many are turning their attention to the use of primary cells and/or 3 dimensional cellular assay models.