High Content Screening Service

Overview of High Content Screening for Neuroscience

Introduction of High Content Screening

High content screening (HCS), also known as high content analysis (HCA), has been widely used in biological research especially drug discovery for the identification of desired substances. Equipped with sensitive imaging system and reliable data analysis technology, the high content screening presents great potentials in multiple applications. As a phenotypic screening in cells, multiple parameters can be read at the same time for the analysis of whole cells or cell components. HCS has also been used in all aspects of drug development including primary compound screening, as well as early evaluation of ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) and toxicity properties. Compared with high-throughput screening (HTS), HCS allows monitoring of multiple nodes in the cell pathway and the results would be more predictable.

In HCS, cells are incubated with the substance first, and then the cell structures and molecular components are analyzed through automatic image analysis. The changes in cell phenotype displayed by fluorescently labeled proteins can be obtained. Furthermore, changes at the subcellular level can also be detected, including cytoplasm, nucleus, and other organelles. In addition to fluorescent labeling, novel label-free assays have been used in HCS.

High Content Screening in Neuroscience

In neuroscience, HCS has been used in two major areas: neural regeneration and neuroprotection. There are also a series of primary neurons used in HCS, such as cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs), dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, hippocampal neurons, cortical neurons, spinal cord neurons, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and Drosophila neurons. Through quantitative analysis of complex cell phenotypes, it is helpful for the development of drugs against neurological diseases

Fig.1 Current trends in high-content analysis in biomedicine.¹

Services at Creative Biolabs

Our HCS is a cutting-edge technology that allows for high-throughput imaging and analysis of neurobiological processes at the cellular and subcellular levels. Using advanced imaging systems and software, we can capture detailed information on cellular morphology, protein expression, and functional parameters in neuronal cells.

Key features of our high content screening in neuroscience include:

• Multiparametric analysis: Our imaging systems can simultaneously capture multiple parameters, such as cell morphology, protein localization, and neuronal activity, providing a comprehensive understanding of cellular processes.
• High throughput: Our automated imaging systems can rapidly screen thousands of individual cells, enabling efficient analysis of large drug libraries or experimental conditions.
• Custom assay development: We work closely with our clients to develop custom assays tailored to their specific research needs, allowing for the precise measurement of key neurobiological parameters.

By combining cutting-edge imaging technology with expert analysis and support, we help biotechnology companies advance their research and accelerate the development of novel therapeutics for neurological disorders. We also offer flexibility in our services, including but not limited to:

Advantages of High Content Screening Service

• Reduced photobleaching and phototoxicity
• Multiple points can be collected simultaneously
• Faster imaging process
• Effectively suppressed background
• Live-cell experiments
• 3D imaging to improve the throughput and productivity
• More information can be obtained

Creative Biolabs is one of the well-recognized experts who are professional in applying advanced platforms for a broad range of neurosciences research. We are pleased to use our extensive experience to offer the best service and the most qualified products to satisfy each demand from our customers. If you are interested in our services and products, please do not hesitate to contact us for more detailed information.

Published Data

Jong-Chan Park, et al. used 1300 neuronal organoids from 11 participants to construct the HCS system and test FDA-approved drugs that can cross the blood-brain barrier. Their study developed a drug screening platform that can be extended to precision medicine by combining mathematical modeling with a miniature pathological brain model using organoids.

In the experiments, they needed to check whether the organoids could exhibit pathological damage similar to real human brain tissue. They mounted relatively uniformly sized organoids on 96-well plates and used 3D tissue transparency methods to render the organoids transparent for HCS imaging. From these results, it is concluded that their organoids can perform effective tissue transparency and HCS imaging, and therefore can be applied to large-scale drug screening platforms.

Fig. 2 HCS imaging workflow.²

Applications

As a biotechnology company specializing in neuroscience research, our HCS platform offers several key applications:

• Neuronal cell morphology and function analysis
• Neuronal toxicity and drug screening
• Neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration studies
• Synaptic plasticity and neuronal signaling pathways

Our platform is designed for research use only and can be customized to meet the specific needs of each neuroscience research project. Contact us for more information on how our HCS technology can benefit your research in neuroscience.

FAQs

Q: What types of assays can you perform using HCS in neuroscience research?

A: Using HCS, we can perform a wide range of assays, including but not limited to, neurotoxicity assays, neurite outgrowth assays, synapse formation and elimination studies, and high-throughput screening for neuroactive compounds. These assays can help identify mechanisms of neurodegeneration, screen for neuroprotective agents, and investigate cellular responses to various stimuli or genetic modifications.

Q: What types of cells can be used for HCS in neuroscience research?

A: We can utilize a variety of cell types for HCS in neuroscience research, including primary neurons, neuronal cell lines, iPSC-derived neurons, and organotypic brain slices. Each cell type offers unique advantages depending on the specific research question. For instance, primary neurons provide a more physiologically relevant system, while iPSC-derived neurons can be used to model patient-specific diseases.

Q: How do you handle data analysis and interpretation for HCS experiments?

A: Data analysis for HCS experiments involves several steps, including image processing, feature extraction, and statistical analysis. We use advanced image analysis software to automatically quantify various cellular parameters, such as cell morphology, neurite length, and synaptic density. Our team of experienced bioinformaticians and neuroscientists then interprets the data in the context of the experimental objectives, providing comprehensive reports and insights to guide further research.

Q: Can HCS be used to screen for potential drug candidates in neurological disorders?

A: Absolutely. HCS is an excellent tool for high-throughput screening of drug candidates in neurological disorders. It allows us to test thousands of compounds simultaneously and observe their effects on neuronal cells. By quantifying changes in cell viability, neurite outgrowth, synapse formation, and other relevant parameters, we can identify promising drug candidates that may modulate neurobiological pathways or protect against neurodegenerative processes.

Scientific Resources

Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience

References

1. Liu, Er, and John P. Nolan. "Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Image Cytometry for High-Content Screening." Fluorescence Microscopy. Academic Press, 2014. 93-108.
2. Park, Jong-Chan, et al. "A logical network-based drug-screening platform for Alzheimer's disease representing pathological features of human brain organoids." Nature Communications 12.1 (2021): 280.

For Research Use Only. Not For Clinical Use.