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Borowa A, Rymarczyk D, Żyła M, Kańdula M, Sánchez-Fernández A, Rataj K, Struski Ł, Tabor J, Zieliński B. Decoding phenotypic screening: A comparative analysis of image representations. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1181-1188. [PMID: 38510976 PMCID: PMC10951426 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomedical imaging techniques such as high content screening (HCS) are valuable for drug discovery, but high costs limit their use to pharmaceutical companies. To address this issue, The JUMP-CP consortium released a massive open image dataset of chemical and genetic perturbations, providing a valuable resource for deep learning research. In this work, we aim to utilize the JUMP-CP dataset to develop a universal representation model for HCS data, mainly data generated using U2OS cells and CellPainting protocol, using supervised and self-supervised learning approaches. We propose an evaluation protocol that assesses their performance on mode of action and property prediction tasks using a popular phenotypic screening dataset. Results show that the self-supervised approach that uses data from multiple consortium partners provides representation that is more robust to batch effects whilst simultaneously achieving performance on par with standard approaches. Together with other conclusions, it provides recommendations on the training strategy of a representation model for HCS images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Borowa
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Kraków, Poland
- Jagiellonian University, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Kraków, Poland
- Ardigen SA, Kraków, Poland
| | - Dawid Rymarczyk
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Kraków, Poland
- Ardigen SA, Kraków, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | - Łukasz Struski
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jacek Tabor
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Kraków, Poland
| | - Bartosz Zieliński
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Kraków, Poland
- Ardigen SA, Kraków, Poland
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2
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Lempereur S, Machado E, Licata F, Simion M, Buzer L, Robineau I, Hémon J, Banerjee P, De Crozé N, Léonard M, Affaticati P, Talbot H, Joly JS. ZeBraInspector, a platform for the automated segmentation and analysis of body and brain volumes in whole 5 days post-fertilization zebrafish following simultaneous visualization with identical orientations. Dev Biol 2022; 490:86-99. [PMID: 35841952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the zebrafish has become a well-established laboratory model. We describe here the ZeBraInspector (ZBI) platform for high-content 3D imaging (HCI) of 5 days post-fertilization zebrafish eleuthero-embryos (EEs). This platform includes a mounting method based on 3D-printed stamps to create a grid of wells in an agarose cast, facilitating batch acquisitions with a fast-confocal laser scanning microscope. We describe reference labeling in cleared fish with a fluorescent lipophilic dye. Based on this labeling, the ZBI software registers. EE 3D images, making it possible to visualize numerous identically oriented EEs on a single screen, and to compare their morphologies and any fluorescent patterns at a glance. High-resolution 2D snapshots can be extracted. ZBI software is therefore useful for diverse high-content analyses (HCAs). Following automated segmentation of the lipophilic dye signal, the ZBI software performs volumetric analyses on whole EEs and their nervous system white matter. Through two examples, we illustrate the power of these analyses for obtaining statistically significant results from a small number of samples: the characterization of a phenotype associated with a neurodevelopmental mutation, and of the defects caused by treatments with a toxic anti-cancer compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Lempereur
- LIGM, Univ Gustave Eiffel, CNRS, ESIEE Paris, F-77454, Marne-la-Vallée, France; Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France.
| | - Elodie Machado
- Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Fabrice Licata
- Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Matthieu Simion
- Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Lilian Buzer
- LIGM, Univ Gustave Eiffel, CNRS, ESIEE Paris, F-77454, Marne-la-Vallée, France
| | - Isabelle Robineau
- Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Julien Hémon
- Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Payel Banerjee
- Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | | | - Marc Léonard
- L'Oréal, Research & Innovation, Aulnay sous Bois, France
| | - Pierre Affaticati
- Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Hugues Talbot
- LIGM, Univ Gustave Eiffel, CNRS, ESIEE Paris, F-77454, Marne-la-Vallée, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Centrale Supélec, INRIA, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Jean-Stéphane Joly
- Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France.
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3
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Dantas RF, Torres-Santos EC, Silva FP. Past and future of trypanosomatids high-throughput phenotypic screening. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e210402. [PMID: 35293482 PMCID: PMC8920514 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760210402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases caused by trypanosomatid parasites affect millions of people mainly living in developing countries. Novel drugs are highly needed since there are no vaccines and available treatment has several limitations, such as resistance, low efficacy, and high toxicity. The drug discovery process is often analogous to finding a needle in the haystack. In the last decades a so-called rational drug design paradigm, heavily dependent on computational approaches, has promised to deliver new drugs in a more cost-effective way. Paradoxically however, the mainstay of these computational methods is data-driven, meaning they need activity data for new compounds to be generated and available in databases. Therefore, high-throughput screening (HTS) of compounds still is a much-needed exercise in drug discovery to fuel other rational approaches. In trypanosomatids, due to the scarcity of validated molecular targets and biological complexity of these parasites, phenotypic screening has become an essential tool for the discovery of new bioactive compounds. In this article we discuss the perspectives of phenotypic HTS for trypanosomatid drug discovery with emphasis on the role of image-based, high-content methods. We also propose an ideal cascade of assays for the identification of new drug candidates for clinical development using leishmaniasis as an example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Ferreira Dantas
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental de Computacional de Fármacos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Eduardo Caio Torres-Santos
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Floriano Paes Silva
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental de Computacional de Fármacos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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4
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Deep Learning Approach for Discovery of In Silico Drugs for Combating COVID-19. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2021; 2021:6668985. [PMID: 34326978 PMCID: PMC8302400 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6668985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Early diagnosis of pandemic diseases such as COVID-19 can prove beneficial in dealing with difficult situations and helping radiologists and other experts manage staffing more effectively. The application of deep learning techniques for genetics, microscopy, and drug discovery has created a global impact. It can enhance and speed up the process of medical research and development of vaccines, which is required for pandemics such as COVID-19. However, current drugs such as remdesivir and clinical trials of other chemical compounds have not shown many impressive results. Therefore, it can take more time to provide effective treatment or drugs. In this paper, a deep learning approach based on logistic regression, SVM, Random Forest, and QSAR modeling is suggested. QSAR modeling is done to find the drug targets with protein interaction along with the calculation of binding affinities. Then deep learning models were used for training the molecular descriptor dataset for the robust discovery of drugs and feature extraction for combating COVID-19. Results have shown more significant binding affinities (greater than −18) for many molecules that can be used to block the multiplication of SARS-CoV-2, responsible for COVID-19.
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5
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Fu M. Drug discovery from traditional Chinese herbal medicine using high content imaging technology. JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcms.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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da Cunha BR, Zoio P, Fonseca LP, Calado CRC. Technologies for High-Throughput Identification of Antibiotic Mechanism of Action. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:565. [PMID: 34065815 PMCID: PMC8151116 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10050565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
There are two main strategies for antibiotic discovery: target-based and phenotypic screening. The latter has been much more successful in delivering first-in-class antibiotics, despite the major bottleneck of delayed Mechanism-of-Action (MOA) identification. Although finding new antimicrobial compounds is a very challenging task, identifying their MOA has proven equally challenging. MOA identification is important because it is a great facilitator of lead optimization and improves the chances of commercialization. Moreover, the ability to rapidly detect MOA could enable a shift from an activity-based discovery paradigm towards a mechanism-based approach. This would allow to probe the grey chemical matter, an underexplored source of structural novelty. In this study we review techniques with throughput suitable to screen large libraries and sufficient sensitivity to distinguish MOA. In particular, the techniques used in chemical genetics (e.g., based on overexpression and knockout/knockdown collections), promoter-reporter libraries, transcriptomics (e.g., using microarrays and RNA sequencing), proteomics (e.g., either gel-based or gel-free techniques), metabolomics (e.g., resourcing to nuclear magnetic resonance or mass spectrometry techniques), bacterial cytological profiling, and vibrational spectroscopy (e.g., Fourier-transform infrared or Raman scattering spectroscopy) were discussed. Ultimately, new and reinvigorated phenotypic assays bring renewed hope in the discovery of a new generation of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Ribeiro da Cunha
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa (UL), Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (B.R.d.C.); (P.Z.); (L.P.F.)
| | - Paulo Zoio
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa (UL), Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (B.R.d.C.); (P.Z.); (L.P.F.)
- CIMOSM—Centro de Investigação em Modelação e Optimização de Sistemas Multifuncionais, ISEL—Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, R. Conselheiro Emídio Navarro 1, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís P. Fonseca
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa (UL), Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (B.R.d.C.); (P.Z.); (L.P.F.)
| | - Cecília R. C. Calado
- CIMOSM—Centro de Investigação em Modelação e Optimização de Sistemas Multifuncionais, ISEL—Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, R. Conselheiro Emídio Navarro 1, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal
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7
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Malandraki-Miller S, Riley PR. Use of artificial intelligence to enhance phenotypic drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:887-901. [PMID: 33484947 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Research and development (R&D) productivity across the pharmaceutical industry has received close scrutiny over the past two decades, especially taking into consideration reports of attrition rates and the colossal cost for drug development. The respective merits of the two main drug discovery approaches, phenotypic and target based, have divided opinion across the research community, because each hold different advantages for identifying novel molecular entities with a successful path to the market. Nevertheless, both have low translatability in the clinic. Artificial intelligence (AI) and adoption of machine learning (ML) tools offer the promise of revolutionising drug development, and overcoming obstacles in the drug discovery pipeline. Here, we assess the potential of target-driven and phenotypic-based approaches and offer a holistic description of the current state of the field, from both a scientific and industry perspective. With the emerging partnerships between AI/ML and pharma still in their relative infancy, we investigate the potential and current limitations with a particular focus on phenotypic drug discovery. Finally, we emphasise the value of public-private partnerships (PPPs) and cross-disciplinary collaborations to foster innovation and facilitate efficient drug discovery programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul R Riley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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8
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Zhu J, Li K, Yu L, Chen Y, Cai Y, Jin J, Hou T. Targeting phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase gamma (PI3Kγ): Discovery and development of its selective inhibitors. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:1599-1621. [PMID: 33300614 DOI: 10.1002/med.21770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase gamma (PI3Kγ) has been regarded as a promising drug target for the treatment of advanced solid tumors, leukemia, lymphoma, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, the high level of structural conservation among the members of the PI3K family and the diverse physiological roles of Class I PI3K isoforms (α, β, δ, and γ) highlight the importance of isoform selectivity in the development of PI3Kγ inhibitors. In this review, we provide an overview of the structural features of PI3Kγ that influence γ-isoform selectivity and discuss the structure-selectivity-activity relationship of existing clinical PI3Kγ inhibitors. Additionally, we summarize the experimental and computational techniques utilized to identify PI3Kγ inhibitors. The insights gained so far could be used to overcome the main challenges in development and accelerate the discovery of PI3Kγ-selective inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Yu
- School of Inspection and Testing Certification, Changzhou Vocational Institute of Engineering, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanfei Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tingjun Hou
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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9
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Taves MD, Mittelstadt PR, Presman DM, Hager GL, Ashwell JD. Single-Cell Resolution and Quantitation of Targeted Glucocorticoid Delivery in the Thymus. Cell Rep 2020; 26:3629-3642.e4. [PMID: 30917317 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.02.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are lipid-soluble hormones that signal via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor. Circulating glucocorticoids derive from the adrenals, but it is now apparent that paracrine glucocorticoid signaling occurs in multiple tissues. Effective local glucocorticoid concentrations and whether glucocorticoid delivery can be targeted to specific cell subsets are unknown. We use fluorescence detection of chromatin-associated GRs as biosensors of ligand binding and observe signals corresponding to steroid concentrations over physiological ranges in vitro and in vivo. In the thymus, where thymic epithelial cell (TEC)-synthesized glucocorticoids antagonize negative selection, we find that CD4+CD8+TCRhi cells, a small subset responding to self-antigens and undergoing selection, are specific targets of TEC-derived glucocorticoids and are exposed to 3-fold higher levels than other cells. These results demonstrate and quantitate targeted delivery of paracrine glucocorticoids. This approach may be used to assess in situ nuclear receptor signaling in a variety of physiological and pathological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Taves
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Paul R Mittelstadt
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Diego M Presman
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurosciencias (IFIBYNE-UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gordon L Hager
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jonathan D Ashwell
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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10
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Development of a 3-D Organoid System Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model Idiopathic Autism. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 25:259-297. [PMID: 32578151 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-45493-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum condition (ASC) is a complex set of behavioral and neurological responses reflecting a likely interaction between autism susceptibility genes and the environment. Autism represents a spectrum in which heterogeneous genetic backgrounds are expressed with similar heterogeneity in the affected domains of communication, social interaction, and behavior. The impact of gene-environment interactions may also account for differences in underlying neurology and wide variation in observed behaviors. For these reasons, it has been difficult for geneticists and neuroscientists to build adequate systems to model the complex neurobiology causes of autism. In addition, the development of therapeutics for individuals with autism has been painstakingly slow, with most treatment options reduced to repurposed medications developed for other neurological diseases. Adequately developing therapeutics that are sensitive to the genetic and neurobiological diversity of individuals with autism necessitates personalized models of ASC that can capture some common pathways that reflect the neurophysiological and genetic backgrounds of varying individuals. Testing cohorts of individuals with and without autism for these potentially convergent pathways on a scalable platform for therapeutic development requires large numbers of samples from a diverse population. To date, human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent one of the best systems for conducting these types of assays in a clinically relevant and scalable way. The discovery of the four Yamanaka transcription factors (OCT3/4, SOX2, c-Myc, and KLF4) [1] allows for the induction of iPSCs from fibroblasts [2], peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs, i.e. lymphocytes and monocytes) [3, 4], or dental pulp cells [5] that retain the original genetics of the individual from which they were derived [6], making iPSCs a powerful tool to model neurophysiological conditions. iPSCs are a readily renewable cell type that can be developed on a small scale for boutique-style proof-of-principle phenotypic studies and scaled to an industrial level for drug screening and other high-content assays. This flexibility, along with the ability to represent the true genetic diversity of autism, underscores the importance of using iPSCs to model neurophysiological aspects of ASC.
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Li S, Xia M. Review of high-content screening applications in toxicology. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:3387-3396. [PMID: 31664499 PMCID: PMC7011178 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02593-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
High-content screening (HCS) technology combining automated microscopy and quantitative image analysis can address biological questions in academia and the pharmaceutical industry. Various HCS experimental applications have been utilized in the research field of in vitro toxicology. In this review, we describe several HCS application approaches used for studying the mechanism of compound toxicity, highlight some challenges faced in the toxicological community, and discuss the future directions of HCS in regards to new models, new reagents, data management, and informatics. Many specialized areas of toxicology including developmental toxicity, genotoxicity, developmental neurotoxicity/neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity will be examined. In addition, several newly developed cellular assay models including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), three-dimensional (3D) cell models, and tissues-on-a-chip will be discussed. New genome-editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9), data analyzing tools for imaging, and coupling with high-content assays will be reviewed. Finally, the applications of machine learning to image processing will be explored. These new HCS approaches offer a huge step forward in dissecting biological processes, developing drugs, and making toxicology studies easier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaizhang Li
- Division for Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Menghang Xia
- Division for Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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12
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Smith K, Piccinini F, Balassa T, Koos K, Danka T, Azizpour H, Horvath P. Phenotypic Image Analysis Software Tools for Exploring and Understanding Big Image Data from Cell-Based Assays. Cell Syst 2019; 6:636-653. [PMID: 29953863 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic image analysis is the task of recognizing variations in cell properties using microscopic image data. These variations, produced through a complex web of interactions between genes and the environment, may hold the key to uncover important biological phenomena or to understand the response to a drug candidate. Today, phenotypic analysis is rarely performed completely by hand. The abundance of high-dimensional image data produced by modern high-throughput microscopes necessitates computational solutions. Over the past decade, a number of software tools have been developed to address this need. They use statistical learning methods to infer relationships between a cell's phenotype and data from the image. In this review, we examine the strengths and weaknesses of non-commercial phenotypic image analysis software, cover recent developments in the field, identify challenges, and give a perspective on future possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Smith
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Lindstedtsvägen 3, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden; Science for Life Laboratory, Tomtebodavägen 23A, 17165 Solna, Sweden
| | - Filippo Piccinini
- Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, Meldola, FC 47014, Italy
| | - Tamas Balassa
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Biological Research Center (BRC), Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Krisztian Koos
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Biological Research Center (BRC), Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tivadar Danka
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Biological Research Center (BRC), Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Hossein Azizpour
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Lindstedtsvägen 3, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden; Science for Life Laboratory, Tomtebodavägen 23A, 17165 Solna, Sweden
| | - Peter Horvath
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Biological Research Center (BRC), Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Tukholmankatu 8, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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13
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Wang J, Wu MY, Tan JQ, Li M, Lu JH. High content screening for drug discovery from traditional Chinese medicine. Chin Med 2019; 14:5. [PMID: 30858873 PMCID: PMC6394041 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-019-0228-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) represents the crystallization of Chinese wisdom and civilization. It has been valued as the renewable source for the discovery of novel drugs, owing to its long-term proved efficacy in human diseases and abundant biologically active components pools. To dissect the mystery of TCM, modern technologies such as omics approaches (proteomics, genomics, metabolomics) and drug screening technologies (high through-put screening, high content screening and virtual screening) have been widely applied to either identify the drug target of TCM or identify the active component with certain bio-activity. The advent of high content screening technology has absolutely contributed to a breakthrough in compounds discovery and influenced the evolution of technology in screening field. The review introduces the concept and principle of high content screening, lists and compares the currently used HCS instruments, and summarizes the examples from ours and others research work which applied HCS in TCM-derived compounds screening. Meanwhile, this article also discusses the advantages and limitations of HSC technology in drug discovery from TCM libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Ming-Yue Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jie-Qiong Tan
- 2Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan China
| | - Min Li
- 3Mr. and Mrs. Ko Chi Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jia-Hong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
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Stöter M, Janosch A, Barsacchi R, Bickle M. CellProfiler and KNIME: Open-Source Tools for High-Content Screening. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1953:43-60. [PMID: 30912015 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9145-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
High-content screening (HCS) has established itself in the world of the pharmaceutical industry as an essential tool for drug discovery and drug development. HCS is currently starting to enter the academic world and might become a widely used technology. Given the diversity of problems tackled in academic research, HCS could experience some profound changes in the future, mainly with more imaging modalities and smart microscopes being developed. One of the limitations in the establishment of HCS in academia is flexibility and cost. Flexibility is important to be able to adapt the HCS setup to accommodate the multiple different assays typical of academia. Many cost factors cannot be avoided, but the costs of the software packages necessary to analyze large datasets can be reduced by using open-source software. We present and discuss the open-source software CellProfiler for image analysis and KNIME for data analysis and data mining that provide software solutions, which increase flexibility and keep costs low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Stöter
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Antje Janosch
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rico Barsacchi
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marc Bickle
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.
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15
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Zhong L, Tran T, Baguley TD, Lee SJ, Henke A, To A, Li S, Yu S, Grieco FA, Roland J, Schultz PG, Eizirik DL, Rogers N, Chartterjee AK, Tremblay MS, Shen W. A novel inhibitor of inducible NOS dimerization protects against cytokine-induced rat beta cell dysfunction. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:3470-3485. [PMID: 29888783 PMCID: PMC6086989 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Beta cell apoptosis is a major feature of type 1 diabetes, and pro-inflammatory cytokines are key drivers of the deterioration of beta cell mass through induction of apoptosis. Mitochondrial stress plays a critical role in mediating apoptosis by releasing cytochrome C into the cytoplasm, directly activating caspase-9 and its downstream signalling cascade. We aimed to identify new compounds that protect beta cells from cytokine-induced activation of the intrinsic (mitochondrial) pathway of apoptosis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Diabetogenic media, composed of IL-1β, IFN-γ and high glucose, were used to induce mitochondrial stress in rat insulin-producing INS1E cells, and a high-content image-based screen of small molecule modulators of Casp9 pathway was performed. KEY RESULTS A novel small molecule, ATV399, was identified from a high-content image-based screen for compounds that inhibit cleaved caspase-9 activation and subsequent beta cell apoptosis induced by a combination of IL-1β, IFN-γ and high glucose, which together mimic the pathogenic diabetic milieu. Through medicinal chemistry optimization, potency was markedly improved (6-30 fold), with reduced inhibitory effects on CYP3A4. Improved analogues, such as CAT639, improved beta cell viability and insulin secretion in cytokine-treated rat insulin-producing INS1E cells and primary dispersed islet cells. Mechanistically, CAT639 reduced the production of NO by allosterically inhibiting dimerization of inducible NOS (iNOS) without affecting its mRNA levels. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Taken together, these studies demonstrate a successful phenotypic screening campaign resulting in identification of an inhibitor of iNOS dimerization that protects beta cell viability and function through modulation of mitochondrial stress induced by cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Zhong
- California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr)La JollaCA92037USA
| | - Tuan Tran
- California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr)La JollaCA92037USA
| | - Tyler D Baguley
- California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr)La JollaCA92037USA
| | - Sang Jun Lee
- California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr)La JollaCA92037USA
| | - Adam Henke
- California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr)La JollaCA92037USA
| | - Andrew To
- California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr)La JollaCA92037USA
| | - Sijia Li
- California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr)La JollaCA92037USA
| | - Shan Yu
- California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr)La JollaCA92037USA
| | - Fabio A Grieco
- ULB Center for Diabetes ResearchUniversite´ Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)Brussels1070Belgium
| | - Jason Roland
- California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr)La JollaCA92037USA
| | - Peter G Schultz
- California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr)La JollaCA92037USA
- Department of ChemistryThe Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaCA92037USA
| | - Decio L Eizirik
- ULB Center for Diabetes ResearchUniversite´ Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)Brussels1070Belgium
| | - Nikki Rogers
- California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr)La JollaCA92037USA
| | | | | | - Weijun Shen
- California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr)La JollaCA92037USA
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16
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Ediriweera MK, Tennekoon KH, Samarakoon SR. In vitro assays and techniques utilized in anticancer drug discovery. J Appl Toxicol 2018; 39:38-71. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.3658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meran Keshawa Ediriweera
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; University of Colombo; Colombo 03 Sri Lanka
| | - Kamani Hemamala Tennekoon
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; University of Colombo; Colombo 03 Sri Lanka
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17
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Yao J, Li P, Li L, Yang M. Biochemistry and biomedicine of quantum dots: from biodetection to bioimaging, drug discovery, diagnostics, and therapy. Acta Biomater 2018; 74:36-55. [PMID: 29734008 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
According to recent research, nanotechnology based on quantum dots (QDs) has been widely applied in the field of bioimaging, drug delivery, and drug analysis. Therefore, it has become one of the major forces driving basic and applied research. The application of nanotechnology in bioimaging has been of concern. Through in vitro labeling, it was found that luminescent QDs possess many properties such as narrow emission, broad UV excitation, bright fluorescence, and high photostability. The QDs also show great potential in whole-body imaging. The QDs can be combined with biomolecules, and hence, they can be used for targeted drug delivery and diagnosis. The characteristics of QDs make them useful for application in pharmacy and pharmacology. This review focuses on various applications of QDs, especially in imaging, drug delivery, pharmaceutical analysis, photothermal therapy, biochips, and targeted surgery. Finally, conclusions are made by providing some critical challenges and a perspective of how this field can be expected to develop in the future. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Quantum dots (QDs) is an emerging field of interdisciplinary subject that involves physics, chemistry, materialogy, biology, medicine, and so on. In addition, nanotechnology based on QDs has been applied in depth in biochemistry and biomedicine. Some forward-looking fields emphatically reflected in some extremely vital areas that possess inspiring potential applicable prospects, such as immunoassay, DNA analysis, biological monitoring, drug discovery, in vitro labelling, in vivo imaging, and tumor target are closely connected to human life and health and has been the top and forefront in science and technology to date. Furthermore, this review has not only involved the traditional biochemical detection but also particularly emphasized its potential applications in life science and biomedicine.
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Abstract
In the past decade, automated microscopy has become an important tool for the drug discovery and development process. The establishment of imaging modalities as screening tools depended on technological breakthroughs in the domain of automated microscopy and automated image analysis. These types of assays are often referred to as high content screening or high content analysis (HCS/HCA). The driving force to adopt imaging for drug development is the quantity and quality of cellular information that can be collected and the enhanced physiological relevance of cellular screening compared to biochemical screening. Most imaging in drug development is performed on fixed cells as this allows uncoupling the preparation of the cells from the acquisition of the images. Live-cell imaging is technically challenging, but is very useful for many aspects of the drug development pipeline such as kinetic studies of compound mode of action or to analyze the motion of cellular components. Most vendors of HCS microscopy systems offer the option of environmental chambers and onboard pipetting on their platforms. This reflects the wish and desire of many customers to have the ability to perform live-cell assays on their HCS automated microscopes. This book chapter summarizes the challenges and advantages of live-cell imaging in drug discovery. Examples of applications are presented and the motivation to perform these assays in kinetic mode is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Esner
- High Throughput Technology Development Studio (HT-TDS), Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 3, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Felix Meyenhofer
- High Throughput Technology Development Studio (HT-TDS), Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Département de Médecine, Faculté des Sciences, University of Fribourg, 1, Rte., Albert Gockel, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Marc Bickle
- High Throughput Technology Development Studio (HT-TDS), Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
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19
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20
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Fetz V, Prochnow H, Brönstrup M, Sasse F. Target identification by image analysis. Nat Prod Rep 2017; 33:655-67. [PMID: 26777141 DOI: 10.1039/c5np00113g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 1997 to the end of 2015Each biologically active compound induces phenotypic changes in target cells that are characteristic for its mode of action. These phenotypic alterations can be directly observed under the microscope or made visible by labelling structural elements or selected proteins of the cells with dyes. A comparison of the cellular phenotype induced by a compound of interest with the phenotypes of reference compounds with known cellular targets allows predicting its mode of action. While this approach has been successfully applied to the characterization of natural products based on a visual inspection of images, recent studies used automated microscopy and analysis software to increase speed and to reduce subjective interpretation. In this review, we give a general outline of the workflow for manual and automated image analysis, and we highlight natural products whose bacterial and eucaryotic targets could be identified through such approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Fetz
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Inhoffenstrasse 7, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany. and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany and School of Engineering and Science, Jacobs University Bremen, Germany
| | - H Prochnow
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Inhoffenstrasse 7, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - M Brönstrup
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Inhoffenstrasse 7, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany. and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - F Sasse
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Inhoffenstrasse 7, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany.
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21
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Hajjar D, Kremb S, Sioud S, Emwas AH, Voolstra CR, Ravasi T. Anti-cancer agents in Saudi Arabian herbals revealed by automated high-content imaging. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177316. [PMID: 28609451 PMCID: PMC5469452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural products have been used for medical applications since ancient times. Commonly, natural products are structurally complex chemical compounds that efficiently interact with their biological targets, making them useful drug candidates in cancer therapy. Here, we used cell-based phenotypic profiling and image-based high-content screening to study the mode of action and potential cellular targets of plants historically used in Saudi Arabia’s traditional medicine. We compared the cytological profiles of fractions taken from Juniperus phoenicea (Arar), Anastatica hierochuntica (Kaff Maryam), and Citrullus colocynthis (Hanzal) with a set of reference compounds with established modes of action. Cluster analyses of the cytological profiles of the tested compounds suggested that these plants contain possible topoisomerase inhibitors that could be effective in cancer treatment. Using histone H2AX phosphorylation as a marker for DNA damage, we discovered that some of the compounds induced double-strand DNA breaks. Furthermore, chemical analysis of the active fraction isolated from Juniperus phoenicea revealed possible anti-cancer compounds. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of cell-based phenotypic screening of natural products to reveal their biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Hajjar
- KAUST Environmental Epigenetics Program, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Stephan Kremb
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salim Sioud
- Analytical Core Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul-Hamid Emwas
- NMR Core Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Christian R. Voolstra
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- * E-mail: (TR); (CRV)
| | - Timothy Ravasi
- KAUST Environmental Epigenetics Program, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- * E-mail: (TR); (CRV)
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22
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Johnson GR, Kangas JD, Dovzhenko A, Trojok R, Voigt K, Majarian TD, Palme K, Murphy RF. A method for characterizing phenotypic changes in highly variable cell populations and its application to high content screening of Arabidopsis thaliana protoplasts. Cytometry A 2017; 91:326-335. [PMID: 28245335 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.23067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative image analysis procedures are necessary for the automated discovery of effects of drug treatment in large collections of fluorescent micrographs. When compared to their mammalian counterparts, the effects of drug conditions on protein localization in plant species are poorly understood and underexplored. To investigate this relationship, we generated a large collection of images of single plant cells after various drug treatments. For this, protoplasts were isolated from six transgenic lines of A. thaliana expressing fluorescently tagged proteins. Eight drugs at three concentrations were applied to protoplast cultures followed by automated image acquisition. For image analysis, we developed a cell segmentation protocol for detecting drug effects using a Hough transform-based region of interest detector and a novel cross-channel texture feature descriptor. In order to determine treatment effects, we summarized differences between treated and untreated experiments with an L1 Cramér-von Mises statistic. The distribution of these statistics across all pairs of treated and untreated replicates was compared to the variation within control replicates to determine the statistical significance of observed effects. Using this pipeline, we report the dose dependent drug effects in the first high-content Arabidopsis thaliana drug screen of its kind. These results can function as a baseline for comparison to other protein organization modeling approaches in plant cells. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory R Johnson
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh
| | - Joshua D Kangas
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh
| | - Alexander Dovzhenko
- Institute for Biology II/Molecular Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Trojok
- Centre for Biological Systems Analysis (ZBSA), Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Karsten Voigt
- Institute for Biology II/Molecular Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Timothy D Majarian
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh
| | - Klaus Palme
- Institute for Biology II/Molecular Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert F Murphy
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh.,Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Departments of Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering and Machine Learning, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh
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23
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Gough A, Stern AM, Maier J, Lezon T, Shun TY, Chennubhotla C, Schurdak ME, Haney SA, Taylor DL. Biologically Relevant Heterogeneity: Metrics and Practical Insights. SLAS DISCOVERY 2017; 22:213-237. [PMID: 28231035 DOI: 10.1177/2472555216682725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Heterogeneity is a fundamental property of biological systems at all scales that must be addressed in a wide range of biomedical applications, including basic biomedical research, drug discovery, diagnostics, and the implementation of precision medicine. There are a number of published approaches to characterizing heterogeneity in cells in vitro and in tissue sections. However, there are no generally accepted approaches for the detection and quantitation of heterogeneity that can be applied in a relatively high-throughput workflow. This review and perspective emphasizes the experimental methods that capture multiplexed cell-level data, as well as the need for standard metrics of the spatial, temporal, and population components of heterogeneity. A recommendation is made for the adoption of a set of three heterogeneity indices that can be implemented in any high-throughput workflow to optimize the decision-making process. In addition, a pairwise mutual information method is suggested as an approach to characterizing the spatial features of heterogeneity, especially in tissue-based imaging. Furthermore, metrics for temporal heterogeneity are in the early stages of development. Example studies indicate that the analysis of functional phenotypic heterogeneity can be exploited to guide decisions in the interpretation of biomedical experiments, drug discovery, diagnostics, and the design of optimal therapeutic strategies for individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Gough
- 1 Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,2 University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrew M Stern
- 1 Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,2 University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - John Maier
- 3 Department of Family Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Timothy Lezon
- 1 Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,2 University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tong-Ying Shun
- 2 University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chakra Chennubhotla
- 1 Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,2 University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mark E Schurdak
- 1 Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,2 University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,4 University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steven A Haney
- 5 Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - D Lansing Taylor
- 1 Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,2 University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,4 University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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24
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Comley JC, Reeves T, Robinson P. A 1536 Colorimetric SPAP Reporter Assay: Comparison with 96- and 384-Well Formats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/108705719800300308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We report the successful miniaturization of a functional cell-based reporter gene assay. Utilizing interleukin-1beta (IL-1/β)-induced secreted placental alkaline phosphatase (SPAP)-catalyzed colorimetric readout, we reduced the assay volume to 10 μl using a Greiner 1536-well microplate. Our experiences of assay development, liquid handling (using a Hydra® 96; Robbins Scientific, Sunnyvale, CA), and detection (using the SpectraImage and SpectraFluor-Plus plate readers, Tecan Austria GmbH, Grodig, Austria) in 1536 wells are discussed. The effect of a set of 1,280 compounds in this SPAP reporter assay were compared between 96-, 384-, and 1536-well formats and were shown to be very similar. We conclude that cell-based reporter gene assays using SPAP-catalyzed color readouts are sensitive and highly reproducible in 1536-well plates and should be considered as a cost-effective alternative to luciferase reporters for miniaturized assay formats. Finally, we review the prospects for the implementation of routine HTS in 1536-well plates based around the instrumentation investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C.W. Comley
- Lead Discovery Unit, Glaxo Wellcome Research and Development, Stevenage, UK
| | - Tony Reeves
- Lead Discovery Unit, Glaxo Wellcome Research and Development, Stevenage, UK
| | - Phil Robinson
- Lead Discovery Unit, Glaxo Wellcome Research and Development, Stevenage, UK
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25
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26
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Bougen-Zhukov N, Loh SY, Lee HK, Loo LH. Large-scale image-based screening and profiling of cellular phenotypes. Cytometry A 2016; 91:115-125. [PMID: 27434125 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cellular phenotypes are observable characteristics of cells resulting from the interactions of intrinsic and extrinsic chemical or biochemical factors. Image-based phenotypic screens under large numbers of basal or perturbed conditions can be used to study the influences of these factors on cellular phenotypes. Hundreds to thousands of phenotypic descriptors can also be quantified from the images of cells under each of these experimental conditions. Therefore, huge amounts of data can be generated, and the analysis of these data has become a major bottleneck in large-scale phenotypic screens. Here, we review current experimental and computational methods for large-scale image-based phenotypic screens. Our focus is on phenotypic profiling, a computational procedure for constructing quantitative and compact representations of cellular phenotypes based on the images collected in these screens. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Bougen-Zhukov
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - Sheng Yang Loh
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - Hwee Kuan Lee
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - Lit-Hsin Loo
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138671, Singapore.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
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27
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Kriston-Vizi J, Flotow H. Getting the whole picture: High content screening using three-dimensional cellular model systems and whole animal assays. Cytometry A 2016; 91:152-159. [PMID: 27403779 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic or High Content Screening (HCS) is becoming more widely used for primary screening campaigns in drug discovery. Currently the vast majority of HCS campaigns are using cell lines grown in well-established monolayer cultures (2D tissue culture). There is widespread recognition that the more biologically relevant 3D tissue culture technologies such as spheroids and organoids and even whole animal assays will eventually be run as primary HCS. Upgrading the IT infrastructure to cope with the increase in data volumes requires investments in hardware (and software) and this will be manageable. However, the main bottleneck for the effective adoption and use of 3D tissue culture and whole animal assays in HCS is anticipated to be the development of software for the analysis of 3D images. In this review we summarize the current state of the available software and how they may be applied to analyzing 3D images obtained from a HCS campaign. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janos Kriston-Vizi
- Bioinformatics Image Core, MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Horst Flotow
- HDC GmbH, Byk Gulden Strasse 2, Konstanz, Germany
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28
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Giuliano KA, Chen YT, Taylor DL. High-Content Screening with siRNA Optimizes a Cell Biological Approach to Drug Discovery: Defining the Role of P53 Activation in the Cellular Response to Anticancer Drugs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 9:557-68. [PMID: 15475475 DOI: 10.1177/1087057104265387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Deciphering the effects of compounds on molecular events within living cells is becoming an increasingly important component of drug discovery. In a model application of the industrial drug discovery process, the authors profiled a panel of 22 compounds using hierarchical cluster analysis of multiparameter high-content screening measurements from nearly 500,000 cells per microplate. RNAi protein knockdown methodology was used with high-content screening to dissect the effects of 2 anticancer drugs on multiple target activities. Camptothecin activated p53 in A549 lung carcinoma cells pretreated with scrambled siRNA, exhibited concentration-dependent cell cycle blocks, and induced moderate microtubule stabilization. Knockdown of camptothecin-induced p53 protein expression with p53 siRNA inhibited the G1/S blocking activity of the drug and diminished its microtubule-stabilizing activity. Paclitaxel activated p53 protein at low concentrations but exhibited G2/M cell cycle blocking activity at higher concentrations where microtubules were stabilized. In cells treated with p53 siRNA, paclitaxel failed to activate p53 protein, but the knockdown did not have a significant effect on the ability of paclitaxel to stabilize microtubules or induce a G2/M cell cycle block. Thus, this model application of the use of RNAi technology within the context of high-content screening shows the potential to provide massive amounts of combinatorial cell biological information on the temporal and spatial responses that cells mount to treatment by promising therapeutic candidates.
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29
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Li Z, Yan Y, Powers EA, Ying X, Janjua K, Garyantes T, Baron B. Identification of Gap Junction Blockers Using Automated Fluorescence Microscopy Imaging. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 8:489-99. [PMID: 14567776 DOI: 10.1177/1087057103257309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions coordinate electrical signals and facilitate metabolic synchronization between cells. In this study, the authors have developed a novel assay for the identification of gap junction blockers using fluorescence microscopy imaging-based high-content screening technology. In the assay, the communication between neighboring cells through gap junctions was measured by following the redistribution of a fluorescent marker. The movement of calcein dye from dye-loaded donor cells to dye-free acceptor cells through gap junctions overexpressed on cell surface membranes was monitored using automated fluorescence microscopy imaging in a high-throughput compatible format. The fluorescence imaging technology consisted of automated focusing, image acquisition, image processing, and data mining. The authors have successfully performed a high-throughput screening of a 486,000- compound program with this assay, and they were able to identify false positives without additional experiments. Selective and pharmacologically interesting compounds were identified for further optimization. ( Journal of Biomolecular Screening 2003:489-499)
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuyin Li
- Lead Discovery Technology, Lead Generation, Aventis Pharmaceutical, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, USA.
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30
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Gasparri F, Mariani M, Sola F, Galvani A. Quantification of the Proliferation Index of Human Dermal Fibroblast Cultures with the ArrayScan™ High-Content Screening Reader. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 9:232-43. [PMID: 15146854 DOI: 10.1177/1087057103262836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
High-throughput cell-based assays are becoming a powerful approach in the drug discovery process. The ArrayScan™ high-content screening (HCS) reader is a cytometer based on a fully automated fluorescence microscope that is able to obtain quantitative information on the intensity and localization of fluorescence signals within single cells over a wide cell population. The aim of this work was to set up an automated HCS multiparameter analysis for the quantification of the in vitro proliferation index of normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cultures. The authors stimulated starved NHDF with insulin-like growth factor-1, platelet-derived growth factor, epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, or serum, and they quantified the proliferation index by measuring the expression of Ki-67 antigen, the incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), and the phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb). This approach also allowed quantification of the mitotic index by phospho-histone H3 staining and the percentage of cells in the S-phase by BrdU incorporation. The proliferation data from the ArrayScan™ assays were validated by comparison with a reference enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and by flow cytometry. The measured proliferation indices were highly reproducible in repeated measures and independent experiments. The authors therefore propose that the ArrayScan™ HCS system could be used for high-throughput multiparameter analysis and quantification of the proliferation of cellular cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Gasparri
- DRO-Oncology, Pharmacology Department, Pharmacia Corporation, Nerviano, Italy.
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Talapatra SN, Mitra P, Swarnakar S. Morphology and Phenotype of Peripheral Erythrocytes of Fish: A Rapid Screening of Images by Using Software. INTERNATIONAL LETTERS OF NATURAL SCIENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.18052/www.scipress.com/ilns.54.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Many information of biological study as stained cells analysis under microscope cannot be obtained rich information like detail morphology, shape, size, proper intensity etc. but image analysis software can easily be detected all these parameters within short duration. The cells types can be yeast cells to mammalian cells. An attempt has been made to detect cellular abnormalities from an image of metronidazole (MTZ) treated compared to control images of peripheral erythrocytes of fish by using non-commercial, open-source, CellProfiler (CP) image analysis software (Ver. 2.1.0). The comparative results were obtained after analysis the software. In conclusion, this image based screening of Giemsa stained fish erythrocytes can be a suitable tool in biological research for primary toxicity prediction at DNA level alongwith cellular phenotypes. Moreover, still suggestions are needed in relation to accuracy of present analysis for Giemsa stained fish erythrocytes because previous works have been carried out images of cells with fluorescence dye.
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Fraietta I, Gasparri F. The development of high-content screening (HCS) technology and its importance to drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2016; 11:501-14. [PMID: 26971542 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2016.1165203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High-content screening (HCS) was introduced about twenty years ago as a promising analytical approach to facilitate some critical aspects of drug discovery. Its application has spread progressively within the pharmaceutical industry and academia to the point that it today represents a fundamental tool in supporting drug discovery and development. AREAS COVERED Here, the authors review some of significant progress in the HCS field in terms of biological models and assay readouts. They highlight the importance of high-content screening in drug discovery, as testified by its numerous applications in a variety of therapeutic areas: oncology, infective diseases, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. They also dissect the role of HCS technology in different phases of the drug discovery pipeline: target identification, primary compound screening, secondary assays, mechanism of action studies and in vitro toxicology. EXPERT OPINION Recent advances in cellular assay technologies, such as the introduction of three-dimensional (3D) cultures, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and genome editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9), have tremendously expanded the potential of high-content assays to contribute to the drug discovery process. Increasingly predictive cellular models and readouts, together with the development of more sophisticated and affordable HCS readers, will further consolidate the role of HCS technology in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Fraietta
- a Department of Biology , Nerviano Medical Sciences S.r.l ., Nerviano , Milano , Italy
| | - Fabio Gasparri
- a Department of Biology , Nerviano Medical Sciences S.r.l ., Nerviano , Milano , Italy
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Murphy RF. Building cell models and simulations from microscope images. Methods 2016; 96:33-39. [PMID: 26484733 PMCID: PMC4766043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2015.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of fluorescence microscopy has undergone a major revolution over the past twenty years, both with the development of dramatic new technologies and with the widespread adoption of image analysis and machine learning methods. Many open source software tools provide the ability to use these methods in a wide range of studies, and many molecular and cellular phenotypes can now be automatically distinguished. This article presents the next major challenge in microscopy automation, the creation of accurate models of cell organization directly from images, and reviews the progress that has been made towards this challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Murphy
- Computational Biology Department, Center for Bioimage Informatics, and Departments of Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering and Machine Learning, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies and Faculty of Biology, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Germany.
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Long L, Li W, Chen W, Li FF, Li H, Wang LL. Dynamic cytotoxic profiles of sulfur mustard in human dermal cells determined by multiparametric high-content analysis. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2016; 5:583-593. [PMID: 30090372 PMCID: PMC6062398 DOI: 10.1039/c5tx00305a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM) is a well known chemical warfare agent that poses a major threat to military personnel and also populace. It targets multiple macromolecules, and its toxic effects are mediated by complex mechanisms. However, the sequence and manner of SM-induced cellular and molecular events underpinning the pathological processes are not fully elucidated. Effective therapeutic agents against SM poisoning are also lacking. The present study aimed to determine the dynamic cytotoxic profiles of SM in primary cultured human epidermal keratinocytes-fetal (HEK-f) and human dermal fibroblasts-adult (HDF-a) by establishing a high content analysis (HCA)-based multiparametric toxicity assay panel. SM was found to produce multiple, concentration-dependent cellular responses, including abnormal cellular morphology, cycle arrest, apoptosis, necrosis, mitochondrial membrane potential imbalance, increased membrane permeability, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and lysosome impairment. Time-course analysis indicated that the cellular and molecular responses related to the highly reactive targets of SM, such as glutathione depletion, reactive oxygen species release, DNA and lysosomal damage, and actin microfilament architecture modification, were congenerous initial events for SM injury. Moreover, this study demonstrated a novel finding that SM induced autophagy, and it was closely related to lysosome alterations in both cell types. Higher susceptibility of HEK-f cells to SM was associated with early lysosomal damage and decreased autophagy activity. Multiparametric HCA also revealed the concentration-dependent cytoprotective effect of hydroxychloroquine in HDF-a cells. The above results provided overall and objective evidence for elucidating the cytotoxic mechanism of SM, and also a good scientific base for further research on countermeasures against SM injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Long
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures , Beijing , 100850 , China
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Beijing , 100850 , China . ; ; ; Tel: +81-10-6821-0866
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures , Beijing , 100850 , China
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Beijing , 100850 , China . ; ; ; Tel: +81-10-6821-0866
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures , Beijing , 100850 , China
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Beijing , 100850 , China . ; ; ; Tel: +81-10-6821-0866
| | - Fei-Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures , Beijing , 100850 , China
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Beijing , 100850 , China . ; ; ; Tel: +81-10-6821-0866
| | - Hua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures , Beijing , 100850 , China
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Beijing , 100850 , China . ; ; ; Tel: +81-10-6821-0866
| | - Li-Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures , Beijing , 100850 , China
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Beijing , 100850 , China . ; ; ; Tel: +81-10-6821-0866
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Abstract
Data visualization is a fundamental aspect of science. In the context of microscopy-based studies, visualization typically involves presentation of the images themselves. However, data visualization is challenging when microscopy experiments entail imaging of millions of cells, and complex cellular phenotypes are quantified in a high-content manner. Most well-established visualization tools are inappropriate for displaying high-content data, which has driven the development of new visualization methodology. In this review, we discuss how data has been visualized in both classical and high-content microscopy studies; as well as the advantages, and disadvantages, of different visualization methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Z Sailem
- a Department of Engineering Science , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Sam Cooper
- b Department of Computational Systems Medicine , Imperial College, South Kensington Campus , London , UK , and.,c Division of Cancer Biology , Chester Beatty Laboratories, Institute of Cancer Research , London , UK
| | - Chris Bakal
- c Division of Cancer Biology , Chester Beatty Laboratories, Institute of Cancer Research , London , UK
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Al-Ali H, Lemmon VP, Bixby JL. Phenotypic Screening of Small-Molecule Inhibitors: Implications for Therapeutic Discovery and Drug Target Development in Traumatic Brain Injury. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1462:677-688. [PMID: 27604745 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3816-2_37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The inability of central nervous system (CNS) neurons to regenerate damaged axons and dendrites following traumatic brain injury (TBI) creates a substantial obstacle for functional recovery. Apoptotic cell death, deposition of scar tissue, and growth-repressive molecules produced by glia further complicate the problem and make it challenging for re-growing axons to extend across injury sites. To date, there are no approved drugs for the treatment of TBI, accentuating the need for relevant leads. Cell-based and organotypic bioassays can better mimic outcomes within the native CNS microenvironment than target-based screening methods and thus should speed the discovery of therapeutic agents that induce axon or dendrite regeneration. Additionally, when used to screen focused chemical libraries such as small-molecule protein kinase inhibitors, these assays can help elucidate molecular mechanisms involved in neurite outgrowth and regeneration as well as identify novel drug targets. Here, we describe a phenotypic cellular (high content) screening assay that utilizes brain-derived primary neurons for screening small-molecule chemical libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Al-Ali
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 331365, USA
| | - Vance P Lemmon
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 331365, USA
- Center for Computational Science, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 331365, USA
- Departments of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 331365, USA
| | - John L Bixby
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 331365, USA.
- Center for Computational Science, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 331365, USA.
- Departments of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 331365, USA.
- Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1400 NW 10th Ave., DT 1205, Miami, FL, 331365, USA.
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37
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Al-Ali H. The evolution of drug discovery: from phenotypes to targets, and back. MEDCHEMCOMM 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6md00129g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cumulative scientific and technological advances over the past two centuries have transformed drug discovery from a largely serendipitous process into the high tech pipelines of today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Al-Ali
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
- Miami FL 33136
- USA
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38
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Mashimo Y, Kamei KI. Microfluidic Image Cytometry for Single-Cell Phenotyping of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1346:85-98. [PMID: 26542717 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2987-0_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
A microfluidic human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) array has been developed for robust and reproducible hPSC culture methods to assess chemically defined serum- and feeder-free culture conditions. This microfluidic platform, combined with image cytometry, enables the systematic analysis of multiple simultaneously detected marker expression in individual cells, for screening of various chemically defined media across hPSC lines, and the study of phenotypic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasumasa Mashimo
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Kamei
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
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39
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Hartmann M, Gas-Pascual E, Hemmerlin A, Rohmer M, Bach TJ. Development of an image-based screening system for inhibitors of the plastidial MEP pathway and of protein geranylgeranylation. F1000Res 2015; 4:14. [PMID: 26309725 PMCID: PMC4536634 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.5923.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In a preceding study we have recently established an in vivo visualization system for the geranylgeranylation of proteins in a stably transformed tobacco BY-2 cell line, which involves expressing a dexamethasone-inducible GFP fused to the prenylable, carboxy-terminal basic domain of the rice calmodulin CaM61, which naturally bears a CaaL geranylgeranylation motif (GFP-BD-CVIL). By using pathway-specific inhibitors it was there demonstrated that inhibition of the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway with oxoclomazone and fosmidomycin, as well as inhibition of protein geranylgeranyl transferase type 1 (PGGT-1), shifted the localization of the GFP-BD-CVIL protein from the membrane to the nucleus. In contrast, the inhibition of the mevalonate (MVA) pathway with mevinolin did not affect this localization. Furthermore, in this initial study complementation assays with pathway-specific intermediates confirmed that the precursors for the cytosolic isoprenylation of this fusion protein are predominantly provided by the MEP pathway. In order to optimize this visualization system from a more qualitative assay to a statistically trustable medium or a high-throughput screening system, we established now new conditions that permit culture and analysis in 96-well microtiter plates, followed by fluorescence microscopy. For further refinement, the existing GFP-BD-CVIL cell line was transformed with an estradiol-inducible vector driving the expression of a RFP protein, C-terminally fused to a nuclear localization signal (NLS-RFP). We are thus able to quantify the total number of viable cells versus the number of inhibited cells after various treatments. This approach also includes a semi-automatic counting system, based on the freely available image processing software. As a result, the time of image analysis as well as the risk of user-generated bias is reduced to a minimum. Moreover, there is no cross-induction of gene expression by dexamethasone and estradiol, which is an important prerequisite for this test system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hartmann
- Département “Réseaux Métaboliques, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, CNRS UPR 2357, Université de Strasbourg, 28 rue Goethe, F-67083 Strasbourg, France
- Current address: Department Biologie, Institut für Molekulare Ökophysiologie der Pflanzen, Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Elisabet Gas-Pascual
- Département “Réseaux Métaboliques, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, CNRS UPR 2357, Université de Strasbourg, 28 rue Goethe, F-67083 Strasbourg, France
- Current address: Horticulture and Crop Science, Ohio State University, 208 Williams Hall, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH, 44691, USA
| | - Andrea Hemmerlin
- Département “Réseaux Métaboliques, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, CNRS UPR 2357, Université de Strasbourg, 28 rue Goethe, F-67083 Strasbourg, France
| | - Michel Rohmer
- UMR 7177 CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, Institut Le Bel, 4 rue Blaise Pascal, F-67070 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas J. Bach
- Département “Réseaux Métaboliques, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, CNRS UPR 2357, Université de Strasbourg, 28 rue Goethe, F-67083 Strasbourg, France
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40
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Senutovitch N, Vernetti L, Boltz R, DeBiasio R, Gough A, Taylor DL. Fluorescent protein biosensors applied to microphysiological systems. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2015; 240:795-808. [PMID: 25990438 PMCID: PMC4464952 DOI: 10.1177/1535370215584934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This mini-review discusses the evolution of fluorescence as a tool to study living cells and tissues in vitro and the present role of fluorescent protein biosensors (FPBs) in microphysiological systems (MPSs). FPBs allow the measurement of temporal and spatial dynamics of targeted cellular events involved in normal and perturbed cellular assay systems and MPSs in real time. FPBs evolved from fluorescent analog cytochemistry (FAC) that permitted the measurement of the dynamics of purified proteins covalently labeled with environmentally insensitive fluorescent dyes and then incorporated into living cells, as well as a large list of diffusible fluorescent probes engineered to measure environmental changes in living cells. In parallel, a wide range of fluorescence microscopy methods were developed to measure the chemical and molecular activities of the labeled cells, including ratio imaging, fluorescence lifetime, total internal reflection, 3D imaging, including super-resolution, as well as high-content screening. FPBs evolved from FAC by combining environmentally sensitive fluorescent dyes with proteins in order to monitor specific physiological events such as post-translational modifications, production of metabolites, changes in various ion concentrations, and the dynamic interaction of proteins with defined macromolecules in time and space within cells. Original FPBs involved the engineering of fluorescent dyes to sense specific activities when covalently attached to particular domains of the targeted protein. The subsequent development of fluorescent proteins (FPs), such as the green fluorescent protein, dramatically accelerated the adoption of studying living cells, since the genetic "labeling" of proteins became a relatively simple method that permitted the analysis of temporal-spatial dynamics of a wide range of proteins. Investigators subsequently engineered the fluorescence properties of the FPs for environmental sensitivity that, when combined with targeted proteins/peptides, created a new generation of FPBs. Examples of FPBs that are useful in MPS are presented, including the design, testing, and application in a liver MPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Senutovitch
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA University of Pittsburgh Department of Computational & Systems Biology, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Lawrence Vernetti
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA University of Pittsburgh Department of Computational & Systems Biology, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Robert Boltz
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA University of Pittsburgh Department of Computational & Systems Biology, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Richard DeBiasio
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Albert Gough
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA University of Pittsburgh Department of Computational & Systems Biology, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - D Lansing Taylor
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA University of Pittsburgh Department of Computational & Systems Biology, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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Hartmann M, Gas-Pascual E, Hemmerlin A, Rohmer M, Bach TJ. Development of an image-based screening system for inhibitors of the plastidial MEP pathway and of protein geranylgeranylation. F1000Res 2015; 4:14. [PMID: 26309725 PMCID: PMC4536634 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.5923.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently established an in vivo visualization system for the geranylgeranylation of proteins in a stably transformed tobacco BY-2 cell line, which involves expressing a dexamethasone-inducible GFP fused to the prenylable, carboxy-terminal basic domain of the rice calmodulin CaM61, which naturally bears a CaaL geranylgeranylation motif (GFP-BD-CVIL). By using pathway-specific inhibitors it was demonstrated that inhibition of the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway with oxoclomazone and fosmidomycin, as well as inhibition of protein geranylgeranyl transferase type 1 (PGGT-1), shifted the localization of the GFP-BD-CVIL protein from the membrane to the nucleus. In contrast, the inhibition of the mevalonate (MVA) pathway with mevinolin did not affect this localization. Furthermore, complementation assays with pathway-specific intermediates confirmed that the precursors for the cytosolic isoprenylation of this fusion protein are predominantly provided by the MEP pathway. In order to optimize this visualization system from a more qualitative assay to a statistically trustable medium or a high-throughput screening system, we established new conditions that permit culture and analysis in 96-well microtiter plates, followed by fluorescence microscopy. For further refinement, the existing GFP-BD-CVIL cell line was transformed with an estradiol-inducible vector driving the expression of a RFP protein, C-terminally fused to a nuclear localization signal (NLS-RFP). We are thus able to quantify the total number of viable cells versus the number of inhibited cells after various treatments. This approach also includes a semi-automatic counting system, based on the freely available image processing software. As a result, the time of image analysis as well as the risk of user-generated bias is reduced to a minimum. Moreover, there is no cross-induction of gene expression by dexamethasone and estradiol, which is an important prerequisite for this test system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hartmann
- Département “Réseaux Métaboliques, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, CNRS UPR 2357, Université de Strasbourg, 28 rue Goethe, F-67083 Strasbourg, France
- Current address: Department Biologie, Institut für Molekulare Ökophysiologie der Pflanzen, Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Elisabet Gas-Pascual
- Département “Réseaux Métaboliques, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, CNRS UPR 2357, Université de Strasbourg, 28 rue Goethe, F-67083 Strasbourg, France
- Current address: Horticulture and Crop Science, Ohio State University, 208 Williams Hall, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH, 44691, USA
| | - Andrea Hemmerlin
- Département “Réseaux Métaboliques, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, CNRS UPR 2357, Université de Strasbourg, 28 rue Goethe, F-67083 Strasbourg, France
| | - Michel Rohmer
- UMR 7177 CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, Institut Le Bel, 4 rue Blaise Pascal, F-67070 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas J. Bach
- Département “Réseaux Métaboliques, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, CNRS UPR 2357, Université de Strasbourg, 28 rue Goethe, F-67083 Strasbourg, France
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Gough AH, Chen N, Shun TY, Lezon TR, Boltz RC, Reese CE, Wagner J, Vernetti LA, Grandis JR, Lee AV, Stern AM, Schurdak ME, Taylor DL. Identifying and quantifying heterogeneity in high content analysis: application of heterogeneity indices to drug discovery. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102678. [PMID: 25036749 PMCID: PMC4103836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the greatest challenges in biomedical research, drug discovery and diagnostics is understanding how seemingly identical cells can respond differently to perturbagens including drugs for disease treatment. Although heterogeneity has become an accepted characteristic of a population of cells, in drug discovery it is not routinely evaluated or reported. The standard practice for cell-based, high content assays has been to assume a normal distribution and to report a well-to-well average value with a standard deviation. To address this important issue we sought to define a method that could be readily implemented to identify, quantify and characterize heterogeneity in cellular and small organism assays to guide decisions during drug discovery and experimental cell/tissue profiling. Our study revealed that heterogeneity can be effectively identified and quantified with three indices that indicate diversity, non-normality and percent outliers. The indices were evaluated using the induction and inhibition of STAT3 activation in five cell lines where the systems response including sample preparation and instrument performance were well characterized and controlled. These heterogeneity indices provide a standardized method that can easily be integrated into small and large scale screening or profiling projects to guide interpretation of the biology, as well as the development of therapeutics and diagnostics. Understanding the heterogeneity in the response to perturbagens will become a critical factor in designing strategies for the development of therapeutics including targeted polypharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert H. Gough
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Computational & Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ning Chen
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Tong Ying Shun
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Timothy R. Lezon
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Computational & Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Robert C. Boltz
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Computational & Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Celeste E. Reese
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jacob Wagner
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Lawrence A. Vernetti
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Computational & Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jennifer R. Grandis
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Adrian V. Lee
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Andrew M. Stern
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Computational & Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mark E. Schurdak
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Computational & Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - D. Lansing Taylor
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Computational & Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Multiplexed high content screening assays create a systems cell biology approach to drug discovery. DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY. TECHNOLOGIES 2014; 2:149-54. [PMID: 24981842 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2005.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
High content screening (HCS) has emerged as an important platform technology for early drug discovery from target identification through in vitro ADME/Tox. The focus is now on implementing multiplexed assays, developing and using advanced reagents and developing and harnessing more sophisticated informatics tools. Multiplexed HCS assays have the potential to dramatically improve the early drug discovery process by creating systems cell biology profiles on the activities of compounds. It is predicted that multiplexed HCS assays will accelerate the overall workflow and produce deeper functional knowledge, thereby permitting better decisions on what compounds to pursue.:
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Murphy
- Lane Center for Computational Biology, and Departments of Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Machine Learning, Carnegie Mellon University and Faculty of Biology and Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg
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Haney SA. Rapid Assessment and Visualization of Normality in High-Content and Other Cell-Level Data and Its Impact on the Interpretation of Experimental Results. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 19:672-84. [PMID: 24652972 DOI: 10.1177/1087057114526432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
When investigators monitor effects on a population of cells following a perturbation, these events rarely occur in a classical normal (or Gaussian) distribution. A normal distribution is, however, explicitly assumed for events within a single well, in which mean values per well are used as an assay metric and, in general, measures of assay robustness, such as the Z' score and the V factor. Such analysis is not possible for many technologies; however, high-content screening (HCS) measures events of individual cells, which are averaged over the well. These individual cell-level measurements may be analyzed separately. This study quantifies the extent of nonnormality in experimental samples and their effects on determining the EC50 of a test compound and the assay robustness statistics. The results, based on five sets of publicly available data, indicate that the Z' or V-factor score can be improved by as much as 0.44 more than standard calculations, and the EC50 of a dose-response curve can be lowered by as much as fivefold when nonparametric methods are used, but not all data sets show a significant improvement. The effect on analysis depends in part on whether the greatest shift from normality occurs in the upper or lower range of the dose-response curve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Haney
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Mullane K, Winquist RJ, Williams M. Translational paradigms in pharmacology and drug discovery. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 87:189-210. [PMID: 24184503 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The translational sciences represent the core element in enabling and utilizing the output from the biomedical sciences and to improving drug discovery metrics by reducing the attrition rate as compounds move from preclinical research to clinical proof of concept. Key to understanding the basis of disease causality and to developing therapeutics is an ability to accurately diagnose the disease and to identify and develop safe and effective therapeutics for its treatment. The former requires validated biomarkers and the latter, qualified targets. Progress has been hampered by semantic issues, specifically those that define the end product, and by scientific issues that include data reliability, an overt reductionistic cultural focus and a lack of hierarchically integrated data gathering and systematic analysis. A necessary framework for these activities is represented by the discipline of pharmacology, efforts and training in which require recognition and revitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Mullane
- Profectus Pharma Consulting Inc., San Jose, CA, United States.
| | - Raymond J Winquist
- Department of Pharmacology, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Michael Williams
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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Winquist RJ, Mullane K, Williams M. The fall and rise of pharmacology--(re-)defining the discipline? Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 87:4-24. [PMID: 24070656 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacology is an integrative discipline that originated from activities, now nearly 7000 years old, to identify therapeutics from natural product sources. Research in the 19th Century that focused on the Law of Mass Action (LMA) demonstrated that compound effects were dose-/concentration-dependent eventually leading to the receptor concept, now a century old, that remains the key to understanding disease causality and drug action. As pharmacology evolved in the 20th Century through successive biochemical, molecular and genomic eras, the precision in understanding receptor function at the molecular level increased and while providing important insights, led to an overtly reductionistic emphasis. This resulted in the generation of data lacking physiological context that ignored the LMA and was not integrated at the tissue/whole organism level. As reductionism became a primary focus in biomedical research, it led to the fall of pharmacology. However, concerns regarding the disconnect between basic research efforts and the approval of new drugs to treat 21st Century disease tsunamis, e.g., neurodegeneration, metabolic syndrome, etc. has led to the reemergence of pharmacology, its rise, often in the semantic guise of systems biology. Against a background of limited training in pharmacology, this has resulted in issues in experimental replication with a bioinformatics emphasis that often has a limited relationship to reality. The integration of newer technologies within a pharmacological context where research is driven by testable hypotheses rather than technology, together with renewed efforts in teaching pharmacology, is anticipated to improve the focus and relevance of biomedical research and lead to novel therapeutics that will contain health care costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond J Winquist
- Department of Pharmacology, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Kevin Mullane
- Profectus Pharma Consulting Inc., San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Michael Williams
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.
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Pan J, Zhang J, Hill A, Lapan P, Berasi S, Bates B, Miller C, Haney S. A kinome-wide siRNA screen identifies multiple roles for protein kinases in hypoxic stress adaptation, including roles for IRAK4 and GAK in protection against apoptosis in VHL-/- renal carcinoma cells, despite activation of the NF-κB pathway. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 18:782-96. [PMID: 23591012 DOI: 10.1177/1087057113484803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia induces changes to cancer cells that make them more resistant to treatment. We have looked at signaling pathways that facilitate these changes by screening the human kinome for effects on hypoxic responses in SW480 colon cancer cells. Hits identified in the screen were examined for effects on multiple molecular responses to hypoxia, including the endoplasmic reticulum stress and DNA damage responses in colon, melanoma, and renal cancer lines. To validate the hits from the small interfering RNA studies, we developed cell lines expressing stable short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) in the A498 renal carcinoma cell line. Several lines, including those expressing shRNAs against DYRK1B, GAK, IHPK2, IRAK4, and MATK, showed an inability to form spheroid cultures. In addition, shRNAs targeting IRAK4 and GAK were incapable of 2D growth under anoxia. In the GAK shRNA-expressing line, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was localized to the nucleus, but in the IRAK4 shRNA line, NF-κB levels were increased but the extent of nuclear localization was unchanged. Dominant negative mutants of IRAK4 and GAK also showed strong apoptotic effects in A498 cells under anoxia, supporting a direct link between these kinases and survival of the VHL(-/-) RCC line, which is typically highly resistant to hypoxic stress as a result of high and constitutive levels of Hif-1α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pan
- Applied Genomics, Department of Biological Technologies, Wyeth Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Abstract
Recent advances in automated high-resolution fluorescence microscopy and robotic handling have made the systematic and cost effective study of diverse morphological changes within a large population of cells possible under a variety of perturbations, e.g., drugs, compounds, metal catalysts, RNA interference (RNAi). Cell population-based studies deviate from conventional microscopy studies on a few cells, and could provide stronger statistical power for drawing experimental observations and conclusions. However, it is challenging to manually extract and quantify phenotypic changes from the large amounts of complex image data generated. Thus, bioimage informatics approaches are needed to rapidly and objectively quantify and analyze the image data. This paper provides an overview of the bioimage informatics challenges and approaches in image-based studies for drug and target discovery. The concepts and capabilities of image-based screening are first illustrated by a few practical examples investigating different kinds of phenotypic changes caEditorsused by drugs, compounds, or RNAi. The bioimage analysis approaches, including object detection, segmentation, and tracking, are then described. Subsequently, the quantitative features, phenotype identification, and multidimensional profile analysis for profiling the effects of drugs and targets are summarized. Moreover, a number of publicly available software packages for bioimage informatics are listed for further reference. It is expected that this review will help readers, including those without bioimage informatics expertise, understand the capabilities, approaches, and tools of bioimage informatics and apply them to advance their own studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuhai Li
- NCI Center for Modeling Cancer Development, Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Weil Medical College of Cornell University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Zheng Yin
- NCI Center for Modeling Cancer Development, Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Weil Medical College of Cornell University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Guangxu Jin
- NCI Center for Modeling Cancer Development, Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Weil Medical College of Cornell University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Hong Zhao
- NCI Center for Modeling Cancer Development, Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Weil Medical College of Cornell University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Stephen T. C. Wong
- NCI Center for Modeling Cancer Development, Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Weil Medical College of Cornell University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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Niles AL, Moravec RA, Riss TL. Update on in vitro cytotoxicity assays for drug development. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2013; 3:655-69. [PMID: 23506147 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.3.6.655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND in vitro cytotoxicity testing provides a crucial means of ranking compounds for consideration in drug discovery. The choice of using a particular viability or cytotoxicity assay technology may be influenced by specific research goals. OBJECTIVE Although the high-throughput screening (HTS) utility is typically dependent upon sensitivity and scalability, it is also impacted by signal robustness and resiliency to assay interferences. Further consideration should be given to data quality, ease-of-use, reagent stability, and matters of cost-effectiveness. METHODS Here we focus on three main classes of assays that are at present the most popular, useful, and practical for HTS drug discovery efforts. These methods measure: i) viability by metabolism reductase activities; ii) viability by bioluminescent ATP assays; or iii) cytotoxicity by enzymes 'released' into culture medium. Multi-parametric technologies are also briefly discussed. RESULTS/CONCLUSION Each of these methods has its relative merits and detractions; however multi-parametric methods using both viability and cytotoxicity markers may mitigate the inherent shortcomings of single parameter measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew L Niles
- Senior Research Scientist Promega Corporation, Research and Development, 2800 Woods Hollow Road, Madison, Wisconsin, 53711, USA +1 608 247 4330, ext. 1447 ; +1 608 298 4818 ;
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