High-content imaging (HCI) phenotypic screening

High-content imaging (HCI) phenotypic screening for mechanistic understanding of the effect of the exposome

Our Imaging research infrastructure runs projects on a collaborative basis with (Dutch) investigators. In general, we perform and support the development, implementation and analysis of imaged-based advanced assays making use if necessary of high-content imaging (HCI). A typical HCI phenotypic screening project can be subdivided into different phases:  

1. Predevelopment:  

We first will evaluate the feasibility of the proposed project considering both biological and technological considerations.  

2. Assay development:  

If we believe that the proposed project is feasible, we will train, advise, and help in the use and troubleshooting of HCI instrumentation. 

Few technical aspects of the assay development include: 

  • Optimal cell growth conditions and confluence for the screening in either 384- or 96 well plate format 
  • Compound exposure or genetic disruption (siRNA or sgRNA transfection conditions) will be optimized. 
  • Optimization of the imaging set-up and acquisition. Quality control descriptors (Z-score, S/N ratio, assay window) based on relevant positive and negative controls will be used to guide the optimization process.

3. Screening 

Depending on the size of the libraries of reagents to be screened, primary screens will be run in multiple replicates on independent days. QC Filtering and hit-selection criteria will be defined by the researcher under guidance of our personal.  

Based on the hit-list from the primary screen, several target genes or compounds will be selected for secondary screen to rule out off-target effects. 

Advanced in vitro models available for studying the effect of the exposome. 

Contact us

 

 

 

 

Coordinator

 

Dr. Sylvia Le Dévédec
Leiden University

Exposome-Scan

Exposome-Scan

The unique and large-scale open facility Exposome-Scan gives researchers from all over the Netherlands the opportunity to study the exposome. Anyone who submits a good research request will have access to the research facility and will be able to conduct research at Exposome-Scan at cost price. The facility in Leiden opens on 15 February 2024 and builds on the knowledge gained in the Exposome-NL and X-omics research programmes.

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