TTP Labtech, Phenotypic Screening - 11

PHENOTYPIC SCREENING an e-Book Series Perspective

Conclusions
This article describes the application of 3D cell
culture models as a phenotypic screening tool that
generates physiologically more relevant data than
traditional 2D cell cultures. The assays are not trivial
to set up, maintain, or screen, but they are more
likely to identify hit compounds of physiological
relevance and eliminate toxic candidates earlier in
the drug discovery process.
Outlook
The last 8-10 years have seen a tremendous
uptake in the use of phenotypic assays as a primary
screening tool. More recently, the advances in plate
and assay formats have allowed 3D cultures to enter
the mainstream in high throughput phenotypic drug
discovery. Considering the long timescales involved
in bringing a drug to market, it will take several
years before the full impact of modern phenotypic
screens to the drug discovery process can be truly
evaluated.

11 | GENengnews.com

In the meantime, we expect that the drive to
develop more refined cellular models of disease will
continue, with primary cells, induced pluripotent
stem cells, cellular co-cultures, and pseudo-tissues
playing an increasingly important role in phenotypic
screening. As high content imaging technologies
continue to offer increased throughput and more
sophisticated assay readouts, we expect to see a shift
from spectrophotometric assay readouts to high
content screening to capture the full biological
complexity of these cellular responses.
Ultimately successful drug screening strategies
will probably require a multimodal approach that
encompasses both primary phenotypic screens, as
well as specific target-based assays. n

References
1. Paul, S.M. et al. (2010) Nature Reviews
Drug Discovery 9: 203-214
2. http://www.therichest.com/expensive-lifestyle/
the-top-10-things-you-can-buy-if-youhad-a-billion-dollars-2/10/
3. Hutchinson, L and Kirk, R. (2011) Nature Reviews
Clinical Oncology 8: 189-1909
4. Swinney, D.C. and Anthony, J. (2011)
Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 10: 507-519
5. Wylie, P.G. and Bowen, W.P. (2004)
The Biochemist 26(2): 27-30s
6. Horman, S. et al. (2013) Nature Methods
Footnote
‡ Disclaimer: Except where otherwise attributed, the

statements in this table are those of the authors alone.
They are not reviewed or approved by, and are not
statements by or on behalf of the scientific community.

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TTP Labtech, Phenotypic Screening

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