Cell-impedance-based label-free technology for the identification of new drugs

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Drug discovery has progressed from relatively simple binding or activity screening assays to high-throughput screening of sophisticated compound libraries with emphasis on miniaturization and automation. The development of functional assays has enhanced the success rate in discovering novel drug molecules. Many technologies, originally based on radioactive labeling, have sequentially been replaced by methods based on fluorescence labeling. Recently, the focus has switched to label-free technologies in cell-based screening assays.

Areas covered: Label-free, cell-impedance-based methods comprise of different technologies including surface plasmon resonance, mass spectrometry and biosensors applied for screening of anticancer drugs, G protein-coupled receptors, receptor tyrosine kinase and virus inhibitors, drug and nanoparticle cytotoxicity. Many of the developed methods have been used for high-throughput screening in cell lines. Cell viability and morphological damage prediction have been monitored in three-dimensional spheroid human HT-29 carcinoma cells and whole Schistosomula larvae.

Expert opinion: Progress in label-free, cell-impedance-based technologies has facilitated drug screening and may enhance the discovery of potential novel drug molecules through, and improve target molecule identification in, alternative signal pathways. The variety of technologies to measure cellular responses through label-free cell-impedance based approaches all support future drug development and should provide excellent assets for finding better medicines.

KEYWORDS:

• Label-free
• cell-impedance-based
• screening assays

Article highlights

• Cell-based label-free methods can provide rapid monitoring of cellular functions in living cells.

• Technologies comprise of surface plasmon resonance, mass spectrometry and biosensors

• Screening of drugs targeting GPCRs, ion channels, receptor tyrosine kinases, virus inhibitors and nanoparticle cytotoxicity is possible

• Monitoring can be carried out in cell lines, 3D-spheroid cultures and in nematodes.

• Improved target molecule identification supports novel drug discovery.

This box summarizes key points contained in the article

Declaration of interest

The author is the CEO of PanTherapeutics. He has no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Additional information

Funding

This manuscript has not been funded.