Identification of gap junction blockers using automated fluorescence microscopy imaging

J Biomol Screen. 2003 Oct;8(5):489-99. doi: 10.1177/1087057103257309.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Automation
  • Cell Communication
  • Cell Division / physiology
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / pathology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / methods*
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Fluoresceins / metabolism
  • Fluorescent Dyes / metabolism
  • Gap Junctions / drug effects*
  • Glioma / drug therapy
  • Glioma / pathology
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Meclofenamic Acid / pharmacology
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Rats
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Time Factors
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Fluoresceins
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Meclofenamic Acid
  • fluorexon