High-throughput RNAi screening by time-lapse imaging of live human cells

Nat Methods. 2006 May;3(5):385-90. doi: 10.1038/nmeth876.

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool to study gene function in cultured cells. Transfected cell microarrays in principle allow high-throughput phenotypic analysis after gene knockdown by microscopy. But bottlenecks in imaging and data analysis have limited such high-content screens to endpoint assays in fixed cells and determination of global parameters such as viability. Here we have overcome these limitations and developed an automated platform for high-content RNAi screening by time-lapse fluorescence microscopy of live HeLa cells expressing histone-GFP to report on chromosome segregation and structure. We automated all steps, including printing transfection-ready small interfering RNA (siRNA) microarrays, fluorescence imaging and computational phenotyping of digital images, in a high-throughput workflow. We validated this method in a pilot screen assaying cell division and delivered a sensitive, time-resolved phenoprint for each of the 49 endogenous genes we suppressed. This modular platform is scalable and makes the power of time-lapse microscopy available for genome-wide RNAi screens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Automation
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Chromosomes, Human / genetics
  • Chromosomes, Human / ultrastructure
  • Fluorescence
  • Genome
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / chemistry
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • HeLa Cells / pathology
  • HeLa Cells / ultrastructure
  • Histones / chemistry
  • Histones / genetics
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Microarray Analysis
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Phenotype
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Time Factors
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Histones
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins