ImageXpress Pico Automated Cell Imaging System
Cellular imaging and analysis system that enables you to go from sample to results in minutes
Digital microscopy with automated brightfield, fluorescence, and Digital Confocal imaging
The ImageXpress® Pico Automated Cell Imaging System is more than a digital microscope, combining high-resolution imaging with powerful analysis. Whether running fluorescence imaging or brightfield assays, the automated imager features a comprehensive portfolio of preconfigured protocols for cell-based assays to shorten the learning curve, so you can start running experiments quickly. With features such as Digital Confocal* 2D on-the-fly deconvolution, Live Preview, and multi-wavelength cell scoring, the ImageXpress Pico offers you the ability to advance your discoveries in a small, affordable imager.
Features
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Multiple imaging modes
The ImageXpress Pico system offers objectives ranging from 4x to 63x and can operate in colorimetric, brightfield, fluorescence, or Digital Confocal 2D on-the-fly deconvolution imaging modes.
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Preconfigured analysis protocols
Over 25 preconfigured analysis protocols ranging from simple cell counting to sophisticated neurite tracing analysis. With features like the click-to-find tool, analysis parameters can be optimized by simply clicking on a few cells that match specific criteria.
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Plate-to-individual cell view
Data can be visualized at multiple levels from plate overview to individual cells. A wide variety of data visualization tools from the plate and cellular level empower users to learn as much as possible from their images and assays.
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Z-stack acquisition
Generate sharper images for more accurate segmentation using z-stack acquisition. Acquire a series of images at different focal points to capture more detail than with a single slice. Users can include all slices or select which slices to include in the final projection.
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Quickly and easily identify regions of interest
Live Preview simplifies identification of regions of interest, letting users pan around the sample and interactively adjust focus with a virtual joystick, saving time and effort.
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Environmental control
Multi-day, time lapse, and live cell assays can be run using the onboard environmental system with options for humidity, CO2, and O2 control. Optimized to prevent z-drift, the software also provides real-time monitoring of environmental state, ensuring optimal assay conditions.
Experience the powerful combination of the ImageXpress Pico and CellReporterXpress
Tailored laboratory automation solutions with robotics, incubators, and software
The research environment is constantly changing and today’s scientists require simplified remote access and enhanced laboratory automation. Increased productivity, reduced costs, and consistent performance are all available when combining the ImageXpress® Pico Automated Cell Imaging System with the S-LAB™ plate handler from PAA, and the SCILA incubator from Inheco*.
See the Automated ImageXpress Pico workflow in action
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Brochure
ImageXpress Pico Automated Cell Imaging System
ImageXpress Pico Automated Cell Imaging System
The ImageXpress® Pico system does more than imaging—it offers unparalleled analysis capabilities that simplifies image analysis for cell-based assays.
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eBook
Cellular Imaging Insights
Cellular Imaging Insights
Gain insights and expedite studies for 2D and 3D cellular structures using automated cellular imaging.
Applications of ImageXpress Pico Automated Cell Imaging System
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Apoptosis Analysis
Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death important to a number of biological processes including embryonic development and normal tissue maintenance. Disruption in the regulation of apoptosis has been implicated in various diseases including cancer. Biochemical events lead to characteristic changes in cell morphology such as cell shrinkage, nuclear fragmentation, chromatin condensation, and mRNA decay, and ultimately cell death. Apoptosis can be initiated via the intrinsic or extrinsic pathways, and both pathways induce cell death by activating caspase enzymes
Apoptosis Analysis
Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death important to a number of biological processes including embryonic development and normal tissue maintenance. Disruption in the regulation of apoptosis has been implicated in various diseases including cancer. Biochemical events lead to characteristic changes in cell morphology such as cell shrinkage, nuclear fragmentation, chromatin condensation, and mRNA decay, and ultimately cell death. Apoptosis can be initiated via the intrinsic or extrinsic pathways, and both pathways induce cell death by activating caspase enzymes
Cancer Research
Cancer researchers need tools that enable them to more easily study the complex and often poorly understood interactions between cancerous cells and their environment, and to identify points of therapeutic intervention. Learn about instrumentation and software that facilitate cancer research using, in many cases, biologically relevant 3D cellular models like spheroids, organoids, and organ-on-a-chip systems that simulate the in vivo environment of a tumor or organ.
Cancer Research
Cancer researchers need tools that enable them to more easily study the complex and often poorly understood interactions between cancerous cells and their environment, and to identify points of therapeutic intervention. Learn about instrumentation and software that facilitate cancer research using, in many cases, biologically relevant 3D cellular models like spheroids, organoids, and organ-on-a-chip systems that simulate the in vivo environment of a tumor or organ.
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Cardiomyocytes
Stem cells differentiated into cardiomyocytes are used to screen early for potential toxicological effects of drugs, thus helping to avoid investment in development of drugs which will fail in clinical trials due to cardiac toxicity.
Cardiomyocytes
Stem cells differentiated into cardiomyocytes are used to screen early for potential toxicological effects of drugs, thus helping to avoid investment in development of drugs which will fail in clinical trials due to cardiac toxicity.
Cell Counting
Cell counting is fundamental and critical to numerous biological experiments. Assays such as drug compound toxicity, cell proliferation, and inhibition of cell division have a need to assess the number or density of cells in a well. Automated imaging can greatly speed up the cell counting process while reducing manual labor and human errors. Cells can be counted using a variety of methods, such as label-free cell counting under transmitted light or detection of nuclear dye with fluorescent imaging.
Cell Counting
Cell counting is fundamental and critical to numerous biological experiments. Assays such as drug compound toxicity, cell proliferation, and inhibition of cell division have a need to assess the number or density of cells in a well. Automated imaging can greatly speed up the cell counting process while reducing manual labor and human errors. Cells can be counted using a variety of methods, such as label-free cell counting under transmitted light or detection of nuclear dye with fluorescent imaging.
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COVID-19 and Infectious Disease Research
Here we've addressed common applications in infectious disease research including cell line development, binding affinity, viral neutralization, viral titer and more with a focused effort on understanding the SARS-CoV-2 virus in order to develop potential therapies for COVID-19 including vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
COVID-19 and Infectious Disease Research
Here we've addressed common applications in infectious disease research including cell line development, binding affinity, viral neutralization, viral titer and more with a focused effort on understanding the SARS-CoV-2 virus in order to develop potential therapies for COVID-19 including vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
Digital Confocal
The ability of cells to adapt to their environment is mediated by highly controlled signaling pathways. In many cases, the initiation of these pathways by extracellular signals, such as hormones or cytokines, leads to the translocation of proteins from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Once in the nucleus, these proteins can regulate the expression of target genes. Assays requiring precise identification of sub-cellular structures or molecules within different cellular compartments can benefit from the ability of image deconvolution to improve identification of the specific fluorescence signal against potentially high background caused by out-of-focus light. The ImageXpress Pico system with Digital Confocal 2D on-the-fly deconvolution is capable of measuring the translocation of proteins from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, like NF-κB translocation upon treatment with TNF-α. The enhancement in image resolution and maintenance of quantitative information from the image deconvolution leads to greater statistical significance in the analysis of nuclear translocation.
Digital Confocal
The ability of cells to adapt to their environment is mediated by highly controlled signaling pathways. In many cases, the initiation of these pathways by extracellular signals, such as hormones or cytokines, leads to the translocation of proteins from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Once in the nucleus, these proteins can regulate the expression of target genes. Assays requiring precise identification of sub-cellular structures or molecules within different cellular compartments can benefit from the ability of image deconvolution to improve identification of the specific fluorescence signal against potentially high background caused by out-of-focus light. The ImageXpress Pico system with Digital Confocal 2D on-the-fly deconvolution is capable of measuring the translocation of proteins from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, like NF-κB translocation upon treatment with TNF-α. The enhancement in image resolution and maintenance of quantitative information from the image deconvolution leads to greater statistical significance in the analysis of nuclear translocation.
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Live Cell Imaging
Live cell imaging is the study of cellular structure and function in living cells via microscopy. It enables the visualization and quantitation of dynamic cellular processes in real time. Live cell imaging encompasses a broad range of topics and biological applications—whether it is performing long-term kinetic assays or fluorescently labeling live cells.
Live Cell Imaging
Live cell imaging is the study of cellular structure and function in living cells via microscopy. It enables the visualization and quantitation of dynamic cellular processes in real time. Live cell imaging encompasses a broad range of topics and biological applications—whether it is performing long-term kinetic assays or fluorescently labeling live cells.
Neurite Outgrowth / Neurite Tracing
Neurons create connections via extensions of their cellular body called processes. This biological phenomenon is referred to as neurite outgrowth. Understanding the signaling mechanisms driving neurite outgrowth provides valuable insight into neurotoxic responses, compound screening, and for interpreting factors influencing neural regeneration. Using the ImageXpress Micro system in combination with MetaXpress Image Analysis Software automated neurite outgrowth imaging and analysis is possible for slide or microplate-based cellular assays.
Neurite Outgrowth / Neurite Tracing
Neurons create connections via extensions of their cellular body called processes. This biological phenomenon is referred to as neurite outgrowth. Understanding the signaling mechanisms driving neurite outgrowth provides valuable insight into neurotoxic responses, compound screening, and for interpreting factors influencing neural regeneration. Using the ImageXpress Micro system in combination with MetaXpress Image Analysis Software automated neurite outgrowth imaging and analysis is possible for slide or microplate-based cellular assays.
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Stem Cell Research
Pluripotent stem cells can be used for studies in developmental biology or differentiated as a source for organ-specific cells and used for live or fixed cell-based assays on slides or in multi-well plates. The ImageXpress system has utility in all parts of the stem cell researcher’s workflow, from tracking differentiation, to quality control, to measuring functionality of specific cell types.
Stem Cell Research
Pluripotent stem cells can be used for studies in developmental biology or differentiated as a source for organ-specific cells and used for live or fixed cell-based assays on slides or in multi-well plates. The ImageXpress system has utility in all parts of the stem cell researcher’s workflow, from tracking differentiation, to quality control, to measuring functionality of specific cell types.
Resources of ImageXpress Pico Automated Cell Imaging System
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Brochure
ImageXpress Pico Automated Cell Imaging System
ImageXpress Pico Automated Cell Imaging System
The ImageXpress® Pico system does more than imaging—it offers unparalleled analysis capabilities that simplifies image analysis for cell-based assays.
-
eBook
Cellular Imaging Insights
Cellular Imaging Insights
Gain insights and expedite studies for 2D and 3D cellular structures using automated cellular imaging.
Scientific Poster
Cytotoxic analysis using iPSC-derived stem cell models
Cytotoxic analysis using iPSC-derived stem cell models
Automate complex cell-based assays with multi-parametric readouts while maintaining high data quality and precision.
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Scientific Poster
Phenotypic cell-based assays with a new automated imaging system and cell analysis software
Phenotypic cell-based assays with a new automated imaging system and cell analysis software
There is a great need to automate complex cell-based assays with multi-parametric read-outs while maintaining high data quality and precision. A compact, automated imaging system was…
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Scientific Poster
Automated 3D cell-based assays using a novel flow chip system and high-content imaging
Automated 3D cell-based assays using a novel flow chip system and high-content imaging
There is an increasing interest in using three-dimensional (3D) cell structures for modeling tumors, organs, and tissue to accelerate translation research. Significant progress has b…
Application Note
Assessment of angiogenesis with automated time-lapse imaging
Assessment of angiogenesis with automated time-lapse imaging
The formation of new blood vessels from existing ones, angiogenesis, is a critical physiological process involved in vertebrate development and wound healing. The process of…
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Application Note
Quantification of spheroid growth and morphology - a fast and simple approach for compound screening
Quantification of spheroid growth and morphology - a fast and simple approach for compound screening
There is a growing trend to develop screening assays using three-dimensional (3D) cell culture.
Flyer
Automated Cell Imaging with the ImageXpress Pico system
Automated Cell Imaging with the ImageXpress Pico system
Molecular Devices provides full-service, customization, and automation to meet your research needs. Our team includes scientists and engineers who can customize our instruments, as w…
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Flyer
Digital Confocal for CellReporterXpress
Digital Confocal for CellReporterXpress
Designed for the ImageXpress® Pico Automated Cell Imaging System, and utilizing CellReporterXpress® Image Acquisition and Analysis Software, the Digital Confocal* Option provides 2D…
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Application Note
Assess transduction efficiency of CFP-tagged nuclear protein with automated cellular imaging
Assess transduction efficiency of CFP-tagged nuclear protein with automated cellular imaging
Since the discovery of green fluorescent protein in the 1960s, a wide variety of fluorescent proteins (FP) and variants have been developed to span the entire visible light spectrum.…
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Application Note
Improve nuclear translocation assay results using image deconvolution
Improve nuclear translocation assay results using image deconvolution
Widefield microscopy is a powerful tool that has been utilized to investigate cellular and molecular processes involved in cell signaling.
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Application Note
Monitor multiple stages of apoptosis with live cell kinetic imaging
Monitor multiple stages of apoptosis with live cell kinetic imaging
The study of apoptosis is a critical aspect of drug discovery and development. Additionally, studying the relationship between apoptosis and other factors, such as oxidative stress, is…
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Scientific Poster
Multiplexed automated imaging assays for compound testing using iPSC-derived cells
Multiplexed automated imaging assays for compound testing using iPSC-derived cells
There is an increased need for expanding variety and complexity of cell-based biologic research and drug discovery.
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Application Note
Monitor cell proliferation and cell cycle in real time
Monitor cell proliferation and cell cycle in real time
There is an increased need to expand the variety and complexity of cell-based assays for biological research and drug discovery. Live-cell assays allow monitoring of cell responses in…
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Application Note
Evaluate anti-inflammatory compounds using a multiparametric THP-1 cell-based assay
Evaluate anti-inflammatory compounds using a multiparametric THP-1 cell-based assay
Macrophages originate from blood monocytes that leave the circulation and penetrate various tissues where they differentiate into macrophages.
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Application Note
Count cells with or without fluorescent labels using automated imaging
Count cells with or without fluorescent labels using automated imaging
The ability to accurately quantitate cell number in multi-well microplates enables a multitude of biological applications that study cell health or proliferation.
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Scientific Poster
Live-cell assays measuring complex compound effects in real time
Live-cell assays measuring complex compound effects in real time
Monitor cell responses in real time to acquire important qunatitative insights
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Scientific Poster
A novel high-throughput solution for screening drugs with a light-crosslinked VersaGel 3D tumor culture model and automated high-content imaging
A novel high-throughput solution for screening drugs with a light-crosslinked VersaGel 3D tumor culture model and automated high-content imaging
Screen models that mimic in vivo tumor microenvironment using novel 3D cell culture platform, VersaGel and Symphony
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Scientific Poster
Measure cell migration using automated cell imaging and analysis
Measure cell migration using automated cell imaging and analysis
Effectively image and analyze cell migration using a scratch assay or a dissolvable biocompatible gel
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Application Note
Measure cell migration using discontinuous time-lapse imaging of live cells
Measure cell migration using discontinuous time-lapse imaging of live cells
Cell migration is an essential process required for many biological events including embryonic development, wound healing, cancer metastasis, and immunological responses.
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Application Note
Multiplexed automated imaging assay for cardiotoxic compounds using the ImageXpress Pico system
Multiplexed automated imaging assay for cardiotoxic compounds using the ImageXpress Pico system
Develop functional and morphological readouts for testing effects of different compounds in multi-parametric assays using iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes
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eBook
Quantitate Neuron Potential
Quantitate Neuron Potential
Gain valuable insights into neurobiology, from evaluation of ion channels to analysis of 3D neuron organoids.
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Scientific Poster
Multiplexed automated imaging assays for compound testing using iPSC-derived cell models
Multiplexed automated imaging assays for compound testing using iPSC-derived cell models
Develop functional and morphological readouts for testing effects of different compounds in a multi-parametric assay format
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Scientific Poster
Cell migration analysis using automated cell imaging
Cell migration analysis using automated cell imaging
Effectively image and analyze cell migration using a dissolvable biocompatible gel.
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Flyer
Assay kits for the ImageXpress Pico system
Assay kits for the ImageXpress Pico system
These assay kits are a family of fluorescence-based reagents for the assessment of cell viability, cell proliferation, and apoptosis events using mammalian cells. The kits employ a n…
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eBook
Phenotypic Screening With iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes and Neurons
Phenotypic Screening With iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes and Neurons
This new eBook discusses early drug safety testing using HTS iPSC-derived cells with imaging. Download it now!
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Application Note
Identify compound-specific effects on neurite outgrowth using ImageXpress Pico system
Identify compound-specific effects on neurite outgrowth using ImageXpress Pico system
Evaluate compound-specific effects on neurite outgrowth using automated imaging
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Application Note
Detection of autophagy using automated imaging
Detection of autophagy using automated imaging
Detect and quantify compound effects on the process of autophagy on the ImageXpress Pico system. The PC12 human neuroblastoma cell line was used as a model for assay development.
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Application Note
Multi-parametric assessment of cell phenotypes using ImageXpress Pico Automated Cell Imaging System
Multi-parametric assessment of cell phenotypes using ImageXpress Pico Automated Cell Imaging System
Automated cellular imaging is an efficient method for analyzing compound effects on cell phenotypes including morphology, viability, and marker expression.
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Application Note
Evaluation of mitochondrial integrity and mitochondria membrane potential using automated cell imaging and analysis
Evaluation of mitochondrial integrity and mitochondria membrane potential using automated cell imaging and analysis
Mitochondrial function, a key indicator of cell health, can be assessed by monitoring changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP)1,2.
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Application Note
Cytotoxicity assessment using automated cell imaging and live/dead assays
Cytotoxicity assessment using automated cell imaging and live/dead assays
Live/dead assays are utilized in a wide variety of research applications including investigation of cytotoxic effects of various compounds, treatments, or changes in gene expression.
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Application Note
Analysis of apoptosis using automated cell imaging
Analysis of apoptosis using automated cell imaging
Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.1,2 Biochemical events lead to characteristic changes in cell morphology and cell death.
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Brochure
Imaging Solutions to Answer Your Biological Questions
Imaging Solutions to Answer Your Biological Questions
Learn about our imaging family and which solution is best suited to answer your biological questions.
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Flyer
ImageXpress Pico Automated Cell Imaging System
ImageXpress Pico Automated Cell Imaging System
Replace tedious manual microscope manipulations with the fully automated ImageXpress® Pico Automated Cell Imaging System. Simply place samples into the system and follow the icon-dri…
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Application Note
Assaying cardiotoxicity with ImageXpress high-content screening systems
Assaying cardiotoxicity with ImageXpress high-content screening systems
The discovery and development of novel drugs is a difficult and expensive process due to lack of tools and techniques to accurately reproduce the human physiological response in the…
Automated Cell Imaging with the ImageXpress Pico system
Immunology and Vaccine Development Workflow
Hybridoma Workflow
How to install the ImageXpress Pico Environmental Control System
Accelerate your screening with high-content and automated imaging
Accelerating study of viral infection and therapeutics with microplate-based detection and high-throughput screening
ImageXpress Pico Automated Imaging System Virtual Tour
Magnetic 3D Bioprinting, 3D Cell Culture in a 2D Workflow
Developing high-throughput organ-on-a-chip tissue models for drug discovery using high-content imaging
Automated Imaging and You – Quantitative microscopy for every lab, Powerful data for all
How to easily image slides and regions of interest with Live Preview on the ImageXpress Pico
Standard Widefield Imaging
ImageXpress Pico Automated Cell Imaging System – Feature Update
A Product Manager's Tour of the ImageXpress Pico
Configuring environmental control settings on the ImageXpress Pico
How to perform a z-stack image acquisition using CellReporterXpress
Cellular images to results in minutes with automated imaging
Setting up acquisition and analysis on the ImageXpress Pico
Transmitted light cell scoring on the ImageXpress Pico
Reviewing completed experiments on the ImageXpress Pico
ImageXpress Pico Automated Cell Imaging System-Interactive Demo
ImageXpress Pico Automated Cell Imaging System
Number of Citations*: 63
Latest Citations: For a complete list, please click here .
*Source: https://scholar.google.com/
Dated: Nov 03, 2021Publication Name: NatureTargeted therapy of human leukemia xenografts in immunodeficient zebrafish
Personalized medicine holds tremendous promise for improving safety and efficacy of drug therapies by optimizing treatment regimens. Rapidly developed patient-derived xenografts (pdx) could be a helpful tool for analyzing the effect of drugs against an individual’s tumor by growing the tumor in an immunodeficient animal. Severe combined… View morePersonalized medicine holds tremendous promise for improving safety and efficacy of drug therapies by optimizing treatment regimens. Rapidly developed patient-derived xenografts (pdx) could be a helpful tool for analyzing the effect of drugs against an individual’s tumor by growing the tumor in an immunodeficient animal. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice enable efficient in vivo expansion of vital tumor cells and generation of personalized xenografts. However, they are not amenable to large-scale rapid screening, which is critical in identifying new compounds from large compound libraries. The development of a zebrafish model suitable for pdx could facilitate large-scale screening of drugs targeted against specific malignancies. Here, we describe a novel strategy for establishing a zebrafish model for drug testing in leukemia xenografts. We used chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia for xenotransplantation into SCID zebrafish to evaluate drug screening protocols. We showed the in vivo efficacy of the ABL inhibitor imatinib, MEK inhibitor U0126, cytarabine, azacitidine and arsenic trioxide. We performed corresponding in vitro studies, demonstrating that combination of MEK- and FLT3-inhibitors exhibit an enhanced effect in vitro. We further evaluated the feasibility of zebrafish for transplantation of primary human hematopoietic cells that can survive at 15 day-post-fertilization. Our results provide critical insights to guide development of high-throughput platforms for evaluating leukemia.
Contributors: Ranganatha R. Somasagara, Xiaoyan Huang, Chunyu Xu, Jamil Haider, Jonathan S. Serody, Paul M. Armistead & TinChung Leung
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Dated: Feb 02, 2021Publication Name: ACS Publications
Prescription Medications Alter Neuronal and Glial Cholesterol Synthesis
Mouse brain contains over 100 million neuronal, glial, and other support cells. Developing neurons and astrocytes synthesize their own cholesterol, and disruption of this process can occur by both genetic and chemical mechanisms. In this study we have exposed cultured murine neurons and astrocytes to six different prescription medications that… View moreMouse brain contains over 100 million neuronal, glial, and other support cells. Developing neurons and astrocytes synthesize their own cholesterol, and disruption of this process can occur by both genetic and chemical mechanisms. In this study we have exposed cultured murine neurons and astrocytes to six different prescription medications that cross the placenta and blood–brain barriers and analyzed the effects of these drugs on cholesterol biosynthesis by an LC–MS/MS protocol that assays 14 sterols and 7 oxysterols in a single run. Three antipsychotics (haloperidol, cariprazine, aripiprazole), two antidepressants (trazodone and sertraline), and an antiarhythmic (amiodarone) inhibited one or more sterol synthesis enzymes. The result of the exposures was a dose-dependent increase in levels of various sterol intermediates and a decreased level of cholesterol in the cultured cells. Four prescription medications (haloperidol, aripiprazole, cariprazine, and trazodone) acted primarily on the DHCR7 enzyme. The result of this exposure was an increase in 7-dehydrocholesterol in neurons and astrocytes to levels that were comparable to those found in cultured neurons and astrocytes from transgenic mice that carried a Dhcr7 pathogenic mutation modeling the neurodevelopmental disorder Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome.
Contributors: 1Keri A. Tallman, 2,4Luke B. Allen, 2Korinne Klingelsmith, 2Allison Anderson, 2Thiago C. Genaro-Mattos, 2,4Károly Mirnics, 1Ned A. Porter, 3,4Zeljka Korade*
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Dated: Jan 28, 2020Publication Name: Frontiers in Immunology
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection of Human Lung Fibroblasts Induces a Hyaluronan-Enriched Extracellular Matrix That Binds Mast Cells and Enhances Expression of Mast Cell Proteases
Human lung fibroblasts (HLFs) treated with the viral mimetic polyinosine-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) form an extracellular matrix (ECM) enriched in hyaluronan (HA) that avidly binds monocytes and lymphocytes. Mast cells are important innate immune cells in both asthma and acute respiratory infections including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV);… View moreHuman lung fibroblasts (HLFs) treated with the viral mimetic polyinosine-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) form an extracellular matrix (ECM) enriched in hyaluronan (HA) that avidly binds monocytes and lymphocytes. Mast cells are important innate immune cells in both asthma and acute respiratory infections including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); however, the effect of RSV on HA dependent mast cell adhesion and/or function is unknown. To determine if RSV infection of HLFs leads to the formation of a HA-enriched ECM that binds and enhances mast cell activity primary HLFs were infected with RSV for 48 h prior to leukocyte binding studies using a fluorescently labeled human mast cell line (LUVA). Parallel HLFs were harvested for characterization of HA production by ELISA and size exclusion chromatography. In separate experiments, HLFs were infected as above for 48 h prior to adding LUVA cells to HLF wells. Co-cultures were incubated for 48 h at which point media and cell pellets were collected for analysis. The role of the hyaladherin tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene 6 (TSG-6) was also assessed using siRNA knockdown. RSV infection of primary HLFs for 48 h enhanced HA-dependent LUVA binding assessed by quantitative fluorescent microscopy. This coincided with increased HLF HA synthase (HAS) 2 and HAS3 expression and decreased hyaluronidase (HYAL) 2 expression leading to increased HA accumulation in the HLF cell layer and the presence of larger HA fragments. Separately, LUVAs co-cultured with RSV-infected HLFs for 48 h displayed enhanced production of the mast cell proteases, chymase, and tryptase. Pre-treatment with the HA inhibitor 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) and neutralizing antibodies to CD44 (HA receptor) decreased mast cell protease expression in co-cultured LUVAs implicating a direct role for HA. TSG-6 expression was increased over the 48-h infection. Inhibition of HLF TSG-6 expression by siRNA knockdown led to decreased LUVA binding suggesting an important role for this hyaladherin for LUVA adhesion in the setting of RSV infection. In summary, RSV infection of HLFs contributes to inflammation via HA-dependent mechanisms that enhance mast cell binding as well as mast cell protease expression via direct interactions with the ECM.
Contributors: Stephen R. Reeves,1,2,3,* Kaitlyn A. Barrow,2 Lucille M. Rich,2 Maria P. White,2 Nicholas J. Shubin,2Christina K. Chan,4 Inkyung Kang,4 Steven F. Ziegler,5 Adrian M. Piliponsky,2,3 Thomas N. Wight,4 and Jason S. Debley1,2,3
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Related Products & Services of ImageXpress Pico Automated Cell Imaging System
Featured Applications
Apoptosis Analysis
Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death important to a number of biological processes…
Cancer Research
Cancer researchers need tools that enable them to more easily study the complex and often poorly…
Cardiomyocytes
Stem cells differentiated into cardiomyocytes are used to screen early for potential toxicological…
Cell Counting
Cell counting is fundamental and critical to numerous biological experiments. Assays such as drug…
COVID-19 and Infectious Disease Research
Here we've addressed common applications in infectious disease research including cell line…
Digital Confocal
The ability of cells to adapt to their environment is mediated by highly controlled signaling…
Live Cell Imaging
Live cell imaging is the study of cellular structure and function in living cells via microscopy.…
Neurite Outgrowth / Neurite Tracing
Neurons create connections via extensions of their cellular body called processes. This biological…
Stem Cell Research
Pluripotent stem cells can be used for studies in developmental biology or differentiated as a…
Customer Breakthrough
SUCCESS STORY
Researchers gain new insights into immune response during pediatric respiratory infections using the ImageXpress Pico system
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