Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute – Screening Facility
The Screening Facility at the CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow was established in 2011. Our approach couples RNA interference (RNAi), small molecule and drug screening with High Content Imaging (HCI) to translate fundamental cancer research towards new therapeutics. When combined, these methodologies are a powerful tool for identifying novel/key players in a system of interest and elucidating novel drug targets and/or drug partners to improve existing cancer therapeutic approaches.
We work extensively with researchers at the Beatson Institute and collaborators. We provide our expertise in devising, developing and executing screening assays, which is complemented by the expertise of the collaborating group, who provide a researcher to work with us. This approach benefits us in providing an expert in the system being studied, while simultaneously actively engaging the partner group in the project. Further to this, we support hit validation and deconvolution, and any downstream analysis as required.
We work extensively with researchers at the Beatson Institute and collaborators. We provide our expertise in devising, developing and executing screening assays, which is complemented by the expertise of the collaborating group, who provide a researcher to work with us. This approach benefits us in providing an expert in the system being studied, while simultaneously actively engaging the partner group in the project. Further to this, we support hit validation and deconvolution, and any downstream analysis as required.
Infrastructure
Our core siRNA libraries consist of the Thermo Scientific Dharmacon Duet siRNA libraries, targeting both the human and murine whole genome. We allow access to defined subsets within the library (e.g. kinases, proteases etc) to facilitate a more focused approach denominated by target class. Additionally, we have worked with researchers at the Beatson Institute to develop bespoke process-specific targeted siRNA libraries for tailored screening approaches.
We run HTS assays using robotics and automation to bring precision and accuracy to the screening process. Our core equipment includes a Janus Automated Workstation, EnVision Xcite, and Operetta HCI system (Perkin Elmer), and an Incucyte (Essen BioScience). Data management and analysis solutions are provided by Dotmatics and we carefully evaluate and deconvolute data to give quality assurance.
We run HTS assays using robotics and automation to bring precision and accuracy to the screening process. Our core equipment includes a Janus Automated Workstation, EnVision Xcite, and Operetta HCI system (Perkin Elmer), and an Incucyte (Essen BioScience). Data management and analysis solutions are provided by Dotmatics and we carefully evaluate and deconvolute data to give quality assurance.
Examples of projects undertaken
- reducing viability in specific mutational background
- resensitising chemotherapeutic-resistant cancer cells
- indicative of a putative drug target in combination with a developmental drug
- supporting adaptation under hypoxia
- regulating cell invasion and migration
- mediating miR signalling
Selected group publications:
Shanks, E. Reduce, reuse recycle: how drug repositioning is finding its niche in drug discovery. 2013. Eur Pharm Rev 18, 31-34