SelectScience
Join Free
Accelerating Science
NewsSpectroscopy

GENTRONIX INTRODUCES NEXT GENERATION GENOTOXICITY SCREENING ASSAY AT DDT

Gentronix Ltd.
30 Jul 2006

Product news

Gentronix is unveiling its novel high throughput genotoxicity screening assay at Drug Discovery Technology (August 7-10 Boston, MA).

Utilising human cells, GreenScreen HC is the first in vitro mammalian cell assay that is suitable for high-throughput screening. It has a unique combination of both exceptionally high sensitivity and specificity, making it a highly accurate early predictor of genotoxic carcinogenicity.

Early validation has already demonstrated that GreenScreen HC can clearly distinguish between true and falsely positive indications of cancer hazard (a common problem with current in vitro mammalian assays). This means that genuinely hazardous genotoxic compounds can be identified before proceeding to development, thereby providing the opportunity for significant reductions in wasted time, compound, costs and animal testing. At the same time, harmless compounds falsely identified as genotoxic by current in vitro mammalian assays are less likely to be withdrawn unnecessarily from further development, increasing the number of potential leads.

GreenScreenHC comprises a repair-competent human cell line with a Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) reporter system. It detects all direct acting mechanistic classes of genotoxic chemicals, as well as aneugens and compounds disrupting DNA replication and repair. Results recently reported by Gentronix and a leading pharmaceutical company in Mutation Research show GreenScreen HC to have sensitivity comparable to that of mammalian in vitro genotoxic tests currently in use, but uniquely combined with very high levels of specificity.

Developed as a high-throughput 96 well microplate assay, the simple assay format requires only a small amount of compound and is easily integrated with standard automation equipment to provide the ideal early screening tool.

During a recent workshop organized by ECVAM (European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods) there was a consensus that the high occurrence of irrelevant positive results in genotoxicity tests in vitro is unacceptable and that there is an urgent need for more accurate in vitro genotoxicity tests, further supporting Gentronix’s belief that GreenScreen HC will become a valuable new tool in reducing compound attrition due to genotoxicity.

Links

Gentronix Ltd.Company website

Tags

Fluorescence SpectroscopyFluorometers and spectrofluorometers (also called fluorescence spectrometers) are used to measure the intensity and wavelength of fluorescent light emitted from a sample after excitation by illumination. Spectrofluorometers utilize monochromators to select the desired wavelengths, whereas filter fluorometers employ a set of filters. Spectrofluorometers for measuring steady-state fluorescence and lifetime fluorescence (or time-resolved fluorescence) are available, as well as fluorescence microscopes and microplate readers. Find the best fluorescence spectroscopy products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.MicroplatesMicroplates are multi-well plates used to increase the throughput of biological investigations. The number of wells microplates contain can range from 6 to 3243 wells, with the 96-well format being the most commonly used. Microplates can come tailored for a range of applications including cell culture, PCR, filtration, storage, non-binding surface, protein crystallization, as well as pre-coated, deep well and normal Standard microplates. Additionally, options for microplate colors include clear , black, white or black with clear bottom and white with clear bottom for absorbance microplate reader applications. Find the best microplates for your lab in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ADME-ToxicologyADME-toxicology (ADME-Tox) studies are used in pharmacology and pharmacokinetics to assess the activity/toxicity of drugs <i>in vivo</i> or <i>in vitro</i>. Find bioassays for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drug molecules including cytotoxicity, transporter/permeability, metabolism and activity assays as well as hepatocytes and cell lines for ADME. Find the best ADME-toxicology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.High-Content ScreeningHigh-content screening (HCS), also known as high-content analysis (HCA), is a high-throughput technique used in drug discovery to identify substances that alter the phenotype of cells. HCS uses fluorescent microscopic imaging and automated image analysis to investigate cellular events such as apoptosis, cell viability, GPCR activation, oxide production, neurite outgrowth, and cell signaling. Find the best fluorescent labeling reagents, cellular assays, and high-content imaging systems in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.

Related articles

GENTRONIX INTRODUCES NEXT GENERATION GENOTOXICITY SCREENING ASSAY AT DDT