Monitoring Neurite Morphology and Synapse Formation in Primary Neurons for Neurotoxicity Assessments and Drug Screening

23 Nov 2012

This application note introduces a new method for measuring synaptic function utilizing the power of automated, quantitative, high-content cell-based imaging and analysis. The Thermo Scientific Synaptogenesis HCS Assay Reagents combined with the Thermo Scientific ArrayScan High Content Screening (HCS) Reader and Neuronal Profiling BioApplication enabled the automated quantitation of neuronal morphology and synapses in vitro. The Multiparameter Synaptogenesis Assay simultaneously identified and quantified neurites, pre- and post-synaptic structures and synapses in an automated manner.

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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.High-Throughput ScreeningHigh-throughput screening (HTS) is an automated drug discovery technique for identification of active compounds against a compound library. Use HTS readers and integrated assay preparation / analysis workstations to screen your compounds. Identify active compounds against various HTS libraries, including membranes, proteins and peptides and HTS cell lines. Find the best high-throughput screening products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Assay AssemblyAssay Assembly is technique used in drug discovery to develop assays to test the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, or other activities of a compound on a cell. Assay assembly requires chip assembly, a delivery system and a detection and analysis method. Beneficial features of assay kits or automated systems include high-throughput, high speed and sensitivity and low signal to noise ratio.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.Robotic WorkstationsRobotic workstations are automated platforms enabling the user to perform high-throughput, multi-application processes, from sample preparation tasks such as PCR set-up, DNA purification and NGS library preparation, to integrated sample prep and analysis workstations. Automation makes processes consistent, fast, precise and fully walk-away. Find the best robotic workstations in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.NeurobiologyNeurobiology studies the biology of the nervous system, including the structure and function of neurons, glial cells, and their interactions. It is a key field in understanding neurological disorders such as Alzheimer�s, Parkinson�s, and schizophrenia. Research in neurobiology is essential for developing therapies for these conditions. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best neurobiology research tools, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.NeurotoxinCell AnalysisThe analysis of cells allows researchers to understand the factors which contribute to cell health and function. These influencing processes can then be predicted and altered, leading to the development of medication and disease treatments.Alzheimers ResearchAlzheimer�s disease is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. Research focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the disease, as well as developing effective treatments and diagnostic tools. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best Alzheimer�s research products, compare options, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Huntingtons DiseaseHigh Content ImagingHigh content imaging is a method combining two or more fluorescent microscopy experiments to identify substances that alter a cell’s phenotype in a desired manner. The process is adapted to multi-well plates and both the image acquisition and analysis are automated.NeuronsNeurons are the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, involved in transmitting information. Understanding neuron function is critical in neurobiology, neuroscience, and neurodegenerative disease research. Explore neuron research tools in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Parkinsons DiseaseNeurites