Cell Painting

Scientists in a modern laboratory analyzing cell images on dual monitors, engaging in a high-content screening technique known as cell painting.

Cell Painting Assay Services

Cells are ‘painted’ with 6 fluorescent dyes to visualize morphological structures in cells. At Pharmaron, cell painting is part of our high-content screening platform armed with the Operetta High Content Imaging system. The cell painting assay can be performed with single compounds or with compound libraries. For high-throughput screening we utilize our fully-automated high-throughput screening suite to create data with utmost consistency. 

Pharmaron’s bioinformatics team manages and analyzes the large amount of data created by cell painting assays. Our team employs advanced machine-learning algorithms to decode intricate morphological patterns and signatures, transforming large datasets into actionable insights.

Research Areas Supported by Cell Painting at Pharmaron

  • Phenotypic Profiling: The automated high-throughput setup allows for the screening of hundreds or thousands of compounds. The visualization of phenotypic changes via cell painting facilitates the identification of test articles with desirable therapeutic effects.
  • Target identification and Deconvolution: High-content imaging of the cell morphology captures comprehensive phenotypic changes in the treated cells. Based on this data, our bioinformaticians could identify pathways modulated by the test articles.
  • Mechanism of Action Elucidation: Phenotypic effects induced by multiple inhibitors with the same target can be differentiated.
  • Determination of Drug Resistance Mechanism: Cell painting helps to compare the phenotypic profiles of resistant and sensitive cells. This method reveals specific cellular changes and pathways contributing to resistance guiding the development of second-generation drugs or combination therapies.

390 kinase inhibitors were screened via cell painting for a case study of compound clustering and mode of action characterization

A poster titled "An Automated Workflow for Phenotypic Drug Discovery with Cell Painting," featuring various diagrams, images, and text. It includes bioanalytical development insights. There's a "Download Below" button on the right, and the Pharmaron company logo is at the bottom right corner.
CTA Cell Painting