Cell Proliferation Assays
The Essential Role of Cell Proliferation Assays in Research and Drug Discovery
Cell proliferation, the process of cell growth and division, is a fundamental biological activity critical for tissue development, repair, and maintenance. Dysregulation of this process is a hallmark of many diseases, particularly cancer. Therefore, understanding and quantifying cell proliferation is essential for basic biological research, toxicology studies, and especially for the development of new therapeutic agents. In the current landscape of drug discovery and therapeutic development, accurately assessing the impact of novel compounds on cell growth and viability is paramount for identifying potential drug candidates and evaluating their efficacy and safety profiles. Cell proliferation assays provide the quantitative data necessary to screen large compound libraries, determine dose-response relationships, and elucidate mechanisms of action, thereby accelerating the identification of promising leads.
Fig.1 Cells undergoing uncontrolled proliferation rapidly deplete their surroundings of vital oxygen and nutrients.1
Cell Proliferation Assays by Creative Biolabs
Creative Biolabs provides robust and reliable cell proliferation assay services designed to deliver precise and actionable data for your research and drug development needs. We offer a range of sophisticated molecular mechanism-oriented assays that provide invaluable insights into antibody function. These rapid and straightforward assays incorporate multiple measurable criteria, such as the redox potential of cell populations, ATP/ADP levels, cell membrane integrity, and cellular enzyme activity. By delving into these fundamental cellular processes, our services can reveal crucial functional perspectives of antibodies. Our streamlined approach covers everything from initial consultation and assay design to meticulous data analysis and reporting, typically completed within 2 to 6 weeks, depending on project complexity. This systematic process ensures accurate and timely results, empowering your research and drug development efforts.
- Bioactivity assay: BrdU, ATP, ADP, and ATP/ADP ratios, senescence detection
- Cytology/membrane integrity: LDH, AK assay
- Mitochondrial assay: MTT, MTS, XTT assay
Our Service Workflow: From Concept to Clinical
- Project Consultation & Assay Design: Our expert team will engage in a detailed discussion to understand your project goals, select the most appropriate cell lines and proliferation assay methods (e.g., BrdU, MTT, CCK-8, ATP-based, real-time analysis) based on your compounds and desired insights. We will then design a customized experimental plan, including dose ranges and incubation times.
- Cell Culture & Preparation: We meticulously culture and expand your provided cell lines or primary cells under optimized conditions to ensure healthy, consistent cell populations. Cells are then carefully prepared and seeded into multi-well plates at optimized densities suitable for the chosen assay.
- Compound Treatment & Incubation: Your test compounds are precisely diluted and applied to the seeded cells across a range of concentrations. Appropriate positive and negative controls are included to ensure assay validity. The cells are then incubated for a predetermined period, allowing the compounds to exert their effects on proliferation.
- Assay Execution & Readout: Following the incubation period, the chosen cell proliferation assay is performed according to established protocols. This involves adding reagents (e.g., metabolic dyes, DNA labeling reagents, luminescence substrates) and allowing the biochemical reactions to proceed. The plates are then read using high-sensitivity plate readers (e.g., spectrophotometer, fluorometer, luminometer) to quantify the proliferation signal.
- Data Acquisition & Analysis: Raw data from the plate reader is meticulously collected and subjected to rigorous quality control. Our bioinformaticians then perform comprehensive data analysis, including background subtraction, normalization, and the generation of dose-response curves. We calculate key parameters such as IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) or EC50 (half-maximal effective concentration) values.
- Reporting & Interpretation: A detailed, comprehensive report is compiled, summarizing the experimental design, methodology, raw data, processed data, and graphical representations (e.g., dose-response curves). Our scientists provide expert interpretation of the results, highlighting key findings and offering insights relevant to your research objectives.
Required Starting Materials
To initiate our service, clients typically provide:
- Cell Lines/Primary Cells: Specific cell lines or primary cell cultures relevant to your research (e.g., cancer cell lines, normal human cells, immune cells).
- Test Compounds: The compounds or agents you wish to evaluate for their effects on cell proliferation, along with any necessary solubility or storage information.
- Specific Research Objectives: A clear outline of your experimental goals, desired assay readouts, and any specific control requirements.
Our Advanced Assay Formats
|
|
| We've developed a cutting-edge, real-time, and label-free cell proliferation analysis method using an advanced microelectronic biosensor system. This system continuously monitors electrical impedance, providing dynamic, quantitative data on crucial cellular biological statuses like cell number, adhesion, viability, and morphology changes. This innovative approach offers significant potential for highly sensitive immune effector function analysis and immunomodulation studies. | Creative Biolabs is proud to introduce an innovative 3D cell proliferation assay platform. Unlike standard 2D cell cultures, this assay creates a 3D environment using soft agar, closely mimicking physiological conditions found in vivo. Beyond just proliferation, this strategy allows for comprehensive information on various morphological parameters, such as cell adhesion, migration, and polarity. |
|
|
| When developing therapeutic antibodies designed to kill target cells via immune effector cells (such as NK cells, T cells, and monocytes), accurately detecting target cell death in a co-culture system is essential. Traditional proliferation tests struggle to differentiate between the two cell types. To overcome this, Creative Biolabs has created a straightforward, non-radioactive, and dye-free method that specifically tracks proliferation changes in target cells within a co-culture system. This powerful solution is ideal for analyzing immune-mediated cytotoxicity, including ADCC and CDC. |
Many reagents can inhibit cell growth by disrupting normal cell division. We provide comprehensive cell cycle analysis to precisely pinpoint cell cycle arrest at every specific stage (G1-S-G2-M). We utilize high-content screening (HCS) with flow cytometry to reliably assess a large number of cells, both living and fixed, ensuring statistically sound results for cell cycle arrest in response to test antibodies. Our methods include:
|
| To significantly advance drug development, Creative Biolabs offers a precise and reliable tumor cell proliferation inhibition assay service. This service is designed to empower our global clients in evaluating the efficacy of various immune checkpoint-related biologics and small molecules (including those targeting PD-1, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT, OX40, GITR, and more) in inhibiting tumor cell proliferation. Our robust assay provides critical data to accelerate the discovery and development of novel anti-cancer therapies. |
Key Cell Proliferation Markers
- Ki-67: Non-nuclear histone protein that is exclusively found in actively dividing cells at elevated levels.
- PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen): DNA sliding clamp protein involved in facilitating DNA replication.
- MCM2 (Minichromosome Maintenance 2): Essential for the initiation and elongation of DNA during cell proliferation.
- Ser10 (Phospho-Histone H3): Phosphorylated histone protein found in actively dividing cells.
- β-galactosidase activity: Linked to senescent cells with reduced proliferation.
Service Highlights
High-Throughput Capability
Efficiently screen large numbers of compounds, accelerating lead identification.
Quantitative & Reproducible Data
Obtain precise and consistent measurements of cell growth and viability.
Versatile Methodologies
Access a broad spectrum of assay technologies to suit diverse cell types and research questions.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Optimize resource allocation by outsourcing complex and time-consuming assays.
Accelerated Drug Screening
Rapidly identify compounds with desired proliferative or anti-proliferative effects.
Comprehensive Insights
Gain a deeper understanding of drug efficacy, toxicity, and cellular mechanisms.
Case Study
- Objective: The study aims to aims to characterize 4 samples via MCF-7 in vitro proliferation assay.
- Experimental Flowchart:
Fig.2 In vitro MCF-7 proliferation assay with samples.
FAQs
-
Q1: What types of cell proliferation assays does Creative Biolabs offer?
A1: We offer a comprehensive range of assays, including but not limited to BrdU incorporation, MTT, MTS, CCK-8, ATP-based luminescence, and real-time cell analysis (RTCA). Our diverse portfolio allows us to select the most suitable method for your specific cell type and research objectives.
-
Q2: How can these assays specifically help my drug discovery project?
A2: Our cell proliferation assays are crucial for identifying compounds that inhibit or promote cell growth, assessing drug cytotoxicity, determining dose-response curves (e.g., IC50 values), and understanding the mechanism of action of your therapeutic candidates. This data is vital for lead identification, optimization, and preclinical development.
Contact Us
Creative Biolabs stands as a leader in providing high-quality cell proliferation assay services, driven by our extensive expertise, state-of-the-art platforms, and unwavering commitment to client success. Our dedicated team of experienced scientists ensures meticulous execution and insightful data interpretation, empowering your drug discovery and development efforts. If you want to know more details about our cell proliferation assay, please feel free to contact us.
Reference
- Chavez-Dominguez, Rodolfo et al. "The Double-Edge Sword of Autophagy in Cancer: From Tumor Suppression to Pro-tumor Activity." Frontiers in Oncology vol. 10 578418. 7 Oct. 2020, doi:10.3389/fonc.2020.578418. Distributed under Open Access License CC BY 4.0, without modification.
For Research Use Only.