Small molecule screening by imaging.

Citation:

Eggert US, Mitchison TJ. Small molecule screening by imaging. Curr Opin Chem Biol. 2006;10 (3) :232-7.

Date Published:

2006 Jun

Abstract:

Useful small molecule tools can be discovered in imaging screens that measure phenotype in single cells or small organisms. Recent examples include identification of small molecule inhibitors of processes such as cell migration, cytokinesis, mitotic spindle length determination, melanogenesis, aggresome formation, membrane transport and nuclear export. Imaging screens are currently limited by challenges in the areas of image analysis and target identification. We discuss the use of model organisms such as zebrafish in screens and review different methods of target identification. The emerging field of automated image analysis is also introduced.