Biosciences
High Content Screening
Image-based phenotypic screening, from a single well to a subset of compounds.
ImageMeasured
Before and after segmentation.
From image to number
Cells are seeded, treated, fixed and stained, then imaged on Revvity’s Opera Phenix Plus. Segmentation identifies each object. Feature extraction turns each object into measurements. A single image set holds thousands of features, which can be extracted and further analyzed according to the needs of your program.
From image acquisition to assay results, the platform delivers a fully automated imaging workflow. Configurable optics (5x-63x), brightfield, broad fluorescence capabilities (405-647 nm), 2D/3D imaging, and live-cell environmental control support a wide range of applications. A robotic arm and stacker enable high-throughput operation, while Signals Image Artist and Signals VitroVivo transform imaging data into actionable insights.
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What can be measured
Image analysis tools extract thousands of features from a single object or image set and convert them into numerical data.
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Morphology 2D
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Fluorescence
Morphology 3D
Cell Painting
Using fluorescent dyes, the major organelles and structures of the cell can be visualized and measured. The combined image carries a morphological signature comparable across a defined set of compounds, such as our FDA-approved drug library, with no target hypothesis required.
Select a channel
Showing: nuclei.
Applications: mechanism of action studies, toxicity prediction and functional genomics.
What high-content imaging answers
Neuronal Morphology
Transform cellular morphology into actionable insights. Automated analysis of neurite outgrowth quantifies key structural features, including maximum and total neurite length, extremities, roots, and segments in fixed and live neurons. These versatile morphological readouts also enable robust evaluation of cell differentiation and neurons survival.
Neurite segmentation, traced per cell.
Protein Expression and Translocation
Monitor protein localization dynamics in real time by tracking nuclear-to-cytosolic translocation, quantified through compartment-specific intensity ratios.
Nuclear and cytosolic states of the same reporter.
Protein Binding and Internalization
Quantify internalization and intracellular trafficking with a streamlined workflow. Antibodies, phages, or peptides are captured at the cell surface at 4°C and subsequently internalized at 37°C. Cells are segmented into membrane and perinuclear regions, enabling precise spatial analysis of target localization.
Binding and internalization.
Multiparametric Cell Fate Analysis
One plate, several mechanisms. Proliferation by EdU, mitosis by pSer10 H3 or by Cyclin B1, DNA damage by γH2AX, apoptosis by activated caspase-3. Simultaneous analysis eliminates experimental variability, ensuring a direct, cell-by-cell correlation between genotoxic stress, cell cycle perturbation, and cell death.
Untreated and treated, same markers, same plate.
Autophagy and Vesicle Dynamics
Gain quantitative insights into autophagic activity through automated LC3 and/or p62 spot detection coupled with LAMP-1 co-localization analysis, enabling reliable assessment of autophagic flux.
Lamp1 and LC3 localization and segmentation.
Where this has been applied
C3PO is IRBM’s complex 3D patient-derived organoid model for brain tumors. Glioma stem-like cells are assembled with astrocytes and microglia in defined proportions, each population followed by fluorescent labeling and high-content imaging across molecular subtypes. Rebuilding the cellular context shifts measured potency toward in vivo behavior.
Maximum projection, orthogonal views and 3D reconstruction from multiple z-stack.
Move faster from target to preclinical candidate
IRBM’s Integrated Drug Discovery platform unites chemistry, biology, DMPK, and in vivo pharmacology under one scientific framework so candidates advance through fewer handoffs, stronger data continuity, and better-informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between high-content imaging and high-content screening?
Imaging is the acquisition and analysis method. Screening applies it across a compound set, with the readout fixed in advance.
Which cellular models can you image?
2D monolayers, primary cells, iPSC-derived neurons, immune and tumor cell co-cultures, 3D spheroids and patient-derived organoids.
We have only seen our phenotype by eye. Can it become a screen?
Usually yes. The workflow foreseen staining optimization, image acquisition, cell region segmentation, features selection, data extraction and analysis.
What do we receive?
Analysed data with reference images, the interpretation of the results, and our recommendation on how to move your program forward. This includes per-well and/or per-cell quantified data and the analysis pipeline that generated it.
Where is the work carried out?
At a single research site in Rome, Italy, by a single coordinated team.
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