Available Cell-Based Assay Read-Outs

In a screen, you can monitor something as specific as changes in expression of one gene or as general as changes in cell shape. Not sure what's right for your project? Check out assay considerations.

Total Luminescence or Fluorescence ("Plate Reader") Assay Readouts

Analyst GT at the DRSC. Click the link to view detailed information about channels available, plates to use, etc.

LiCor Aerius at the DRSC. Click the link to view detailed information about far-red channels available, "in cell Western" approaches, etc.

Additional plate-readers available through the ICCB-Longwood Screening Facility.

High-Content Image-Based Assay Readouts

Perkin Elmer Evotec Opera at the DRSC. For automated fluorescence confocal imaging. Up to 60x confocal imaging in multiple channels. Click the link to view detailed information about excitation lasers (405, 480, 532 and 635 nm), special 384-well plates for use with this instrument, etc.

Molecular Devices ImageXpress Micro at the DRSC. For automated epifluorescence imaging. Click the link to view the company's info page.

NEW in 2010! NIH S-10 funding allowed a group of us to purchase a MDS Analytics Blueshift Isocyte laser scanning cytometer. Located at the ICCB-Longwood Screening Facility. Equipped with 488 and 532 nm excitation lasers and several emission filters. For fast, low-magnification whole-well imaging. Great for GFP, RFP, propidium iodide, etc. and for fluorescence polarization and FRET.

Additional automated or semi-automated epifluorescence microscopes are available through the ICCB-Longwood Screening Facility.

Note: We offer access to several commercial and non-commercial image analysis software packages for automated screen image analysis. We can also refer you to image analysts who can collaborate with you to create customized solutions or help you use the ImCellPhen software package.

Trying to choose a read-out, cell line, etc.? Read about assay considerations here.

Interested in the relevance of Drosophila screens to understanding human biology and disease? Read about the fly to human conservation and view example publications here.