Genetic Alteration Cell Panels: Tools for High Throughput In Vitro Screening

Extensive genomic sequencing efforts in recent years have provided detailed profiles of the somatic gene mutations that occur in a wide range of human cancers. In order to facilitate basic and translational cancer research, ATCC has designed and validated a number of genetic alteration cell panels targeting the key molecular pathways identified in these studies. To demonstrate suitability of the panels for high throughput screening, the EGFR panel was selected for evaluation using Corning® Epic® Technology, a label-free platform that uses optical biosensors for high sensitivity biochemical and cell-based assays. Label-free dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) responses in whole cells provide phenotypic activity profiles which are readily amenable to evaluation of compound activity and pharmacology. DMR responses obtained using the EGFR cell panel showed that Epic Technology can be utilized to evaluate receptor responsiveness to ligands and successfully predict drug response. Furthermore, label-free phenotypic responses can provide profiles of cellular signaling pathways downstream of receptor activation that may identify alternative targets for drug screening in the cell panel. In summary, combining Epic Technology and the EGFR genetic alternation panel offers convenient tools to screen for ligands or biologics that directly target or affect EGFR receptor biology.