NOTÍCIAS DE PARCEIROS

The CIPF Screening Unit boasts a unique collection of more than 11,000 selected pure compounds, which have been prepared for storage and use in high density formats. The team has optimised the methodologies for the automation of assays using commercially available liquid-handling robotics, the direct data capture from the readers and the calculations of biological activity results, these last two using an in-house software program (DIANA).  In close collaboration with different laboratories in the centre, researchers have developed IT applications, databases, screens and carried out blitzscreening campaigns for the selection and characterisation of compounds with relevant biological activity for the desired pharmacological target.

What makes CIPF Screening Platform different from others is its expertise on the identification of compounds modulators of protein-protein interactions, and the setting up of cell based assays (including tumoral cells, primary cultures and stem cells) with application in cell therapy as well as in cancer therapy. Within cancer approach, the platform is focused on the selection of compounds that target cancer stem cells, recently described as the main responsible of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Preclinical candidates obtained from a screening assay can be considered worthy of intellectual property protection.

The scientific services offered by Screening Unit include compound collections, optimization of high density format assays (HTP), in vitro assays, cellular-based assays, statistical validation of assays, HTP-screening campaigns, definition of positives (potency, selectivity, etc), secondary evaluation of selected positives, search for relevant information for patenting process and validation of targets and inhibitors in animal models for disease.

For more information: Centro de Investigación Principe Felipe http://www.cipf.es/