Microfluidics platform for single-shot dose-response analysis of chloride channel-modulating compounds

Lab Chip. 2013 Oct 7;13(19):3862-7. doi: 10.1039/c3lc50821h.

Abstract

We previously developed cell-based kinetics assays of chloride channel modulators utilizing genetically encoded yellow fluorescent proteins. Fluorescence platereader-based high-throughput screens yielded small-molecule activators and inhibitors of the cAMP-activated chloride channel CFTR and calcium-activated chloride channels, including TMEM16A. Here, we report a microfluidics platform for single-shot determination of concentration-activity relations in which a 1.5 × 1.5 mm square area of adherent cultured cells is exposed for 5-10 min to a pseudo-logarithmic gradient of test compound generated by iterative, two-component channel mixing. Cell fluorescence is imaged following perfusion with an iodide-containing solution to give iodide influx rate at each location in the image field, thus quantifying modulator effects over a wide range of concentrations in a single measurement. IC50 determined for CFTR and TMEM16A activators and inhibitors by single-shot microfluidics were in agreement with conventional plate reader measurements. The microfluidics approach developed here may accelerate the discovery and characterization of chloride channel-targeted drugs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anoctamin-1
  • Cell Line
  • Chloride Channels / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Chloride Channels / metabolism*
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / metabolism*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / methods*
  • High-Throughput Screening Assays
  • Humans
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / methods*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Small Molecule Libraries / pharmacology*

Substances

  • ANO1 protein, human
  • Anoctamin-1
  • Chloride Channels
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Small Molecule Libraries
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator