Domain-based biosensor assay to screen for epidermal growth factor receptor modulators in live cells

Assay Drug Dev Technol. 2012 Feb;10(1):24-36. doi: 10.1089/adt.2011.423. Epub 2012 Jan 26.

Abstract

Traditional drug discovery efforts have resulted in the approval of a handful of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors; however, their discovery relied solely on screening recombinant kinases, often with poor cellular activity outcome. The ability to screen RTKs in their natural environment is sought as an alternative approach. We have adapted a novel strategy utilizing a green fluorescent protein-labeled SRC homology 2 domain-based biosensor as a surrogate reporter of endogenous epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activity in A549 cells. Upon activation of the receptor, EGFR function in live cells is measured by the number of green granules that form. Here we describe assay miniaturization and demonstrate specificity for EGFR through its chemical inhibition and RNAi-dependent knockdown resulting in complete abrogation of granule formation. Gefitinib and PD 153035 were identified as hits in a pilot screen. This approach allows for the identification of novel EGFR modulators in high-throughput formats for screening chemical and RNAi libraries.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / analysis*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor / methods*
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ErbB Receptors / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Pilot Projects
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • ErbB Receptors