High-throughput Screening
The High-Throughput Screening (HTS) facility supports a large, advanced robotic system. Its aim is to enable laboratory automation of large-scale experiments, with a focus on drug screening. Automating experiments leads to increased productivity, improved accuracy, and accelerated discoveries in research.
The facility’s experts can carry out and support the development, implementation, and analysis of large-scale and time-intensive experiments.
Purpose for research
The primary focus is on in vitro testing of various types of medication, as there is still a strong need to identify new and specific drugs and combinations of drugs for pediatric cancer. All experiments are designed to enable accelerated identification and validation of new treatment options for pediatric cancer, as well as the identification of key genes and proteins underlying disease processes.
The HTS platform is highly versatile and can support a wide range of experiments. In addition, different types of drugs can be tested, including antibodies, siRNAs, and other chemicals, where their effects on cells can be measured using various types of markers. As a standard method, for example, we use a compound that is added to cells treated with a drug and emits light when the cells are viable. This light signal can be read out, enabling the effect of the drugs to be determined.
The platform includes a confocal microscope, allowing results to be examined in detail, for example, changes in cell structure, location, or morphology.
Services and support
We provide a full-service model consisting of:
Assay development and validation – Support in translating research questions into assays suitable for high-throughput screening that can be performed within the facility.
Execution of HTS experiments – Standard drug screens (see compound libraries) can be carried out upon request. Support for self-developed automated assays is also possible.
Data analysis support – Delivery of raw data and data analysis reports for standard screening.
The facility primarily focuses on pediatric cancer research but also offers opportunities for research in other medical fields.
Equipment overview
The HTS facility contains more than 20 different instruments. All instruments are managed and supported by the HTS team. Key equipment includes:
Liquid handling devices, such as:
The Beckman Coulter Biomek i7 Hybrid Liquid Handler (2x), with both interchangeable 96- or 384-channel pipetting heads and 8 individual pipettes
The Echo 550 Acoustic Liquid Handler for small volumes
The Multidrop dispenser coupled to an 8-port valve
Detection/readout devices, such as:
The SpectraMax i3x plate reader
The Revvity Opera Phenix High-Content Imaging Microscope
Automated versions of commonly used lab equipment, such as incubators, centrifuges, plate washers, etc.
Supporting devices to integrate the system, such as a SCARA arm, plate sealer, and plate unsealer
Drug libraries
The following libraries are currently available:
Máxima core library – A compound library consisting of 228 compounds, carefully selected by researchers and clinicians for pediatric oncology based on current treatment regimens and clinical trials.
Immuno-oncology library (Cat. No. L2170) – A library of 523 bioactive compounds targeting intracellular pathways that influence innate and adaptive immune responses.
Epigenetic library (Cat. No. HY-L005) – A library consisting of 1,822 epigenetically related compounds.
Metabolic library – A library of 1,400 compounds, carefully curated to target multiple metabolic pathways such as gluconeogenesis, lipid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism.
Cell cycle – DNA damage library (Cat. No. HY-L004) – A library of 3,074 compounds related to the cell cycle and DNA damage.
Drug repurposing library (Cat. No. HY-L035) – A library of 5,340 compounds that are marketed or have successfully completed phase I clinical trials.
Anti-cancer metabolism library (Cat. No. HY-L083) – A library of 3,250 compounds related to cancer metabolism, targeting pathways such as glucose metabolism, glutamine metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, etc.
“Drug screening and automation is our main focus, as there is still a high need to find new drugs and drug combinations for pediatric cancer”
Jeroen van Velzen
Facility coordinator
Jeroen van Velzen is manager of the high-throughput screening facility and has 30 years of laboratory experience with a background in hematology and immunology. Van Velzen: 'In our facility, we provide support on high end instrumentation, training and service. We make experiments possible in automation and drug screening for all research groups in the Princess Máxima Center and for external parties collaborating with the Máxima Center.'
This facility is financially supported by donations from KiKa, Oncode Accelerator, Pharmaforge (Interreg), and the Princess Máxima Center Foundation.