A Comprehensive Cell-Level Drug Screening Solution
— Efficient, Precise, High-Throughput
Drug screening is a critical step in new drug development, aimed at discovering biologically active compounds through appropriate experimental models and advancing drug candidates from the lab to the clinic. Cell-based screening, which can simulate in vivo environments and provide more realistic biological insights, has become a core approach in drug discovery. However, this technology still faces multiple challenges in practice, including complex sample preprocessing, time-consuming RNA extraction, difficulties in cell culture and limited experimental throughput.
To address these issues, we have developed a comprehensive cell-level drug screening solution centered around three core modules: cell sample analysis, rapid nucleic acid extraction and multifunctional cell detection. By systematically optimizing experimental workflows, improving data quality and supporting high-throughput operations, this solution is designed to enhance the efficiency of drug screening.
I. Cell Sample Analysis Solution
Traditional cell gene expression analysis typically requires RNA extraction and purification, followed by qPCR amplification—a process that is cumbersome and time-consuming. TransGen's Cells-to-CT technology enables direct reverse transcription and subsequent qPCR analysis using cell lysates, eliminating the need for RNA extraction. This achieves a one-step "cells-in, results-out" detection.
1. Direct Gene Analysis from Cells to Results
Cells-to-CT 1-Step Probe Kit (AC321)
Advantages of Cells-to-CT Technology in Drug Screening
• Simplified workflow — Eliminates traditional RNA extraction steps, reducing the number and complexity of experimental procedures.
• Rapid RNA accessibility — Generate lysates ready for qRT-PCR in just 5 minutes.
• Efficient amplification — Paired with highly sensitive and specific qRT-PCR reagents, gene expression results can be obtained from cells in as fast as 50 minutes.
• Wide cell input range — Supports cell inputs from 10 to 10^6 cells, with detection sensitivity as low as 10 cells.
• High inhibitor tolerance — The RT-qPCR reaction system is compatible with the addition of up to 6 µl of lysate.
• Excellent stability — Maintains consistent performance even after 7 days of storage at 37°C.
• High-throughput compatible — Adaptable to 96/384-well plates, suitable for automated screening systems.
Experimental Data
High Sensitivity with Broad Applicability across Various Cell Types
Amplifications were performed using AC321, Company V and Company TH products on various human, mouse and monkey cell types (both adherent and suspension cells) across different starting quantities. The results demonstrate that AC321 offer higher sensitivity: capable of detecting as few as 10 cells, yielding lower Ct values and maintaining compatibility with a wide range of cell types and input quantities.
Multiplex Amplification
Quadruplex probe-based one-step direct cell amplification was performed on HeLa cells with varying starting quantities using AC321. The results demonstrate that AC321 enable successful multiplex amplification.
Robust Thermal Stability
The AC321 was stored at 37°C for 7 days and then used for probe-based one-step direct cell amplification on HeLa cells with varying starting quantities. The results demonstrate the excellent stability of the TransGen product.
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2. RT, qPCR and qRT-PCR
In addition to the one-step direct cell amplification reagents, TransGen also offers a variety of RT, qPCR and qRT-PCR reagents.
PerfectStart® IV Fast Probe qPCR SuperMix UDG (AQ732)
Product Features
• High Specificity: Utilizes a next-generation hot-start Taq DNA polymerase with efficient antibody blocking.
• Fully Premixed Compatibility: Supports full premixing of primers, probes and qPCR SuperMix, maintaining stable performance even after 30 days of storage at 37°C.
• Rapid Amplification: Completes 45 cycles in approximately 35 minutes, saving valuable time.
• Excellent Stability: Product performance remains unaffected after 50 freeze-thaw cycles or 30 days of storage at 37°C.
• dUTP/UDG Contamination Prevention System: Effectively prevents carryover contamination from PCR products, ensuring data accuracy.
Experimental Data
High Amplification Efficiency
Plasmid standards of human housekeeping genes were subjected to gradient dilution and used as templates for quadruplex qPCR detection with AQ732. The results demonstrate that AQ732 exhibits high amplification efficiency.
Compatible with Rapid Amplification Protocol
Plasmid standards of human housekeeping genes were gradient-diluted and used as templates for quadruplex qPCR detection with AQ732 (test instrument: Bio-Rad CFX96, run duration: 35 minutes). The results demonstrate that AQ732 supports rapid amplification protocols, deliver superior amplification performance compared to competing products and meet the requirements for fast detection.
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II. Rapid Cell Nucleic Acid Extraction Solution
TransGen Biotech provides magnetic bead-based and automated nucleic acid extraction reagents, paired with high-throughput nucleic acid extraction instruments, to effortlessly achieve rapid extraction of cellular nucleic acids.
1. Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction System
Product Features:
• Touch screen control with programmable freedom.
• Intelligent self-control system for safety and automation.
• Precise control and efficient temperature management.
• UV sterilization to prevent contamination.
• Stable results with high extraction efficiency.
2. Rapid Cell RNA Extraction
MagicPure® 32/96 Fast Cell RNA Kit (EC522-32/96)
Product Features:
• Safe & User-Friendly: Free from toxic reagents such as phenol-chloroform throughout the process, ensuring high safety.
• High Purity: Includes a gDNA removal module for cleaner backgrounds and higher RNA purity.
• High Throughput: Minimal manual steps with a high degree of automation.
• Easy Operation: All steps can be performed at room temperature, eliminating the need for low-temperature handling.
Experimental Data
Excellent Extraction Performance
RNA was extracted from four different cell types using TransGen products, and the RNA quality was assessed via agarose gel electrophoresis. The results demonstrate that TransGen products yield high RNA concentrations, superior quality, and excellent extraction performance.
Tested Cell RNA Extraction Yield
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III. Cell-Based Assay Solutions
Cell-based assays are critical components of drug screening systems, used to systematically evaluate the effects of candidate compounds on cellular functions. Our comprehensive suite of assay tools covers key areas including viability, apoptosis, and reporter gene analysis. Designed for ease of use, high sensitivity, and high-throughput compatibility, they provide reliable data support for drug screening.
1. Reporter Gene Assays
TransDetect® Bright-Luc Pro Firefly Luciferase Reporter Assay Kit (FR106)
Product Features
• Odor-Free Formulation: Contains no pungent or irritating components, ensuring safer handling.
• Simple Operation: Combines lysis and detection in a single step—no washing or cell harvesting required.
• High Sensitivity: Delivers strong chemiluminescent signals with excellent sensitivity.
• Rapid Detection: Completes detection for a 96-well plate within 10 minutes.
• Good Stability: Features a half-life of 30–40 minutes, suitable for throughputs of up to five 96-well plates.
• Pre-Validated per ICH Guidelines: Multiple parameters validated according to ICH guidelines, ensuring accurate and highly reliable detection.
Experimental Data
High Sensitivity
Luciferase activity in 293T cells stably expressing Firefly Luciferase was assayed using products from TransGen, Company V, and Company P. The results demonstrate that FR106 offers higher sensitivity and generates stronger luminescence signals.
Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity-ADCC
ADCC activity of Rituximab was assessed by co-incubating FcγRIII Jurkat-NFAT-Luc effector cells with Raji target cells. Assays performed using TransGen, Company V, and Company P products demonstrated that FR106 yields stronger luminescence signals, making it more suitable for ADCC activity detection.
2. Cell Viability Assay
TransDetect® Luminescent Cell Viability Detection Kit (FC401)
Product Features
• Simple Operation: Single-component reagent; lysis can be completed in just 10 minutes. Compatible with high-throughput detection.
• High Sensitivity: Capable of detecting as few as 5 cells.
• Excellent Stability: Features a long half-life of up to 3 hours. Maintains good linearity even after storage at room temperature for 7 days prior to detection.
• Wide Linear Range: Exhibits strong linear correlation across a broad range of 5 to 100,000 cells.
Experimental Data
Wide Linear Range and High Sensitivity
Viability assays were performed using FC401 on cell suspensions with varying cell counts. The results demonstrate that FC401 exhibits excellent linearity in luminescence values across a range of 5 to 100,000 cells. It can detect as few as 5 cells, showcasing a wide linear range and high detection sensitivity.
Stable performance, long half-life
Using FC401, luminescent signal of 50,000 cells was assayed at different time points. The results indicate that FC401 demonstrates high stability, maintaining 85% of the original signal intensity within 1 hour, with a half-life of up to 3 hours.
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3. Apoptosis Detection
TransDetect® In Situ Fluorescein TUNEL Cell Apoptosis Detection Kit (FA201)
Product Features
• Low Toxicity: Does not contain the highly toxic organic arsenical buffer system traditionally required for TUNEL reactions.
• High Sensitivity & Specificity: Utilizes an optimized ratio of labeled to unlabeled substrates.
• Simple Operation: Eliminates complex pipetting and incubation steps. The labeling process is completed in one step by simply mixing TdT with the Labeling Solution in the reaction system.
• Broad Applicability & Flexible Detection Methods: Versatile for various applications and adaptable to different detection formats.
Experimental Data:
Strong Versatility
Detection Results of NIH3T3 Cells Treated with DNase I for 10 Minutes
Detection Results of 293T Cells Treated with DNase I for 10 Minutes
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In today's increasingly competitive landscape of new drug development, the efficiency and reliability of drug screening have become pivotal factors determining the success of research programs. TransGen Biotech’s Cell-Based Drug Screening Solutions leverage technological innovation to optimize the entire workflow, providing a comprehensive support system from cells to data. We are committed to helping you enhance screening efficiency and maintain a leading edge in the drug discovery phase. Let us join hands and work together to accelerate the translation of candidate drugs from the laboratory to the clinic.
