Cell Biology

Robust and reproducible complex cell biology through automation. Improved precision and data quality.

Why Arctoris?

Bespoke Assays, Targeted Results

  • Team work: We work with your team to understand your project’s intricacies, enabling us to design assays that perfectly match your objectives and research goals.
  • Automation: A catalogue of fully automated cell assays are available on demand, and we excel at onboarding and automating new and bespoke assays.
  • Science first: We respond to any change in project scope and demand in an agile and unbureaucratic way.

Automated cell screening

  • Reproducibility, accuracy, and speed: Our state-of-the-art automated research platform gives you a competitive edge on these critical dimensions.
  • Enhanced data quality: Fewer failed assays and less repeats – we complete projects faster and produce better data guiding decision-making towards promising drug candidates with confidence.
  • Complex cell models: Organoids, spheroids, co-cultures, along with primary cells and cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

High content imaging

  • High-content imaging: From early-stage screening to in-depth phenotypic analysis, partner with us for a holistic approach to cellular analysis.
  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Our live high-content imaging systems capture intricate cellular details with unparalleled clarity.
  • Customization: We say no to ‘one-size-fits-all.’ Your research is unique, and our USP is centred around tailoring every aspect of our services to your specific needs. Whether it is assay design, image analysis, or data interpretation, expect solutions that are fully customized to your project and goals.

What can Arctoris do?

Our capabilities and assays

Target engagement assays

Assays assessing drug binding and interactions
  • Epigenetic regulators (incl. HDACs & BETs)
  • Transcription factors (incl. cMYC, ER, FOXP3)
  • A wide range of kinases (incl. MEK/ERK, KRAS)
  • Membrane receptors (incl. EGFR, IL17R, MET-GRB2)
  • Custom design for specific proteins of interest

Protein level quantification

Measure levels of proteins of interest
  • Cytokine detection via ELISA, Lumit™ or Flow cytometry
  • Total protein quantification via Lumit™, HiBiT™ and Western blotting
  • Post-translational modification via Lumit™ and Western blotting
  • Subcellular protein localization via immunofluorescence

Gene expression measurement

Confirm changes in gene expression across targets
  • qRT-PCR and digital PCR
  • Gene expression profiling for a range of gene panels
  • TempO-Seq™ for genome-wide panels
  • Sequencing (RNA Seq., DNA Seq., miRNA Seq.)
  • Transcriptional response assessment

Complex cell models and assays

Additional cell-based research techniques
  • Live cell & confocal imaging
  • Cell morphology assessment
  • Phenotypic screens
  • Organoids and spheroids
  • Co-culture cell systems
  • iPSC and neurological models
  • Immune cell-mediated killing assays and cytokine evaluation

Cytotoxicity

Assesses cell death using distinctive markers
  • Lipid bilayer disruption and/or DNA exposure
  • Caspase activity
  • Necrosis vs apoptosis
  • yH2AX foci for DNA damage response
  • Mitochondrial membrane integrity

How do we deliver?

  • Our team of experienced scientists offer comprehensive support prior to and throughout your project. With decades of experience in successfully guiding drug discovery and development, we provide a consultative approach to our pharma and biotech clients to ensure that each project is designed from the start to succeed and generate the right data for your question.
  • Target Selection – We assist in the evaluation of potential drug targets including review of the scientific literature, market analysis/ competitive landscape, reagent availability, potential biomarkers and assessment of target druggability and potential targeting modality.
  • TPP and Assay Cascade Development – We collaborate with you to define the right Target Product Profile (TPP) and design a tailored assay cascade that spans from target identification up to and including in vivo model selection.
  • Experimental Design and Execution: We provide invaluable insights into the development and execution of your experiments and optimize each assay to achieve robust and meaningful results.
 
  • Our comprehensive onboarding process is designed to guarantee high data quality.
  • The procedure ensures cell line growth conditions are optimised for the appropriate experimental design. Our goal is to maximize parameters to ensure consistent reproducibility both within and between plates, and establish robust z’ values to generate clear pass/fail criteria.
 
  • We execute your assay runs with precision and efficiency. Our commitment is to facilitate rapid decision-making by providing you with the right data, rapidly.
  • We provide flexibility throughout the process to adapt the project as needed based on your evolving requirements.
  • Our experimental procedures adhere to rigorous standards. Cell lines are cultured and seeded using a fully automated approach, significantly reducing both inter- and intra-plate variability. To ensure assay robustness, we employ robust Z’ statistics and incorporate on-plate pharmacological controls.
 
  • Data analysis is conducted with meticulous attention to detail, employing either automated or semi-automated techniques, followed by a rigorous data review process. Both raw data and analyzed/ annotated results are provided, giving you full control over your deliverables.
  • Our dedicated team of seasoned scientists are always available to advise on the conclusions reached and work with you to define the next steps for your project.