Detection of Autophagy Using Automated Imaging

Autophagy is a highly regulated process of degrading and recycling damaged proteins and organelles in response to cellular stress which has recently been linked to various neurodegenerative diseases - including Parkinsons. This application note examines the efficacy of using the ImageXpress Nano system and CellReporterXpress software for high-content screening for inducers, or inhibitors of autophagy. The authors conclude that the systems provide numerous beneficial services such as the efficient running of autophagy assays using automated imaging, subsequent detection of compound effects on autophagy, and aiding in the identification of new therapeutic agents that target autophagy.