Fully-Automated, Image-Based Screen for MicroRNAs that Regulate Cancer Cells

Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have become a focus of inquiry as researchers are trying to determine what role these previously disregarded molecules have, in promotion or inhibition of cancer growth. However, the time needed to manipulate, culture, and analyze the cells needed for screening these miRNAs can be significant. Furthermore, the increased number of interactions increases the opportunity to introduce errors to the screen. This application note demonstrates a system that can automate all the steps required for the transfection of a miRNA mimic library into a cancer cell line, a subsequent compound treatment, and the acquisition and analysis of images to measure cell toxicity.