A Simple Automated Multiplexed Cell Based Assay for Mitochondrial Dysfunction and...

Abstract

Brad Larson¹, Peter Banks¹, Tracy Worzella², Andrew Niles², and Timothy Moeller<sup>3

1</sup>BioTek Instruments, Inc., Winooski, Vermont, USA
²Promega Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
³Celsis In Vitro Technologies, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

The primary function of mitochondria is to generate >90% of a cell’s energy in the form of ATP, through the process of oxidative phosphorylation. The impairment of this function can lead to negative effects on tissues such as reduced cellular function or cellular death. Recent studies have shown that an increasing number of drugs no longer on the market have negative effects on mitochondrial function in key organs such as the liver and heart. Therefore it is increasingly important to monitor the effects of lead compounds on mitochondrial function in relevant cell systems. The ability to incorporate a simple, rapid, multiplexed, predictive assay can make the detection of potential toxic effects easier to perform early on in the drug discovery process.

Here we demonstrate the automation and validation of such an assay in a high-density well format, using HepG2 and primary hepatocyte cell models.