GOP-1.1.1.-09/1-2010-0201 Development of high content screening platforms for toxicology and drug test assays Funding organization: Hungarian Economic Development Centre (MAG Zrt.) Contract date: 05 Jul 2011 Project closing date: 30 Jun 2013 Role of Creative Cell Ltd: Subcontractor Main contractor: Soft Flow Hungary Ltd. Abstract: The project aims at establishing high-capacity and high-content screening platforms for drug tests and toxicology assays. To this end, 1) Novel methods will be adapted and developed for monitoring cell death. Live / dead cell ratios, as well as signs of apoptosis such as changes in mitochondrial function and caspase activity will be followed using fluorescent reagents; 2) Cellular assays for the investigation of toxicologically relevant ion channels such as the cardiac potassium channels KCNQ1 and hERG will be developed; 3) High-content assays will be elaborated to study the potential toxic effect of test compounds on human stem cell differentiation; 4) Model systems will be set up for the observation of membrane transporter trafficking within the cell.