Project's information

Project's title Developing the fluorescent image-based high content analysis towards screening of the anticancer compounds with regards to molecular targets and cellular models.
Project’s code VAST 04.05/18-19
Research hosting institution Institute of Natural Products Chemistry
Project leader’s name Do Huu Nghi
Job Title, The rank of a Professor, Academic degree Dr.
Project duration 01/01/2018 - 31/12/2019
Project’s budget 600 million VND
Classify Excellent
Goal and objectives of the project

The main objective of this project aims to develop the image-based high content analysis (HCS/A) and then, create the standard operating procedures for screening of the anticancer compounds with regards to molecular targets and cellular models.
Application of the HCS/A-based assays to screen some natural- and synthetic compounds or drugs for their anticancer activities as the second objective.

Main results
- Scientific results: Two HCS/A-standard operating procedures for screening and bioactive evaluation of the anticancer compounds with regards to cellular models and molecular targets, e.g. cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis, protein translocation and mitochondria.
- Applied results: Applied the HCS/A-based assays and analyzed by using an Olympus scanˆR station to screen some bioactive compounds for their anticancer activities with regards to molecular targets: 
+ Cell-cycle arrest in phase G2/M of the Hep-G2 was observed for two samples Zer4 and CLV4; whilst SP13, Hw2, SCO1, HE11, VC1, and MurA inhibited the phase G0/G1.
+ Apoptosis-inducing activity: Hw2 sample was evaluated for its apoptosis-inducing activity by analysis of cell morphology as well as multi-channel fluorescence microscopy images (annexin V-FITC/PI) on Jurkat cell line that could be subsequently confirmed by a caspase-3/7 luminescent assay.
+ Zer4 was analyzed for inhibition of the NF-κB translocation from plasma into cell nuclear that monitored in living cells expressing a green fluorescent protein-tagged p65 (GFP-p65) subunit .
In addition, cytotoxicity of some compounds against HeLa cell was also observed by applying the HCS/A analysis of mitochondrial target (MitoTracker® kit).
Novelty and actuality and scientific meaningfulness of the results

To the author’s best knowledge, these are the first HCS/A-standard operating procedures to be domestically created toward screening of the anticancer activity with regards to molecular targets.

Products of the project
- Scientific papers in referred journals (list): 02 paper in the national journal (Nghi D.H. et al. (2018) Application of image-based high content analysis for the screening of bioactive natural products. Vietnam J. Sci. Tech. 56: 1-12; Nghi D.H. (2020) Application of immunofluorescence in combination with high content imaging to screen the anti-translocation of nuclear factor NF-κB. Vietnam J. Biotech. Accepted).
- Patents (list): 01 patent, application accepted No. 104726 / QD-SHTT, 22/11/2019 by the National Office of Intellectual Property.
- Technological products (describe in details: technical characteristics, place): 
+ 02 HCS/A-standard operating procedures for cell-based assays to screen the anticancer active compounds.
+ Reports of 08 anticancer agents with molecular targets.
- Other products (if applicable): 01 MSc. and 02 students majoring in Biotechnology and Pharmacy.
Research area

Academic institutions and university particularly in the fields of bioactive compounds, cellular biology, and pharmacology.

Recommendations

Application of the HCS/A in screening of anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity; Continuously developing the HCS/A -based assays with regards to molecular targets to serve the bioactivity-guided chemical research.