Key issues remain with regard to predictivity as there continues to be a lack of advanced cell lines resembling in vivo conditions. Instead, easy to handle cancer cell lines are often being used. Also, there are limitations with traditional 2D cell cultures.
Precise knockdowns approaching 100% are needed. Sophistication in shRNA validation now allows for the identification of highly effective sequences to reach such high levels. Also, clear cut homogeneous overexpressions are now possible with improved and optimized lentiviral vectors. Cell models in 3D are turning into a standard laboratory procedure as they reflect the living organisms significantly better. 3D microtissue generation scaffold free allows for automation with size variation of less than 9% and hence, for high throughput applications in compound screening.
The seminar on 6 March 2012 was hosted by SIRION Biotech GmbH with a speaker from InSphero AG, Zurich.