Cell-based assays are the pivotal bridge between biochemical screenings and in vivo studies, providing the essential physiological context needed to validate drug efficacy and safety. In modern drug discovery, obtaining robust, biologically relevant data early in the pipeline is crucial for de-risking candidate selection. BOC Sciences offers a comprehensive platform of functional and phenotypic cell-based assays designed to accelerate hit-to-lead and lead optimization phases. Utilizing advanced analytical and imaging technologies, we deliver precise IC50/EC50 data, mechanism of action (MoA) insights, and toxicity profiles. Our services empower R&D teams to evaluate compounds in a complex cellular environment, ensuring that only the most promising candidates advance.
We utilize high-sensitivity metabolic platforms to measure cellular ATP levels and doubling rates, quantifying compound effects on cell population kinetics.
Leveraging multi-parametric imaging, we detect early cell membrane symmetry loss and organelle dysfunction to identify specific programmed cell death pathways.
Our team employs intracellular reporter systems and proximity sensors to track protein phosphorylation and nuclear translocation events within signaling cascades.
By incorporating thermal shift and energy transfer technologies, we confirm drug-target occupancy and protein stabilization directly inside living cells.
We integrate physiologically relevant 3D models and primary cells to quantify functional responses, evaluating structure-activity relationships in complex environments.
To identify early developmental risks, we operate specialized cellular platforms that evaluate off-target membrane channel blockade and metabolic toxicity.
Consult with our PhD-level scientists to design a customized cell-based assay tailored to your specific drug target and biological hypothesis.
BOC Sciences accepts a wide variety of therapeutic modalities, optimizing assay conditions to suit the specific physicochemical properties of your test articles.
Have a novel target or a unique cell line? Our experts can develop a bespoke assay from scratch or transfer and optimize your in-house protocols for scale-up.
We define the biological scope, selecting the appropriate cell lines (primary, engineered, or iPSC) and detection methods to match your MoA hypothesis.
We optimize parameters such as cell density, incubation time, and reagent concentration to ensure a robust window and Z' factor>0.5.
Execution of the study using automated liquid handling. We perform single-point screening or dose-response profiling with appropriate controls.
Delivery of a comprehensive report containing raw data, non-linear regression curves, calculated potency values, and scientific interpretation.
We support the primary screening of focused libraries against diverse biological targets. Our miniaturized assay formats, including high-density 384-well and 1536-well plates, allow for highly cost-effective throughput. By delivering rapid and reliable identification of active hits, we help researchers pinpoint the most promising chemical starting points while minimizing reagent consumption and overall project timelines.
Lead Optimization & SAR Rapid and consistent turnaround of potency data is essential for empowering medicinal chemistry teams to establish rigorous Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR). We provide precise, reproducible IC50 and EC50 comparisons across series of analogs, offering the quantitative physiological insights needed to guide molecular design iterations and prioritize leads for advanced preclinical testing.
Confirming that a molecule effectively enters the cellular compartment and binds to its intended target is a critical step in validating drug action. We employ advanced biophysical and luminescence-based approaches to verify intracellular target engagement and stabilization. This confirmation ensures that observed phenotypic effects result from the intended target interaction rather than off-target activity.
Early identification of potential safety liabilities is key to reducing late-stage attrition. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-sensitivity assays for hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and genotoxicity, designed to detect safety concerns before moving into expensive and time-consuming animal studies. By utilizing physiologically relevant models, we provide a predictive bridge to human safety, enabling more confident candidate selection.
Partner with BOC Sciences to access a diverse portfolio of engineered cell lines and state-of-the-art detection platforms. From routine cytotoxicity to complex signal transduction studies, we provide the data confidence you need to advance your program.
We go beyond standard lines, offering assays in primary cells, iPSC-derived neurons/cardiomyocytes, and co-culture systems that better predict human response.
We maintain strict quality control standards for all screening campaigns. Automated liquid handling is employed to minimize human error and ensure high consistency across replicates.
Access a wide range of readouts including Fluorescence, Luminescence, TR-FRET, Impedance, and High-Content Imaging, tailored to your target's biology.
Our PhD-level scientists don't just run samples; we assist in experimental design, data interpretation, and troubleshooting complex biological problems.
Client Needs: A drug discovery team required verification of the intracellular binding affinity for a series of novel EGFR kinase inhibitors to ensure candidates could effectively engage the target in a living system.
Challenges: High protein binding in the culture media often led to a significant discrepancy between biochemical assay results and actual cellular potency, masking the true efficiency of the leads.
Solution: We implemented a Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) assay to measure direct drug-target occupancy within live HEK293 cells. By titrating specific competitive tracers against the EGFR kinase domain, we generated precise dose-response curves to calculate intracellular KD values. Our optimization protocol involved refined incubation kinetics to ensure that the binding reached a stable equilibrium, providing a more accurate reflection of compound performance in a cellular environment.
Outcome: This approach allowed the client to rank compounds based on their actual ability to engage the target inside the cell, successfully identifying two lead candidates with superior cellular potency.
Client Needs: Elucidation of the mechanism of action for a compound suspected of modulating the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway for regenerative medicine applications.
Challenges: The complexity of downstream signaling made it difficult to distinguish specific pathway activation from non-specific transcriptional effects caused by cellular stress or other factors.
Solution: We established a TCF/LEF Reporter Gene Assay with an internal normalization strategy to account for variations in cell viability. To confirm mechanistic specificity, we integrated a GSK-3beta inhibitor as a positive control and monitored the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic translocation of beta-catenin using high-content fluorescence microscopy. Quantitative image analysis was performed to verify the precise accumulation of the target protein in the nucleus following compound treatment.
Outcome: The results provided robust mechanistic evidence of specific pathway activation, supporting the client's patent application and establishing a clear pharmacological profile for the therapeutic candidate.
Client Needs: Assessment of the neurotoxic potential for a lead series targeting GABA receptors to prevent potential CNS-related adverse effects during early development.
Challenges: Standard metabolic viability assays were insufficiently sensitive to detect subtle morphological changes, such as neurite retraction, which occur at concentrations far below those causing cell death.
Solution: We developed a High-Content Screening (HCS) phenotypic assay using iPSC-derived glutamatergic neurons. Neuronal networks were labeled with MAP2 and beta-III tubulin markers to visualize complex dendritic structures. Using automated image quantification algorithms, we analyzed parameters including neurite branching complexity and synaptic puncta density. This allowed us to calculate a comprehensive Neurotoxicity Index relative to established neurotoxicants like Rotenone.
Outcome: The analysis successfully identified high-risk compounds causing neurite retraction at therapeutic levels, enabling the client to refine their candidate selection and reduce risks before animal studies.
BOC Sciences leverages extensive cell engineering expertise to develop highly customized models for specific targets or pathways. Beyond standard functional assays, we integrate high-content imaging and multi-parametric analysis to analyze the impact of candidates on complex cellular behaviors. By precisely controlling culture conditions and gene expression, we ensure the experimental systems align with your research goals, providing a robust biological foundation for screening.
For challenging membrane protein targets like GPCRs, we have established mature detection platforms covering cAMP accumulation, calcium flux, and $\beta$-arresting recruitment. The technical team at BOC Sciences excels in optimizing signal-to-noise ratios, providing high-sensitivity pharmacological evaluation data through precise capture of ligand-binding kinetics. This multi-dimensional detection strategy facilitates a comprehensive analysis of agonistic or antagonistic properties, supporting the optimization of lead compounds.
Our high-content imaging platform supports simultaneous detection of morphology, protein translocation, and multiple targets at the single-cell level. BOC Sciences utilizes automated imaging systems and advanced image processing algorithms to transform abstract physiological changes into precise quantitative data. This technology captures subtle phenotypic differences, providing richer biological information early in development, effectively reducing off-target risks and enhancing screening efficiency for various research projects.
We utilize combined techniques such as reporter gene assays, protein phosphorylation analysis, and qPCR to comprehensively monitor downstream reactions in signaling pathways. BOC Sciences' expert team precisely captures nuclear translocation of transcription factors or critical protein modifications, providing stable and reproducible biological activity profiles. By deeply analyzing molecular interaction mechanisms, we assist researchers in accurately defining the mode of action and biological effects of candidate compounds.
Beyond routine viability screening, BOC Sciences provides refined assessments covering mechanisms like apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. We utilize various fluorescent probes and real-time monitoring technology to observe cellular physiological stress responses across different time dimensions. By building a multi-dimensional toxicological evaluation system, we help clients deeply explore the pathways of compound-induced cellular damage, offering core experimental data for structural modification and risk assessment.
The scientific team at BOC Sciences offered invaluable insights during our assay transfer. They didn't just run the protocol; they optimized the seeding density and incubation times, which significantly improved our Z-factor. A truly collaborative partner.
— Dr. Marshall, Principal Investigator, Emerging Biotech
We utilized their High-Content Screening services for a phenotypic study. The image quality and the depth of the quantitative analysis were impressive. The data report was comprehensive and helped us identify a novel hit series.
— Sarah Jenkins, Project Manager, Pharma R&D
Speed and accuracy were our top priorities for SAR support. BOC Sciences delivered consistent IC50 data week after week, allowing our chemistry team to make rapid decisions. Highly recommended for lead optimization support.
— Dr. Thompson, Senior Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry Dept
Moving from 2D to 3D spheroids was a challenge for our internal lab. BOC Sciences handled the transition seamlessly, providing us with robust drug penetration data that matched our in vivo observations.
— Michael Chen, Director of Biology, Preclinical Development
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