title: High-throughput screening of small molecules for bioactivity and target identification in Caenorhabditis elegans.
abstract: This protocol describes a procedure for screening small molecules for bioactivity and a genetic approach to target identification using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system. Libraries of small molecules are screened in 24-well plates that contain a solid agar substrate. On top of the agar mixture, one small-molecule species is deposited into each well, along with worm food (E. coli), and two third-stage or fourth-stage larval worms using a COPAS (Complex Object Parametric Analyzer and Sorter) Biosort. Three to five days later the plates are screened for phenotype. Images of the wells are acquired and archived using a HiDI 2100 automated imaging system (Elegenics). Up to 2,400 chemicals can be screened per week. To identify the predicted protein target of a bioactive molecule, wild-type worms are mutagenized using ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS). Progeny are screened for individuals resistant to the molecules effects. The candidate mutant target that confers resistance is then identified. Target identification might take months.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Genetics and Microbiology, The Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
authors.forename: Andrew R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Burns
authors.forename: Trevor C Y
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Kwok
authors.forename: Al
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.forename: Ed
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Houston
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Johanson
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Sean R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Cutler
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: McCourt
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Roy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins