A High-Content Small Molecule Screen Identifies Sensitivity of Glioblastoma Stem Cells to Inhibition of Polo-Like Kinase 1

What is it about?

In this study, we have used cells from brain tumours, cultured in conditions that keep them similar to stem cells and homogeneous and next to these, normal cells as control. Microscopy images of cells exposed to a library of chemicals are analysed with special software to identify chemicals changing morphology and proliferation. Chemicals targeting the protein PLK1 affect brain tumours cells and not normal control and should therefore be developed into therapies.

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Why is it important?

this study published in 2013 reports a screening of chemicals using cells derived from tumour samples in comparison with normal controls. It suggests the exploration of compounds targeting Plk1 for therapy and the implementation of drug discovery platforms using similar culture and imaging technologies.