Genetically encoded sensors for stress response screening in live cells
Advanced fluorescent reporter systems for rapid quantification of cellular stress responses, compatible with automated imaging. Ideal for high-throughput screening of stress responses in various cell types, including stem cells, using lentivirus-expressed sensors.
Overview
Our solution leverages next-generation fluorescent reporter systems to rapidly quantify stress responses in living cells. These genetically encoded sensors are designed for ATF4 transcription/translation and unfolded protein response activation. They enable high-throughput screening of stress responses in various cell types, including stem cells, using lentivirus-expressed sensors. This technology is compatible with automated high-content time-lapse imaging, making it ideal for research and pharmaceutical applications where understanding cellular stress responses is critical.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes fluorescent reporter systems specific to ATF4 and XBP1 responses
- Compatible with automated high content time-lapse imaging
- Sensors expressed via lentiviruses, suitable for multiple cell types including stem cells
- Facilities for high-speed, high-resolution automated confocal microscopy
- High-throughput assay capacity, evaluating stress responses in over 5000 compounds per day
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 6, indicating that it has been validated in a relevant environment. Future validation plans include assessing hydrocortisone-induced stress responses in established and new cell lines such as human hair follicle stem cells. The validation process is expected to take 4-6 months, after which the system will be fully capable of large-scale compound screening.
About Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is a leading academic health sciences centre in Toronto, fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, combining a multi-campus tertiary/quaternary hospital with a major research institute. Industry partners engage through co-located labs at Sunnybrook Research Institute, embedded clinical-trial operations, and access to a high-acuity, Level 1 trauma program and specialized surgical suites. Advanced platforms—such as ultra-high-field MRI and state-of-the-art imaging and interventional facilities—support rapid bench-to-bedside evaluation and first-in-human studies. Research is supported by competitive federal and provincial funding, including CIHR, NSERC and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Commercialization is facilitated by dedicated industry-partnerships staff and by the University of Toronto’s Innovations & Partnerships Office, including an Entrepreneurs-in-Residence model linking investigators with market pathways.
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