Tiered high-throughput screening platform for hair follicle biology
A scalable, tiered screening platform integrating mechanistic assays and follicular cell models to identify modulators of hair follicle biology. Offers pathway-resolved insights and improved translatability for efficient compound screening.
Overview
Introducing a novel tiered, high-throughput screening platform designed to explore hair follicle biology by identifying modulators through mechanistic reporter assays and biologically relevant follicular cell models. This approach is structured to deliver quantitative, pathway-resolved insights into the complex interactions governing hair follicle biology, which are crucial for understanding endocrine, metabolic, and inflammatory pathways. The platform's tiered design ensures scalability, reduces false positives, and aligns with industry needs by providing efficient, mechanism-informed screening of large compound libraries.
Technical specifications
Key features include:
- Tier 1: Utilizes nuclear receptor and stress-response reporters such as AR, ER, GR, THR, PPARγ, AhR, and Nrf2 to rapidly assess compound activity across endocrine, metabolic, and environmental pathways.
- Tier 2: Integrates dermal papilla and keratinocyte co-culture systems with biochemical assays to evaluate cellular proliferation and signaling.
- Tier 3: Employs advanced 3D spheroid models for validation, capturing epithelial–mesenchymal interactions and providing physiological relevance.
- Scalability: Supports high- and medium-throughput assays in multiplexed formats for comprehensive compound screening.
- Data Integration: Combines potency, efficacy, and mechanistic insights to support decision-making processes.
Technology readiness level
Currently, this technology is at a Technology Readiness Level of 5, indicating that the platform has been validated in a relevant environment. The proposed future validation plan includes a flexible 12-month work plan, emphasizing further refinement and validation of advanced models to ensure comprehensive readiness for industrial applications.
About Penn State University
Penn State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university with a large multi‑campus footprint across Pennsylvania. Industry engages through a research and technology park adjacent to the flagship campus that houses corporate R&D, co‑located labs, and flexible collaboration space, as well as a statewide extension network that enables field testing, demonstration, and workforce reach. Integration with a major hospital system supports clinical translation, and an applied research laboratory fosters mission‑driven partnerships with government and industry sponsors. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA, DoD, and NASA. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation to accelerate commercialization.
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