PhenoTECH · Large-scale platform for motion detection and fluorescence imaging in zebrafish models of neurological disorders

The PhenoTECH project aims to develop a novel technology with high-throughput capacity for screening and phenotyping of genetic models of disease. PhenoTECH will enable an unprecedented capability to monitor and control multiple parameters that will significantly contribute to advancing fundamental and biopharmaceutical research, strongly accelerating discovery of novel treatments for debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. PhenoTECH’s immediate impact will be on the ERC Consolidator Grant, ALS-Networks, where we intend to utilize the power of zebrafish for high-throughput functional screens to uncover defective cellular pathways and to identify therapeutic targets for ALS and related neurodegenerative disorders. High-throughput phenotype-based screening efforts have until now been hampered by the lack of technology that would allow for parallel monitoring of behavioral, cellular and physiological markers of disease. To overcome this limitation, PhenoTECH will build an innovative platform for automated phenotypic analysis consisting of three modules: i) custom designed multiwell plates with the capacity for in-well perfusion of solutions, greatly facilitating and optimizing drug delivery, wash-out, temperature and oxygenation control; ii) state of the art motion (motor) tracking with analysis of spontaneous and evoked locomotion of zebrafish larvae; iii) fluorescence detection of genetically-encoded transgenic line reporters to enable live monitoring and imaging of cellular processes and neuronal activity. By combining these three capabilities, PhenoTECH will surpass any existing commercial product on the market and will enable low-cost, large-scale screening capability for development of efficient treatments to neurodegenerative diseases. PhenoTECH will have a strong societal and economic impact by providing a technological leap forward that will boost fundamental and biopharmaceutical research & development.