StemScreen

The StemScreen facility includes:

• A high-speed confocal-based imaging system with an integrated environmental chamber (CV8000, Yokogawa)
• An external incubator
• AI-driven data analysis software (CellPathfinder, Yokogawa)

The facility is capable of end-point or live-cell high-content and high-throughput screening of stem cell-based 3D models.

The CV8000 is an inverted high-speed microlens-enhanced dual spinning-disk confocal microscope fitted with four sCMOS cameras with superior sensitivity for gentle and high-speed imaging, allowing acquisition of up to four fluorescent colours in a single exposure.

For details of the instrumentation at the StemScreen facility, see StemScreen’s technical guide (contact stemscreen@sund.ku.dk to request a copy).

High-Content Screening (HCS) is a drug discovery strategy that characterizes phenotypic changes among or within cell populations (e.g. organoids) through visual analysis of the effects of a library of small molecules.

A successful HCS strategy requires:

• A suitable cellular model
• A fast, simple read-out
• A positive control
• A compound library

For more information about high-content screening strategy, see StemScreen’s technical guide (contact stemscreen@sund.ku.dk to request a copy).

The StemScreen facility is for:

• Pilot screens
• Developing simple and robust assays
• Performing large-scale compound screens in stem cell-based models

Model development and condition testing should be performed prior to moving to the StemScreen facility.

All users of the StemScreen facility must be working on an approved StemScreen project. Moreover, users must complete introductory training before they can access the facility independently.

Contact StemScreen’s screening and imaging specialist Jonas Bagge (stemscreen@sund.ku.dk) for:

• Training
• Information on the essential steps to prepare for a high-content screen
• Advice on assay development and high-content screening
• Planning and coordination of screening campaigns
• StemScreen’s technical guide (PDF)

Any researcher with a promising proof-of-concept project that has potential to generate value can apply to use the StemScreen facility.

An application for a new StemScreen project should include:

• Aims
• Value proposition
• Timeline
• Milestones
• Description of the organotypic model
• Proposed high-content screening strategy

Submit your application by emailing a 2-page pdf (maximum 1000 words) to stemscreen@sund.ku.dk.

Project applications are prioritized by the StemScreen steering committee. The committee may approach key stakeholders for input. Applicants can expect to receive an answer within 3 months after their submission date.

Successful project applications gain access to the StemScreen facility and expertise, but no funding is awarded.

StemScreen is a partnership between two Danish biotech firms – Bioneer A/S and Synklino A/S – and the University of Copenhagen. StemScreen is led by Professor Kim Bak Jensen (Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine - reNEW, University of Copenhagen).

The StemScreen research network includes nine proof-of-concept (PoC) projects led by the following scientists from the University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Synklino A/S and Bioneer A/S.

• Kim Bak Jensen (reNEW, UCPH)
• Bente Frølund (Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology - ILF, UCPH)
• Kristine Freude (Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences - IVH, UCPH)
• Jeremy Turnbull (Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine - ICMM, UCPH)
• Thomas Kledal (Synklino A/S)
• Bjørn Holst (Bioneer A/S)
• Agnete Kirkeby (reNEW, UCPH)
• Joshua Brickman (reNEW, UCPH)
• Jakub Sedzinski (reNEW, UCPH)

The StemScreen steering committee (Christian Clausen, Melissa Little, Rasmus P. Clausen, Mette Rosenkilde, Steen B. Mortensen) is responsible for ratifying the inclusion of new projects, as well as guiding and prioritizing projects within StemScreen.

• StemScreen was established in 2023 thanks to a DKK 24.5 million grant (EUR 3.3 million) from Innovation Fund Denmark.
• StemScreen offers workshops on conceptualization, preparation and execution of high-content screens, aimed at researchers interested in using the StemScreen facility. The first workshop took place 2-5 September 2024, with 22 participants. Contact stemscreen@sund.ku.dk if you have questions or are interested in signing up for future workshops.
• The StemScreen facility has been fully up-and-running since mid-2024.
• The first StemScreen Annual Meeting took place on 9 February, 2024. The StemScreen network gathered to connect and gain inspiration for their projects. The next Annual Meeting will be on 9 January, 2025.

Screening and Imaging Specialist: Jonas Viswalingam Bagge

Project Manager: Amelia Green

Contact: stemscreen@sund.ku.dk

The StemScreen facility is situated at:

Acknowledgement of Innovation Fund Denmark

Any publication that includes data generated at StemScreen must include the following acknowledgement:

StemScreen is funded by the Innovation Fund Denmark (IFD) under File No. 2078-00002B