In Vitro Services

The In Vitro Services department at BTS Research provides clinical pathology services for all animal species, bioanalytical for small molecules and biologics, and cell-based functional assays to support pharmaceutical product development.

BTS Research offers its clients several in vitro assays to help determine the efficacy, mechanism of action and toxicity of their compounds. We have over 350 cancer cell lines, primary normal cells and various drug resistant cell lines, valuable tools to evaluate small drug molecules and biologics, siRNA and liposomal formulated drugs.

Detailed Research Plan
Once a business agreement is reached with the client, BTS Research will develop a detailed research plan with the scientists of the potential partner. The plan will be developed once a business agreement is reached with the client. The comprehensive research plan will describe the assay, its development, and the goals of the Lead Compound Discovery project.

In Vitro Functional Assays

Assay Development
Like any new project, additional work might be needed to prepare the assay(s) for expedient screening. Assay development is defined broadly, from simple technology transfer to complete de novo development depending on the client’s target and the assay’s stage of development. BTS will apply the best technologies for measuring and screening of biomolecular interactions and functions of cells to improve the efficiency of the screening process while keeping expenses to a minimum.

Biomarkers Cellular Services

Biomarkers

Biomarker identification and validation
Flow cytometry (cell surface and intracellular staining)
Western blot
Zymogels for protease activity
ELISA (development, validation and use of commercial kits)
Multiplex technology for cytokines
Pharmacodynamic studies: quantification of drug target inhibition following animal treatment
Factor VII A measurement in dogs and mice
HSV2 and Clamydia measurement by Q-RTPCR
Nitrite/nitrate measurements
Butyrylcholinesterase and Carboxylesterase-1 and -2 by Western Blot
Beta amyloid measurement by ELISA
Hydroxyproline measurement to evaluate anti-liver fibrosis drug
DsDNA IgG measurements by ELISA

Cellular Services

Angiogenesis
Antibody production and characterization
Apoptosis
Calcium Flux
Cell viability (cytotoxicity)
Cell proliferation
Cell cycle analysis
Cell adhesion
Cell migration
Cell invasion
Chemotaxis
Cell shape change
Cell culture and expansion of various primary and cancer cells
Cell differential count of lung infiltrating cells in asthma studies by cell cytospin staining and microscopic evaluation
Cellular uptake of FITC-labeled drug
Custom in vitro assays
Dendritic cell vaccine for cancer models treatment
Drug degradation ex vivo in whole blood
Endotoxin measurement (LAL assay)
Ex vivo antibody production
Hypoxic studies
Heparin compatibility drug evaluation
Intracellular pH change
In Vitro hair growth
Mast cell isolation and histamine release in vitro
Mechanism of action, intracellular signaling pathway identification
Oxygen/glucose deprivation: evaluation of anti-apoptotic laser treatment in rat CNS cell culture
Receptor binding
Soft Agar Colony Formation Assay
Stem cell viability
Stem cell batch release
Primary Cell Function Assays
- Neutrophils Functions: degranulation, oxidative burst, calcium mobilization, adhesion, chemotaxis, cytokines and lipid mediators production, integrin upregulation
- Macrophage Function: Degranulation, phagocytosis, chemotaxis, calcium mobilization, integrin upregulation
- T Cell Function: proliferation, cytokine production, chemotaxis, T-B cognate interaction, MLR, calcium mobilization, phosphorylation, TH1/Th2/Th3/Treg assays, antigen T cell recall.
- B Cell function: Ig production, Ig Switching, chemotaxis, calcium mobilization, proliferation, phosphorylation
- Dendritic Cell Function: maturation, antigen presentation, cytokine production, chemotaxis, calcium mobilization, phosphorylation
- NK Cell Function: cytolytic activity, ADCC, CDC, chemotaxis, calcium mobilization, phosphorylation, cytokine production
- Endothelial Cells: tube formation, cell-cell interaction, cell-substrate interaction, chemotaxis, migration, integrin up-regulation
- Hepatocytes: proliferation, toxicity, drug metabolism
- Sebocytes: cell proliferation, sebum production
- Keratinocytes: proliferation, chemotaxis, cytokine production, phosphorylation
- Cardiac toxicity: drug induced toxicity is evaluated in vitro on 16 primary heart cell types, release of LDH is measured at 24 and 48 hr post treatment.
- Platelet activation: upregulation of markers of activation
- RBC lysis Assay

All testing complies with applicable Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations. We are committed to excellent client service and appreciate the opportunity to discuss your testing requirements.

BTS Research is a San Diego based Contract Research Organization that delivers GLP and Non-GLP biological services to clients in pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical, biotech, academic research, medical device and related industries since 2001.