Screening Compounds for Their Anti-Cell Proliferation Properties
General description of the project
Our project evaluates a series of novel TZ-compounds as potential safer and more effective anticancer agents. Using cost-effective cell-based assays—including MTT viability, caspase 3/7 apoptosis, wound closure, and Matrigel invasion—we screened 17 compounds across multiple cancer cell lines. Several compounds (TZ62, TZ70, TZ71) reduced cell survival by over 50%, induced apoptosis, and impaired migration and invasiveness, demonstrating strong preliminary success.
The project is highly cost-efficient, relying on accessible assays, shared instrumentation, and collaborator-provided compounds. This workflow supports data-driven decision-making, allowing us to prioritize compounds for advanced testing while maximizing resources.
Key contributions to this initiative include analyzing and interpreting biological responses within cancer cells, comparing multi-assay datasets, and identifying the most promising compounds based on viability, apoptosis, and migration outcomes. Additionally, refining assay techniques—such as optimizing cell seeding, imaging timing, and consistency across replicates—helped generate more reliable, high-quality data.
Overall, this project establishes a practical, efficient model for early-stage anticancer drug screening while strengthening research decision-making and technical skills within the laboratory.
Technologies
Our project integrates several complementary cell-based technologies along with digital imaging software to evaluate the anticancer potential of the TZ-series compounds. The primary technologies include the MTT Cell Proliferation Assay, Caspase 3/7 Activation Assay, Wound Closure (Scratch) Assay, and Matrigel Cell Invasion Assay, supported by the NIS Elements imaging and analysis software.
The MTT assay provided quantitative measurements of cell viability across four cancer cell lines. This technology effectively identified the strongest compounds—TZ62, TZ70, and TZ71—each reducing cell survival by more than 50%. The Caspase 3/7 Activation Assay allowed us to determine whether viability loss was linked to apoptosis, and increased fluorescence confirmed effective induction of apoptotic pathways.
For metastatic behavior, the Wound Closure Assay and Matrigel Invasion Assay relied heavily on NIS Elements software, which was used to capture high-resolution images, draw wound boundaries, and measure changes in wound area over time. The same software enabled consistent image capture and quantification of cell morphology and invasion across treatment groups. This technology ensured accurate, reproducible measurements of migration and invasiveness, clearly showing reduced motility and invasion in cells treated with the most active compounds.
Across all assays, the integration of laboratory technologies with NIS Elements enhanced measurement precision, improved data quality, and supported consistent interpretation of biological responses. Together, these technologies effectively fulfilled our performance goals by generating reliable, multi-dimensional evidence of anticancer activity in the TZ-series compounds.
Explain project results
This project helps students by allowing them to apply concepts learned in class through repeated, hands-on research rather than a single trial, as is typical in lab courses. Students gain experience analyzing real cancer-cell data, interpreting results from multiple assays, and using imaging software—skills that build over time with practice. These opportunities strengthen technical competency, problem-solving abilities, and confidence in laboratory work.
For the institution, the project enhances undergraduate research training, supports faculty research productivity, and increases the university’s visibility through student participation in conferences and presentations. Overall, it enriches STEM education by providing meaningful, skill-building research experiences.
Why it should be considered best practice?
This project should be considered a best practice because it offers an effective, low-cost model for discovering new chemotherapeutic compounds while simultaneously training students in real research. The workflow—using viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion assays supported by imaging software—creates a reliable pipeline for identifying promising anticancer candidates. Because the assays and techniques are widely accessible, other institutions can easily replicate this approach to contribute to drug discovery efforts using their own student researchers.
Replicating this project not only expands the search for novel chemotherapies but also provides students with repeated, hands-on experience that strengthens technical skills, data interpretation, and scientific thinking. This combination of scientific impact and educational value makes it an ideal best-practice model for institutions seeking to advance both research and student development.
Highlights of your proposed presentation
The proposed presentation will highlight our multi-assay screening approach for identifying new chemotherapeutic compounds in the TZ-series, using MTT viability, caspase 3/7 apoptosis, wound-closure, and Matrigel invasion assays supported by NIS Elements imaging software. We will show how these technologies allowed us to measure cell survival, apoptosis, migration, and invasiveness and identify the most promising compounds, such as TZ62, TZ70, and TZ71. Key lessons learned include the value of combining complementary assays to fully understand cancer-cell responses, the importance of refining techniques such as cell seeding and imaging for more reliable data, and the benefits of repeated hands-on practice in helping students build stronger technical and analytical skills beyond what is possible in single-trial classroom labs.
The Evaluation Committee will evaluate submitted proposals based on the following criteria. Each area will be rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1= non-satisfactory; 5 =outstanding), for a maximum of 45 points.