Available Technologies

Background

Cancer arises from genetic mutations, yet even cells with identical genomes can progress differently due to phenotypic variations such as morphology, growth rate, and gene expression. This has increased interest in multi-omics and mechanobiology. However, conventional methods rely on fixed, stained samples, limiting dynamic analysis. Quantitative evaluation of living cells and organoids is therefore essential for advanced and personalized medicine.

Description and Advantages

Kyoto University researchers used time-lapse imaging of patient-derived colorectal cancer organoids to analyze deformation during cell division, finding it varies with  cancer-related gene mutations (Fig.1). A mathematical model established based on the finding enabled derivation of mechanical properties and quantitative evaluation of these mutations (Fig.2). This technology enables quantitative detection of drug-induced phenotypic changes (Fig.3) and has potential applications in early detection of poor-prognosis mutations, as well as in assessing dose-and irradiation time-dependent responses to inhibitors and radiation.

‣Non-invasive evaluation of living cells

      Non-invasive and stain-free, this technology can be applied alongside organoid culture.

 

‣Analysis based solely on imaging data during cell culture

      Quantifying mechanical properties from time-lapse imaging data enables evaluation of

      molecular-level alterations.

 

‣Potential applications in drug efficacy evaluation and personalized medicine
Drug responses in living cells correlate with gene expression levels.