Welcome to the In Vivo Testing Facility

The In Vivo Testing Facility (InTeF) provides screening-based services to assist researchers in developing high-throughput screening assays, in particular using zebrafish embryos and in the identification and investigation of new compounds for basic research and pharmacological discovery. We work closely with our research partners to develop solutions that help you to achieve your experimental goals. The InTeF is equipped to guide investigators through the drug discovery process from assay conception to lead compound identification and we are providing full-service access to state-of-art instrumentation, compound libraries and assistance for informatics solutions. The InTeF offers full services to both academic and industrial partners.

Scientific Background

The InTeF assists researchers in developing, optimizing and carrying out high-throughput screens of its chemical libraries.

Assay Development and Optimization

The InTeF is proficient at helping research investigators develop screening assays, obtain preliminary data for grants and funding opportunities, and to screen for the identification and investigation of new compounds for basic research and pharmacological discovery. We have collected and generated a large number of zebrafish lines allowing to study the development and regeneration of specific cell types and organs which includes CNS, pancreas, retina, the immune system, liver, and hematopoietic system.

Imaging Technology

The Vertebrate Automated Screening Technology (VAST) is installed which handles embryos (2-5dpf) automatically for high-throughput imaging. VAST BioImager helps researchers to overcome many technical challenges such as tedious manual steps of loading, positioning and orienting zebrafish larvae for high-content imaging screens. The VAST is combined with high-speed and super-resolution Zeiss Cell Observer Spinning Disk Confocal System.

Compound Libraries

We have chemical libraries containing approximately 7000 small molecules, which are easy to assay 96- well plate format. A small subset of plates or the entire library can be screened in your assay.

Data Analysis and Follow-up Assays

Assistance with data analysis can be done upon request. We can also help with hit validation and perform further testing of your hit compounds such as dose-response curves, kinetic measurement, and toxicity assays etc.