Results from assay optimization, mock screens, and pilot screens (if applicable) can be used as preliminary data in the proposal for a large genome-wide siRNA screen or a full-library chemical screen. Once the Oversight Committee approves a large screening project, the HTS Core will schedule several experimental runs (25-50 plates per day) for the screen over an eight- to 12-week period. The scientist from the principal investigator's lab will participate in screen execution while HTS scientists will dispense the library, collect assay data, monitor screen quality, analyze screening data, and provide regular reports of screen progress.
After the screen, the HTS Core will provide a summary of the primary data for the screen. For chemical screens, principal investigators can select 1,920 compounds for cherry-picking and follow-up studies. The Core provides 4 μL of a 5 mM stock solution for each cherry-picked compound. This is more than sufficient to carry out confirmation studies with the primary assay and additional follow-up studies that can include secondary assays and counter screens.
For follow-up studies in RNAi screens, the HTS Core will provide the ordering information for commercial siRNA libraries and the investigator can order primary hits that are of interest. The HTS team can provide follow-up support (e.g., inventory management, assay execution, data analysis, etc.) for siRNA screens if needed.