High-throughput high-content imaging assays for identification and characterization of selective AXL pathway inhibitors.

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulate a wide range of important biological activities, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. Abnormalities in RTKs are involved in numerous diseases, including cancer and other proliferative disorders. AXL belongs to the TAM (Tyso3, AXL, and Mer) family of RTKs. The AXL signaling pathway represents an attractive target for the treatment of diseases, such as cancer. Using phospho-AKT as readout, a high-throughput 384-well cell-based assay was established in the NCI-H1299 human non-small cell lung carcinoma cell line to evaluate compound potency in inhibiting AXL pathway activation. In addition, a counter screen assay was established in the same cellular background to differentiate AXL kinase inhibitors from AXL receptor antagonists, which block the interaction of AXL and its natural ligand GAS6. These cell-based functional assays are useful tools in the identification and optimization of small molecules and biological reagents for potential therapeutics for the treatment of GAS6/AXL-related diseases.