Work

Protocol for automated quantification of neuronal cells using the Agilent BioTek Cytation system and Gen5 neurite outgrowth module

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Drugs or pathological proteins can influence neuronal plasticity. Here, we provide a protocol to quantify neurite outgrowth parameters in differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells using the Agilent BioTek Gen5 neurite outgrowth module. The protocol includes steps for plating cells, inducing differentiation, performing immunostaining, collecting images automatically, and analyzing neurite morphology. This assay enables the evaluation of neuronal plasticity and assesses the effects of drugs or pathological proteins. It can be adapted to other neuronal models and scaled for high-throughput screening.

Source: STAR Protocols

DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2026.104485

Authors: Aline Broeglin, Olivier Buetzberger, Rebecca Mongeon, Aurélien Riou, Anne Eckert, Amandine Grimm

Institutions: University of Basel, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken Basel

Language: English

Topic: Cell Image Analysis Techniques

Subfield: Biophysics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,550