AlphaScreen-Based Assays: Ultra-High-Throughput Screening for Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Challenging Enzymes and Protein-Protein Interactions.

AlphaScreen technology has been routinely utilized in high-throughput screening assays to quantify analyte accumulation or depletion, bimolecular interactions, and post-translational modifications. The high signal-to-background, dynamic range, and sensitivity associated with AlphaScreens as well as the homogenous assay format and reagent stability make the technology particularly well suited for high-throughput screening applications. Here, we describe the development of AlphaScreen assays to identify small-molecule inhibitors of enzymes and protein-protein interactions using the highly miniaturized 1536-well format. The subsequent implementation of counter assays to identify false-positive compounds is also discussed.