Figure 1

Diagram demonstrating the approach to screening small molecule libraries using cell lines that a) differ by a mutation of interest and b) are transfected with different fluorescent proteins. Cells with wild-type EGFR are transfected with blue fluorescent protein while their mutant counterparts, expressing EGFRvIII, are transfected with yellow fluorescent protein. Equal numbers of the transfected cells are co-cultured in the individual wells of a microtiter plate and, if left untreated, produce combined blue and yellow fluorescence. Appropriate concentrations of small molecules (1 small molecule per well) are then added and fluorescence levels measured over seven days. Well G10 would be considered a "hit" as the small molecule is reducing the growth of the mutant cell line, leaving only a blue fluorescent signal.