Cell viability

Cell viability is a fundamental parameter in biological research and drug development that quantifies the proportion of living cells within a population [1]. It is not a specific molecular target, such as a protein or receptor, but rather a phenotypic state that reflects the collective health and metabolic activity of a cell [2]. In the context of oncology, drug candidates are frequently screened for their ability to reduce the viability of cancer cells, whereas in other therapeutic areas, maintaining high cell viability is essential for safety and biocompatibility [3]. Measurements of cell viability are often used as surrogate markers for drug toxicity or therapeutic efficacy, utilizing indicators like adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, mitochondrial function, or plasma membrane integrity [1]. Because it is a global measure of cellular function, changes in cell viability can be induced by various mechanisms of action, including the modulation of apoptosis, necrosis, or autophagy pathways [4]. Consequently, cell viability serves as a critical readout in high-throughput screening to identify potential lead compounds and assess their cytotoxic potential [1]. Sources: [1] NIH National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Bookshelf - Cell Viability Assays; [2] Nature Education - Cell Survival and Cell Death; [3] PubChem - Doxorubicin and Cytotoxicity; [4] ScienceDirect - Cell Viability in Drug Discovery.

Other names

Cellular viabilityCell survivalCell healthCytotoxicity readout

Not applicable; cell viability is a phenotypic state or experimental endpoint rather than a specific molecular target with a drug-binding site.