MacrophageFLICKR, MAGNARAM
Flow cytometry identifies cell types by reading fluorophore-bound antibodies attached to identifying cell markers, but the technique is limited by the 6 to 10 colors that can be detected without overlap. Researchers have now adapted the mass spectrometer, usually used for identifying composition of a chemical compound, for this task by tagging antibodies with easily detectable elemental isotopes. The method allows researchers to tag cells with up to 100 different markers at once, potentially revolutionizing the precision with which cell lineages are tracked, and with possible applications in biomarker development.
S.C. Bendall et al., "Single-cell mass cytometry of differential immune and drug responses across a human hematopoietic continuum,"Science, 332:687-96, 2011. Free F1000 Evaluation
2. Locally expanding macrophages
Rather than ...
