October 2003  

Flow Cytometry

The FACS Calibur flow cytometry system is used to measure properties of single cells revealed by their light scatter in suspension and fluorescence; its dual lasers perform four fluorescence analyses simultaneously. The particular applications of this technology provided by the CellCore are responsive to the needs of users, and include cell cycle analysis, identification of specific immune cell populations, developmental and stem cell biology, measurement of physiological responses in testicular cells, quantitation of cell death, DNA content analysis, and characterization of cells with particular molecular markers.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Morris Laboratory

Human breast cancer cells
Immortalized breast adenocarcinoma cells were maintained in defined growth culture conditions. Mammary epithelial-like cell clusters are illustrated (see arrows, light microscopy, Panel A). Cells viewed at a subcellular level by differential-interference- contrast microscopy show three adjacent breast cells, each with a large round nucleus with chromatin stain, surrounded by extensive mitochondria (Panel B). Cell cycle FACS analysis of progestin receptor positive breast cells categorizes those in a DNA synthesis phase compared to those in growth phases (see S versus G, Panel C).

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See Also

• Cell Biology and Flow Cytometry Core Facility

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