Visualization can be harmful for live cells

Shedding Light on Intracellular Proteins using Flow Cytometry

Intracellular protein abundance is routinely measured in mammalian cells using population-based techniques such as western blotting which fail to capture single cell protein levels or using fluorescence microscopy which is although suitable for single cell protein detection but not for rapid analysis of large no. of cells. Flow cytometry offers rapid, high-throughput, multiparameter-based analysis of intracellular protein expression in statistically significant no. of cells at single cell resolution. In past few decades, customized assays have been developed for flow cytometric detection of specific intracellular proteins. This review discusses the scope of flow cytometry for intracellular protein detection in mammalian cells along with specific applications. Technological advancements to overcome the limitations of traditional flow cytometry for the same are also discussed.

A flow cytometric journey into cell cycle analysis

Cell cycle involves a series of changes that lead to cell growth and division. Cell cycle analysis is crucial to understand cellular responses to changing environmental conditions. Since its inception, flow cytometry has been particularly useful for cell cycle analysis at single cell level due to its speed and precision. Previously, flow cytometric cell cycle analysis relied solely on the measurement of cellular DNA content. Later, methods were developed for multiparametric analysis. This review explains the journey of flow cytometry to understand different molecular and cellular events underlying cell cycle using various protocols. Recent advances in the field that overcome the shortcomings of traditional flow cytometry and expand its scope for cell cycle studies are also discussed.

Shedding light on fibered confocal fluorescence microscopy: Applications in biomedical imaging and therapies

Discoveries of major importance in life sciences and preclinical research are linked to the invention of microscopes that enable imaging of cells and their microstructures. Imaging technologies involving in vivo procedures using fluorescent dyes that permit labelling of cells have been developed over the last two decades. Fibered confocal fluorescence microscopy (FCFM) is an imaging technology equipped with fiber-optic probes to deliver light to organs and tissues of live animals. This enables not only in vivo detection of fluorescent signals and visualization of cells, but also the study of dynamic processes, such cell proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis, under physiological and pathological conditions. This will allow the diagnosis of diseased organs and tissues and the evaluation of the efficacy of new therapies in animal models of human diseases. The aim of this report is to shed light on FCFM and its potential medical applications and discusses some factors that compromise the reliability and reproducibility of monitoring biological processes by FCFM. This report also highlights the issues concerning animal experimentation and welfare, and the contributions of FCFM to the 3Rs principals, replacement, reduction and refinement.