Method for Analyzing and Isolating Stem Cells

描述（由申请人提供）：近年来，已经清楚的是，大多数细胞表面标志物由许多类型的干细胞和祖细胞共享。因此，使用当前方法分离独特细胞亚群的能力是有限的。尽管已知干细胞分泌特定因子到细胞外空间中，但难以表征异质群体内单个活细胞的分泌活性。分泌因子与特定细胞类型的结合提供了额外的标志物，其可用于表征细胞并允许分离细胞同时保持活力。结合免疫表型与分泌概况是研究和最终治疗应用的有力方法。开发新的，可靠的方法来分析和回收单个的，活的干细胞的分泌型结合细胞表面抗原的表达的基础上是相当大的兴趣。GMD干细胞检测解决了对功能性、多参数、单细胞检测的需求，该检测不损害细胞活力、生理状态和功能。I期研究优化了用于几种实验造血模型的测定。第二阶段的研究将扩大使用其他模型，包括内皮祖细胞的测定。这种测定形式可广泛用于免疫学研究，包括干细胞研究和临床应用。通过提供一种可靠的方法来分析和回收单个的，活的干细胞的分泌型结合细胞表面抗原的表达的基础上，这种测定格式将是有用的干细胞研究和临床应用。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In recent years, it has become clear that the majority of cell surface markers are shared by many types of stem and progenitor cells. Thus the ability to separate unique cell sub-populations using current methods is limited. Although it is known that stem cells secrete specific factors into the extracellular space, it is difficult to characterize secretory activity of individual viable cells within a heterogeneous population. Association of the secreted factor(s) with a specific cell type provides an additional marker that can be used to characterize the cell and permit separation of cells while maintaining viability. Combining immunophenotyping with secretory profile is powerful approach for both research and eventual therapeutic applications. Development of new, reliable methods for analyzing and recovering single, viable stem cells based on secretory profile combined with expression of cell surface antigens is of considerable interest. The GMD Stem Cell Assay addresses the need for a functional, multiparameter, single cell assay that does not compromise cell viability, physiological state, and functionality. Phase I research optimized the assay for use with several experimental hematopoietic models. Phase II research will expand use of the assay with other models, including endothelial progenitor cells. This assay format can be widely used for immunological studies, including stem cell research and clinical applications. By providing a reliable method for analyzing and recovering single, viable stem cells based on secretory profile combined with expression of cell surface antigens, this assay format will be useful for stem cell research and clinical applications.