We have developed a label-free cell-analysis platform to characterize key cell-surface markers in functional organ stem cells isolated from their micro-anatomical niche. Our platform measures the transit time of single cells as they travel through a microchannel functionalized with a specific antibody. Cells expressing the complementary surface antigen experience a longer transit time compared to those that do not. We have discovered that individual myofibers differ from each other with respect to expression of the markers Sca-1, CXCR4, �1-integrin, and M-cadherin on their associated satellite cells. Our data highlights the phenomenon of microniche-dependent variation in adult stem cells of the same tissue. Overall, our method can be broadly applied to the quantitative analysis of single stem cells isolated from their microniches in other adult and developing organs, leading to new discoveries on stem-cell properties and regenerative potential.

Using label-free screening to investigate stem-cells from their microanatomical niche

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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