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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

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Simultaneous Assessment of Kinship, Division Number, and Phenotype via Flow Cytometry for Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells
Published on: March 24, 2023
Panel development for multicolor flow-cytometry testing of proliferation and immunophenotype in hMSCs.
Jolene A Bradford1, Scott T Clarke
1Life Technologies, Eugene, OR, USA. jolene.bradford@lifetech.com
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|March 25, 2011
Summary
This study presents a flow cytometry method to assess human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) health and differentiation status. The technique simultaneously measures immunophenotype and proliferation, aiding informed decisions on cell expansion and harvesting.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Stem Cell Research
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Adult human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) are multipotent stromal cells with differentiation potential into various tissues.
- Bone marrow and adipose tissue are primary sources for hMSC isolation.
- The International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) established criteria for hMSC identification, including adherence to plastic, in vitro differentiation, and specific surface antigen expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a flow cytometry panel for simultaneous assessment of hMSC immunophenotypic profile, proliferative capacity, and DNA content.
- To enable efficient evaluation of cell differentiation status and overall health.
- To provide a method with minimal impact on cell expansion potential.
Main Methods:
- Development of a flow cytometry panel for simultaneous detection of multiple hMSC parameters.
- Measurement of immunophenotypic profile, proliferative capacity, and DNA content.
- Utilizing a small number of cells to preserve expansion potential.
Main Results:
- The described flow cytometry panel allows for rapid, simultaneous measurement of key hMSC characteristics.
- The method provides data crucial for determining differentiation status and cell health.
- Minimal cell numbers are required, preserving the cells' expansion capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Flow cytometry is a powerful tool for comprehensive hMSC characterization.
- This approach facilitates informed decisions regarding cell expansion and harvesting strategies.
- The method supports standardized laboratory investigations and preclinical studies of hMSC.

