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Updated: May 2, 2026
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Database-guided Flow-cytometry for Evaluation of Bone Marrow Myeloid Cell Maturation
Published on: November 3, 2018
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Improved quantitative analysis of primary bone marrow megakaryocytes utilizing imaging flow cytometry
Lisa M Niswander1, Kathleen E McGrath, John C Kennedy
1Department of Pediatrics, Center for Pediatric Biomedical Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, 14642; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, 14642.
Summary
Imaging flow cytometry (IFC) offers a new method to study megakaryocytes (MKs), crucial for platelet production. This technique overcomes challenges in analyzing MKs, aiding research into thrombocytopenia.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Thrombocytopenia, a condition of low platelet count, often results from bone marrow injury and impaired megakaryocyte (MK) function.
- Studying primary MKs is difficult due to their rarity in bone marrow and complex maturation, hindering the development of effective thrombocytopenia treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of imaging flow cytometry (IFC) for analyzing primary murine megakaryocytes (MKs).
- To address existing technical limitations in conventional flow cytometry for MK analysis.
- To establish a reproducible method for quantifying MKs and their ploidy in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of primary MKs from murine bone marrow.
- Application of imaging flow cytometry (IFC) on the ImageStream(X) platform.
- Analysis of MKs at steady-state and following radiation-induced bone marrow injury.
Main Results:
- IFC effectively addresses challenges posed by MK size variation and shared surface markers with platelets.
- IFC enables reproducible and efficient quantification of primary murine MK frequency.
- IFC accurately assesses MK ploidy distribution in both steady-state and injury conditions.
Conclusions:
- IFC provides a powerful tool for analyzing the full spectrum of maturing MKs in the bone marrow.
- This method enhances the understanding of megakaryopoiesis and platelet production.
- IFC applications hold promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies for thrombocytopenia.
