Isolation and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting of Mouse Keratinocytes Expressing β-Galactosidase

Area of Science:

• Stem cell biology
• Dermatology
• Genetics

Background:

• Transgenic and knock-in mouse models have revolutionized epidermal stem cell research.
• These models allow visualization and tracking of specific cell populations in tissue maintenance, repair, and disease.
• Beta-galactosidase (β-gal), encoded by the LacZ gene, is a widely used in vivo cell label in genetically engineered mice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a protocol for isolating viable murine epidermal cells expressing β-gal.
• To enable detailed characterization of these labeled cells for further in vivo or in vitro studies.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing genetically engineered mice expressing β-gal.
• Developing a protocol for the isolation of viable epidermal cells from these mice.
• Employing molecular and cell biology techniques for cell characterization.

Main Results:

• Successful isolation of viable murine epidermal cells expressing β-gal.
• Demonstration of a reliable method for obtaining labeled epidermal stem cells.

Conclusions:

• The described protocol facilitates the study of epidermal stem cells using β-gal labeling.
• This method supports advanced research in epidermal homeostasis, wound repair, and tumorigenesis.