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Isolation of rat Schwann cells based on cell sorting
Mi Shen1, Wei Tang2, Zheng Cao2
1School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Suzhou University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China.
Molecular Medicine Reports
|June 20, 2017
Summary
This study details a rapid protocol using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to isolate high-purity rat Schwann cells (SCs) from peripheral nerves, crucial for advancing SC biology research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Schwann cells (SCs) are vital glial cells in the peripheral nervous system.
- Efficient isolation of pure SCs is essential for studying their biology and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and present a rapid, high-purity protocol for isolating proliferating rat Schwann cells.
- To enable future research into general Schwann cell biology.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral nerves from newborn rats were dissociated.
- Schwann cells were purified using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).
- Purification markers included p75NGFR and oligodendrocyte marker 4.
Main Results:
- The protocol yielded Schwann cell cultures with >98% purity.
- Sorted cells were cultured in a specialized medium on poly-l-lysine-coated dishes.
- The method allows for rapid isolation and propagation of SCs.
Conclusions:
- A robust FACS-based protocol for rapid, high-purity isolation of rat Schwann cells was established.
- This method facilitates future investigations into Schwann cell biology.
- The protocol is suitable for obtaining proliferating SCs for research purposes.
