Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Using Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells

Flow cytometry is a widely used laser-based technology for rapid analysis of the expression of cell surface antigens and intracellular molecules in various cell types including hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). Multiparametric analysis of individual cells within a short time frame makes this tool attractive and indispensable in the field of stem cell research. This is accomplished by harnessing the specific light scattering ability of the cell type, which determines its size and internal complexity. In addition, use of fluorescently conjugated antibodies allows the detection of a specific surface or intracellular antigen present at that particular stage. Fluorescent Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) is used to separate a subset of cells from a heterogeneous cell population based on fluorescent labeling. Here we describe the general principles of flow cytometry and detailed methods for the isolation of HSPCs using flow cytometry as a tool.