Single-Cell Profiling of the Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway by Mass Cytometry (CyTOF)

Mass cytometry time-of-flight (CyTOF) is a technology for the study of complex biological processes at the single-cell level. The technology enables measurement of >50 protein moieties on the surface and inside the cell. The power of CyTOF lies in the application of purpose-built panels of antibody probes that resolve features of key biological processes in a cell. Here, we describe this technology's use to profile changes in the intrinsic apoptotic (cell death) protein machinery at a single-cell level. We provide a comprehensive overview of a tailor-made set of cell survival/death antibodies, ideal staining conditions, and high-dimensional data analysis.