Clonal interrogation of stem cells

Nat Methods. 2011 Apr;8(4 Suppl):S36-40. doi: 10.1038/nmeth.1590.

Abstract

Individual stem cells are functionally defined by their self-renewal and differentiation potential. Methods for clonal analysis are essential for understanding stem cells, particularly given the increasing evidence for stem-cell heterogeneity. Stem cells reside within complex microenvironments, making single-cell analysis particularly challenging. Furthermore, simultaneous molecular and functional characterization of single stem cells is not trivial. Here we explore clonal assays applied to stem cell biology and their use in understanding the cellular and molecular basis of stem-cell identity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Lineage
  • Clone Cells / cytology
  • Clone Cells / metabolism
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Single-Cell Analysis / methods*
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism*