Defining Clonal Color in Fluorescent Multi-Clonal Tracking

Sci Rep. 2016 Apr 13:6:24303. doi: 10.1038/srep24303.

Abstract

Clonal heterogeneity and selection underpin many biological processes including development and tumor progression. Combinatorial fluorescent protein expression in germline cells has proven its utility for tracking the formation and regeneration of different organ systems. Such cell populations encoded by combinatorial fluorescent proteins are also attractive tools for understanding clonal expansion and clonal competition in cancer. However, the assignment of clonal identity requires an analytical framework in which clonal markings can be parameterized and validated. Here we present a systematic and quantitative method for RGB analysis of fluorescent melanoma cancer clones. We then demonstrate refined clonal trackability of melanoma cells using this scheme.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Clone Cells / metabolism*
  • Color*
  • Fluorescence
  • Luminescent Proteins / chemistry*

Substances

  • Luminescent Proteins