Microfluidically-unified cell culture, sample preparation, imaging and flow cytometry for measurement of cell signaling pathways with single cell resolution

Lab Chip. 2012 Aug 21;12(16):2823-31. doi: 10.1039/c2lc40344g. Epub 2012 Jul 10.

Abstract

We have developed a microfluidic platform that enables, in one experiment, monitoring of signaling events spanning multiple time-scales and cellular locations through seamless integration of cell culture, stimulation and preparation with downstream analysis. A combination of two single-cell resolution techniques-on-chip multi-color flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging provides multiplexed and orthogonal data on cellular events. Automated, microfluidic operation allows quantitatively- and temporally-precise dosing leading to fine time-resolution and improved reproducibility of measurements. The platform was used to profile the toll-like receptor (TLR4) pathway in macrophages challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-beginning with TLR4 receptor activation by LPS, through intracellular MAPK signaling, RelA/p65 translocation in real time, to TNF-α cytokine production, all in one small macrophage population (< 5000 cells) while using minute reagent volume (540 nL/condition). The platform is easily adaptable to many cell types including primary cells and provides a generic platform for profiling signaling pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Kinetics
  • Lipopolysaccharides / toxicity
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / methods*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / metabolism
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / metabolism
  • Toll-Like Receptors / metabolism
  • Transcription Factor RelA / metabolism
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism

Substances

  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Rela protein, mouse
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4
  • Toll-Like Receptors
  • Transcription Factor RelA
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3