Cell sorting is not limited to studying cells derived from blood or tissue samples, but it is also a valuable too for characterizing cell lines. Cell lines are critical to basic research studies as well as biopharmaceutical product development and production. Consider these cell sorting applications for your cell line needs.
- Expression identification. Flow cytometry is well suited for differentiating cell subsets based on the level of expression of a protein or biomarker. If you are developing a cell line that expresses high levels of a specific marker, then cell sorting is a critical tool for sorting out your high expressers from your low or medium expressers.
- Expression optimization. The development of a high-expressing cell line may require optimization, and this could include testing of different growth media or growing conditions. Flow cytometry analysis coupled with cell sorting will help expediting this optimization process by pulling out high-expressing cells that can be used for subsequent optimization cycles.
- Transient Expression Challenges. Cell lines can be engineered to overexpress a specific protein using molecular or pharmacological on/off switches, and this approach can enhance expression or preserve the function of a cell line. Capturing the optimal transient expression window can be challenging, but cell sorting during different time points can be a valuable tool in optimizing this type of expression.
Cell sorting solutions are a powerful tool but it is critical to work with cell sorting experts to assure that your sorted cells are viable and are comprised of the appropriate cell subset.
