Flow Cytometric Analysis of Brain Tumor Stem Cells

As a useful biotechnology, flow cytometry has revolutionized the field of cell analysis through its dynamic system that employs fluidics, optics, and electronics. It was first used to analyze DNA, but is often used to determine biomarker expression, as well as to characterize and sort cells, in accordance with various parameters. A common application of flow cytometry is the identification and isolation of a distinct cancer cell population, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Various biomarkers have been used to elucidate this proportion of cells within the brain, termed brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs). Here, we discuss methodology to prepare BTICs for flow cytometric analysis that includes the expression of markers.