The creation of a double strand break (DSB) is accompanied by the phosphorylation of histone H2AX. The measurement of serine 139 phosphorylated histone H2AX (γH2AX) is reported to be a marker of interest to identify potential genotoxic activity.
Thomas Kirchhausen, Eric Betzig et al. publish an article in Sciences about SIM (structured illumination microscopy) and the observation of moving molecules inside cells. The incredible spatial and time resolution give the opportunity to see for exemple proteins which pass the cell membrane.
Aviv Regev at the Broad Institute, in Cambridge, use fluidic systems to separate cells and submits them to detailed genetic analysis, at the rate of thousands per day. The goal is to build a comprehensive cellular atlas of the human, based on gene expression profile.
Researchers from Yale university presented a new technology to increase presicion of high speed (and wide field) imagery. Using both LEDs and laser light, they minimize spacial coherence and granularity. It’s a promising way to optimize cells imaging.
Here is a nice example of cell imaging uses for stem cells characterisation. Different culture conditions are performed on adult stem cells and cell adhesion, proliferation, survival, and cell migration are followed by cell imaging.
