Stem Cell Analysis

Identify undifferentiated cells or quantify ES cell colony formation

Alkaline Phosphatase Assays for Stem Cell Characterization

Alkaline Phosphatase (AP) is a universal pluripotent marker for all types of pluripotent stem cells including embryonic stem cells, embryonic germ cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. The pluripotent status of stem cells can be characterized by a high level of AP expression, along with the expression of multiple pluripotency markers including transcription factors like Nanog, Oct4 and Sox2. Use one of our AP staining kits to identify undifferentiated cells.

AP staining of ES Cells using the StemTAG Alkaline Phosphatase Staining Kit (Red). Murine embryonic stem cells (ES-D3) are maintained in an undifferentiated stage on gelatin-coated dishes in the presence of LIF, as indicated by the high AP activity. To induce differentiation, LIF was withdrawn over a period of several days; various differentiation events were observed (cells became flattened and enlarged with reduced proliferation). At the end of day 5, AP staining of undifferentiated cells was performed as described in the assay protocol.

Stem Cell Colony Forming Assays

Using Stem Cell Colony Forming Assays you can quantify stem cells without manual counting using a fluorescent dye. Results are obtained in 7-10 days, not 3 weeks, and the stem cells may be recovered for further downstream analysis.