Stem cell are multipotent cells that can differentiate into other types of cells, and can also divide in self-renewal to produce more of the same type of stem cells. Thus, two functions defined stem cells, self-renewing and differentiating into various progenitor cells. In mammals, there are two broad types of stem cells, limited multipotent (adult stem cells, ASCs) and unlimited pluripotent (embryonic stem cells, ESCs). ESCs are isolated from the inner cell mass of blastocysts in early embryonic development. Stem cells have a good number of molecular markers, which have been used to prospectively identify various stem cell populations. The unique expression pattern and timing of expression of stem cell makers provide scientists a useful tool to identify and isolate stem cells.
Recombinant monoclonal antibodies (rAbs) have emerged as important tools for stem cell research. rAbs provide technical advantages over traditional techniques thanks to their intrinsic stability and precise specificity. Stem cell research can be benefited from antibodies to identify stem cell characteristics and to quantitatively assess differentiation. These antibodies specific to transcriptional factors or markers contribute to the "stemness" phenotype or are critical for cell lineage. Oct3/4 for example is expressed by pluripotent ESC. Antibodies to Oct3/4 have been widely used to monitor the presence of undifferentiated ESC.
Fig.1 Undifferentiated human ES cells and differentiated EBs were analyzed using antibodies to indicated molecular markers[4]
Creative Biolabs has developed a useful collection of stem cell antibodies. These antibody panels are specific to potential cell lineage markers and transcriptional factors, which can be useful for identification of stem cell characteristics and differentiation status. These antibodies can be applied to flow cytometry, Immunohistochemistry and Immunocytochemistry. The use of high-quality antibodies contributes success to your stem cell research.
Fig.2 Human embryonic stem cells stained with anti-CD9 and antigen expression detected by a flow cytometer.[3]
Search stem cell antibodies in this page. For more detailed information about our antibodies, please feel free to contact us.
