High-speed fluorescence image-enabled cell sorting

Science. 2022 Jan 21;375(6578):315-320. doi: 10.1126/science.abj3013. Epub 2022 Jan 20.

Abstract

Fast and selective isolation of single cells with unique spatial and morphological traits remains a technical challenge. Here, we address this by establishing high-speed image-enabled cell sorting (ICS), which records multicolor fluorescence images and sorts cells based on measurements from image data at speeds up to 15,000 events per second. We show that ICS quantifies cell morphology and localization of labeled proteins and increases the resolution of cell cycle analyses by separating mitotic stages. We combine ICS with CRISPR-pooled screens to identify regulators of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway, enabling the completion of genome-wide image-based screens in about 9 hours of run time. By assessing complex cellular phenotypes, ICS substantially expands the phenotypic space accessible to cell-sorting applications and pooled genetic screening.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
  • Animals
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Cell Shape
  • Flow Cytometry*
  • Genetic Techniques
  • Genome
  • Genome, Human
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Mitosis
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Optical Imaging*
  • Organelles / ultrastructure
  • Phenotype
  • Transcription Factor RelA / metabolism

Substances

  • NF-kappa B
  • RELA protein, human
  • Transcription Factor RelA