We would like to thank Ken Nealson for his insight and advice throughout the manuscript preparation process.

1. Preparation of Viral Suspensions
Before isolation of single virions via flow cytometry, prepare unfixed viral suspensions.
<ol>
	<li>Isolate viral particles using previously established protocols making sure final viral suspension is contained in 0.1 &mu;m-filtered TE (Tris-EDTA, pH 8). We recommend using tangential flow filtration (TFF) approaches 6 although other methods have been developed that use chemical flocculation 7.</li>
	<li>Enumerate viral particles using established protocols, e.g. using epifluorescence 8-10 or flow cytometry 11,12.</li>
	<li>Aliquot viral suspension into two Eppendorf tubes (final volume is recommended to be 1,000 &mu;l).</li>
</ol>
2. Flow Cytometry
<ol>
	<li>To sort viruses using the BD FACSAria II Flow Cytometer equipped with a custom Forward Scatter PMT (FSC PMT), dilute viral particles in 0.1 &mu;m-filtered TE, pH 8.0 to an appropriate titer for an event rate of 200 events sec-1.</li>
	<li>Set thresholds to maximize signal-to-noise rations, e.g. for a mixed assemblage containing T4 and lambda phage particles the following are recommended: FSC PMT at 1,000 and SSC at 200.</li>
	<li>Run 100 &mu;l of "blank" samples containing only 1) 0.1 &mu;m-filtered TE and 2) 0.1 &mu;m-filtered TE and SybrGreen1 at 1e-4 dilution of stock (10,000X).</li>
	<li>Run a small aliquot (100 &mu;l is recommended) of unstained viral suspension to assess background, followed by the stained viral suspension (SybrGreen1 at 1e-4 dilution of stock), viral particles to a total of 5,000 events each. This is to check concentration and adjust sorting gates, if necessary, prior to sort. We recommend a tight gate in the center of viral particles. Also, for generating gates we use the SYBR Green and FSC PMT plot.</li>
	<li>Add 5 &mu;l of 1% low melting point (LMP) agarose (in TBE buffer) cooled to 37 &deg;C to each well on a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microscope slide (Electron Microscopy Sciences).</li>
	<li>Load the PTFE microscope slide into the flow cytometer to capture sorted viral particles.</li>
	<li>Begin sort of SYBR green stained viral particles directly onto PTFE slide with LMP agarose. We recommend sorting 10 or more events (viral particles) in some wells to aid in the detection of the depth of viruses during confocal laser scanning microscopy (CSLM).</li>
	<li>When sorting is complete, remove slide from the flow cytometer and add 5 &mu;l more LMP agarose cooled to 37 &deg;C to each well, thus embedding the viral particle(s).</li>
</ol>
3. Visualizing Single Virions using Confocal Microscopy
If a single virion is desired, then determining if each well contains an individual virus is imperative and CLSM is necessary to visualize the embedded virion(s) in 3D to verify that only a single particle is present and that multiple viruses are not stacked on top of each other.
<ol>
	<li>Set the microscope laser to the wavelength 488 nm excitation.</li>
	<li>Image the embedded viral particles using a 63X long working distance objective.</li>
</ol>
4. Whole Genome Amplification
<ol>
	<li>Once wells with single viruses are identified with CLSM, perform whole genome amplification using multiple displacement amplification (MDA) within the agarose (in situ).</li>
	<li>To decrease the likelihood of introducing DNA contamination, remove the desired agarose 'beads' from the slide and placed in a sterile PCR tube. Use a pair of sterile tweezers and/or razor blade for this step.</li>
	<li>Lyse the viral particle in situ using heat (94 &deg;C) for 3 min in the heat block of a thermocycler.</li>
	<li>Perform the MDA reaction following manufacturer's recommendations (GenomiPhi HY kit, GE Healthcare) with the following modifications
	<ol>
		<li>Reduce the volume of sample and reaction buffers to 11.25 &mu;l and incubate at 30 &deg;C for a maximum of 2 hr to reduce nonspecific amplification.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Purify the amplified genomic material by transferring genomic DNA (gDNA) to a 1.7 ml Eppendorf tube and add 1/10 volume 3 M sodium acetate (NaOAc) in TBE buffer (same buffer used in LMP agarose preparation).</li>
	<li>Place sample(s) at 55 &deg;C for 10 min to dissolve agarose.</li>
	<li>Move tube(s) to 42 &deg;C to reduce temperature prior to adding enzyme.</li>
	<li>Add 2 units &beta;-agarase to each tube and incubate for 2 hr.</li>
	<li>Add 1 volume of a buffer-saturated phenol solution to the tube, mix vigorously and centrifuge at 3,500 x g for 15 min. Transfer supernatant containing DNA to a new 1.7 ml Eppendorf tube.</li>
	<li>Add one volume of 100% isopropanol and 1&mu;l of Glycoblue. Mix well by inverting tube.</li>
	<li>Centrifuge at 28,000 x g at 4 &deg;C for 60 min. Decant isopropanol making sure not to disturb the pellet. Add 150 &mu;l of 70% ethanol to each tube. Spin at 28,000 x g and RT for 10 min. Decant the ethanol, air dry the DNA pellet and resuspend the DNA in an appropriate volume of TE buffer.</li>
	<li>We recommend repeating steps 4.4-4.9 with the following modifications. Set up 3-5 replicate MDA reactions and reduce incubation at 30 &deg;C to 1 hr. Pool samples following purification and precipitate using 95-100% ethanol to obtain desired concentration.</li>
</ol>
5. Representative Results
Figure 1 summarizes the SVG process. These methods use flow cytometry to sort viral particles onto PTFE microscope slides containing agarose to isolate single virions from a mixed assemblage followed by MDA to obtain quantities of gDNA that are sufficient for sequencing.
As a proof-of-concept, bacteriophage lambda and T4 were mixed and subjected to the SVG process 11. Once virions were captured and embedded in agarose, CLSM was used to visualize and confirm that a single virion was obtained; results are shown in Figure 2. Once wells with single virions were identified, they were selected for MDA of gDNA. We then used multiplex PCR specific for T4 and lambda to identify the virion isolated, Figure 3. An isolated phage lambda was selected for genome sequencing.
Genome sequencing was performed using 454-Titanium technology and sequencing reads were subjected to reference mapping to identify the level of coverage obtained using SVG. Figure 4 shows that almost the entire lambda genome was recovered (with the exception of the first 5 bp).
<img alt="Figure 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/3899/3899fig1.jpg" /> 
 Figure 1. SVG methodology. Viral suspensions containing a mixed assemblage are reduced to single virus particles via flow cytometry that are then sorted onto individual agarose "beads". The virus is embedded within the agarose bead by overlaying with an additional layer of agarose post flow cytometric sorting. Lastly, whole genome amplification is performed in situ.
<img alt="Figure 2" src="/files/ftp_upload/3899/3899fig2.jpg" /> 
 Figure 2. Confocal laser scanning micrograph of a sorted viral particle embedded in an agarose bead. A) Three dimensional reconstruction of a Sybr Green I-stained viral particle within an agarose bead. Inset: higher magnification of the isolated viral particle. B) Profile plot of relative fluorescence of the stained single viral particle within an agarose bead.
<img alt="Figure 3" src="/files/ftp_upload/3899/3899fig3.jpg" /> 
 Figure 3. Bacteriophage identification using PCR. A) Multiplex PCR using T4 and lambda-specific primers to genotype, Lanes: 1. TrackIt 1 kb plus ladder (Invitrogen), 2. lambda integrase (750 bp), 3. T4 major capsid protein (1,050 bp), 4. Mix of lambda integrase and T4 major capsid protein. B) Subsequent lambda specific PCR with additional loci to further confirm phage genome isolation, Lanes: 1. Lambda integrase (750 bp), 2. Lambda repressor (356 bp) 3. Lambda sie (superinfection exclusion) (456 bp) 4. TrackIt 1 kb plus ladder (Invitrogen).
<img alt="Figure 4" src="/files/ftp_upload/3899/3899fig4.jpg" /> 
 Figure 4. Lambda genome attributes and coverage. A) GC plot, B) Genome map of lambda (adapted from <a href="http://img.jgi.doe.gov" target="_blank">http://img.jgi.doe.gov</a>), and C) Mapping of SVG reads to the reference bacteriophage lambda, x-axis is genome position, y-axis is % coverage.

<ol>
	<li>Raghunathan, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Genomic+DNA+amplification+from+a+single+bacterium.">Genomic DNA amplification from a single bacterium.</a> Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 71, 3342-337 (2005).</li><li>Lasken, R. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Single-cell+genomic+sequencing+using+Multiple+Displacement+Amplification.">Single-cell genomic sequencing using Multiple Displacement Amplification.</a> Curr. Opin. Microbiol. 10, 510-516 (2007).</li><li>Ishoey, T., Woyke, T., Stepanauskas, R., Novotny, M., Lasken, R. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Genomic+sequencing+of+single+microbial+cells+from+environmental+samples.">Genomic sequencing of single microbial cells from environmental samples.</a> Curr. Opin. Microbiol. 11, 198-204 (2008).</li><li>Edwards, R. A., Rohwer, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Viral+metagenomics.">Viral metagenomics.</a> Nature Reviews Microbiology. 3, 504-510 (2005).</li><li>Rohwer, F., Prangishvili, D., Lindell, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Roles+of+viruses+in+the+environment.">Roles of viruses in the environment.</a> Environ. Microbiol. 11, 2771-2774 (2009).</li><li>Williamson, S. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Sorcerer+II+Global+Ocean+Sampling+Expedition:+metagenomic+characterization+of+viruses+within+aquatic+microbial+samples.">The Sorcerer II Global Ocean Sampling Expedition: metagenomic characterization of viruses within aquatic microbial samples.</a> PLoS ONE. 3, e1456 (2008).</li><li>John, S. G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+simple+and+efficient+method+for+concentration+of+ocean+viruses+by+chemical+flocculation.">A simple and efficient method for concentration of ocean viruses by chemical flocculation.</a> Environ. Microbiol. 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No conflicts of interest declared.

A number of important factors must be taken into consideration when applying SVG approaches. Genotyping, as was performed during the proof-of-concept experiment 13, is not a valid option for environmental or unknown isolates as conserved primers are not available across all viral groups. Also, background DNA synthesis or nonspecific amplification is commonly reported during amplification using the MDA reaction 14. Nonspecific amplification has been attributed to contaminating DNA emerging from react...

<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Material Name</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalogue Number</td>
			<td>Comments</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1X TE buffer</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>12090-015</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Buffer-saturated Phenol</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>15513-039</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>GenomiPhi HY kit</td>
			<td>GE Healthcare</td>
			<td>25-6600-22</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glycoblue</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>AM9516</td>
			<td>15 mg/ml</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>LMP agarose</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>16520100</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PTFE microscope slide</td>
			<td>Electron Microscopy Sciences</td>
			<td>63430-04</td>
			<td>24 well, 4 mm Diameter</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SybrGreen</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>S7585</td>
			<td>10,000X</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&beta;-agarase</td>
			<td>New England Biolabs</td>
			<td>M0392S</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

isolation and genome analysis of single virions using 'single virus genomics'

Whole genome amplification and sequencing of single microbial cells enables genomic characterization without the need of cultivation 1-3. Viruses, which are ubiquitous and the most numerous entities on our planet 4 and important in all environments 5, have yet to be revealed via similar approaches. Here we describe an approach for isolating and characterizing the genomes of single virions called 'Single Virus Genomics' (SVG). SVG utilizes flow cytometry to isolate individual viruses and whole genome amplification to obtain high molecular weight genomic DNA (gDNA) that can be used in subsequent sequencing reactions.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Isolation and Genome Analysis of Single Virions using 'Single Virus Genomics' at JoVE.com

Isolation and Genome Analysis of Single Virions using &#039;Single Virus Genomics&#039;

Single Virus Genomics (SVG) is a method to isolate and amplify the genomes of single virons. Viral suspensions of a mixed assemblage are sorted using flow cytometry onto a microscope slide with discrete wells containing agarose, thereby capturing the virion and reducing genome shearing during downstream processing. Whole genome amplification is achieved using multiple displacement amplification (MDA) resulting in genomic material that is suitable for sequencing.

Isolation and Genome Analysis of Single Virions using 'Single Virus Genomics'

Whole genome amplification and sequencing of single microbial cells enables genomic characterization without the need of cultivation 1-3. Viruses, which ...

isolation-genome-analysis-single-virions-using-single-virus

Research

JoVE Journal

Immunology and Infection

10.8K Views.  The J. Craig Venter Institute. Single Virus Genomics (SVG) is a method to isolate and amplify the genomes of single virons. Viral suspensions of a mixed assemblage are sorted using flow cytometry onto a microscope slide with discrete wells containing agarose, thereby capturing the virion and reducing genome shearing during downstream processing. Whole genome amplification is achieved using multiple displacement amplification (MDA) resulting in genomic material that is suitable for sequencing.

Video: Isolation and Genome Analysis of Single Virions using 'Single Virus Genomics'

RNAi Screening for Host Factors Involved in Vaccinia Virus Infection using Drosophila Cells

Viral pathogens represent a significant public health threat; not only can viruses cause natural epidemics of human disease, but their potential use in bioterrorism is also a concern. A better understanding of the cellular factors that impact infection would facilitate the development of much-needed therapeutics. Recent advances in RNA interference (RNAi) technology coupled with complete genome sequencing of several organisms has led to the optimization of genome-wide, cell-based loss-of-function screens. Drosophila cells are particularly amenable to genome-scale screens because of the ease and efficiency of RNAi in this system 1. Importantly, a wide variety of viruses can infect Drosophila cells, including a number of mammalian viruses of medical and agricultural importance 2,3,4. Previous RNAi screens in Drosophila have identified host factors that are required for various steps in virus infection including entry, translation and RNA replication 5. Moreover, many of the cellular factors required for viral replication in Drosophila cell culture are also limiting in human cells infected with these viruses 4,6,7,8, 9. Therefore, the identification of host factors co-opted during viral infection presents novel targets for antiviral therapeutics. Here we present a generalized protocol for a high-throughput RNAi screen to identify cellular factors involved in viral infection, using vaccinia virus as an example.

RNAi Screening for Host Factors Involved in Vaccinia Virus Infection using Drosophila Cells

Novel host factors involved in viral infection can be identified through cell-based genome-wide loss of function RNAi screening. A Drosophila cell culture model is particularly amenable to this approach due to the ease and efficiency of RNAi. Here we demonstrate this technique using vaccinia virus as an example.

Viral pathogens represent a significant public health threat; not only can viruses cause natural epidemics of human disease, but their potential use in ...

Separation of Single-stranded DNA, Double-stranded DNA and RNA from an Environmental Viral Community Using Hydroxyapatite Chromatography

Viruses, particularly bacteriophages (phages), are the most numerous biological entities on Earth1,2. Viruses modulate host cell abundance and diversity, contribute to the cycling of nutrients, alter host cell phenotype, and influence the evolution of both host cell and viral communities through the lateral transfer of genes 3. Numerous studies have highlighted the staggering genetic diversity of viruses and their functional potential in a variety of natural environments. 
Metagenomic techniques have been used to study the taxonomic diversity and functional potential of complex viral assemblages whose members contain single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and RNA genotypes 4-9. Current library construction protocols used to study environmental DNA-containing or RNA-containing viruses require an initial nuclease treatment in order to remove nontargeted templates 10. However, a comprehensive understanding of the collective gene complement of the virus community and virus diversity requires knowledge of all members regardless of genome composition. Fractionation of purified nucleic acid subtypes provides an effective mechanism by which to study viral assemblages without sacrificing a subset of the community&#x2019;s genetic signature. 
Hydroxyapatite, a crystalline form of calcium phosphate, has been employed in the separation of nucleic acids, as well as proteins and microbes, since the 1960s11. By exploiting the charge interaction between the positively-charged Ca2+ ions of the hydroxyapatite and the negatively charged phosphate backbone of the nucleic acid subtypes, it is possible to preferentially elute each nucleic acid subtype independent of the others. We recently employed this strategy to independently fractionate the genomes of ssDNA, dsDNA and RNA-containing viruses in preparation of DNA sequencing 12. Here, we present a method for the fractionation and recovery of ssDNA, dsDNA and RNA viral nucleic acids from mixed viral assemblages using hydroxyapatite chromotography.

We describe an efficient method to separate single-stranded DNA, double-stranded DNA and RNA molecules from environmental viral communities. Nucleic acids are fractionated using hydroxyapatite chromatography with increasing concentrations of phosphate-containing buffers. This method permits the isolation of all viral nucleic acid types from environmental samples.

Viruses, particularly bacteriophages (phages), are the most numerous biological entities on Earth1,2.  Viruses modulate host cell abundance and diversity, ...

Single-cell Analysis of Bacillus subtilis Biofilms Using Fluorescence Microscopy and Flow Cytometry

Biofilm formation is a general attribute to almost all bacteria 1-6. When bacteria form biofilms, cells are encased in extracellular matrix that is mostly constituted by proteins and exopolysaccharides, among other factors 7-10. The microbial community encased within the biofilm often shows the differentiation of distinct subpopulation of specialized cells 11-17. These subpopulations coexist and often show spatial and temporal organization within the biofilm 18-21.
Biofilm formation in the model organism Bacillus subtilis requires the differentiation of distinct subpopulations of specialized cells. Among them, the subpopulation of matrix producers, responsible to produce and secrete the extracellular matrix of the biofilm is essential for biofilm formation 11,19. Hence, differentiation of matrix producers is a hallmark of biofilm formation in B. subtilis.
We have used fluorescent reporters to visualize and quantify the subpopulation of matrix producers in biofilms of B. subtilis 15,19,22-24. Concretely, we have observed that the subpopulation of matrix producers differentiates in response to the presence of self-produced extracellular signal surfactin 25. Interestingly, surfactin is produced by a subpopulation of specialized cells different from the subpopulation of matrix producers 15.
We have detailed in this report the technical approach necessary to visualize and quantify the subpopulation of matrix producers and surfactin producers within the biofilms of B. subtilis. To do this, fluorescent reporters of genes required for matrix production and surfactin production are inserted into the chromosome of B. subtilis. Reporters are expressed only in a subpopulation of specialized cells. Then, the subpopulations can be monitored using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry (See Fig 1).
The fact that different subpopulations of specialized cells coexist within multicellular communities of bacteria gives us a different perspective about the regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes. This protocol addresses this phenomenon experimentally and it can be easily adapted to any other working model, to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic heterogeneity within a microbial community.

Single-cell Analysis of Bacillus subtilis Biofilms Using Fluorescence Microscopy and Flow Cytometry

Microbial biofilms are generally constituted by distinct subpopulations of specialized cells. Single-cell analysis of these subpopulations requires the use of fluorescent reporters. Here we describe a protocol to visualize and monitor several subpopulationswithin B. subtilis biofilms using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry.

Biofilm formation is a general attribute to almost all bacteria 1-6. When bacteria form biofilms, cells are encased in extracellular matrix that is mostly ...

Visualizing Protein-DNA Interactions in Live Bacterial Cells Using Photoactivated Single-molecule Tracking

Protein-DNA interactions are at the heart of many fundamental cellular processes. For example, DNA replication, transcription, repair, and chromosome organization are governed by DNA-binding proteins that recognize specific DNA structures or sequences. In vitro experiments have helped to generate detailed models for the function of many types of DNA-binding proteins, yet, the exact mechanisms of these processes and their organization in the complex environment of the living cell remain far less understood. We recently introduced a method for quantifying DNA-repair activities in live Escherichia coli cells using Photoactivated Localization Microscopy (PALM) combined with single-molecule tracking. Our general approach identifies individual DNA-binding events by the change in the mobility of a single protein upon association with the chromosome. The fraction of bound molecules provides a direct quantitative measure for the protein activity and abundance of substrates or binding sites at the single-cell level. Here, we describe the concept of the method and demonstrate sample preparation, data acquisition, and data analysis procedures.

Photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM) combined with single-molecule tracking allows direct observation and quantification of protein-DNA interactions in live Escherichia coli cells.

Protein-DNA interactions are at the heart of many fundamental cellular processes. For example, DNA replication, transcription, repair, and chromosome ...

Preparation of Single-cell Suspensions for Cytofluorimetric Analysis from Different Mouse Skin Regions

The skin is a barrier organ that interacts with the external environment. Being continuously exposed to potential microbial invasion, the dermis and epidermis home a variety of immune cells in both homeostatic and inflammatory conditions. Tools to obtain skin cell release for cytofluorimetric analyses are, therefore, very useful in order to study the complex network of immune cells residing in the skin and their response to microbial stimuli. Here, we describe an efficient methodology for the digestion of mouse skin to rapidly and efficiently obtain single-cell suspensions. This protocol allows maintenance of maximum cell viability without compromising surface antigen expression. We also describe how to take and digest skin samples from different anatomical locations, such as the ear, trunk, tail, and footpad. The obtained suspensions are then stained and analyzed by flow cytometry to discriminate between different leukocyte populations.

The skin is home to a complex immune cell network. We describe an efficient methodology for the digestion of mouse skin, from different parts of the animal's body, in order to obtain a single-cell suspension and analyze the different leukocyte populations resident in the skin by flow cytometry.

The skin is a barrier organ that interacts with the external environment. Being continuously exposed to potential microbial invasion, the dermis and ...

Neutrophil Isolation and Analysis to Determine their Role in Lymphoma Cell Sensitivity to Therapeutic Agents

Neutrophils are the most abundant (40% to 75%) type of white blood cells and among the first inflammatory cells to migrate towards the site of inflammation. They are key players in the innate immune system and play major roles in cancer biology. Neutrophils have been proposed as key mediators of malignant transformation, tumor progression, angiogenesis and in the modulation of the antitumor immunity; through their release of soluble factors or their interaction with tumor cells. To characterize the specific functions of neutrophils, a fast and reliable method is coveted for in vitro isolation of neutrophils from human blood. Here, a density gradient separation method is demonstrated to isolate neutrophils as well as mononuclear cells from the blood. The procedure consists of layering the density gradient solution such as Ficoll carefully above the diluted blood obtained from patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), followed by centrifugation, isolation of mononuclear layer, separation of neutrophils from RBCsby dextran then lysis of residual erythrocytes. This method has been shown to isolate neutrophils &#8805; 90 % pure. To mimic the tumor microenvironment, 3-dimensional (3D) experiments were performed using basement membrane matrix such as Matrigel. Given the short half-life of neutrophils in vitro, 3D experiments with fresh human neutrophils cannot be performed. For this reason promyelocytic HL60 cells are differentiated along the granulocytic pathway using the differentiation inducers dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and retinoic acid (RA). The aim of our experiments is to study the role of neutrophils on the sensitivity of lymphoma cells to anti-lymphoma agents. However these methods can be generalized to study the interactions of neutrophils or neutrophil-like cells with a large range of cell types in different situations.

Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells. The isolation of neutrophils from human blood by density gradient separation method and the differentiation of human promyelocytic (HL60) cells along the granulocytic pathway are described here; to test their role on sensitivity of lymphoma cells to anti-lymphoma agents.

Neutrophils are the most abundant (40% to 75%) type of white blood cells and among the first inflammatory cells to migrate towards the site of ...

Highly Multiplexed, Super-resolution Imaging of T Cells Using madSTORM

Imaging heterogeneous cellular structures using single molecule localization microscopy has been hindered by inadequate localization precision and multiplexing ability. Using fluorescent nano-diamond fiducial markers, we describe the drift correction and alignment procedures required to obtain high precision in single molecule localization microscopy. In addition, a new multiplexing strategy, madSTORM, is described in which multiple molecules are targeted in the same cell using sequential binding and elution of fluorescent antibodies. madSTORM is demonstrated on an activated T cell to visualize the locations of different components within a membrane-bound, multi-protein structure called the T cell receptor microcluster. In addition, application of madSTORM as a general tool for visualization of multi-protein structures is discussed.

We demonstrate a method to image multiple molecules within heterogeneous nano-structures at single molecule accuracy using sequential binding and elution of fluorescently labeled antibodies.

Imaging heterogeneous cellular structures using single molecule localization microscopy has been hindered by inadequate localization precision and ...

Single-cell Analysis of Immunophenotype and Cytokine Production in Peripheral Whole Blood via Mass Cytometry

Cytokines play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Hence, the measurement of cytokine levels has been the focus of multiple studies in an attempt to understand the precise mechanisms that lead to the breakdown of self-tolerance and subsequent autoimmunity. Approaches thus far have been based on the study of one specific aspect of the immune system (a single or few cell types or cytokines), and do not offer a global assessment of complex autoimmune disease. While patient sera-based studies have afforded important insights into autoimmunity, they do not provide the specific cellular source of the dysregulated cytokines detected. A comprehensive single-cell approach to evaluate cytokine production in multiple immune cell subsets, within the context of &#34;intrinsic&#34; patient-specific plasma circulating factors, is described here. This approach enables monitoring of the patient-specific immune phenotype (surface markers) and function (cytokines), either in its native &#34;intrinsic pathogenic&#34; disease state, or in the presence of therapeutic agents (in vivo or ex vivo).

Here we describe a single-cell proteomic approach to evaluate immune phenotypic and functional (intracellular cytokine induction) alterations in peripheral whole blood samples, analyzed via mass cytometry.

Cytokines play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Hence, the measurement of cytokine levels has been the focus of multiple studies ...

Isolation of Single Intracellular Bacterial Communities Generated from a Murine Model of Urinary Tract Infection for Downstream Single-cell Analysis

In this article, we outline a procedure used to isolate individual intracellular bacterial communities from a mouse that has been experimentally infected in the urinary tract. The protocol can be broadly divided into three sections: the infection, bladder epithelial cell harvesting, and mouth micropipetting to isolate individual infected epithelial cells. The isolated epithelial cell contains viable bacterial cells and is nearly free of contaminating extracellular bacteria, making it ideal for downstream single-cell analysis. The time taken from the start of infection to obtaining a single intracellular bacterial community is about 8 h. This protocol is inexpensive to deploy and uses widely available materials, and we anticipate that it can also be utilized in other infection models to isolate single infected cells from cell mixtures even if those infected cells are rare. However, due to a potential risk in mouth micropipetting, this procedure is not recommended for highly infectious agents.

This protocol describes a simple method of isolating single, infected-bladder epithelial cells from a murine model of urinary tract infection.

In this article, we outline a procedure used to isolate individual intracellular bacterial communities from a mouse that has been experimentally infected ...

Functionalization of Atomic Force Microscope Cantilevers with Single-T Cells or Single-Particle for Immunological Single-Cell Force Spectroscopy

Atomic force microscopy based single cell force spectroscopy (AFM-SCFS) is a powerful tool for studying biophysical properties of living cells. This technique allows for probing interaction strengths and dynamics on a live cell membrane, including those between cells, receptor and ligands, and alongside many other variations. It also works as a mechanism to deliver a physical or biochemical stimulus on single cells in a spatiotemporally controlled manner, thus allowing specific cell activation and subsequent cellular events to be monitored in real-time when combined with live-cell fluorescence imaging. The key step in those AFM-SCFS measurements is AFM-cantilever functionalization, or in other words, attaching a subject of interest to the cantilever. Here, we present methods to modify AFM cantilevers with a single T cell and a single polystyrene bead respectively for immunological studies. The former involves a biocompatible glue that couples single T cells to the tip of a flat cantilever in a solution, while the latter relies on an epoxy glue for single bead adhesion in the air environment. Two immunological applications associated with each cantilever modification are provided as well. The methods described here can be easily adapted to different cell types and solid particles.

We present a protocol to functionalize atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilevers with a single T cell and bead particle for immunological studies. Procedures to probe single-pair T cell-dendritic cell binding by AFM and to monitor the real-time cellular response of macrophages to a single solid particle by AFM with fluorescence imaging are shown.

Atomic force microscopy based single cell force spectroscopy (AFM-SCFS) is a powerful tool for studying biophysical properties of living cells. This ...