Overview of very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and methodology of their identification and isolation by flow cytometric methods.

The protocols presented here describe the procedures employed to identify and isolate very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) using flow cytometric technologies including fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). We describe the recommended steps in detail for their successful identification and isolation from adult tissues. These protocols were initially established to isolate such cells from murine bone marrow (BM) and human cord blood (CB) and may also be employed to isolate these primitive cells from other adult organs and embryonic tissues. Here, we focus on some critical parameters/key points required for the successful identification and purification of these rare cells by employing classical flow cytometry. In the last part of this unit, we also discuss a novel flow cytometric tool, ImageStream, an imaging flow cytometer, which allows better identification and morphological analysis of sorted cells.