Flow cytometric method for determining folate receptor expression on ovarian carcinoma cells.

The alpha-folate receptor (alpha-FR) is a folate transporter with restricted expression levels in normal tissues. It is over-expressed in several cancers, particularly epithelial carcinomas, including nonmucinous ovarian carcinoma. It offers a novel therapeutic target for selective imaging and cytotoxic agents.

Potentiation of paclitaxel activity by the HSP90 inhibitor 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin in human ovarian carcinoma cell lines with high levels of activated AKT.

Activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT survival pathway is a mechanism of cytotoxic drug resistance in ovarian cancer, and inhibitors of this pathway can sensitize to cytotoxic drugs. The HSP90 inhibitor 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) depletes some proteins involved in PI3K/AKT signaling, e.g.

Cell-cycle analysis of asynchronous populations.

Cells are incubated continuously in bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd), which is incorporated into cells synthesizing DNA. At intervals, cells are harvested and nuclei are prepared and stained with a bis-benzimidazole, Hoechst 33258, and propidium iodide. In the flow cytometer, the dyes are excited by UV and blue and red fluorescences recorded.

Measurement of proliferation marker Ki67 in breast tumour FNAs using laser scanning cytometry in comparison to conventional immunocytochemistry.

Background: A variety of markers, including Ki67, estrogen receptors (ER), and progesterone receptors (PgR), are frequently measured in fine needle aspirates from human breast carcinomas. Previously, we demonstrated the use of laser scanning cytometry (LSC) for the measurement of Ki67, ER, and PgR in a human breast carcinoma cell line, MCF7 (21). In the present study, we investigated the expression of Ki67 in breast tumour fine needle aspirates (FNAs) using LSC and compared the results to the data obtained using conventional immunocytochemistry (ICC).

Cell filtration-laser scanning cytometry for the characterisation of circulating breast cancer cells.

Background: Epithelial cells may be detected in the circulation of the majority of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Quantification of such presumptive cancer cells might allow for the monitoring of patients with early or late stage disease as an early index of relapse. Additionally, biomarker analysis may allow a more rational approach to therapeutics.

Investigating the relationship between the cell cycle and apoptosis using flow cytometry.

Methods for using flow cytometry to investigate the relationship between the induction of apoptosis and the cell cycle are discussed. Methods for following cell cycle progression are also briefly reviewed. The methods are illustrated using a specific example of the effect of withdrawing an essential growth factor from a cell line.