Human/Mouse/Rat Neural 3-Color Immunocytochemistry Kit

Why Analyze Neural Progenitor Cell Proliferation and Differentiation In Vitro?

Research studies using neural progenitor cells (NPCs) most often require weeks of cell culture before an experimental hypothesis can be tested.

Thus, the ability to verify multipotency at an early stage in the experimental process is an important time saving step. Multipotency status can be evaluated by the presence of cell markers and/or the ability of progenitor cells to differentiate into multiple neural lineages. To determine if a cell population truly consists of multipotent NPCs, it is important to verify their ability to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes.

3-color ICC using neural cell markers:

• Evaluates the multipotency status of the starting NPC population.
• Increases confidence in multipotency status by combining 3 different fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies for simultaneous staining.
• Reduces variability within an experiment and between studies.
• Ensures efficient use of time and reagents by utilizing single-step staining.
• Can be performed using randomly differentiated samples.

This kit contains the following fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies to verify neural stem cell multipotency:

• NL557-conjugated Mouse anti-Human Oligodendrocyte Marker O4
• NL637-conjugated Mouse anti-beta III Tubulin
• NL493-conjugated Sheep anti-Human GFAP

Each antibody is supplied as a 10X stock; enough for 25 assays when used in a 50 µL staining volume per assay.

Neural stem cells provide an excellent model for research focused on neural development and neurological disorders. R&D Systems offers ready-to-use primary cortical stem cells isolated from E14.5 Sprague-Dawley rats. In addition, primary mouse cortical stem cells isolated from E14.5 CD-1 mice are available. Every lot of R&D Systems Cortical Stem Cells is validated for a high level of Nestin expression and the capacity for multi-lineage differentiation into astrocytes, neurons, and oligodendrocytes. Our cortical stem cells are tested to ensure highest quality and lot to lot consistency. Both rat and mouse Cortical Stem Cells can be optimally expanded as monolayers or neurospheres.

To complement the use of primary neural stem cells, we offer a range of supportive products, including culture media which is specifically optimized for use with neural stem cells. We offer kits to promote the in vitro proliferation of neural precursors, and kits to differentiate neural stem cells into dopaminergic neurons or oligodendrocytes. In addition, kits are available which contain panels of antibodies designed to monitor the differentiation and identification of neural precursors, astrocytes, neurons, and oligodendrocytes.