Abstract: A method for a microscope-based quantitative analysis of contact-dependent cell-to-cell transfer between cells. Single donor cells containing a traceable marker are cultured in a lawn of acceptor cells to allow cell-to-cell transfers. The donor and acceptor cells are then imaged and/or stained for microscopy to determine the location, shape and volumes of donor cells and of surrounding acceptor cells within selected regions of interest. The spatial distribution of the traceable marker in each volumetric picture element of the region of interest is determined and analyzed to determine quantitatively and qualitatively the substance transfer. The method allows a reliable quantitative evaluation of the effect of an active agent on cell-to-cell molecular communication and disease transmission.

Abstract: Method and device for automated cell analysis and determination of transport and communication between living cells by analyzing the formation of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) between cells. This method comprising the steps of singularizing cells in a culture medium and staining the cells with a fluorescent or luminescent dyes for staining of cytoplasm and membranes as well as TNTs, flagella and other cell particles for 3-D cell microscopy. The method comprises further an image analysis system.