Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to the use of automated platforms in the preparation of biomarker-stained cellular samples for microscopic analysis and use of such stained cells in the diagnosis of certain conditions. Disclosed herein is a method of affinity staining a Romanowsky-type stained sample on automated advanced staining systems, wherein the automated advanced stainer destains the sample prior to contact with a biomarker-specific reagent. Also disclosed herein are methods of processing body fluid samples for morphological and biomarker analysis by depositing cells of the sample in a thin layer onto one or more solid supports, staining at least one such solid support with a Romanowsky-type stain and staining at least one such solid support for one or more biomarkers useful for categorizing one or more cells of the sample.

Abstract: An expression vector, comprising a first reporter nucleic acid sequence operably linked to a first expression control sequence comprising a promoter; and a second reporter nucleic acid sequence operably linked to a second expression control sequence that comprises a response element that is activated or inactivated as one or more of the cells differentiate or dedifferentiate. Methods and kits for imaging and monitoring stem cells comprising the expression vector are also provided.

Abstract: An expression vector, comprising a first reporter nucleic acid sequence operably linked to a first expression control sequence comprising a promoter; and a second reporter nucleic acid sequence operably linked to a second expression control sequence that comprises a response element that is activated or inactivated as one or more of the cells differentiate or dedifferentiate. Methods and kits for imaging and monitoring stem cells comprising the expression vector are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to characterization of biological samples. By way of example, a biological sample may be contacted with a plurality of probes specific for targets in the sample, such as probes for immune markers and segmenting probes. Acquired image data of the sample may be used to segment the images into epithelial and stromal regions to characterize individual cells in the sample based on the binding of the probes. Further, the biological sample may be characterized by a distribution, location, and type of a plurality of the characterized cells.

Abstract: An expression vector, comprising a first reporter nucleic acid sequence operably linked to a first expression control sequence comprising a promoter; and a second reporter nucleic acid sequence operably linked to a second expression control sequence that comprises a response element that is activated or inactivated as one or more of the cells differentiate or dedifferentiate. Methods and kits for imaging and monitoring stem cells comprising the expression vector are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to characterization of biological samples. By way of example, a biological sample may be contacted with a plurality of probes specific for targets in the sample, such as probes for immune markers and segmenting probes. Acquired image data of the sample may be used to segment the images into epithelial and stromal regions to characterize individual cells in the sample based on the binding of the probes. Further, the biological sample may be characterized by a distribution, location, and type of a plurality of the characterized cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for imaging an optically labeled target cell implanted in vivo using a reporter construct that encodes an enzyme that is not endogenous to the target cell. The disclosed methods include the steps of: (a) introducing target cell transformed with non-endogenous enzyme into a mammalian subject; (b) contacting the transformed target cell with a cell-permeable soluble fluorescent dye; and (c) observing a fluorescent signal generated by the target cell present in the mammalian subject. In some embodiments, the non-endogenous enzyme comprises a nitroreductase. In some embodiments, the methods may also include the step of tracking the fluorescent target cells in the mammalian subject over time.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of monitoring inflammatory cell migration in a mammal. The methods include the steps of: providing a donor mammalian subject; introducing an inflammatory agent into the donor mammal to create a granuloma; isolating granuloma-derived nucleated cells from the granuloma of the donor mammalian subject; labeling the granuloma-derived nucleated cells with an optical agent; providing a recipient mammalian subject with inflamed tissue; introducing the granuloma-derived nucleated cells into a recipient mammalian subject at a site remote from site where the inflammatory agent was introduced; and imaging the recipient mammalian subject using an optical system. The methods may also include analysing the distribution of the labeled granuloma-derived cells in the recipient mammal.

Abstract: An expression vector, comprising a first reporter nucleic acid sequence operably linked to a first expression control sequence comprising a promoter; and a second reporter nucleic acid sequence operably linked to a second expression control sequence that comprises a response element that is activated or inactivated as one or more of the cells differentiate or dedifferentiate. Methods and kits for imaging and monitoring stem cells comprising the expression vector are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for imaging an optically labeled target cell implanted in vivo using a reporter construct that encodes an enzyme that is not endogenous to the target cell. The disclosed methods include the steps of: (a) introducing target cell transformed with non-endogenous enzyme into a mammalian subject; (b) contacting the transformed target cell with a cell-permeable soluble fluorescent dye; and (c) observing a fluorescent signal generated by the target cell present in the mammalian subject. In some embodiments, the non-endogenous enzyme comprises a nitroreductase. In some embodiments, the methods may also include the step of tracking the fluorescent target cells in the mammalian subject over time.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of monitoring inflammatory cell migration in a mammal. The methods include the steps of: providing a donor mammalian subject; introducing an inflammatory agent into the donor mammal to create a granuloma; isolating granuloma-derived nucleated cells from the granuloma of the donor mammalian subject; labeling the granuloma-derived nucleated cells with an optical agent; providing a recipient mammalian subject with inflamed tissue; introducing the granuloma-derived nucleated cells into a recipient mammalian subject at a site remote from site where the inflammatory agent was introduced; and imaging the recipient mammalian subject using an optical system. The methods may also include analysing the distribution of the labeled granuloma-derived cells in the recipient mammal.