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AAT Bioquest

What are the common methods used to measure cell proliferation?

Posted August 23, 2022


Answer

The most common and accurate assays to measure cell proliferation rely on measuring DNA content or DNA synthesis in replicating cells. These assays typically involve incubating live cells with compounds such as Thymidine analogs that can be incorporated into newly synthesized DNA. The compounds are then detected using a reporter. Cell proliferation assays are performed using standard methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC), and high content imaging.

Additional resources

Cell Proliferation Assays

Cell Meter™ Colorimetric MTT Cell Proliferation Kit

Simple Laboratory methods to measure cell proliferation using DNA synthesis property