Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) are unique cells in that they can be maintained in vitro as pluripotent cells and can be induced to differentiate into many cell types by manipulating culture conditions. mESCs have been used as a model to help define differentiation and signaling pathways in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), since hESCs are more arduous to work on. Therefore, much attention has been focused on understanding the mechanisms behind mESC differentiation.

Millipore’s The FlowCellect™ Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Characterization Kit is designed as an easier and quicker way to track surface marker expression of mOCT4, SSEA4 and SSEA1. The kit will also help to determine the percentage of undifferentiated mouse embryonic stem cells in culture by determining the percentage of cells that express both OCT4 and SSEA1 and not SSEA4. This quick test will allow researchers to determine the quality of their cells in culture as well as see changes in marker expression during a differentiation protocol.

Sufficient reagents are provided for 25 3-color samples and 5 isotype control tests. The kit includes all optimized fluorescently labeled antibodies and buffers necessary for analysis. A cell strainer is also included to ensure samples are devoid of large cell clumps that can alter cell analysis.