​An efficient, robust method of examining the interactions between cells uses fluorescent tagging to simultaneously analyze multiple cell populations, speeding up a once tedious and limiting process. The new assay developed by KAUST also has applications in studying cellular processes in inflammation or cancer cell metastasis and in assessing potential treatments.

Cells move through blood vessels via cell adhesion—the interaction and attachment of cells to one another via specialized molecules on cell surfaces. During blood flow, shear forces act on the cells to help orchestrate cell adhesion. Manipulation of cell adhesion can lead to inflammation and diseases, like cancer, while pathogens, such as viruses exploit cell adhesion to infect the body.

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Image: The new assay developed at KAUST is a fluorescent multiplex cell rolling assay that uses unique fluorescent tags to label up to seven cell population types.
© 2020 Elham Roshdy