The monitoring of cells labeled with quantum dot endosome-targeted markers in a highly proliferative population provides a quantitative approach to determine the redistribution of quantum dot signal as cells divide over generations. We demonstrate that the use of time-series flow cytometry in conjunction with a stochastic numerical simulation to provide a means to describe the proliferative features and quantum dot inheritance over multiple generations of a human tumor population. However, the core challenge for long-term tracking where the original quantum dot fluorescence signal over time becomes redistributed across a greater cell number requires accountability of background fluorescence in the simulation. By including an autofluorescence component, we are able to continue even when this signal predominates (i.e., [80% of the total signal) and obtain valid readouts of the proliferative system. We determine the robustness of the technique by tracking a human osteosarcoma cell population over 8 days and discuss the accuracy and certainty of the model parameters obtained. This systems biology approach provides insight into both cell heterogeneity and division dynamics within the population and furthermore informs on the lineage history of its members. '
2010International Society for Advancement of Cytometry Key terms flow cytometry; cell-cycle; quantum dot; nano-toxicity; systems biology; proliferation; in-silico modeling FLOW cytometry is an essential tool for the study of the cell cycle by the measurement of the fluorescence properties of large cell populations (1-6). Using appropriate fluorescent markers, various elements of the cell-cycle or proliferation processes concealed within the population can be elucidated. To gain a deeper understanding of cell-cycle, its perturbation and potential clonogenic expansion within large cell populations over extended periods ([1 week) requires fluorescent labeling of individuals with stable, high intensity, and biologically compatible and adaptable markers. One candidate that meets these stringent criteria is the semiconductor colloidal quantum dot. The inorganic nature of these nanoparticles provides longevity to the fluorescence signal that is brighter than organic fluorophores and is unperturbed by intracellular biochemical reactions (7,8). Furthermore, their physical and chemical properties can be transformed to yield specific emission wavelengths and preferential binding to particular cellular compartments respectively. In addition, quantum dots are chemically stable and do not metabolize, facilitating their uptake by the cell and allowing passage to endosomic compartments, which through mitosis provide a means for daughter cells to inherit a diluted nanoparticle load (7).Previously, we have tracked the inheritance of QTracker 1 705 nm quantum dots (Qdot705) that have been compartmentalized within the endosomes of human