MULTIPLEX METHODS TO ASSAY MIXED CELL POPULATIONS SIMULTANEOUSLY

摘要

Methods to simultaneously test and screen multiplexed, mixed cell populations, e.g., populations comprising genetically heterogeneous cancer cells, in common conditions.

主权项

1. A method for simultaneously determining the effect of a test condition on viability or proliferation of each of a plurality of genetically heterogeneous cell types, the method comprising:
providing a unitary sample comprising a plurality of genetically heterogeneous cell types, wherein each cell type further comprises:
(i) an exogenous nucleic acid tag stably integrated into the genome of the cells, comprising a core sequence that is unique to each cell type, and flanking amplification primer binding sequences that are the same in all of the cells of the plurality, and(ii) optionally a selectable or detectable marker; and a known number of cells of each cell type is present in the sample; exposing the sample to a test condition for a selected time; and detecting a level of the exogenous nucleic acid tag in each cell type, wherein the level of the exogenous nucleic acid tag is proportional to the number of living cells in the sample after exposure to the test condition; and comparing the number of living cells in the sample after exposure to the test condition to a reference number of cells; wherein the number of living cells in the sample after exposure to the test condition as compared to the reference number of cells indicates the effect of the test condition on viability or proliferation of each cell type.