Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cell Research
The defining properties of multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are their ability to differentiate into multiple lymphoid and myeloid lineages, as well as to self-renew to ensure that the HSC pool is not depleted over the lifespan of an individual. As HSCs proliferate, they progress through a series of lineage commitment steps, producing hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) that are shorter-lived and more restricted in their differentiation potential.
The screening of novel compounds to predict potential toxicity to the hematopoietic system (i.e. hematotoxicity) is an important step in drug development. HemaTox™ assays can assess the toxicity of drugs on the growth and lineage-specific differentiation of human CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) into one of three specific progenitor cell lineages (erythroid, myeloid, or megakaryocyte).
Explore our scientific resources below to learn more about how to source, culture, and analyze HSPCs.
Procedure for Setting Up the CFU Assay
This video provides step-by-step guidelines for setting up hematopoietic colony-forming unit (CFU) assays using methylcellulose-based MethoCult™ medium. Steps include preparing cells, plating semi-solid medium and incubating.
View Now >Training Programs
On-Demand Mouse Hematopoietic CFU Assay Course
Learn the basics of mouse hematopoiesis, how to set up the CFU assay in your own lab, and confidently classify and count the resulting colonies. Progress at your own pace with virtual lectures and step-by-step lab videos.
On-Demand Introduction to STEMvision™ for Automated CFU Scoring Course
Learn how to standardize and automate the scoring of the colony forming unit (CFU) assay using STEMvision™ in this self-paced digital course. You’ll gain access to lectures, step-by-step protocol videos, and a library of curated resources.
On-Demand Human Hematopoietic CFU Assay Course
Learn the key concepts of primary hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) biology and how to successfully set up the CFU assay in your own lab. Progress at your own pace through this on-demand virtual course.
Live Virtual Training: Hematopoietic CFU Assay
Interact with trainers during live-streamed lectures and laboratory demonstrations in this 10-hour, three-day course to learn how to set up, perform, and analyze the human hematopoietic progenitor CFU assay.
Hands-On Training in Standardization of the Hematopoietic Progenitor Assay
Attend a two-day in-person training on the CFU assay for human cord blood and bone marrow samples. A mix of foundational lectures and guided hands-on practice sessions in labs across North America and Europe will help you gain experience in the enumeration of hematopoietic colonies.
Hands-On Training in Applications of the Hematopoietic Progenitor Assay
Attend a three-day in-person training on the CFU assay for human, mouse, and rat samples with an emphasis on applying the assay to your research. Small class sizes and a mixture of lecture and practical sessions in either Canada or the United Kingdom will help you gain confidence and technical skills.
On-Site Customized Training Packages
Receive on-site personalized training to address specific research challenges or to standardize technical processes. These custom training packages provide your team with personalized instruction from a technical specialist at your facility or our training laboratory.
Standardization Tools
Proficiency Testing Programs
Evaluate your ability to perform all the steps of the CFU assay, as well as upstream events such as cell thawing, dilution, inoculation, and plating. Available for frozen bone marrow, frozen cord blood, and fresh cord blood with a variety of dates.
Contract Assay Services
Gain access to standardized and customized assay services that combine specialized STEMCELL Technologies media and reagents with the practical knowledge of our scientists. Choose from a portfolio of characterized assays using pre-qualified primary stem cells or discuss your individual needs with our in-house experts.
