High-Dimensional Single-Cell Analysis with Mass Cytometry

Mass cytometry is an analytical technology that combines the sample preparation workflow typical of flow cytometry and the detection capacity of atomic mass spectroscopy, allowing for highly multiplexed measurements of protein or nucleic acid targets on single cells. In 2014, the mass cytometer was adapted for the acquisition of samples from microscopy slides (termed imaging mass cytometry), greatly increasing the applicability of this technology. By using antibodies (or other probes) labeled with purified metal isotopes, the mass cytometer is able to detect up to 50 different parameters (current practical limit) at the single-cell level, enabling a deep and thorough profiling of individual cells in terms of their cell surface protein phenotype, physiological state, proliferation potential, and many other cell states or features. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.