Patent ID: 7883891
Filing Date: 2011-02-08
Classification: C12Q

Abstract:
1. A method for identifying asymmetrically dividing neuronal or liver cells which comprises a) labeling cells undergoing cell cycle division by exposing said cells to a detectable nucleotide analogue for the duration of one cell cycle; b) removing the nucleotide analogue and growing the cells in the absence of said analogue for the duration of another cell cycle; c) treating the cells to allow the identification and comparison of two sister nuclei which share a common parental nucleus; and d) identifying those unlabeled nuclei which contain only unlabeled chromosomes which have not incorporated said detectable nucleotide analogue, but which have a labeled sister nucleus which does contain labeled chromosomes; wherein the unlabeled chromosomes in said unlabeled nuclei are chromosomes that have separated asymmetrically; and wherein the cells with an unlabeled nucleus and a labeled sister nucleus are asymmetrically dividing neuronal or liver cells.