我想用核酸染料来追踪我的细胞，比如DAPI或者Hoechst染料。您有什么建议吗？
这是不推荐的。这些染料与DNA和RNA的结合会影响核酸的正常功能，扰乱转录和增殖。诸如CellTracker染料或Qtracker试剂在不严重扰乱细胞正常活动的条件下对其进行追踪。如果您仍需要使用核酸染料进行标记且细胞是哺乳动物和非血液来源的话，CellLight 细胞核试剂可通过瞬时转染进入细胞，在核表达蛋白上表达GFP或RFP长达数天而不影响其功能。
我想追踪细胞，但贵司有很多产品可供选择，我该如何选择？
请浏览这里（https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/life-science/cell-analysis/cell-tracing-tracking-and-morphology/cell-tracking.html）以帮助您选择适合您的应用的产品。首先确定追踪细胞的时间，然后考虑染料结合机制。钙黄绿素染料标记均匀且对短期细胞迁移示踪效果极佳，但也会被某些类型细胞迅速外排。亲脂性的花青素染料，如DiI，DIO，和类似的染料能标记细胞膜而不破坏其功能，并且能持续更长时间，但如果发生膜融合则可能会染上其他细胞。此外，它们还会在透化过程中丢失。CellTracker染料更有利于长期标记，其带有温和的氯甲基反应基团使之能够与细胞组分共价结合。CFDA SE也能共价地结合于细胞组分。在所有列出的试剂中，细胞内保留与否取决于细胞分裂的速率和细胞的固有特性（主动外排，膜和蛋白质的周转率等）。其中共价结合试剂比非共价结合的试剂展现出更长的保留时间。
Qtracker试剂是最持久并且荧光强度最高的细胞示踪染料，它通过内吞作用被细胞摄入。在许多样品中它们产生的信号可以持续检测长达数周，而且信号足够强，即使在固定和通透甚至加热和石蜡处理过程中，仍然能够维持较好的荧光信号。
I'm trying to label my cells in suspension and track them over time by labeling with CFDA SE, but after labeling them they will no longer adhere to a surface (whereas unlabeled cells adhere well). I've tried to label at 10 and 20 µM. What is causing this?
This dye will bind to proteins via primary amines. Too high of a concentration can lead to cell toxicity or unintended modification of cell function. The solution is to reduce the concentration and/or staining time, or to go with a non-protein-binding tracking reagent, such as Qtracker cell labeling reagents.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.
I want to do a cell migration study for around 4 hours and need to fluorescently label the cells with a dye. What do you recommend?
Calcein, AM and FDA (fluorescein diaceate) are examples of some dyes used for this application. Since these dyes are not incorporated or covalently attached to any cellular components, they may have a short retention time as some cell types may actively efflux the dye out of the cells. The CellTracker and CellTrace dyes include either a mild thiol-reactive chloromethyl group or amine-reactive succinnimidyl ester group to allow for covalent binding to cellular components, providing for better retention. As with any reagent, one should empirically determine retention times for the cell type used.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.
I labeled my cells with Calcein, AM, but when I imaged the next day, there was no fluorescence from Calcein. Why?
Calcein, AM is a good choice for cell tracking and as a general cytoplasmic stain. However, it doesn't bind to anything and may be actively pumped out of the cells within a couple hours, which is likely what happened. The retention of Calcein within live cells is dependent upon the inherent properties of the cell type and culture conditions.
For long-term imaging, you may wish to consider a reactive cytoplasmic stains such as CFDA, SE or the CellTracker and CellTrace dyes.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.
