Cell Tracking

Cell tracking is the process of following individual cells over time to measure their location, movement, division, and interactions within a biological system. Researchers typically label cells with fluorescent dyes or genetically encoded markers, acquire time-lapse microscopy images, and use image-analysis methods to link the same cell across frames and reconstruct its trajectory. In biology, cell tracking helps quantify migration, proliferation, differentiation, and cell-cell interactions in cultures, tissues, and developing organisms. These measurements clarify how cells organize and respond to their environment, supporting research in development, immunology, cancer biology, neuroscience, and tissue engineering.

Cell Tracking - Related Videos

Research

JoVE Journal - Developmental Biology

Tracking Cells in GFP-transgenic Zebrafish Using the Photoconvertible PSmOrange System

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Cited by 2 •

2016

We established the photoconvertible PSmOrange system as a powerful, straight-forward and cost inexpensive tool for in vivo cell tracking in GFP transgenic backgrounds. This protocol describes its application in the zebrafish model system.

Cell Tracking Using Photoconvertible Proteins During Zebrafish Development

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Cited by 17 •

2012

Here, we present a method for the photoactivated switch of photoconvertible fluorescent proteins (PCFPs) in the living zebrafish embryo and further tracking of photoconverted protein at specific time points during development. This methodology allows monitoring of cell biological events underlying different developmental processes in a live vertebrate organism.

Research

JoVE Journal - Biology
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Optimized Staining and Proliferation Modeling Methods for Cell Division Monitoring using Cell Tracking Dyes

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Cited by 45 •

2012

Successful use of cell tracking dyes to monitor immune cell function and proliferation involves several critical steps. We describe methods for: 1) obtaining bright, uniform, reproducible label-ing with membrane dyes; 2) selecting fluorochromes and data acquisition conditions; and 3) choosing a model to quantify cell proliferation based on dye dilution.

Tracking Hypoxic Signaling within Encapsulated Cell Aggregates

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Cited by 10 •

2011

A method for photo-encapsulation of cells in a crosslinked PEG hydrogel is described. Hypoxic signaling within encapsulated murine insulinoma (MIN6) aggregates is tracked using a fluorescent marker system. This system allows serial examination of cells within a hydrogel scaffold and correlation of hypoxic signaling with changes in cell phenotype.

Tracking Bacterial Growth at Single-Cell Resolution in a Microfluidic System

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2025

Source: Cabeen, M. T., et al. Single-cell Microfluidic Analysis of Bacillus subtilis. J. Vis. Exp. (2018)The video demonstrates the use of a microfluidic device to observe bacterial growth at the single-cell level. It showcases how non-motile bacterial cells, confined within micro-scale trenches, are continuously nourished and imaged under a fluorescence microscope. The setup enables real-time visualization of cell division and lineage tracking across multiple generations.

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