A method to accuratelly measure cellular volume a large number of living single cells

What is it about?

The method is based on the principle of fluorescent dye exclusion and can be easily implemented in cell biology laboratories. Controls and limitations of the method are also discussed.

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Why is it important?

Volume is a basic physical property of cells; however, it has been poorly investigated in cell biology so far, mostly because it is difficult to measure it precisely. This method have unique advantages: (1) it is easy to use and adapted to many different cell types, both adherent and suspended; (2) it is largely compatible with classical cell biology tools such as fluorescence imaging or transient drug treatment thus enabling direct investigation of cell volume regulation; (3) it is adapted to timescales ranging from seconds to several days and is therefore suitable for a wide range of biological questions.