Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Would a soluble factor that regulates proliferation be more useful at growing specific cells than a soluble factor that regulates apoptosis. Please reply soon project is due tomorrow.

Either a soluble factor promoting proliferation or a soluble factor inhibiting apoptosis could be useful for growing cells in tissue culture. In the end, it really depends on the cells and the specific factors, how the cells are being isolated, etc. Oftentimes labs use a cocktail of multiple factors to select for the cells they are interested in and promote growth.

Hope that helps!
JMP