A Versatile Method for Immunofluorescent Staining of Cells Cultured on Permeable Membrane Inserts

BACKGROUND: Obtaining high-quality images of cellular structures via immunofluorescence staining is critical for cellular localization studies. Often, these studies cannot be performed in parallel with certain oncology, virology, pharmacokinetic, and drug absorption studies due to model system technicalities requiring the cells to be cultured on porous membranes rather than glass or plastic. MATERIAL/METHODS: Here, we report a method of immunofluorescent staining of cells cultured on permeable membranes. RESULTS: As proof of principle, HeLa cells grown on Transwell(®) membrane supports were stained with fluorescently labeled antibodies using this modified immunofluorescence staining method and visualized by fluorescent microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: This protocol is a convenient alternative to staining cells on glass coverslips, thereby expanding the scope and applications of this important research tool.