Whole cell microtubule analysis by flow cytometry

Perturbation of the tubulin/microtubule dynamic in cells is perhaps the single most important mode of action of anticancer drugs. Standard methods for identifying and evaluating compounds for their ability to alter tubulin polymerization are low throughput, labor intensive, expensive, or make their assessment in vitro. Here we report a method to rapidly quantify the extent of tubulin polymerization in whole cells using flow cytometry, and we use this technique to evaluate compounds that stabilize and destabilize microtubule formation. This facile method is useful for conveniently, quantitatively, and cost-effectively comparing small molecules that perturb tubulin polymerization.