Cytomics: A multiparametric, dynamic approach to cell research

Cytomics aims to determine the molecular phenotype of single cells. Within the context of the -omics, cytomics allows the investigation of multiple biochemical features of the heterogeneous cellular systems known as the cytomes. Cytomics can be considered as the science of single cell-based analyses that links genomics and proteomics with the dynamics of cell and tissue function, as modulated by external influences. Inherent to cytomics are the use of sensitive, scarcely invasive, fluorescence-based multiparametric methods and the event-integrating concept of individual cells to understand the complexity and behaviour of tissues and organisms. Among cytomic technologies, flow cytometry, confocal laser scanning microscopy and laser capture microdissection are of great relevance. Other recent technologies based on single cell bioimaging and bioinformatic tools become important in drug discovery and toxicity testing, because of both high-content and high-troughput. The multiparametric capacity of cytomics is very useful for the identification, characterization and isolation of stem cell populations. In our experience, flow cytometry is a powerful and versatile tool that allows quantitative analysis of single molecules, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells for basic, biotechnological, environmental and clinical studies. The dynamic nature of cytomic assays leads to a real-time kinetic approach based on sequential examination of different single cells from a population undergoing a dynamic process, the in fluxo level. Finally, cytomic technologies may provide in vitro methods alternative to laboratory animals for toxicity assessment.