NIH Reporter #5P30CA014051-55

Flow Cytometry

Award for Flow Cytometry research and core facility enhancement at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, supporting cancer research through advanced cell sorting and analysis technologies.

Description

Flow cytometry is an essential method in cancer research. It is widely used to identify, track and purify specific cell populations through analysis of cell surface markers and/or fluorescent reporter genes, and also to assess cellular phenotypes, such as cell cycle progression, DNA damage or apoptosis responses. Flow cytometry also supports a broad range of engineering-based approaches, such as quantification of targeting efficiencies for antibody- and copolymer-based therapeutic delivery systems, and high-throughput approaches to develop fluorophore-based protein labeling and imaging technology. The Koch Institute Flow Cytometry Core is a Shared Resource that provides Center Members with training in, and access to, state-of-the-art cell sorting instrumentation, technical expertise and training, and data analyses. In the current period, the capabilities of this Core were further expanded and enhanced. Two new analyzers and two new sorters were acquired, replacing older obsolete instrumentation, and three systems were upgraded with new lasers to expand detection capabilities. Core service usage by Center Members has remained high (93%). Using CCSG Developmental Funds, the Core supported a Research Specialist who established a suite of single cell-associated technologies, including high throughput single cell mRNA sequencing. The Core plans to evaluate high parameter cell sorting, robotics for automated sampling, mass cytometry, and multiplexed ion beam imaging, along with expanding training opportunities. This Shared Resource is vital to the success of the Koch Institute mission and provides exceptional value to the CCSG.

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