Flow Cytometry Core (FCC)

PROJECT SUMMARY – FLOW CYTOMETRY The Flow Cytometry Shared Resource (FCC) provides Salk investigators access to state-of-the-art flow cytometry instrumentation, high quality services (ensuring that all samples are manipulated and analyzed appropriately), and expert consultation concerning the design and implementation of flow-based experiments. Flow cytometry is a powerful single-cell technique that is widely employed at the Salk Institute with 81% (25/31) of Salk Cancer Center (SCC) members utilizing these services. This accounts for 83% of FCC total usage based on recharges. Cell sorting is often used as an upstream mechanism for single-cell sequencing or cell implantation studies, critical for cancer research and understanding complex tumor microenvironments and heterogeneity. Multi-color analysis can be applied to a diverse array of disease models involving multiple cell types. In recent years, advancements in instrumentation and fluorescence technologies have allowed complex experiments involving more than 20 different labels to be utilized. The FCC offers two categories of flow cytometry instruments: 1) instruments capable of sample purification (commonly referred to as “cell-sorters” or “sorters”), and 2) analytical instruments. The staff fosters a collaborative environment, striving to provide an easily accessible and comprehensive resource to the SCC, and dedicates effort to identify emerging flow technologies or applications that will be useful for FCC users. The FCC strives to facilitate SCC research by: 1) Offering instrumentation – FCC maintains a suite of instruments designed to meet the broad range of current and anticipated needs of SCC scientists (based on research developments and trends) including critical cell-sorting services. FCC staff provides high-quality, live cell-sorting services that are tailored to meet the varying needs of SCC scientists. 2) Providing expertise – The highly experienced FCC staff is readily accessible to SCC investigators for the collaborative development of assays and/or protocols. 3) Providing education, training, and support – SCC researchers at all levels of expertise can receive training in all aspects of flow cytometry, from experimental design to data analysis. And 4) Identifying and evaluating new technologies – The FCC seeks to continuously ensure that state of-the- art flow capabilities are offered, thereby maximizing user benefit.