Flow Cytometry Shared Resource

PROJECT SUMMARY: FLOW CYTOMETRY SHARED RESOURCE The UNMC Flow Cytometry Research Facility (FCRF) is a fee-for-service flow cytometry shared resources laboratory providing research flow cytometry services to investigators in the Buffet Cancer Center (BCC), as well as the UNMC campus and other regional academic and corporate clients. The goal of the FCRF is to be a valued research partner by providing access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, scientific and technical expertise, and comprehensive flow cytometry support to all investigators. Currently, the FCRF supports two multicolor FACSAria cell sorters with 14 simultaneous fluorescent parameter capabilities, one of which is contained within a class 2A biological safety cabinet. Furthermore, magnetic cell separation services are provided using a Miltenyi AutoMACS Pro magnetic cell separator. In addition to cell sorting, the FCRF provides access to a suite of analytical cytometers, ranging from two analog analysis instruments with exceptional low- end resolution, ideal for DNA synthesis measurements, to two high-end, multi-laser and multi-parameter flow cytometers with 14- and 18- simultaneous fluorescent parameters. Also, the facility supports a pioneering high content, 9-laser, 30-parameter (upgradable to 50 parameters) Fortessa X50 flow cytometer providing access for UNMC investigators to high content flow cytometry capabilities. All three high-end analyzers are equipped with a high throughput system for automation of sample analysis in 96-well plates. Aside from providing access to a range of advanced flow cytometry instrumentation, the FCRF provides support in all areas of established protocols and development of new applications guided by investigator needs. In addition, the FCRF provides all necessary training and education to allow UNMC investigators and staff to have a solid base in flow cytometry knowledge and principles, successfully prepare samples for analysis and sorting, and self-operate FCRF instrumentation with confidence and competence. Overall, the FCRF continuously strives to be a valued research partner by providing UNMC investigators with the flow cytometry resources they need to successfully design, prepare, acquire, analyze, and present flow cytometry data.