Stem Cell, Organoid and Cell Phenotyping Module

Resource/Service Core: Stem Cell, Organoid, and Cell Phenotyping Module Abstract The goal of the Stem Cell, Organoid and Cell Phenotyping (SOCP) Module is to provide vision researchers with access to cutting-edge technologies including stem cell and organoid development, extracellular vesicle analysis, and immunometabolism phenotyping. To accomplish this goal, this Module is structured into two arms. The first arm will support the development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and organoids relevant to the eye. The second arm will provide comprehensive services for immunometabolic profiling, including flow cytometry, high throughput cellular analysis, live cell metabolic profiling using Seahorse and high resolution respirometry (Oroboros), and analysis of extracellular vesicles from cell culture and human body fluids. Together, this Module will allow for the rigorous study of a wide range of NEI-focused research activities, including all NEI-funded research projects, and new collaborative and pilot projects. The director and staff of this Module will provide training, technical support, and maintenance of key equipment to facilitate scientifically rigorous, cutting-edge, vision research. The Stem Cell/Organoid arm of this Module will provide the following essential services: 1) Provide technical support and reagents for the derivation, culture, validation, and cryopreservation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). 2) Provide technical support for the generation and culture of organoids from human and mouse embryonic and adult stem cells. 3) Provide reagents for mycoplasma testing, STR profiling, and karyotyping analysis. The Cell Phenotyping arm of this Module will provide the following comprehensive analytical services: 1) Flow cytometry 2) Cell sorting 3) High throughput cellular analysis 4) Live cell metabolic profiling 5) Microvesicle quantification and size determination Collectively, these services will provide our vision research community with state-of-the-art resources that will increase their experimental efficiency and support the generation of high quality, quantitative data for all aspects of visual science.