High-Parameter Cytometry Shared Resource

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: HIGH-PARAMETER CYTOMETRY SHARED RESOURCE (HPCSR) Cytometry is an essential, integral, and broadly applicable technology for cancer researchers. The goal of the High-Parameter Cytometry Shared Resource (HPCSR) is to provide state-of-the-art instrumentation, expertise, and training for a wide range of cell sorting and analysis needs in a cost-effective manner for members of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. With the advent of novel tools and reagents, increased computational capacity, and more efficient instrumentation, this increasingly complex technology continues to develop rapidly, To keep pace with changing technologies, increased utilization, and growth of users over the past four years, the HPCSR has expanded its space with new lab renovations, substantially upgraded existing equipment, and acquired new major equipment utilizing mass, imaging, high-parameter, and large and small particle cytometry. The main facility is located in central space and is available by key-card access to trained users 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Current major instrumentation includes a mass cytometer and imaging system, two high-parameter fluorescent cytometers, an imaging cytometer, four fluorescence-activated cell sorters, six flow analyzers, and magnetic and large particle cell sorters. The HPCSR is directed by Dr. Christine Beeton and Mr. Joel Sederstrom, both of whom have over 25 years of experience in flow cytometry. The core’s staff include nine experienced, full-time flow cytometrists who perform operator-assisted cytometry and assist users with data analysis. To ensure optimal use of services, HPCSR provides consultations, tailored group and individual training, and protocols for sample preparation, flow analysis, and cell sorting. This Shared Resource is heavily used, providing service for 154 Cancer Center investigators during the last year, a substantial increase from 87 users in the first year of the CCSG award. The HPCSR serves all Programs of the DLDCCC with the Programs in Tumor Biology (TB), Chromatin Biology (CB), Pediatric Cancer (PCP), and Cancer Cell and Gene Therapy (CCGT) as the biggest users of this Shared Resource. This use translates into an average of 39 publications annually over the past four years. Future plans for the HPCSR include evaluation and development of new technologies and instrumentation for mass, high-parameter, imaging, large and small particle, and spectral cytometry that are pushing the boundaries of conventional cytometry beyond 50 parameters. Further expansion of space and research staff are planned for these new technologies and our anticipated continued growth in the coming years.