MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London
Science for Health
Flow Cytometry Facility
The Flow Cytometry Facility provides state-of-the-art technology for high speed, sterile sorting of multiple types of cell populations for cellular, molecular, signalling and in vivo studies. The facility also provides single cell sorting and cloning. In addition, it offers multiparameter fluorochrome analysis of cell markers, and measurement of calcium fluxes, apoptosis and cell cycle parameters.
Flow cytometry uses laser light to excite fluorescent labelled molecules (such as antibodies or proteins) attached to or located inside cells and subsequently detects the emitted fluorescent light on cells passing in single file in a fluid stream. Applications include the use of fluorescent labelled molecules to measure cell surface and intracellular antigens and receptors, cell cycle status, intracellular ion flux and cell proliferation. For example, endogenous fluorescence in GFP transfected cells or from intracellular structures allows identification of cells in a mixed population. Using electrostatic deflection to divert and collect cells with one or more fluorescent labels enables defined subpopulations to be sorted.
The facility serves a large number of NIMR researchers from the Infections and Immunity, Genetics and Development and Neurosciences Groups. In addition to providing NIMR scientists with an essential cell sorting service and FACS analyser facility, the Facility trains research staff, including PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
Equipment
The facility is well equipped, with four Cell Sorters that range from 4-colour to 13-colour machines (Beckman Coulter MoFlo; Becton Dickinson FACS Aria II) and eight FACS Analysers that include 4-colour and 9-colour machines (Becton Dickinson FACS Calibur, Canto and LSRII; Beckman Coulter Cyan ADP).
FACS profile of T-cells dividing in different host environments. (Image courtesy of Benedict Seddon).
© MRC National Institute for Medical Research
The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA
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