FACS Core Facility

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The Core provides a wide variety of state-of-the-art flow and image cytometry instrumentation. Full support is provided to users of this instrumentation, including initial planning of experiments, training on the appropriate instrumentation, assistance in data collection, subsequent data analysis, and final presentation of results. Investigators are trained in the use of most analysis-only instrumentation, after which they can use it independently with minimal supervision. For fluorescence-activated cell sorting, a trained operator performs the sort with the investigator present. Specialized instrumentation (including spectral cytometry and novel wavelength and full spectrum laser excitation technology) is also available. The Core provides an active educational environment for ETIB and other CCR investigators, including regularly scheduled workshops on new assay and instrument technologies, and regular presentations at Branch and laboratory seminars. The Core also provides instructional seminars for all other Branches covered under their services. Dr. Telford is the co-coordinator of the NIH Flow Cytometry Interest Group, a NIH-registered scientific interest group (http://www.nih.gov/sigs). The Core maintains an informational website describing both Core services and policies, and internal research projects in the Core (http://home.ncifcrf.gov/ccr/flowcore/index.htm). The Core also maintains an extensive network of training and collaborative contacts outside the NCI. This group also provides a formal cytometry course offered multiple times per year to all NCI faculty. Dr. Telford is a sustaining faculty member of the National Flow Cytometry Resource Summer Cytometry School, a yearly intensive workshop on cytometry theory and technique. Dr. Telford has given the Apoptosis lecture and run the Apoptosis hands-on laboratory from 2004 to 2019. Dr. Telford is also a sustaining faculty member in the ISAC Live Education Task Force, which organizes live and remote cytometry workshops around the world. Dr. Telford lectures on apoptosis and flow cytometry technology and instrument design at these meetings, and manages wet workshops on the same topic. . The Core hosts students and scientists for short-term training visits from laboratories around the world, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The Core also maintains a small internal research and development program, aimed at developing new assay and detection technologies, and at instrument development. Stem cell analysis, apoptosis detection and flow cytometric telomere length measurement . The Core has a strong on-going program for integration of new laser technology into existing instrumentation, including solid-state diode and diode-pumped (DPSS) laser technology, fiber lasers, and non-linear supercontinuum laser technology. This technology allows the use of virtually any fluorescent probe for flow cytometry. Recent work is focused on deep ultraviolet laser excitation for flow cytometry, both for high-dimensional immunophenotyping and label-free cell analysis. These novel technologies are made available to investigators throughout NIH.