Application of Flow Cytometry to Cell Biology

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

The Flow Cytometry Core Facility of the Experimental Immunology Branch (EIB) supports a wide array of research projects involving over 50 investigators from both EIB and other parts of the Center for Cancer Research (CCR). These projects encompass multi-parametric quantitative analysis of single cells and electronic cell separation based on parameters associated with freshly prepared cells from diverse species and tissues, as well as cultured cells. Basic research assistance is extended to EIB members and other CCR investigators, focusing on several key areas: 1) Analysis of intracellular signaling via cell surface molecules, both in vivo and in vitro, 2) Examination of cellular processes and defects in genetically modified animals and cells, 3) Study of immune pathogenesis mechanisms and outcomes, 4) Evaluation of coordinated cell surface molecule expression, 5) Investigation into T cell and B cell repertoire generation, 6) Assessment of transplantation antigen expression, 7) Exploration of mechanisms in T cell lineage development, cell death, stem cells, and immune gene regulation. The following EIB/NCI/CCR Projects are supported by the core: PI: Alfred Singer; ZIA BC 009273 T Cell Differentiation and Repertoire Selection, ZIA BC 011106 Specification of T cell function during development, Z1A BC 011111 Cytokine signaling in developing thymocytes and T cells, ZIA BC 011112 Development and function of regulatory T cells, Z1A BC 011113 T cell Survival, Z1A BC 011114 Role of microRNAs in T cell development, Z1A BC 011116 MHC-independent T cells, Z1A BC 011117 T cell receptor regulation of cytokine signaling. PI: Dinah Singer Z1A BC 009285 Responses of MHC Class I Genes to Exogeneous Stimuli, Z1A SC 010375 TAF7: A Check-point Regulator in Transcription Initiation, Z1A BC 009279 Regulation of Expression of MHC Class I Genes, ZIA BC 011381 Brd4 is an atypical kinase that regulates transcription, ZIA BC 011425 Expression of class I in Treg cells. PI: Paul Roche Z1A BC 009404 Regulation of MHC Class II Trafficking in Antigen Presenting Cells, Z1A BC 011033 Mechanisms of MHC Class II Association with Plasma Membrane Microdomains, Z1A BC 011035 Regulation of Exocytosis from Immune Cells. PI: Hyun Park Z1A BC 011214 Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Interleukin-7 Receptor Expression, Z1A BC 011215 Immune Regulatory Roles of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) Molecules. PI: Vanja Lazarevic ZIA BC 011431 Role of T-bet in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, ZIA BC 011432 Regulation of T-bet expression in TH17 cells by microRNAs. PI: Chuan Wu ZIA BC 011755 The role of Foxo1 for intestinal epithelial cells during mucosal immune response, ZIA BC 011801 CD101 controls intraepithelial cells (IELs) for intestinal barrier integrity. PI: Yousuke Takahama ZIA BC 011806 Thymus Biology. PI: Christian Mayer: ZIA BC 011975 The role of apoptosis in B lymphocyte biology. PI: Stanley Adoro ZIA BC 012135 Proteostasis regulators in blood cell development and function. The Core Facility provides critical, government-supported infrastructure to advance the mission of the National Cancer Institute by enabling high-quality immunological research. Our facility offer comprehensive support services that include consultation on experimental design, assay development, troubleshooting, reagent selection, and interpretation of complex flow cytometry data. These services ensure rigorous, reproducible results across a wide array of applications, such as rare event analysis, immunophenotyping, cell cycle and proliferation assays, intracellular and metabolic profiling, and sterile high-speed cell sorting. To maximize efficiency and reduce redundant expenditures across federally funded projects, the Core manages a centralized reagent repository consisting of numerous pre-titered, quality-controlled flow cytometry reagents. This shared resource supports cost-effective operations by enabling bulk procurement and minimizing the need for individual reagent optimization, in line with government best practices for resource utilization. Additionally, the facility is actively engaged in the development of custom Windows-based analysis software designed to extend the capabilities of current commercial platforms. These tools aim to meet the evolving analytical demands of CCR investigators by providing enhanced functionality for high-dimensional data analysis-capabilities not currently addressed by instrument vendors or third-party providers. This effort underscores the Core's commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in support of federally funded biomedical research.