Flow Cytometry Shared Resource (FCSR)
The FCSR provides MECC members with access to instrumentation and technical expertise for single cell analysis and cell isolation by flow cytometry and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). The technologies provided are essential to the research of many MECC members. The overall goal of the FCSR is to provide the most up-to-date cell sorting and analytical resources for a wide range of cancer-relevant studies, and to deliver these in a convenient and cost-effective manner for a large cohort of MECC basic and translational scientists. The capabilities of the FCSR were recently expanded to include a new Immune Monitoring Core, which includes access to a Vectra Polaris multispectral imaging system and a NanoString GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler, a microfluidic-based platform for spatial profiling of gene and protein expression. In addition to supporting an extensive range of advanced flow cytometry equipment, FCSR provides technical expertise and training to guide MECC investigators and their staff in the application of basic and advanced flow cytometry techniques. FCSR is supported by a full-time staff consisting of two highly experienced research faculty level operations directors, who carry out advanced technical procedures and manage the daily operations. FCSR organizes and supports a program of workshops and demonstrations of new technologies to ensure that MECC investigators are well informed about newly emerging applications of FACS and immune monitoring that can enhance their research.