About the Flow Cytometry Shared Resource (FCSR)
The FCSR provides access to state-of-the-art instrumentation in a cost-effective manner and to deliver skilled technical assistance, training, and support to Massey researchers in basic and translational research.
A wide range of services are available related to cell sorting and analysis, from routine fluorescence analysis to interactive custom design of innovative analysis and sorting protocols that address the specific needs of individual investigators. The resource manager closely follows the analyses performed by the core facility, insuring quality control and advising facility users on approaches to experimental design and data analysis.
This shared resource maintains a stable base of instrumentation, expertise and trained personnel to provide services and training for multiple users.
Acknowledge the Flow Cytometry Shared Resource
This Shared Resource is jointly supported by VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.
The VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Flow Cytometry Shared Resource was established in 1976, and has been constantly modernized since that time. It currently occupies over 1500 sq ft in the Kontos Medical Science Building and the Molecular Medicine Research Building, and provides a comprehensive instrumentation suite and technical services in support of both cell sorting and analysis on a fee-for-service basis. The core currently features seven primary instruments. High speed cell sorting is conducted using the five-laser BD FACSAria Fusion sorter as well as our five-laser spectral Cytek Aurora CS sorter. Our sorters are enclosed in BSL2 level biosafety hoods, enabling the sorting of human and biohazardous tissues. Sorting capabilities include up to 22 parameter, 18 color simultaneous detection with 4 simultaneous sorts by traditional cytometry and up to 43 parameter, 38 color simultaneous detection with 6 simultaneous sorts by spectral cytometry. The core supports two traditional analyzers, a BD FACSCanto II and a five-laser BD LSRFortessa X-20, an image cytometer, an Amnis ImageStreamX MarkII, and a spectral analyzer, a five-laser Cytek Aurora. Analysis capabilities include up to 43 parameter, 38 color simultaneous detection utilizing multi-parameter, complex flow cytometry. In addition to flow instrumentation, the core also maintains a Reichert surface plasmon resonance (SPR) instrument for determination of protein interaction constants. The director, Rebecca K. Martin, has over a decade of experience in flow cytometry. The resource provides a wide range of services, including instrument training, routine fluorescence analysis, and development of innovative custom assays and sorting protocols paired with analysis. Walk-up instrument time is available to trained users. The VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Flow Cytometry Shared Resource is supported, in part, by funding from the NIH-NCI Cancer Center Support Grant P30 CA016059.