Flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) have enabled basic and clinical research to move in important new directions. These techniques are used to rapidly classify and separate cells or other small particles based on the intensity of their fluorescence.
The Flow Cytometry facility, located in a 4,300 sq. ft. laboratory in the Brander Cancer Research Institute, provides investigators with the instrumentation and technical support that are essential to obtaining accurate results. The facility contains sample preparation areas, tissue culture facilities and a molecular biology lab for gels and flow cytometry instrumentation.
The Brander Cancer Research Institute is an international leader in studying the action of antitumor drug, basic research into molecular control of cell proliferation, apoptosis and the DNA damage response pathways and carries out translational research programs in leukemia, lymphoma and breast cancer.
Instrumentation
A Beckman Coulter MoFlo XDP high-speed flow cytometer/sorter equipped with three laser light sources for simultaneous excitation in the UV, blue and red. The system can acquire two light scatter parameters (forward and right angle) and eleven fluorescence measurements from violet (405 nm) to near infrared (785 nm). The instrument is equipped with four way sorting and the ability to sort single cells into multiwell plates under sterile conditions; A Becton Dickinson FACScan flow cytometer for three-color analysis of DNA and intracellular and/or cell surface markers; and a CompuCyte four laser (violet, blue, yellow and red) iCys scanning cytometer for four color analysis of fluorescent stained cells on slides as well as ratios of the various parameters. The instrument operates at rates of several hundred cells/second and has the capacity to revisit cells, measure live and fixed cells on the slide and create a photomontage of selected cells.
Flow cytometry data analysis systems, primarily IBM PC-based and software for acquiring data and for data analysis are available. Each flow cytometer is connected to its own dedicated computer and color printer. The MoFlo cell sorter has a separate workstation for data analysis and storage.
Areas of Specialization
Studies are progressing in the areas of apoptosis, cell cycle and mechanism of action of anti-tumor drugs. New cytochemical and molecular methods applicable to flow cytometry and static cytometry are being developed to assist in this research. Clinical research is ongoing in the areas of leukemia (analysis of individual patient response to chemotherapy), prostate cancer (testing of natural product therapy) and melanoma (effects of low fat diet).
Contacts:
Zbigniew Darzynkiewicz, M.D., Ph.D., Director
Professor of Experimental Pathology, Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology Director, Brander Cancer Research Institute
Frank Traganos, Ph.D., Research Coordinator
Professor of Experimental Pathology, Medicine, Immunology and Microbiology Associate Director, Brander Cancer Research Institute
Brander Cancer Research Institute
New York Medical College
Basic Science Building, Room 438
Valhalla, NY 10595
Tel: 914/549-3780
Fax: 914/594-3790
E-Mail: frank_traganos@nymc.edu