The Flow Cytometry Shared Service (FCSS) at the Arizona Cancer Center (AZCC supports the research needs of all AZCC members by providing state-of-the-art instrumentation for data acquisition, analysis, and cell sorting, and the technical expertise to interpret results, and develop methods. We offer information about new techniques, and applications of flow cytometry through workshops and seminars, and provide training to interested facility users who wish to run their own samples. Individual consultation services are available to discuss the specifics of each project.
Under the Direction of Amanda Baker, Ph.D., and Michael Cusanovich, Ph.D., the FCSS is operated and administered as a partnership between the Arizona Cancer Center, and Arizona Research Laboratories, Division of Biotechnology.
Flow cytometry is a powerful tool that measures the functional and structural characteristics of heterogeneous mixtures of cells and particles in suspension based on their ability to scatter light. The cell sorting function separates these cells physically into their different classes. Researchers have the capability to analyze and sort cells by differences in physiology, metabolism, morphology and other characteristics. The ability to distinguish different cell types is limited only by the ability to attach specific fluorescent markers to the cells.
Four instruments are available for use:
The FACScan (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA) is an analyzer capable of acquiring and analyzing data from five parameters that include: Relative size, granularity or cell complexity and three fluorescence channels. The excitation source is a 15mW Argon Laser tuned to 488nm.
The FACSAria (BD Bioscienes, San Jose, CA) is a cell sorter equipped with 3 lasers: 488nm, 407nm and 633nm, and offers 9 fluorescence detectors. The sorting function of this instrument enables the researcher to physically separate the individual cells and particles from a mixed population. Viable cells can be recovered for further study or culture.
The LSRII (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA) is an analyzer capable of acquiring and analyzing data from 14 fluorescence parameters and has four lasers: 405nm, 488nm, 532 nm and 640nm.
The Reflection (iCyt, Champaign, IL) is a Special Project cell sorter with ten fluorescence parameters and four lasers: 355nm, 405nm, 488nm, and 640nm.
For more information, visit the Cytometry Core Facility site or contact us.
Contact information:
Paula Campbell, Manager
paulac@email.arizona.edu 621-2047
Junesse Farley, Core Operator
jfarley@email.arizona.edu 621-2047
Amanda Baker, Ph.D., Director
abaker@azcc.arizona.edu 626-0301
Michael Cusanovich, Director, ARL-Botechnology
cusanovi@email.arizona.edu 621-7533