Cell Analysis Core Facility

The Cell Analysis Core Facility (CACF) is a shared resources facility providing analytical fluorescence-based flow cytometry and cell sorting. The mission of the CACF is to facilitate scientific progress at the University of Nevada, Reno by providing researchers with the necessary state-of-the-art tools and support to advance their research goals.

Services

All CACF services are provided through online iLabs accounts. Trained and approved individual users may reserve instruments and acquire training through their accounts. All cell sorting is conducted by core staff. Specific services provided by the core are:

  • Assisting in designing, executing and analyzing flow cytometric experiments
  • Assisting in designing, executing and analyzing cell sorting experiments
  • Providing laboratory and classroom training in flow cytometry
  • Design and printing of objects used in scientific research

Assisted use

  • Cytek Aurora Flow Cytometer:
    • $115 Internal
    • $172.50 Externa
    • $230 Commercial/Industry
  • BD Aria II SORP
    • $115 Internal
    • $172.50 External
    • $230 Commercial/Industry
  • Nanostring CosMx
    • TBD

Self (trained) use

  • Cytek Aurora Flow Cytometer
    • $80 Internal
    • $120 External
    • $160 Commercial/Industry

Equipment

The CACF offers a diverse suite of cutting-edge equipment to support advanced cellular and molecular research:

  • A BD FACS Aria II SORP Cell Sorter with 4 Lasers (355nm UV, 488nm Blue, 561nm Yellow-Green, and 633nm Red) 16 Colors simultaneously, four nozzle sizes, inside a Biosafety cabinet for handling BSL2+ samples, Automated Cell Disposition Unit available for 96 or 384 well plate sorting
  • A Cytek Aurora Full Spectrum Cytometer with 5 lasers (355nm UV, 405 nm Violet, 488nm Blue, 561nm Yellow-Green, 633nm Red), Capable of handling 40 tubes automatically as well as 96 well plates or manual sample options
  • A Nanocellect WOLF Microfluidics Sorter with a single 488 Blue laser, optimal for cell culture post sorting, Capable of sorting into 96 well plates
  • A Beckman Coulter Cytoflex Cytometer with 3 lasers (405nm Violet, 488nm Blue, and 633nm Red), Ability to sample from Single tubes or 96 well plates
  • A Nanostring (Bruker) CosMx Spatial Molecular Imager
  • Formlabs Form 3B Resin 3d Printer
  • Prusa Filament 3D Printer

Resources

Flowjo

FlowJo Software is a comprehensive program for viewing and interpreting single-cell flow cytometry analysis. At UNR Med, FlowJo is used to interpret data for assays including cell cycle analysis, proliferation, kinetics and more. Additionally, this software allows researchers to generate graphs, tables, web pages and other presentation tools.

Panel Designer Tools

Flow Cytometry Tools

  • Conventional Spectra Analyzer: Captures the excitation and emission spectra for dozens of flurophores, allowing researchers to compare profiles to see what best fits our cytometer.
  • Cytek Aurora Spectra Analyzer: Captures the full spectrophotometric profile of the fluorophores across all lasers. The fluors’ profiles are captured in 10-30 nm segments to accurately unmix the fluorophores for deeper analysis. 
  • SONY ID7000 Spectra Analyzer: Streamlines experiment setup and quality multi-parameter data. The analyzer can be configured with up to 7 lasers and 186 detectors and features an adaptable Spectral Reference Library and Autofluorescence Finder.

Learn more about Flow Cytometry Tools

BD Spectrum Viewer

The BD® Spectrum Viewer is an interactive tool that supports optimized fluorochrome selection by choosing filters and assessing potential spillover when designing flow cytometry panels. This tool features the ability to view and compare excitation and emission spectra, an extensive collection of pre-loaded cytometer configurations and more.

Learn more about the BD Spectrum Viewer

Brightness Charts

Brightness Index

The CACF uses the Fluorophore Brightness Index Score to measure the fluorescence intensity above the background for each fluorophore antibody conjugation. These values can vary depending upon the flow cytometer, the instrument filters and settings, laser power and more.

Learn more about the Brightness Index

Relative Fluorochrome Brightness

The CACF references the Relative Fluorochrome Brightness chart to understand the relative capability of different fluorochromes to resolve dimly stained populations. Fluorochrome/reagent performance is affected by many factors including laser power, PMT voltage, optical filters, antibody clone and biological sample.

Learn More about the Relative Fluorochrome Chart

Dissociation Guides

The purpose of the Dissociation Guides is to separate tissues from mammals into liquid suspensions which is required for running samples on machines in the lab. These guides include cell isolation theory and techniques, strategy optimization and glossaries for tissue culture and stem cells.