Flow cytometry is a cutting-edge technology used to detect and analyze the physical and chemical properties of cells and particles on a single-cell level. The ICR’s Flow Cytometry Facilities are equipped to support a wide range of studies, from immunology and inflammation biology to stem cell research, clinical trials, biomarker discovery, and drug development. These facilities serve researchers at the ICR, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, and external collaborators from academia, industry, and other research institutions.
The ICR’s Flow Cytometry Facilities are located at both the Chelsea and Sutton sites and are staffed by a team of experts. The facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, including:
- Cell Analysers: BD LSR II, BD Symphony A5, and CytoFLEX LX.
- Cell Sorters: BD Symphony S6, Sony Cell Sorters SH800, and MA900.
In addition, the facilities offer full training and support for all analysers and Sony cell sorters, enabling users to operate equipment 24/7 after completing training. The BD Symphony S6 cell sorting service is provided exclusively by the flow cytometry team, who assist with cell sorting and preparation for downstream applications. The Chelsea site also hosts BD Rhapsody for single-cell genomics, offering comprehensive services in collaboration with the Genomics Facility.
The team provides comprehensive support for researchers, including:
- Experiment design and optimization.
- Panel design and setup.
- Technical troubleshooting.
- Applications such as immunophenotyping, cell cycle analysis, cell proliferation assays, apoptosis, phagocytosis, and data analysis.
The facilities also host regular seminars and webinars on advanced flow cytometry topics, including high-parameter experiments, panel design, data analysis, and emerging technologies.
Quote 1:
"Using flow panels developed for the Centre for Translational Immunotherapy (CTI), we are now able to characterize both the lymphocyte and myeloid cell compartment of the tumour immune infiltrate in mice. Working with the outstanding team at the Flow Cytometry Core Facility on the FACSymphony A5 platform allows us to produce reliable and reproducible data."
– Dr. Erik Wennerberg, Team Leader, Radiation-enhanced Immunotherapy.
Quote 2:
"We are investigating the role of phenotypic plasticity in neuroblastoma. The equipment and expertise provided by the ICR’s Flow Cytometry facility have been invaluable, supporting us throughout our experiments."
– Dr. Cecilia Roux, Postdoctoral Training Fellow, Preclinical Modelling of Paediatric Cancer Evolution.
For more information, please contact [email protected] or Hira Ale, Flow Cytometry Facility Manager.
Team Members:
- Bhagyashree Satam, Research Assistant Flow Cytometry (SO), primarily based in Chelsea.
- Sitara Ballal, Research Assistant Flow Cytometry (SO), primarily based in Sutton.
- Yuliya Semochkina, Senior Research Assistant Flow Cytometry (HSO), primarily based in Chelsea.
- Shruti Daga, Senior Research Assistant Flow Cytometry (HSO), primarily based in Sutton.
- Hira Ale, Flow Cytometry Facility Manager, Chelsea and Sutton.
Academic Lead: Dr. Astero Klampatsa.
Head of Core Research Facilities: Dr. Tina Daviter.
