The Department of Microbiology & Immunology Flow Cytometry Core assists researchers in flow cytometry based studies. Cell samples can be quickly analyzed based on phenotypic markers and functional assays. Characterization of distinct cell populations based on these techniques has become increasingly important in biomedical research. Flow cytometry is especially useful for physically separating specific sub-populations defined by specific parameters using a fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS). The microscope core provides researchers the ability to obtain high quality imaging data using state-of-the-art microscopy instruments. 

Services include:

• Analytical flow cytometry for immunophenotyping
• Flow cytometry for apoptosis and cell cycle
• Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)
• Fluorochrome panel design
• Flow Analyzer & Cell Sorter Training
• Confocal Assistance & Training

The shared resource operates three flow cytometers. The LSRFortessa and LSR II are designed for multi-fluorescence analysis while the custom configured FACS Aria II SORP high-speed cell sorter is capable of rapid sorting of cells, bacteria, yeast, and other small particles based on multiple parameter characteristics into highly pure populations. Our two flow cytometers and cell sorter have five lasers capable of simultaneous 18-color detection (i.e. 488nm - 2 PMTs, 405nm - 7 PMTs, 355nm - 3 PMTs, 640nm - 3 PMTs, and 561nm - 3 PMTs) of apoptosis, DNA/cell cycle analysis, detection of novel living color fluorescent proteins (DsRed, mCherry, tdTomato, mOrange, mPlum, et al.), immunophenotyping and calcium influx experiments.

NOTE: Our Aria cell sorter contains only four lasers (405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 640nm) and is no longer equipped with a UV laser (355nm).

The flow cytometric separation of cells from unfixed animal tissue is possible on the BD FACSAria cell sorter, which is housed in a Baker BioProtect IV biohazard cabinet. For unfixed human specimens, please contact Ryan Wantroba. Before the initial sort is performed, each user is required to meet with the core manager to discuss your cell type, origin of sample, and special requirements.

In additional to these systems, the facility also has a state-of-the-art Zeiss LSM710 ConfoCorr confocal imaging microscope system, a Zeiss AxioVert microscope, and a Typhoon Trio imaging system. 

Leadership

 Ryan Wantroba
Flow Core Manager
Phone: 203-233-8665
Email: rmw2178@cumc.columbia.edu

 Nicholas Arpaia, Ph.D.
Director
Phone: 212-305-1379
Email: na2697@cumc.columbia.edu

  James Lapin
Dept. Administrator
Phone: 212-305-4046
Email: jl2787@cumc.columbia.edu

  Carol Duigou
Accounts Manager
Phone: 212-305-3647
Email: ced4@cumc.columbia.edu

Location and hours of operation

Links and Resources

htttp://www.microbiology.columbia.edu/fcc

Contacts