Seminars - Malaghan Institute of Medical Research

Flow Cytometry Report
Flow cytometry is the cornerstone technique for cell analysis at the Malaghan Institute,
and we are the busiest research-based flow cytometry laboratory in New Zealand with
state-of-the-art cytometers.
Fluorescence-activated flow cytometry is one of the most powerful technologies used in
immunology research and works by utilising lasers to excite fluorescent dyes attached
to specific cell types. This enables recognition and sorting of cells of interest. My role
as flow cytometrist is to offer support and information to the researchers regarding new
fluorophores, dyes or technologies that will benefit their experimentation. I also maintain
all the Flow Suite equipment so that everything runs smoothly. My position is unique as
my role is one of only two at this level in New Zealand.
One of the most vital pieces of equipment that we rely on for all our experiments is the
BD FACSVantage DiVa, a large flow cytometer equipped with cell sorting capabilities. Cells
are inserted into the flow cytometer in a fluid stream that is broken up into droplets by
vibration of the nozzle they come out of. If a droplet contains a cell-type of interest, it gets
electronically charged and deflected into a collection vessel by passage through an electric field.
With our FACSVantage DiVa I can analyse up to 10,000 individual cells per second, looking
at five different markers and two physical properties of how each cell scatters light to
allow the identification and sorting of often very small populations of cells.
Two projects that have kept me particularly busy this year have been with the Infectious
Diseases and Cancer Immunotherapy research groups, where I have been involved in
sorting memory T cells that are reactive against Tuberculosis, and in isolating dendritic
cells from tumours to see if they can induce anti-tumour immune responses.
A key research initiative is the need to develop the skills and techniques to sort cancer
stem cells. These very rare cells have been an overlooked issue in cancer treatment and
cancer cell drug targeting. However there are obvious dangers in working with stem
cells and the powerful UV laser that is used to identify them. We feel very privileged
to receive the support of AMI who understood the importance of us undertaking this
research and made a generous donation that enabled us to purchase a new UV laser that