Flow Cytometry
Our researchers are supported with flow cytometry facilities and expertise.
Flow Cytometry is a widely-used field to characterize the expression of proteins on a single-cell level. Proteins in the cell are either labeled with antibodies conjugated to a fluorophore or with fluorescent dyes. Depending on the instrument, several proteins can be simultaneously detected on a single cell, including a microscopic image to assess localization of your protein of interest in the cell. Next to characterizing the cells with analyzers, cells can be sorted based on their protein expression or simply based on morphological parameters to purify the cells of interest for a wide range of downstream applications, including single cell RNA-sequencing, mass spectrometry, functional assays, and others. Technical and scientific support is offered on FACS-related experiments. The platforms are high throughput and the sorting and analysis software are relatively easy-to-use.
Take a Virtual Tour
Want to see where the flow cytometry magic happens? Check out some of the facilities available to researchers at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research via our 360° virtual tour.
VIB Flow Cores
The VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research is supported by the expertise and technology available by not one, but two VIB Flow Cores: one in Ghent, and the other right here on our doorstep in Leuven.
VIB First to Install Cutting-Edge Cell Sorter
VIB Flow Core Leuven welcomed the revolutionary BD Biosciences FACSDiscover™ S8 Cell Sorter with BD CellView™ Image Technology, which can perform cell sorting using real-time image analysis of cells. This marks the second device of its kind at VIB and the second in Europe, following the installation of the number 1 box at VIB Flow Core Ghent.
Flow Cytometry Facilities
In-house equipment available through VIB Flow Core Leuven includes the BD Fortessa X-20 and Sony MA900. Services include:
- Generating high quality data, using the right technical controls, excluding variability, appropriate panel design.
- Being highly flexible, supporting the needs of the projects and adjust to continuously changing timelines, access is granted 24/7 after training.
- Combining relatively easy accessible equipment with a relatively high flexibility so in-house trained people can use the equipment independently.
- Assistance for cell sorting, data-acquisition and data-analysis
- Providing training for cell sorting and Multicolor panel design
- Driving innovation of downstream applications (e.g. transcriptomics) by overcoming technical difficulties related to cell sorting.
Find out more about accessing the devices and services through VIB Connect, or by contacting one of our experts below.
Meet the Experts
