The Molecular Phenotyping Core Laboratory (MPCL) at the Centre for Heart Lung Innovation (HLI) is a fee-for-service, multi-user laboratory. The MPCL provides research tools and technical support to researchers and clinicians both within the HLI and Providence Healthcare, and external groups from the Lower Mainland research community and beyond.
Evolving from the fusion of the Flow Cytometry and Genotyping laboratories, and expanded by funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the MPCL provides a unique environment for the complete characterization of biological samples. Members of the MPCL are involved in studies of cell phenotyping, protein profiling, genotyping and gene expression in order to further our understanding of the pathogenesis of cardiovascular, respiratory and systemic inflammatory diseases including transplant rejection, asthma and COPD. The MPCL consists of five integrated areas of focus: flow cytometry, genotyping, RNA analysis, multiplex protein analyses and laser capture microdissection. These core technologies combined with our specialized staff create an enhanced environment of synergy. This ultimately leads to a greater understanding of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases that can be effectively translated into improved patient care.
Please contact the Molecular Phenotyping Core Laboratory for additional information including pricing.
NanoString nCounter Analysis System
The nCounter Analysis System utilizes a novel digital color-coded barcode technology that is based on direct multiplexed measurement of gene expression and offers high levels of precision and sensitivity. The technology uses molecular "barcodes" and single molecule imaging to detect and counts up to 800 unique transcripts in a single reaction.
- This technology can be used for:
- Gene Expression Analysis
- Single Cell Gene Expression Analysis
- MicroRNA Expression Analysis
- miRGETM (miRNA & mRNA) Analysis
- Copy Number Variation Analysis
- IncRNA Analysis
- ChiP-String Analysis
Recent publications:
- Th17/Treg ratio derived using DNA methylation analysis is associated with the late phase asthmatic response.
- Two-stage, in silico deconvolution of the lymphocyte compartment of the peripheral whole blood transcriptome in the context of acute kidney allograft rejection.
- MicroRNA expression in response to controlled exposure to diesel exhaust: attenuation by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine in a randomized crossover study.
- Decreased miR-192 expression in peripheral blood of asthmatic individuals undergoing an allergen inhalation challenge.
Pixcell IIe Laser Capture Microdissection
The Pixcell IIe system allows individual cells or groups of cells from a tissue section to be captured onto a membrane, isolated and phenotyped (by protein or mRNA analysis) or genotyped. DNA can be isolated from fresh, frozen or fixed samples; RNA and protein can only be isolated from frozen samples.
Applied Biosystems ViiA 7 Real-Time PCR System
The ABI ViiA 7 is a high throughput real-time PCR system which allows for the detection and quantification of nucleic acid sequences. Key applications include gene expression quantification and the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The system is a versatile research tool and is equipped with a 384-well block and powerful software to facilitate efficient data analysis.
Luminex IS100 XYP
The Luminex platform facilitates the multiplex analysis of up to 100 analytes simultaneously in serum, plasma, cell lysates or tissue culture supernatants. Using a bead based array approach, rapid protein or gene analysis can be performed using as little as 25μL of sample.
Beckman Coulter MoFlo® Astrios EQTM High Speed Cell Sorter
The Astrios is designed for high speed analysis and sorting of cells at rates of up to 70,000 cells/second. Specifically designed for research requiring Biosafety level II containment, this unique platform is equipped with 5 laser lines, 16 fluorescent parameters and can sort 6 subpopulations simultaneously into tubes or multiwell plates. With unparalleled speed and accuracy, the Astrios is capable of single cell deposition into 6 well to1536 well plates.
Beckman Coulter GalliosTM Flow Cytometer
The Gallios 4 laser, 10 color high resolution flow cytometer is designed for enhanced sensitivity when analyzing multicolor assays. The multitube carousel loader allows for high sample throughput and rapid flow cytometric analysis.
Miltenyi AutoMACS
The Miltenyi magnetic cell sorter rapidly and efficiently enriches live cell populations using magnetic microbeads specific to cell surface antigens or bound molecules of interest.
Siemens Advia® 2120i
The Advia 2120i hematology analyzer provides a 23 parameter hematology profile with 5 part differential for human or veterinary specimens using only 175μL of sample.
Technical Support
The Centre for Heart Lung Innovation’s Molecular Phenotyping Core Laboratory provides professional technical support with over 18 years of expertise in the field of flow cytometry and molecular analysis. Our technicians have extensive training on all of our equipment and can help with all stages of your project, from planning and experimental design, to hands-on advice, troubleshooting and data analysis.