Flow Cytometry and FACS
The Flow Cytometry and FACS Facility supports childhood cancer research by enabling rapid and accurate analysis and sorting of cells in suspension. To this end, the facility uses advanced equipment. Researchers apply fluorescently labeled antibodies that bind specifically to cellular characteristics. This allows them to identify and, if desired, sort individual cells, cell types, and cell populations. The Flow Cytometry and FACS Facility makes this technology accessible by providing training, offering technical expertise, and performing experiments.
Purpose for research
Cells possess specific characteristics that provide insight into their identity, activation status, and stage of development. These characteristics differ between healthy and cancer cells and change depending on whether the cells are present in a homogeneous or mixed population. Using flow cytometry, researchers identify these characteristics per cell at high speed with the help of fluorescently labeled antibodies. This enables them to distinguish individual cells and cell populations from one another. A flow cytometer can analyze up to 30,000 cells per second and digitally display specific information for each cell. Depending on the application, researchers can measure 1 to 52 different characteristics simultaneously. In addition to analysis, they can use cell sorters to separate specific populations, allowing further research on the isolated cells.
Services and support
The flow cytometers managed within the facility have different capabilities. Based on the objective of the experiments, the facility and the researcher jointly select an instrument that can address the research question. Where necessary, the facility can assist with carrying out the experiments.
The facility provides support for conducting flow cytometry experiments. This includes:
Preventive maintenance and troubleshooting
Support with experimental setup
Assistance with cell sorting
Education and training
Support with data analysis
Equipment overview
The facility is currently equipped with a spectral analyzer, conventional analyzers and cell sorters, including a.o:
Cytek Aurora – Spectral flow cytometer
Cytoflex LX – High-end flow cytometer (6 lasers)
Cytoflex S – Conventional flow Cytometer (4 lasers)
Sony SH800s - Automated sorter
AstriosEQ - High-speed cell sorter (5 lasers)
“Flow cytometry technologies provide highly detailed insights into cellular processes”
Jeroen van Velzen
Facility manager
Jeroen van Velzen is a Flow Cytometrist and facility manager of the Flow Cytometry and FACS Facility. Through this facility, he and his colleagues provide support and technical expertise to more than 200 researchers within the Prinses Máxima Center. Van Velzen has more than 30 years of experience in flow cytometry and 15 years of experience as a facility manager. He now shares this knowledge and expertise with all researchers within the facility to better understand childhood cancer and improve treatment.
The Flow Cytometry and FACS Facility is made possible by donations from KiKa, the Prinses Máxima Center Foundation, and Oncode Accelerator.