Cell Technologies Shared Resource

University Of Colorado Denver, Aurora CO

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT Overview: The Cell Technologies Shared Resource (CTSR) supports basic and translational research projects for University of Colorado Cancer Center (UCCC) members. CTSR produces hybridomas/monoclonal antibodies to enhance basic research and preclinal studies and makes recombinant proteins for mechanistic and structural studies on proteins. To address the growing importance of organoid-based studies as culture models that better mimic in vivo biology, the CTSR offers training and fee-for-service organoid services. We provide multiple platforms and analytic modules for real time live-cell imaging of cultured cells and organoids to enhance analysis of cancer cell biology. Services and Expertise: CTSR offers over 500 authenticated cell lines enhancing Rigor in Research on our campus, and has over 25 years of experience in generating hybridomas and in producing purified monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins to support basic, translational and preclinical research. In this funding period, the SR added state-of-the-art services, training, and consulting focused on use of organoid technologies. Equipment. The CTSR has all required equipment to support isolation of hybridomas, production and purification of monoclonal antibodies, and of recombinant proteins from mammalian or insect cells, and general cell culture. A large capacity liquid nitrogen system stores established cell lines, hybridomas, and other biological samples. The Sartorius IncuCyte imaging system was updated in 2020 and offers real time imaging of living cells to quantitate cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration, chemotaxis, cell cycle changes, spheroid cultures, and organoid cultures in an automated, high throughput manner. A Mantis liquid handling system and Olympus IX83 with spinning disk imaging system support organoid culture projects. Management: CTSR is a blended SR managed by UCCC and the School of Medicine. Currently CCSG funding represented 19% of the annual operating budget. The remaining support is from user fees (40%), institutional support (32%), and other center grants (9%). Use of Services: Since July 2016, 244 investigators have used the services. Forty-nine percent of users (119) were UCCC members, representing all four UCCC Programs and resulting in 57 peer- reviewed cancer-relevant publications. Consultation and Education: CTSR provides seminars to inform investigators of the research potential in live cell imaging, and advances in organoid culture; and offers a three- week course on organoids and stem cells for graduate students. The CTSR also participates in a Rigor in Research course offered to graduate students. On-site office hours with a Technical Service Representatives for the IncuCyte systems are offered; and the Directors and Staff routinely consult with investigators on projects to ensure successful outcomes. Future Plans: Organoid-based technologies are advancing rapidly offering new opportunities for basic and translational research. The CTSR will focus on developing techniques and capacities to offer UCCC members cost-effective options to advance their research. In addition, the CTSR will continue to enhance its live cell imaging capacities by adding IncuCyte modules that are of interest to UCCC members.