# Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resources Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL · 2022 · $295,482

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT—Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resource
The goal of the Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resource (FCCSSR) is to support SJCCC members by
providing access to a wide variety of state-of-the-art flow cytometry equipment, services, expertise, and training.
This includes provision of consultation regarding experimental design and interpretation of results, delivery of
extensive training in the operation of high-end flow analyzers, and provision of 4 high-end analyzers for use by
trained users. Dr. Richard Ashmun serves as the Director of the FCCSSR and is responsible for consultations
with users, personnel supervision, training, instrument operation, and oversight of all aspects of the operation of
this facility. Ashmun holds a PhD in biomedical engineering and has served as the highly successful Director of
the FCCSSR since 1987. The FCCSSR staff includes three senior flow cytometry specialists and 5 other staff
members. The staff operates 9 flow analyzers (4 provided for user operation) and 5 cell sorters. In the current
reporting period the FCCSSR acquired 3 instruments: a BD Symphony analyzer, a BD Aria Fusion sorter, and
an additional BD LSR II analyzer. The FCCSSR was used by 47 SJCCC members in FY17 and supported work
from 4 of the 5 Programs (HMP, DBSTP, NBTP, and CBP). Among the SJCCC members using the facility, 77%
(n=36) have cancer-related, peer-reviewed funding. This work resulted in 112 peer-reviewed publications, 34.8%
from intraprogrammatic and 26.8% from interprogrammatic collaborations, with many in high-impact journals
such as Nature, Cell, Lancet Oncology, and Blood. The contribution of the FCCSSR is exemplified by several
key accomplishments. For example, the FCCSSR worked extensively with members of the HMP (Drs. Charles
Mullighan, Tanja Gruber, Mary Relling, and William Evans) in studies of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and
acute myeloid leukemia to isolate phenotypically characterized tumor cells for further study, track tumor
progression in xenograft models, and isolate genetically modified populations using cell sorting. Additionally, the
FCCSSR was an important part of work by the DBSTP, contributing to studies of cell cycle responses to drug
treatment and the phenotypic characterization and isolation of osteosarcomas and other pediatric solid tumors.
Future plans include testing of complex flow assays and evaluation of instrumentation for enhancement of current
services, including possible expansion into additional areas such as image-based or mass cytometry. FCCSSR
will continue working with SJCCC members to develop and validate new protocols, optimizing the use of new
reagents, and expanding the repository of reagents available to users. Additionally, as the robustness and
complexity of data emerging from the new instruments increases, the FCCSSR Director and Staff will dedicate
more time for detailed consultations with users regarding flow techniques, will expand the in-house traini...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10378570
- **Project number:** 5P30CA021765-43
- **Recipient organization:** ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** RICHARD A ASHMUN
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $295,482
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1997-04-01 → 2024-02-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10378570

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10378570, Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resources Core (5P30CA021765-43). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10378570. Licensed CC0.

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