# Flow Cytometry Shared Resource

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 2024 · $85,825

## Abstract

Flow Cytometry Shared Resource Summary
The mission of the Masonic Cancer Center (MCC) Flow Cytometry Shared Resource (FCSR) is to provide
cost-effective and comprehensive state-of-the-art services and training in all aspects of flow cytometry to MCC
personnel. Flow cytometry is essential for almost all cancer biology laboratories because it permits
multiparametric cell analyses and the physical isolation of phenotypically defined cell subsets for subsequent
analysis or manipulation. Accordingly, the FCSR supports 3 pillars in MCC’s strategic plan: 1) drive research
discovery; 2) accelerate the path to cures; and 3) enable research excellence.
MCC researchers currently have 24/7 access to 8 self-service flow cytometers and weekday access to 4 staff-
operated cell sorters. FCSR staff support the use of each instrument and bring decades of experience and
expertise in flow cytometry to MCC. This provides stability in the daily operations and ensures that MCC users’
flow cytometry needs are met. The Resource’s reputation for excellence and innovation in the national flow
cytometry community allows us to beta-test new reagents and equipment provided by industry. This affords us
a competitive advantage because MCC researchers gain working knowledge of new technologies before they
become widely available. The costs of using the instruments are billed on an hourly basis, with the rates
subsidized for MCC users.
FCSR has been led by Dr. Christopher Pennell (Immunology Program) since 2012. In January 2022, Dr.
Pennell was named as leader of the broader University Flow Cytometry Resource, of which FCSR is a part. In
his expanded role, he remains the Director of the FCSR and is supported by 5 staff members. To continue
supporting MCC research with outstanding flow cytometry equipment and services, we propose the following
specific aims:
Aim 1: To provide MCC researchers with 24/7 access to advanced flow cytometric instruments.
Aim 2: To aid MCC researchers in the design of flow cytometry experiments, data acquisition, and data
interpretation.
Aim 3: To educate MCC researchers regarding the principles of flow cytometry, to train users on self-service
analyzers and cell sorters, and to share cutting-edge advancements in flow cytometry.
Aim 4: To beta-test new reagents and equipment and to continually upgrade equipment.
FCSR was used by 162 people during fiscal year 2022, of whom 103 were members of MCC.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10768162
- **Project number:** 2P30CA077598-26
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- **Principal Investigator:** CHRISTOPHER A PENNELL
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $85,825
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1998-06-01 → 2029-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10768162

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10768162, Flow Cytometry Shared Resource (2P30CA077598-26). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10768162. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*