The overall objective of the Flow Cytometry Core is to efficiently provide CFAR members withcomprehensive flow cytometry services, including equipment, expertise and training at a reasonable cost.Flow cytometry is a unique and powerful technology for determining the phenotype and function of cells andalso allows defined populations of cells to be isolated by cell sorting. In recent years the use of flowcytometric analysis in HIV research has become even more prominent as new approaches for dissecting theinteractions between HIV and cells of the immune system have been developed. The CFAR Flow CytometryCore began operation in 1990 and continues to provide flow cytometry services to the AIDS researchers inthe UAB community. During the last budget period 82 individual investigators used the flow cytometry core,including 28 CFAR members for AIDS-related projects. The instrumentation in the core has also recentlybeen upgraded and now enables investigators to analyze six different parameters using three laser beamswith possible emissions at 360 nm, 407 nm, 488nm, 528 nm, 568 nm, or 633nm. In addition the CFAR FlowCytometry Core now also has available a FACScan instrument for five parameter, three color analysis.
The specific aims of the flow cytometry core are:1. Service. To provide AIDS Center members with cell sorting and analytical flow cytometry services,which are capable of handling potentially infectious materials.2. Education and Training. To provide AIDS Center members with up to date information regarding theuse of flow cytometry in AIDS research.3. Development. A major goal of the flow cytometry core is to address users' needs by ensuring that AIDSCenter members can take advantage of current technological advances and employ state of the arttechniques in their research activities.Overall the CFAR Flow Cytometry Core provides key resources, expertise and support to AIDSinvestigators at UAB and acts as a focal point for numerous scientific interactions.
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