Integrative Cell Phenotyping Core

The Integrative Cell Phenotyping Core provides investigators expertise in the use of cell phenotyping methodologies to discover novel biologic and immunological mechanisms of childhood rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases are autoimmune/autoinflammatory processes that by definition involve aberrations in the immune system. Therefore, studies investigating various aspects of immune responses are directly relevant to furthering the understanding of the pathophysiology of rheumatic diseases and developing new therapeutic approaches.

Technology provided by the Integrative Cell Phenotyping Core is fundamental to the study of the biology of cells of the immune system, allowing analysis of cellular phenotypes and protein secretion at a single cell level and isolation of specific sub-populations of immune cells for further study. Analysis of cellular markers is achieved through flow cytometry, of secreted proteins through multiplex analysis, and of gene expression through RNA sequencing.

Flow cytometry analysis can identify specific cell populations in small samples, such as synovial fluids and synovial tissues, which is paramount given the small volumes typically available from joints of children with arthritis. Single cell gene expression and novel single cell proteomics analysis can provide information on an individual cell level of gene transcription, secreted proteins, and levels of specific inflammatory mediators in small samples, markedly enhancing the ability to understand cellular pathways involved in disease processes. Technical expertise and state of the art equipment provided by the Integrative Cell Phenotyping Core will significantly advance studies involving single cell analyses in pediatric rheumatic diseases and studies of pathologic mechanisms of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases.

The mission of the Integrative Cell Phenotyping Core to support investigators throughout the Research Community and provide single cell phenotyping services at a reasonable cost to enhance ongoing research and promote new initiatives that advance the understanding of pediatric rheumatic diseases.

We educate investigators in experimental design, acquisition, analysis, and data interpretation for cellular immunophenotyping and single cell analysis.

Expertise and assistance will be provided by core personnel for:

• High-parameter immunophenotyping (cell surface and intracellular, including panel design)
• Single cell gene expression analysis
• Cell sorting
• Gene expression reporter analysis
• Cell proliferation analysis
• Cell cycle and DNA content analysis
• Apoptosis analysis
• Intracellular calcium mobilization analysis
• Tetramer staining of antigen-specific T cells
• RNA detection by flow cytometry
• Cell signaling analysis
• CRISPR genome-edited cell identification and sorting
• Imaging cytometry

Please see a catalogue of instruments in our core.

We maintain standards, quality control and data management for cellular immunophenotyping and gene expression.

In conjunction with the Cincinnati Children's Research Flow Cytometry Core, we support:

• Quality control & calibration of instruments, including laser alignment and voltage & power tracking
• Instrument maintenance and cleaning
• Data storage and backup
• Provide expertise in experimental design and use of technology for rigor and reproducibility

We assist in the application, development and integration of single cell protein secretion and spatial transcriptomics analyses.

In conjunction with the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Single Cell Genomics Core, we provide assistance and expertise in the application of new cell phenotyping procedures for:

• Single cell protein secretion analysis and data interpretation
• Single cell transcriptomic analysis and data interpretation

Contact Us

Contact Sherry Thornton, PhD, for more information or to use our services.