Flow cytometry:

We have our own BD FACS Verse flow cytometer, but also use other facilities/instruments. We use this method in a wide variety of applications, such as cell differentiation, cell cycle, apoptosis, determination of cell types, cell amounts in blood samples, etc.

Biobanking:

Our lab has developed a biobank of AML peripheral blood cells, MDS bone marrow and peripheral blood cells, and some samples from other diseases such as KML and ALL.  We also have serum and plasma from the same patient, and in addition from patients coming in with possible sepsis or DVT (Deep Venous Thrombosis). These samples are used extensively in our research.

Cell Culture:

We perform a lot of cell culture assays, both with primary cells, cell lines and co-cultures. To mention a few we look into drug effects, cell signaling, proliferation, cell death, differentiation, and colony formation. We have several cell incubators, including hypoxy chambers to more closely imitate the conditions in the niches in the bone marrow.

PCR, qPCR, microarray:

We look into gene mutations, up and down regulation of genes, both specific genes, and more non-specific screenings of cells directly from blood samples, and after mono- and co-cultures.

Luminex and ELISA:

We examine serum, plasma and cell culture supernatants for a wide range of components through Luminex and ELISA assays. Both assays rely upon antibody recognition of the component of interest, and give you a quantified value. For example we look into if there is a difference in the production of different cytokines in responders/non-responders to certain treatments.

Western blot:

We have just invested in new western blot equipment, and will start to look into the protein contents in the cells, and relate this to gene expression/regulation.