Enabling High-Dimensional Flow Cytometry and Extracellular Particle Analysis at MaineHealth Institute for Research - The MaineHealth Institute for Research (MHIR) is dedicated to advancing research capabilities within the MaineHealth network, comprising twelve hospitals and health facilities across Maine and New Hampshire. Our funding request focuses on acquisition of the BD FACSymphony A5 SE system, a crucial addition that will enable high-throughput, high-dimensional flow cytometric analysis of cells and extracellular vesicles. Our current flow cytometry capabilities are limited to detecting no more than 12 parameters, hindering the progress of ongoing NIH-funded research projects led by various investigators within MaineHealth. Moreover, acquiring this instrument will foster collaboration with neighboring institutions like the Roux Institute at Northeastern University and the University of New England, where comparable capabilities are lacking. It will create training opportunities for medical students, especially in spectral flow cytometry, through MHIR's T35 program. Maine Medical Center's commitment to supporting and enhancing core facilities, especially the Flow Cytometry Core, is evident through substantial financial investments, ongoing funding support, strategic planning efforts, and a pledge of over $2 million over the next five years to ensure the continued success of all its core facilities. This dedication reflects the institution's commitment to fostering cutting-edge biomedical research and sustaining a thriving research ecosystem. The implementation of high-dimensional flow cytometry will significantly enhance the scope and depth of biomedical research at MHIR. These projects collectively aim to unravel the complex cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in various health-related phenomena, spanning from immune responses following resuscitation after cardiac arrest to the prevention of bone loss in post-menopausal women. The cytometer enables precise characterization of cell populations and their functional states, facilitating the identification of key contributors to tissue damage, inflammatory cascades, mitochondrial function, and drug resistance, thereby deepening our understanding of underlying biological processes and paving the way for developing novel therapeutic strategies across diverse health conditions. Ultimately, the integration of high-dimensional flow cytometry enhances the institution's capacity to address complex health challenges and drive transformative discoveries in biomedical science. In summary, the addition of the BD FACSymphony A5 SE to MHIR will significantly benefit Maine's research community by driving scientific innovation, attracting funding, and fostering economic and educational growth. It will elevate research capabilities, support the development of COBRE projects, empower project leaders to acquire preliminary data for independent funding, and enhance training opportunities for future scientists. Moreover, it will enhance operational efficiency and maintain competitiveness in high-dimensional flow cytometry research, ensuring that MHIR remains at the forefront of biomedical research.
