Mass cytometry (CyTOF) is a form of single cell analysis, akin to flow cytometry, that employs a modified time-of-flight mass spectrometer to measure relative protein abundance. Utilizing a 42 metal catalogue, we have developed panels for both human and mouse immune cell subsets, along with other cell classifications. With 479 unique markers (290 human and 189 mouse), any user can create their own panel from our inventory.

Panel Design

Knowledge of metal cross-talk and antibody sensitivity/relative protein abundance is used to carefully design each panel. Following design and conjugation, all antibodies are validated on the CyTOF machine with a standard staining procedure.

We are in the process of expanding the channels available for detection. When long term stability has been determined, we will have the ability to detect over 40 individual channels. This channel number is excluding metals used for viability, DNA intercalator (cell ID) and single cell barcoding.

If a marker is desired that is not available in the current inventory, one can make a custom request. These custom conjugations allow the user to collaborate with us to find the best metal choice to fit their panel and potentially the core inventory.

Through this centralized resource, collaborations and panel expansion is readily accomplished.

If interested, contact Katya Murzin or John Pulford

Procedure for Antibody Requests

1. 1. 1. Browse either the human or mouse CyTOF antibody lists for markers of interest. The antibodies marked in blue have more than one metal option.
      2. Using the CyTOF antibody request template, create a new file with your requested markers along with their respective clones and desired metal conjugates and email this file to Katya Murzin or John Pulford
         • Title this sheet with your full name and either human or mouse
      3. Within the file, indicate how much volume you want of each antibody.
         • The aliquots come in 40uL vials and each request must be in multiples of 40uL
   1. 1. Indicate the home institution of requester
   1. 1. Enter Fund # for Partners Healthcare Institutes (i.e. BWH or MGH) or a PO# for all other institutes:
         • • A check must be sent to the following if a PO is generated: Brigham and Women’s Hospital
         • • Mail to:
             Partners Healthcare
             ATTN: Research Core Analyst
             Suite 750
             399 Revolution Drive
             Somerville, MA 02145
         • Include invoice number on the check
         • Credit card payments are accepted upon request. 
   1. The user’s order will only be completed once this request form has been submitted and verified.
   2. Please plan for two weeks between time of order and order completion. Orders may be finished sooner, however this depends on the volume of orders received.

Standard vs. Custom Conjugates

Standard Conjugates

– Every Antibody is aliquoted in 40 uL vials
– 100 ug of antibody is conjugated at a time
– Final yield of ~70% is obtained (measured by NanoDrop)
– Conjugated antibody resuspended in 200 uL of Antibody Stabilizer for a final concentration of ~350 ug/ml.

Metal Change

– The user desires currently available antibody on different metal than our inventory
– The user must purchase entire 200μl batch when metal is switched that does not fit our Resource’s inventory plan.
– The labeled metal change antibodies are validated by us

Custom Conjugations

– For unique antibodies that are not currently in our inventory
– Antibody procured by user and sent to our lab

Requirements for Custom Antibodies

1.  Purified and Carrier Protein free (i.e. BSA and Gelatin)
2.  100 ug of antibody is needed for conjugations

– Due to individual user expertise, custom antibodies are not validated by us

Pricing

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

Technical Resource

Optimized protocols specific to CyTOF include:

• Cell surface stains
• Intracellular transcription factors/cytokines stains
• Intracellular phospho-signaling stains

If a more formal collaboration is sought by the user, these protocols can be shared and the user may schedule time to observe CyTOF stains done in our lab. Introduction to CyTOF data analysis tools will be provided. This requires assurance of authorship on all related CyTOF publications.

All protocols have upstream techniques optimized to retain single cell suspension integrity following cryopreservation and through the entirety of the staining procedure.

If interested, contact Katya Murzin or John Pulford

TECHNICAL CONSULTATION 

Our Core also offers technical consultation. We can provide the following in-depth services:

• Panel design
• Experimental layout and design
• Protocol/troubleshooting advice
• Insight into the latest CyTOF reagents and tools
• Introduction to data cleanup and analysis tools

For consultations, our Core charges $100 per hour. Consultations will be booked in 30 minute time slots. Interested users will request consultation time by email. If interested, contact Katya Murzin or John Pulford