UCSC CIRM Shared Stem Cell Facility

Microscopy

The UCSC CIRM Shared Stem Cell Facility (SSCF) is an advanced stem cell laboratory for research and training in manipulation techniques and the production of transgenic organisms. This facility enables work on non-NIH approved human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines.

The facility consists of a laboratory for embryonic stem cell growth and manipulation, a state-of-the-art transgenic facility, and staff with expertise in experimental design, protocol development, and data analysis.

The SSCF suite includes a core cell culture room and a cell culture training room for instructing individual researchers, small groups, and students taking the stem cell biology laboratory course. Adjoining rooms include a microscopy core, a live imaging and cytometry core, and rooms for reagent preparation and sample processing and analysis.

Stem Cell Laboratory

The stem cell lab supports the laboratory course for the UCSC CIRM Training Program in Systems Biology of Stem Cells along with faculty-lead research. It houses equipment required for cell culture, a BD Biosciences FACS Aria cell sorter, and a computer-linked inverted microscope and monitor that records images of living cells.  A high-throughput assay station consisting of a 96-well format luminometer and fluorometer is used for applying functional genomics techniques to the study of stem cell biology.

• Leica SP5 confocal microscope
• Fluorescence stereomicroscope
• Zeiss live imaging microscope
• Axiovert microscope (Leica DM IL HC for TL w/object stage)
• Victor Light luminometer

Transgenic Facility

The transgenic core facility contains advanced equipment for the production of transgenic animal models through traditional and advanced embryo manipulation techniques.

• Pronuclear injection
• ES cell transfer
• ICSI/ metaphase II transgenesis
• Nuclear transfer
• Diploid and tetraploid aggregation
• In utero electroporation
• IVF and cryopreservation
• Rederivation

Contract services will soon be available for researchers outside the UCSC community. Contact Armen Shamamian for information.