Bioplex system for multiplexing microassays of biomarkers

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The Bioplex System uses flow cytometry to measure biomarkers in complex biological samples: protein analysis (cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, hormones, cell signalling proteins, transcription factors and nuclear receptors), gene expression profiling and genotype analysis. Up to 100 selected assays can be conducted simultaneously on 50 uL samples, allowing high throughput with minimal sample use. Key advantage of performing multiple simultaneous assays on small quantities of biological fluids are to: a) Decrease animal use and costs, b) Provide a more integrated examination of research findings, c) Stimulate new exploratory collaborations and interdisciplinary research, d) Increase research throughput and productivity, e) Decrease costs of laboratory research f) Decrease our need to send samples out to other labs. In comparison to other equipment options, the Bioplex will provide versatility, and accurate, sensitive analyses over a wide range of concentrations. It will have an immediate impact on NSERC-funded research productivity, innovation and HQP training.  Research Programs: The roles of nutrients and nutritional status in different developmental and metabolic states are important and active research areas. We use a variety of infections, infection protocols, and inflammatory stressors to explore cellular pathologies and immune responses under varying degrees of nutritional stress in animals in different developmental states. Research examines effects on cell signalling pathways, hormones, apolipoproteins, phosphorylation state of proteins, cytokines and chemokines, growth factors, protein kinases, transcription factors, nuclear receptors, gene expression profiles. We perform assays in small quantities of biological fluids (serum/plasma, amniotic fluid, and extracts of tissues, cell and embryo cultures, milk samples) to investigate the interrelationships among nutrition, infection and immunity. Impact on Research Training of HQP:  Many of the 120 graduate students in the School and Institute would benefit by increasing the mechanistic nature of their research, and by gaining experience integrating many outcomes, and an appreciation of the integrative nature of metabolism and the benefits of multidisciplinary research.