A Benchtop Cell Sorter for Accelerating the Discovery of Physiopathological Processes

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Our body hosts about 100 trillion cells that can be categorized into hundreds of different types. Each cell type accomplishes highly specific functions within the organ or tissue to which it belongs. We still have much to learn about all cell categories and their specific functions. Such knowledge is extremely important for understanding not only the fundamental biology of living organisms, but also human health. Indeed, abnormal cell function and regulation is the basis of human and animal illnesses including cancer, diabetes, brain damage and infectious diseases. Our research groups are investigating the biological functions of various cell types which are either newly-identified or previously categorized. To better understand cell function, we need to rigorously isolate various cell types originating directly from mammalian organs, or following manipulation in a culture dish. These cells are harvested in small or large quantities to be used for various investigations. To accomplish this, cell biologists use cell sorting, one of the most extraordinary applications of modern bioengineering. The current application brings together a group of nine NSERC-funded teams for whom cell sorting is critically required daily. Therefore, the requested equipment is indispensable for the accomplishment of each research program. Our research will undoubtedly benefit Canada on several levels: 1) The requested cell sorter will greatly enhance our already excellent training environment, thus providing the Canadian workforce with more highly qualified human resources. 2) The acquired scientific data constitutes knowledge that is needed to maintain Canada as a world leader in the highly competitive field of cell biology research. 3) Our research can be used as a major platform for establishing novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies in the battle against various diseases.