Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics at Peter Mac

Overview

The VCFG is a high throughput screening facility that enables researchers Australia-wide the opportunity to become fully trained to perform screens across CRISPR, RNAi and Compound platforms. The lab has an extensive array of reagent libraries, automated liquid handling, plate reader and imaging instrumentation. Projects can be performed in 2D and 3D settings, with cell lines or patient derived materials. Every project is customised and analysed in house and managed using PRIME, our PRoject Information and Management Enterprise. 

Capabilities

Accessed from Compounds Australia Griffith University

Cell embedding in 3D matrices Drug synergy and interaction studies Live imaging High content imaging Technology development

Single cell proteomics using the Isoplexis Isolight BYO compounds welcome

The VCFG provides a complete screening service, which includes data analysis and it is here that we invest significant energy to ensure that we are updating our pipelines and innovating to maximise the outcomes and identify the most robust hit list. In particular, our focus is on ways to phenotype cells using high content imaging, and by extension, using machine learning strategies to identify target agent activity within screens and across multiple cell lines. We are currently developing ways to integrate phenotypic data with other multi-omics technologies. We have data analysis pipelines for drug and synthetic CRISPR screens in 2D adherent cells using imaging at any scale, single channel to complex multi-parametric staining. Within the 3D space, we can embed cell lines, PDX or PDO's in matrices using automation, which allows us to characterise growth, quantitate structure size, viability and response to death or morphology inducing agents. This is all built on bright field and fluorescent imaging methodologies. Recently we have developed high throughput transcriptomics in conjunction with the Molecular Genomics Core Facility at PeterMac. Using MAC-seq, sequencing can now be performed at scale, from cells cultured in 384 well format, allowing a transcriptional profile from cells treated with drugs, CRISPR or RNAi and or more simply, just characterising patient cells grown in 3D over time. We are developing the tools to integrate the phenotypic and genotypic outcomes of a screen. Nucleofection using single guide CRISPR, or multiple targets together can be performed and we have now developed methods to nucleofect in 96 well format, primarily for introduction of guide RNAs into suspension cells in a screen setting. Single cell proteomics using IsoPlexis, primary application in immune cell signalling.

Human whole genome arrayed sgRNA library (Horizon Discovery). CRISPR KO Brunello (human) and Brie (mouse) pooled libraries. CRISPRa Calabrese (human) and Caprano (mouse) pooled libraries. CRISPRi Docetto (human) and Dolomiti (mouse) pooled libraries. TransEDIT dual guide whole genome human arrayed viral library. Library amplification protocols and reagents. In-house NGS and analysis pipelines.

Fully customised cell phenotyping pipelines for screens in 2D and 3D

Equipment

Fully automated Cellomics CX7-LED and CX7-LZR, widefield, confocal, live-cell imaging up to 60x magnification Cytation C10 spinning disk confocal, Cytation 5, widefield imaging

Incucyte SX5 (red, green, orange channels) Cytation 5 via the BioSpa incubator

Cytation 5 and C10 both are sophisticated plate readers that have spectral monochromators, direct injection for kinetic measurements, luminescence, fluorescence and alpha screen enabled

Caliper ALH3000 and Janus G3 liquid handling robots for all transfection and speciality liquid handling applications Rastrum 3D bioprinter for embedding cells in hydrogels BioTek 406: three units that aspirate and dispense media, cells, fix and stain BioTek multi-flo: aspirate and dispense any plate type Tecan D300E digital drug dispenser

AMAXA 4D nucleofector and 96 well adaptor for high throughput Seahorse metabolic bioanalyser LiCONICs 220 stacking tower incubator EVOS Fl, bench top fluorescent microscope Barcode printer; all instruments are barcode-read enabled Dedicated and fully backed up server for data and image storage

Isoplexis Isolight - single cell proteomics

Access Information

The VCFG's primary mode of operation is 'researcher driven, staff assisted' where a researcher embeds within the facility and is trained on all aspects of their project. Fully serviced is possible but only where capacity exists. Some instruments require limited assistance once trained.

For further information visit www.petermac.org/research/core-facilities-and-services/victorian-centre-functional-genomics

Contacts

A/Prof Kaylene Simpson
Head, Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics
kaylene.simpson@petermac.org

Team Members

 Dr Susanne Ramm | Second-in-charge  | 3D organoid characterisation, screening, analysis, innovation

Jennii Luu  | Lab Manager | Automation specialist, 2D and 3D platforms

Dr Twishi Gulati | CRISPR Screening, iLAB management, Business Development

Karla Cowley | High content imaging and analysis, 2D platform

Dr Mark Li | 3D screen support, fee for service and analysis

Arthi Macpherson | Equipment training, specialist instruments, PRIME management

Robert Vary | Equipment training, screen support

Dr Ada Koo | Assay development, screen support, metabolomics 

Kavya Pamulapati | Equipment training, screen support


Images

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