The Genomic Centre for Cancer Research and Diagnosis (GCCRD) was created as a Regional/National Facility for all cutting edge imaging applications and was initiated by Dr. Sabine Mai. It is part of the Research Institute at CancerCare Manitoba and the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It began with research into genomic instability and mechanisms of neoplasia, but has since expanded to meet various peoples with differing project needs.
Activities of the GCCRD now include projects in molecular biology, cell biology, histopathology, and genetic diseases. The goals of the GCCRD are basic and translational research, as well as the education of students and highly qualified personnel in genomic instability, cancer genetics and imaging.The facility was established through funds from the Canada Foundation for Innovation in 1999 amounting to $2.3 million dollars. Updates and new equipment are continually being added. It has since been fully supported by CancerCare Manitoba and for further information on funding see below.
The GCCRD is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and the technical capabilities of the GCCRD are diverse, but complementary, and they include:
The GCCRD is also equipped with a teaching microscope for the training of diverse populations of students. This includes high school, summer, project, graduate, medical students and residents, as well as post doctoral fellows, and the advanced training of scientists. The Strategic Training Program Grant (Innovative Technologies in Multi-disciplinary Health Research Training) sponsored by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) makes it possible to hold a beginner workshop in the fall and an intermediate/advanced workshop the following spring; these workshops count as credits merited by the University of Manitoba. Please see our training program website for more details. GCCRD facility was funded four times through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to a total of $16.8M. In addition to its other multifaceted capabilities, the GCCRD became the 3D Imaging Node for Canada in 2004. Scientific partners include:
Corporate partners include:
The Genomic Centre's educational component is comprised of endeavours with:
The GCCRD is a member of the Bioscience Association Manitoba and the Canadian Network of Scientific Platforms
Universities:
The GCCRD has been designed as a high-technology facility for digital imaging and analysis. The activities havebeen divided into two major areas, basic research and technical services, that are envisioned to promote a better interaction between different fields of research.
The basic research component of the GCCRD is developed on collaboration with scientific groups from Canada, USA, Asia and Europe. Technical services, on the other hand, are offered on a fee basis, and these are mainly forcused on fluorescent in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and microdissection of biological material. The Centre does not carry out clinical diagnostics, but collborations with clinical genetics laboratories are strongly encouraged.
Applications: Scanning, tissue arrays, immunofluorescence.
Applications: Image processing ,deconvolution, analysis
Microscope, camera & light source:
Software: ZEN Blue 2.5
ZEISS AxioImager.Z2 equipped with
Applications: 2D and 3D fluorescence microscopy, FISH, Q-FISH, immunofluorescence, Immuno-FISH
Dye | Ex | Splitter | EM |
AQUA (CFP) | BP 365/12 | FT 455 | 480/30 |
DAPI | BP 365/12 | FT 395 | LP397 |
FITC | BP450-490 | FT 510 | BP 515-565 |
CY3 | BP 546/12 | FT 580 | LP590 |
mRFP/Cy3.5 | BP 572/25 (HE) | FT 590 (HE) | BP 629/62 (HE) |
Cy5 | BP 640/30 | FT 660 | BP 690/50 |
Cy5.5 | BP 665/45 | FT 695 | BP 725/50 |
NOTE: filters can be re-arranged between instruments to meet specific user needs |
Applications: 2D- and 3D- FISH and immunofluorescence
Applications: 2D and 3D fluorescence microscopy, FISH, Q-FISH, immunofluorescence.
Applications:Fluorescence and brightfield imaging of live cells and quantification of fluorescent signals.
System is equipped to provide a humidified, temperature-controlled, and 5% C02 environment.
Applications:Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), multicolour-FISH (M-FISH), quantitative-FISH (Q-FISH), karyotyping (fluorescent and brightfield), and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH).
Applications: UV laser & adhesive caps allow for isolation of pure cells or tissue sections from slide
Applications:Brightfield microscopy of chromosomes, cells, and tissues
Applications:Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), multicolour-FISH (M-FISH), quantitative-FISH (Q-FISH), karyotyping (fluorescent and brightfield); multiple slide platform for metaphase, cells, and FISH signal detection.
Applications: UV laser & adhesive caps allow for isolation of pure cells or tissue sections from slide
Applications:Spectral karyotyping (SKY) of mouse and human chromosomes, FISH, CGH, CGH array, spectral FISH, G-banding, karyotyping
Applications: 2- and 3D high-resolution (20 nm) fluorescence imaging, laser scanning microscopy, FRET, FRAP, RICS, PALM, SIM, STORM.
All of the above rules and guidelines will be explained in your training session. Users breaking the rules will lose all or certain privileges of the GCCRD, depending on the severity. The GCCRD personnel and the user committee will determine the loss of privileges. Please understand that we have to be strict about access to the GCCRD and workstations, because the equipment is expensive.
Dr. Mai is responsible for the general scientific direction and development of research projects within the GCCRD.
Her focus is upon the development of advanced methods for the early detection of cancer and the mechanisms of genomic instability. She also co-ordinates the Health Research Training program.
Dr. Mai can be reached by email at sabine.mai@umanitoba.ca
Dr. Davie is both the director of the Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology and chair of the GCCRD user committee.
The GCCRD user committee is responsible for overseeing the budget and policy decisions of the GCCRD.
Dr. Davie's laboratory studies the nuclear organization and the structure and function of chromatin.
Dr. Davie can be reached by email at jim.davie@umanitoba.ca.
The Project Manager oversees the operations of the GCCRD in conjunction with the GCCRD directions. Along with Drs Sabine Mai and Jim Davie and the GCCRD user committee, the Project Manager is responsible for coordinating and streamlining activities of the Centre, as well as developing strategies to maximize the potential of the facility.
Ludger can be reached by phone at (204) 787-2760 or by email at Ludger.Klewes@umanitoba.ca
Mr. Wark is primarily responsible for performing wet lab protocols for users outside of the Research Institute and for helping new users troubleshoot their protocols. Landon performs image acquisition and analysis for users outside of the Research Institute. He also trains new users and assists with tours and the workshops.
Landon can be reached by email at lando.wark@gmail.com
Mr. Lichtensztejn's primary responsibility is for the computer maintenance and software upgrade. He troubleshoots computer problems such as server access and other network related issues. He also trains users on image acquisition and analysis, and guides tours through the centre. In addition, he assists with the training workshops.
Daniel can be reached by email at lichten0@cc.umanitoba.ca
GCCRD user committee members are Drs. Sabine Mai,James Davie, Spencer Gibson, James Johnston, Kirk McManus, Michael Mowat and Leigh Murphy.
System | University of Manitoba | Other Academic Institutions | Industry |
---|---|---|---|
Live-cell | $2.50 | $5.00 | $10.00 |
Epifluorescent Microscopes | $25.00 | $50.00 | $100.00 |
Automated Epifluorescent Microscopes | $25.00 | 50.00 | $100.00 |
Spectral Karyotyping | $35.00 | $70.00 | $150.00 |
MMI Cellcut Plus | $25.00 | $50.00 | $100.00 |
Teaching on the above instruments | $100.00 | $200.00 | $300.00 |
ELYRA | $75.00 | $100.00 | $200.00 |
LSM710 | $75.00 | $100.00 | $200.00 |
Teaching on the above instruments | $200.00 |
$400.00 |
$600.00 |
Image Analysis | $20.00 |
$33.00 |
$50.00 |
Data Analysis | $20.00 |
$33.00 |
$50.00 |
The prices exclude labour fees - those are $35/hour (tech), $50/hour (highly qualified personnel). All prices are subject to taxes when applicable. |
Workshop Trainees are introduced to highly advanced software and microscopes. Trainees learn specialized principles of microscopy via lectures, bench work and a variety of techniques such as image acquisition, data analysis and archiving in the GCCRD. Trainees enjoy a unique opportunity to study whole genomes, single cells, cellular components and functions through advanced molecular imaging, micro-array analysis and functional genomics. The workshops cover a wide range of disciplines, such as molecular and cytogenetic methodologies, the use of imaging software, and other techniques pertaining to the GCCRD. Target groups for training are graduate level students in the biological sciences, medical students, MD/PhD students, residents, post doctoral, clinical and visiting fellows, clinician-scientists, research associates and technicians. In addition, the training of high school and undergraduate students, as well as the education of teachers and the public, is a firm foundation of the training program. This adds to the general knowledge of health science and novel technologies, and may facilitate later career choices.
Several workshops are organized each year in collaboration with our industrial partners, Applied Spectral Imaging Inc., Invitrogen Life Technologies Inc., Carl Zeiss Canada Ltd., Applied Spectral Imaging, and MetaSystems Group Inc.
Please go to the Strategic Training Program website (Innovative Technologies in Multidisciplinary Health Research Training) for an in-depth look at past workshops. The website also contains information on how to apply, research and training opportunities, ITMHRT mentors and their contact information.
You may also contact the workshop directly at: workshop@umanitoba.ca