Spatial Proteomics

The unit enables researchers to access the resources and expertise from the Human Protein Atlas (www.proteinatlas.org) and the primary aim is to do full service immunofluorescence projects at moderate to high-throughput level. Based on the resource of more than 25,000 antibodies and a panel of >30 different human cell lines, this unit has a unique position to investigate subcellular spatial proteomics for human and rodent biology (service area 1).

Since 2020, the unit is also offering highly multiplexed immunofluorescence (up to 30 markers) of tissue sections using the CODEX platform (service area 2). The CODEX technology is compatible for fresh frozen (FF) and paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue sections from mouse and human.

Open Call for project support in EPIC-XS infrastructures

The European Proteomics Infrastructure Consortium providing access (EPIC-XS) consists of a unified network of experienced access providers and research groups who share a common goal; to facilitate the development and sustainability of proteomics exploration to all life science researchers within the European Union. The Cell profiling Unit at SciLifeLab and other EPIC-XS connected units are now accepting new project proposals. Visit https://epic-xs.eu/submit-proposal-2/ to submit proposals or contact cellpro.unit@scilifelab.se directly for more information. DEADLINE FOR NEXT ROUND OF SUBMISSIONS CLOSES ON June 30, 2021.

Apply Here

Services

We perform everything from project design, sample preparation and imaging to give you as good results as possible. We share infrastructure and resources with the Human Protein Atlas and this include a proteome wide library of antibodies that can be used in tailor made projects to answer specific biological questions. You are also welcome to use our microscopes for imaging after an introduction with one of the staff scientists.

Proposed projects are assessed and prioritized according to the following model

Initial screen of project by unit:

Technical feasibility (yes/no)
Capacity requested for the project (classification: small/medium/large)

Project prioritization is based on:

Scientific potential
Significance of unit specific technique for project
Supporting preliminary data
Supports unit development (competence and techniques)
Feasibility of time lines

Applications

High-throughput subcellular profiling of protein targets in single cells using 4-plex immunofluorescence
Targeted phenotypic screening (elucidate mechanism of action for drugs)
Cell type distribution and interactions in tissue samples

Here are a few examples of previous projects:

Spatial mapping of the host cell proteins upon SARS-CoV2 infection (screening of 700 proteins for identification of potential druggable targets)
Explore the effect of a small molecule/substance on a particular organelle, family of proteins or proteins within a defined pathway.
Screen for proteins co-localizing with a defined marker in different cellular conditions like autophagy, serum starvation or hypoxia.
Confirm data from mass spectrometry experiments, such as translocation of proteins
Evaluation of immune cell infiltration in muscle biopsies from diabetic patients before and after physical exercise
Validate knock-out cell lines and antibodies by evaluation of fluorescence signal reduction and quantitative image analysis

Equipment

Antibodies. 25,000 ICC validated antibodies from the Human Protein Atlas project.
Confocal microscope. 3 LEICA SP5 up-right confocal microscopes, 1 inverted SP8 confocal microscope, 1 DMI8 inverted screening fluorescence microscope
Liquid handling. Two TECAN FREEDOM EVO 150 pipetting robots. One TECAN Fluent 480.
CODEX platform, enabling highly multiplexed imaging (>20) at single cell level in tissue sections

Using the unit

Please send us an email with questions, suggestions or project proposals using the contact emails below. We will get back to you shortly after to schedule a meeting for further discussions if applicable.