Queen Mary University of London: Queen Mary University of London acquires first Cell DIVE multiplexed imager for a university outside of North America
As biomedical research shifts from genomics to cell biology and spatial analysis, the Cell DIVE platform will play a critical role in defining cancer and disease mechanisms. The Cell DIVE provides multiplexed imaging of tissue sections and can visualise the inner workings of single cells on a level that was previously unattainable.
Its multiplexed imaging technique enables high-dimensional tissue imaging for quantitative analysis of at least 60 biomarkers. When combined with single cell genomics, this approach offers a powerful approach to understanding the molecular and cellular processes driving tissue pathology in human disease. Queen Mary procured the equipment as UK researchers need access to the latest technology to remain world-leading in the fast-moving area of single-cell approaches.
The Cell DIVE is increasingly sought after by research labs, as interest in multiplexing and single cell analysis grows. What makes this technology platform significant is the integration of biology, precision imaging, sophisticated analysis software which enable deep insights at the single cell level.
It has been referenced as a vital piece of equipment in many of the latest research publications into improving outcomes for patients with cancer.
Prof. Cleo Bishop, Director of the Queen Mary University of London Phenotypic Screening Facility, said: “We’re excited to have this new technology available for use at the University following a successful Wellcome Trust multi-user equipment grant. The equipment will help us further our understanding of health tissues and heterogeneity within disease.”
“In the past researchers have been able to study how two to three different proteins relate to one another, but the Cell DIVE enables us to visualise more than 60 different proteins on a ‘cell-by-cell’ basis. We can directly relate each of these proteins to one and another within an individual cell, between cells and within the tissue microenvironment. This powerful approach can be used to shed new light on any area of medical research.”
As part of its 2030 strategy, the University is providing a world-class virtual and physical research infrastructure, which is available to all researchers, supported by internal and significant external funding to support academics to pioneer research and innovation.
Queen Mary has been ranked joint seventh in the UK for the quality of its research, according to the Research Excellence Framework 2021; and across the University, 92 per cent of Queen Mary’s research has been assessed as internationally excellent or world-leading according to the REF21 results.
The Cell DIVE is the latest addition to the Phenotypic Screening Facility at Queen Mary which is open to all staff across the University and external users and is fully supported by dedicated staff.