BioLab: learning, training and connecting

BioLab at OICR manages state-of-art equipment for translational cancer research and offers free educational seminars, advanced technology workshops and hands-on instrument training sessions led by instrument application specialists.

The mission of BioLab is to provide continuous education and training for the next generation of Ontario cancer researchers using existing and advanced cancer-related technologies, applications, tools and instrumentation.

BioLab Provides

BioLab goes beyond basic theory and training to provide application-driven experiences. BioLab training explores the full potential of state-of-art cancer research equipment from experimental design, through correct equipment usage and even covers project-driven applications.

The training sessions offered by BioLab foster collaboration in the cancer research community and provide a place to share experiences, build new collaborations and drive cancer research forward.

Who can participate?

All educational seminars, workshops, and instrument training sessions offered are free to researchers at academic institutions and hospitals in Ontario. BioLab welcomes attendees of any level of experience and training, including clinicians, scientists, fellows, interns, students and research staff.

Upcoming BioLab workshops and seminars:

Educational Seminars are lecture-based learning platforms to provide continuous education on advanced new discoveries in biotechnology and translational cancer research.

Hands-on Biotechnology Workshops are designed to meet specific research goals related to particular laboratory techniques, workflows or procedures related to cancer research. The workshops are delivered by application specialists and designed for laboratory scientists who are looking for in-depth, hands-on protocol development.

BioLab is focusing its educational offerings on immuno-oncology across five key areas:

• Liquid Biopsy and Biomolecule detection technologies;
• Cell imaging and quantitative analysis;
• Cytometry for single cell omics;
• Visualization and quantification of cancer transcriptome;
• Innovations in digital pathology.

MACSQuant® Tyto® Flow Cell Sorter for Multiparametric Cell Sorting Based on Microchip Technology for Sterile and Gentle Cell Isolation

Over the years researchers have been looking to improve results of flow cell sorting via improving cell viability and functionality while retaining a GMP environment. Miltenyi Biotec, world leader in flow cytometry, now offers an opportunity to expand cell sorting capabilities with innovative microchip-based technology of the MACSQuant®Tyto® Flow Cell Sorter. This unique feature opens up new possibilities in basic research and medical applications by offering high-speed multiparameter sorting and complete cell retrieval in fully enclosed sterile environment.

Learning objectives:

• Traditional “jet-in-air” vs. valve-based microchip-based sorting techniques;
• Expanded applications in flow cell sorting;
• Case studies.

Presenter: Michela Hirnak, Application Scientist, Miltenyi Biotec Inc.
Date: April 17, 2019, from 2-3 p.m.
Where: BR 6-11/12, 6th Floor West Tower, OICR​

Register at eventbrite ACSQuant® Tyto® Flow Cell Sorter for Multiparametric Cell Sorting Based on Microchip Technology for Sterile and Gentle Cell Isolation​

Optimizing Ribonucleoprotein Delivery to Achieve Potent and Precise CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing

The seminar will present the Alt-R® CRISPR genome editing platform developed by Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) as a potent genome editing tool that combines the precision of chemically synthesized guide RNAs with a high performance Cas9 protein.

The Alt-R ®CRISPR-Cas9 system offers powerful, non-toxic on-target editing, reduced off-target effects and it is easy to deliver into a wide array of cells.

Learning objectives:

• update on the latest improvements in on- and off-target design and chemical modifications, custom or predesigned guide RNAs;
  introduction of novel high-fidelity Cas9 mutant for reduced off-target gene editing;
• guidelines on the use of gRNA in the context of Cas9 source (plasmid, mRNA, ribonucleoprotein complex, cell type).

Presenter: Branimir Bugarija, Genomics Application Scientist, Integrated DNA Technologies
Date: March 27, 2019, from 2-3 p.m.
Where: BR 6-11/12, 6th Floor West Tower, OICR

Register at eventbrite​ for Optimizing Ribonucleoprotein Delivery to Achieve Potent and Precise CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing

Leader

Dr. Vanya Peltekova PhD
Lead, BioLab Operations, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
All inquiries can be addressed to Dr. Peltekova at vanya.peltekova@oicr.on.ca.

Seminars and workshops are for educational purposes only and are not an endorsement of any products or services by BioLab or by OICR.