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Saba_Infrastructure
© Johann Saba / UKB

Infrastructure

We share resources

Core facilities

ImmunoSensation2 is actively engaged in the Bonn Technology Campus (BTC). Consisting of various core facilities in which technology and expertise are bundled, the BTC provides scientists with access to innovative methods and cutting-edge technologies.

Bioinformatics

The Core Unit for Bioinformatics Data Analysis (CUBA) provides
quantitative and computational analyses, training and consultancy.
Increasingly complex and large data sets are characteristic for
molecular biology and medical research driven by technology
advancements. These high-volume data sets require quality control to
filter artefacts, statistical rigor to minimize false positive findings
and intelligent experimental design to maximize insights. Data
processing pipelines, e.g. for transcriptomic data, are provided as
wellas guidance on available analysis tools and databases. Analyses are
primarily based on freely available open source software essential for
reproducible and independent research.


CUBA

Cell Programming

The Cell Programming Core Facility employs state-of-the-art cell (re-)programming, genome editing as well as differentiation technologies and is constantly refining its technological portfolio. To promote the establishment of innovative stem cell based in vitro models we offer the following services:

  • Generation and provision of human iPS cell lines
  • Genome Editing
  • Neural differentiation of iPS cell


Cell Prgramming

Flow Cytometry

The Flow Cytometry Core Facility offers services on flow cytometric analysis, imaging flow cytometry, cell sorting and spectral single cell analysis. The staff is eager to support researchers in choosing the best suited method and instrument and provide required training to scientists.


Flow Cytometry

Gene Editing

The gene-editing core facilities offer services for the generation of gene-edited and transgenic mice. In the past decade the discovery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system has revolutionized biomedical research. The application of this versatile genome-editing tool has also accelerated the generation and establishment of genetically modified mouse models. Gene knockouts, conditional mice as well as insertions of small tags or point mutations can be achieved without elaborate and time consuming cloning of targeting vectors and subsequent recombination in murine embryonic stem cells.


Gene Editing

Human 3T MRI

The Core Facility “Human 3T MRI” (CF-MRI) provides access to a modern MRI scanner (Siemens Magnetom Trio). The scanner is in property and operated by the Life and Brain GmbH. The CF-MRI supports scientists in the implementation of research projects, for example in measurement planning, the creation and optimization of measurement protocols or troubleshooting, but also in the development and programming of respective paradigms. To enable scientists to carry out investigations independently, CF-MRI offers training courses. The goal is to ensure the highest quality in data recording and the safe execution of the investigations. The MRI core facility also offers support in accessing and pre-processing data.


Human 3T MRI

Microscopy

The Microscopy Core Facility provides access to several high-end microscopes at two locations at the Venusberg campus (University Hospital Bonn). At the BMZ 2 (Building 12) the instruments are specifically suited for imaging living cells while at the neurology (Building 82) the microscopes are oriented towards measuring (fixed) tissue sections and large organs. Furthermore, at the neurology we also offer electron microscopy and sample preparation for EM.


Microscopy

Nanobodies

The Core Facility Nanobodies offers the customized generation of alpaca or llama "variable domains of heavy chain-only
antibodies" (VHHs), also called nanobodies, against target structures of choice. These highly specific single domain antibodies recognize their targets with affinities comparable to conventional antibodies, but are much smaller (ca. 15 kDa), more stable and more versatile for many applications.The Nanobodies core facility offers the immunization of alpacas or llamas with provided antigen, as well as the identification and validation of specific nanobodies against desired targets. The team is happy to discuss and support nanobody projects from the first idea to the final application.


Nanobodies

Next Generation Sequencing

Due to ongoing technical advancements Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is widely applied in many research projects. But, despite decreasing sequencing costs during the last years, the access to this technology is made difficult as investment in and maintenance of NGS systems as well as the establishment of research specific applications remains expensive and time consuming. Therefore, the NGS Core Facility, which is allocated at the Institute of Human Genetics (University Hospital Bonn) provides the research community with access to state-of-the art sequencing technologies and helps facilitate cutting-edge-omics research.



Next Generation Sequencing

Proteomics

Proteomics identifies and quantifies proteins comprehensively from a wide variety of biological samples. The core facilities located in Bonn Poppelsdorf (University of Bonn) and on the Venusberg (University Hospital Bonn) operate under one common virtual structure. The core facility offers scientists a diverse set of methods to suit various needs. Both facilities provide mass spectrometry-based services for protein identification and quantification but specialize on distinct applications.


Proteomics

Virus

The Viral Core Facility (VCF) offers scientists of the Bonn Medical Faculty and external academic scientists (“non-profit organizations”) services for the generation of customized viral particles. Using these particles functions and properties of specific proteins can be studied by overexpression or downregulation in various cell types. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) and Lentivirus (LV) can be generated and cloned upon request. The facility uses standard cloning techniques, restriction-ligation approaches and Infusion Cloning.


Virus

Zebrafish

The core facility offers an all around service for the users. The offers include import and rising of new zebrafish lines,
keeping and mating of zebrafish lines, Injection of zebrafish eggs or embryos, transplantation of cells into two or three days old zebrafish larvae to the generation of new zebrafish lines. The facility also offers support on imaging at fluorescence, confocal or two photon microscopes. A direct transfer of fish samples to the electron microscopy core facility (in house) is also available.


Zebrafish

Bonn Technology Campus Logo

Histology Platform

ImmunoSensation2 and the Dermatology department at the University Hospital Bonn jointly developed a histology platform which provides services to all cluster scientists.

Histopathological analyses are an important pillar of immunological research. The Histopathology-Platform offers a wide range of services, from tissue processing, paraffin and cryo-sectioning to standard stainings including but not limited to H&E, Giemsa, PAS. The Platform also offers antibody-based IHC stainings on a Zytomed intelliPATH IHC stainer. More information may be found on the Histology Platform Confluence Site. (Access is granted only from within the networks of Bonn University, the University Hospital Bonn or via vpn client and requires an Uni-Bonn ID.)

Research data management

The organization, storage, preservation and sharing of data, summarized as research data management, are crucial aspects of today's research. ImmunoSensation2 works closely with the Research Data Service Center at the University of Bonn. Within the framework of this cooperation, the necessary resources are made available to the scientists of the cluster to ensure optimal conditions for research data management.

Logo_Servicestelle_Forschungsdaten

Shared ressources


The cluster provides a wide variety of support to the members and all associated scientists. This ranges from talks and seminars by and for scientists, workshops on scientific core- and soft-skills, support in science communication and public relations, provision of software licenses, hardware, financial support and assistance in fund management to accomodation for visiting scientist.

A collection of all offers and shared resources is provided on the ImmunoSensation2 Confluence site. (Access is granted only from within the networks of Bonn University, the University Hospital Bonn or via vpn client and requires an Uni-Bonn ID.)

Confluence Overview