The AIMS Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (Advanced Instrumentation for Molecular Structure) is the core mass spectrometry facility located in the Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto. The facility was established in 2005 and houses several mass spectrometers. The laboratory currently accepts samples from researchers within the Department of Chemistry and the University of Toronto as well as clients from other universities, hospitals and private industry. Services offered include:

High resolution, accurate mass determinations of small molecules via EI, ESI and DART ionization
Mass determinations of intact peptides and proteins via ESI-QTOF-MS and MALDI-MS
HPLC-MS/MS analysis of protein digests via ESI-QTOF-MS
Quantitative analysis via HPLC-MS/MS using QqQ instrumentation

The next-generation sequencing facility of the Network Biology Collaborative Centre (NBCC) provides both short and long read sequencing capabilities for the analysis of gene function and expression. Directed by Dr. Jeff Wrana, this facility specializes in functional genomics and single cell biology.

Our full-service offerings include consultation, sample preparation (especially for spatial and single cell applications), quality control, sequencing analysis, bioinformatics support, and assistance with grant and publication writing related to the services we offer.

Applications include:
- gene function analysis - pooled CRISPR screening, multiplexed barcode screens
- whole genome sequencing - both short- and long-read sequencing
- bulk gene expression profiling
- single cell biology (single cells and single nuclei)
- spatial profiling
- pathogen detection and profiling

The advanced imaging facility of the Network Biology Collaborative Centre (NBCC) covers all microscopy needs from your everyday workhorse to super-resolution. Directed by Laurence Pelletier, the facility is affiliated with the Nikon Centre of Excellence at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute where users have access to the newest technologies in advanced microscopy.

Our full-service offerings include consultation on experimental design, advice on appropriate systems, training and support for assisted and unassisted use, as well as help with data analysis and image generation for publications.

Applications:
Fluorescence and brightfield image acquisition
Whole-slide scanning
Dynamic live-cell imaging
Super-resolution imaging

The high-content screening facility of the Network Biology Collaborative Centre provides fast, reliable and high-content optical imaging and analysis of fixed and live cells: more data, more measurements for quicker discoveries.

Our full-service offerings include assistance with selecting the appropriate imaging platform, developing customized imaging assays, training in imaging and data analysis and assistance with image/data preparation for presentations and publications.

Applications:
Multi-plate based imaging applications including:
High-resolution cell characterization and sub-cellular localization using IN cell Analyzers
3D Spheroid and Organoid imaging using a Nikon A1R BioPipeline
Live-cell analysis (confluency, growth tracking) using an Incucyte - imaging within an incubator

The high-throughput screening facility of the Network Biology Collaborative Centre (NBCC) provides cutting-edge instrumentation and in-depth expertise for the automation of laboratory processes. Directed by Dr. Jeff Wrana, the facility has 2 automated screening platforms and accessory equipment to enable flexible and scalable in vitro and in vivo assays (including organoids).

Our full-service offerings include access to chemical and genome-wide siRNA libraries, assay development and implementation, and data analysis.

Applications include:
drug discovery and lead validation
ELISA-based assays for immune surveillance
protein biomarker discovery using OLINK proteomics technology
multiplexed barcode screening assays

The flow cytometry facility of the Network Biology Collaborative Centre (NBCC) provides an extensive variety of state-of-the-art flow cytometry analyzers and cell sorters, with a specialty in image-based flow cytometry and cell sorting.

Our full-service offerings include access to a full suite of analyzers and cell sorters, unassisted and full-service cell sorting. comprehensive training on theory and on instruments, consultation on experiment design, protocol development, data analysis, manuscript preparation and grant submission.

Applications include:
- image-based analysis powered by machine learning on the Amnis ImageStream
- image-based cell sorting using the BD BACS Discover S8
- cell sorting for a variety of applications including multi-color sort for bulk culture, indexed cell sort into 96-well plates, cell cycle phase sort and primary tissue sorting for RNA or DNA analysis

The proteomics facility of the Network Biology Collaborative Centre (NBCC) provides mass-spectrometry based identification and quantification of proteins and is open to all users. Directed by Dr. Anne-Claude Gingras, the facility specializes in functional proteomics with a focus on protein proximity and protein interaction mapping.

Our full-service offerings include access to reagents (plasmids), sample preparation, mass spectrometry, and data analysis.

Applications include:
proximity-dependent biotinylation mapping to identify neighboring proteins in cells
protein-protein interaction mapping
differential protein abundance
post-translational modification identification (with a focus on phosphorylation)
chemical proteomics (identifying on- and off-target binding to small molecules or biologics)