Tissue Analysis Imaging Core

Washington University, Saint Louis MO

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY TAnIC The overarching mission of the WU-DDRCC is to promote collaborative, multidisciplinary research focused on interactions between host and environment in digestive diseases (DD). The newly reconfigured Tissue Analysis and Imaging Core (TAnIC) assists DDRCC members to meet this goal by offering advanced tissue imaging and analysis and tools to visualize spatial relationships and functions of diverse cell types. TAnIC supports studies of cellular and subcellular processes in the liver, pancreas, and luminal gastrointestinal tract. In the past funding period, this core provided image analysis services to an average of 33 Full and 15 Associate members per year, in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The TAnIC has two components: Tissue Analysis Component performs cell, animal and human DD tissue embedding, sectioning, staining, and immunohistochemical analyses, and trains Members and their staff in all analysis services. The Tissue Analysis Component and most equipment for the Image Analysis Component (light and fluorescence microscopes) reside in a dedicated 750 ft2 laboratory located within easy access to our members. Image Analysis Component provides members access to and training in (i) routine light, fluorescent and inverted fluorescent microscopy and quantitative image analysis, and (ii) subsidized access to the Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging (WUCCI) for confocal, super-resolution, electron microscopy (transmission, scanning, and cryo), and nanotomography. KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:(1) expanded services to include histology support for spatial transcriptomics and spatial lipidomics/metabolomics analyses; (2) hired two more histotechnicians to accommodate our increased load in support of spatial tissue analyses (2) purchased a 10X Genomics Chromium Controller for single cell RNAseq and immune cell profiling; (4) purchased new computers and upgraded Zeiss image analysis software in line with demand for microscope and image analysis usage; (5) purchased a new microtome and embedding center, and access to an automated slide scanner. From September 2019 to August 2023, despite the COVID19 pandemic, we prepared 34,950 tissue blocks, 89,698 paraffin sections with hematoxylin & eosin stains, 8,524 special stains, and performed 5,293 immunohistochemical (IHC) stains. Our members published 119 papers citing TAnIC since 2019, of which 84 (70.5%) represented collaborations between ≥ 2 Members with 67 (56%) in high impact journals (IF >10). The Specific Aims are 1. Provide cost-effective, comprehensive tissue analysis and training in diverse and advanced tissue and cell imaging methodologies, including rigorous and reproducible processing protocols, to accelerate understanding of digestive disease biology.2. Provide access to and training in the use of imaging and analysis tools and leverage Institutional Cores (WUCCI, GTAC, MTAC) to provide access to in vivo, live imaging, spatial analysis and advanced imaging capacity including 3D, cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution, and x-ray microscopy.