Core A: Tissue Pathology and Cellular Analysis

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract: Tissue Pathology and Cellular Analysis Core The Translational Pathology and Cellular Analysis (TPCA) Core plays a central role in the translational research mission of this SPORE by providing essential support for all projects by providing annotated human biospecimens and research histology services. It includes spatial and single-cell profiling services under the direction of Dr. Ken Lau. This subcore will enable technologies for quantifying and analyzing protein expression at a multiplex, single-cell level, greatly augmenting the histopathology capabilities of the TPCA. While the primary mission of the TPCA is state-of-the-art immunohistochemistry, research pathology and biorepository services, the cellular analysis subcore will offer three cutting-edge technologies: single-cell RNA-Seq, MxIF, and spatial transcriptomics, with an emphasis on application to human FFPE specimens. The subcore will offer services, from the preparation and processing of samples, the generation and verification of probe reagents, and screening and validation of targets using in situ hybridization. Customization of non-routine profiling assays will also be developed in collaboration with the various SPORE projects. Data generated will be synthesized and presented to investigators and the BBC for seamless downstream integrative analyses. The TPCA will also have synergistic, bidirectional interactions with the PCMC by providing tissues to generate in vitro models, as well as by characterizing these models with profiling technologies. The TPCA will partner with other established tissue collection and immunohistochemistry shared resources, such as the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Translational Pathology Shared Resource and the Digital Histology Shared Resource, to provide exceptional services to the GI SPORE in a highly cost-effective manner. Close collaboration with the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core will provide the TPCA and GI SPORE with robust informatics and database tools for collection, distribution, and annotation of biospecimens in the GI SPORE repository.