Translational Technology Resources

Translational Pathology Core Laboratory

Overview of Core

Services:
Procurement and Provision of Tissue Samples
* procures and maintains a biorepository of snap frozen and paraffin embedded tissues;
* provides fresh tissues for research and facilitates access to the Department of Pathology archived tissue samples 

Histology-related Services
* fixation, processing, embedding and sectioning of human and animal tissues, cryostat sections (frozen tissues), sectioning for RT-PCR or other molecular studies, H&E staining and decalcification of tissues or blocks;
* TPCL staff can advise researchers on tissue preparation, preservation and handling, to ensure the highest quality results

Laser-capture Microdissection (LCM)
* Laser-capture microdissection (LCM) allows researchers to analyze specific cells within a larger sample
* Uses state-of-the-art LMD technology Leica Laser-Microdissection (LMD) 7000 [jointly purchased with California NanoSystems Institutes Advanced Light Microscopy/Spectroscopy (ALMS) core lab] and also TPCL houses Arcturus PixCell IIe with single-cell and flourescence capabilities

Immunohistochemsitry and In Situ Hybridization Services
* include immunostaining of established antibodies as well as optimization of new antibodies and double staining for brightfield;
* TUNEL assay for apoptosis
* large library of established antibodies available for use on human and animal tissues
* Several chromogens (e.g., DAB, Fast Red, AP Blue, AP Green) and counterstains (e.g., hematoxylin, methyl-green, nuclear fast red) are available

Digital Imaging and Image Analysis Services
* state-of-the-art virtual microscopy (VM): whole glass slides are converted to high resolution digital images (either brightfield or fluorescence) for easy archiving and retrieval, detailed magnification up to 40X, remote viewing via a web-based interface and preparation for publications and teaching;
o Aperio ScanScope XT.  The ScanScope XT is an automated scanning system that utilizes Aperio's linear-array scanning technology to produce high quality images of whole slides at either 20x (standard) or 40x
o Applied Imaging Ariol SL-50.  Ariol is an automated scanning microscope and image analysis system able to scan both brightfield and fluorescent slides; For immunofluorescent staining, Ariol is capable of detecting up to 4 probes/fluorochromes and of quantifying fluorescence areas, intensities and colocalization. For the IHC slides, Ariol can perform automatic quantification of protein levels by measuring staining intensity and the pattern and location of staining in each cell (nuclear, cytoplasmic or membrane)
* digital pathology (DP) (image analysis): performance of (or instruction in performing) quantitative digital image analysis studies, including both quantitative immunohistochemistry and analysis of other cellular characteristics (e.g., cell size)
o Definiens.  Definiens offers the world's most advanced technology for extracting intelligence from images. Instead of examining a given image pixel by pixel, Definiens' segmentation and classification processes recognize groups of pixels as objects, picking out shapes,colors and textures. The technology examines objects in relationship to each other, and can understand scale, overlapping objects and the relationship of two-dimensional images to three-dimensional shapes
o Molecular Devices MetaMorph.  MetaMorph offers a complete set of processing tools ranging from background subtraction and shading correction, to morphology filters. The software can analyze a wide range of parameters, from simple intensity logging to advanced morphometry analysis, and assay-specific analysis like counting nuclei.

Costs:
A complete price list is available on request.

Operating Policies:
The TPCL Co-Directors, Dr. Sarah Dry and Dr. Jonathan Said, are available to answer any questions researchers may have.  Please contact them at  TPCL@mednet.ucla.edu .  As needed, appointments can be made to discuss your questions in person.  For service requests, please prepare:
1. Proper order form for [Tissue Procurement], [Histology Services], or Digital Slide Orders
2. Completed [Recharge Order Request] (formerly P-39 form) 
3. IRB approval for some requests involving human tissues