Translational Pathology Core The Translational Pathology Core (TPC) of the Albert Einstein Cancer Center (AECC) is a dedicated satellite laboratory of the Histotechnology and Comparative Pathology Facility (Histo Core), one of the shared resources of the Albert Einstein Cancer Center. The TPC is located in the Price building on the Einstein campus and provides comprehensive and expert pathology support to Einstein investigators and NYPOG members. The core processes human and mouse tissue samples for projects related to metastatic dissemination to promote excellence in translational research. In addition, the core provides a long-term storage of blank sides in purged nitrogen chambers to preserve tissue antigenicity, as well as storage of formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks during the course of a particular study. All protocols developed in the TPC are maintained and utilized to support the studies of translational investigators in their research. Scientific oversight is maintained through an advisory committee, with Dr. Oktay as the Scientific Director. Services Sectioning of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks using in-house developed block alignment technology which eliminates the need to efface the block and thus prevents tissue loss. Standard and specialized in-house developed immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) stains. Optimization of antibodies for immunohistochemical (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) tissue analysis per investigators’ needs. Development of protocols for IHC utilizing up to 3 primary antibodies (e.g. TMEM 1, 2, 3) and for IF utilizing up to 4 primary antibodies (e.g. MenaCalc 1, 2) against different targets on a single slide (two- and three-color IHC, and up to 4 color IF) in paraffin sections. Automated analysis of IHC or IF stained tissues using custom developed algorithms (e.g. TMEM automation). Equipment Automated DAKO Link 48 Autostainer: Dako Autostainer Link 48 is a compact, bench-top, open system that delivers the flexibility required in a research and clinical environment. Adaptable to an individual setup, maximum productivity is achieved by the decoupled pre-treatment and the ability to run either large batches, of up to 48 IHC slides, or mini batches. DAKO Autostainer Link 48 can process 48 slides in less than 3 hours. This makes it possible to finalize 96 slides during a regular working day with only one Autostainer Link 48. This autostainer can load up to 42 reagents which covers most common antibody panels in one instrument run. Leica RM2235 Manual Rotary Microtome: RM2235 is designed for manual routine paraffin sectioning but can also be used for cutting harder materials. The RM2235 rotary microtome is suited for high-precision manual sectioning. The one-piece protective housing provides long product life and the compact base features a wrap-around, magnetized waste tray for space-saving convenience. Automated Digital Whole Slide Scanner: Einstein’s Analytical Imaging Facility (AIF) houses a large capacity PerkinElmer Pannoramic 250 Flash II (PE250), which can rapidly scan large tissue sections at high-magnification and high resolution. Up to 250 slides can be loaded and scanned in a single unsupervised imaging session. For IHC, the system employs stroboscopic illumination to acquire images of slides taken on a xy stage travelling with constant velocity. This eliminates the delays associated with the acceleration and deceleration of the microscope stage. For fluorescence imaging, the system is equipped with an LED light engine capable of rapidly switching between 6 different light sources. The Biophotonics center has modified the filter sets for the light engine to enable the 5 light sources to excite up to 7 different fluorophores multiplexed onto one tissue section. Image Analysis Capabilities: Several image analysis packages are available to the members of NYPOG for the analysis of micrographs. These include open source (Qu-Path, ImageJ/Fiji) and commercial (Vis, Visiopharm; QuantCenter, 3DHistech) packages that are available through the AIF and Einstein’s Biophonics Center.
