Translational Pathology Shared Resource (TPSR)

Our Services

The TPSR supports its users through consultation, direct services, and relevant training and education.

Consultation

The TPSR staff is available to UICC members for consultation regarding:

• Human and laboratory animal pathology
• Histology
• Digital imaging
• Laser capture
• Tissue microarrays (TMAs)
• Patient-derived organoid / xenograft (PDO/PDX) development

Complex projects begin with a free 1-hour consultation that results in a plan and related cost estimate.

For grant proposals, the TPSR provides budget details, text regarding methodology, and information regarding facilities. The TPSR also connects investigators with pathology faculty who have specialized knowledge related to their research.

Direct Services

Histology

Through its Research Histology Core (RHC), TPSR offers a full range of basic histology services, including:

• Specimen processing
• Embedding
• Sectioning
• RNA/DNA extraction
• Direct chemical staining
• Immunohistochemistry

We also provide antibody validation and optimization of immunochemistry protocols.

Advanced histology methods, such as multiplex staining using chromagen or fluorescence labeling, and CISH/FISH are also available.

Imaging

The Research Tissue Imaging Core (RTIC) provides whole-slide digital scanning, allowing users to view, annotate, and share histology images with free Web-based software (Aperio ImageScope®).

Projects requiring image analysis begin with a consultation involving both histology and imaging specialists in order to ensure that staining is optimal.

A suite of image analysis modules from Indicalabs (HALO®) serves as the main platform for most brightfield (and selected fluorescence) analyses. These modules include machine learning capability and algorithms for a wide range of digital pathology tasks, including:

• Quantification of signals in various cell compartments
• Area quantification (e.g., inflammatory foci)
• Tumor vascularization analysis
• Spatial analysis
• ISH
• TMA analysis
• Serial section registration

Images obtained on the multispectral Vectra system are typically analyzed using inForm® and Phenoptics® software (Akoya Biosciences), whose capabilities include spatial analysis of multiple molecular or cellular targets in an image. A Nanostring nCounter® instrument is available for image-based quantification of multiplexed, bar-coded RNA transcripts from tissue or cell specimens.

TMA Services

To receive TMA services, UICC members meet with a research pathologist (Dr. V. Macias) to design the TMA. Once IRB approval is obtained and a design is final, archival tissue blocks are accessioned, usually through the UI Biorepository. Macias uses whole-slide scans of H&E-stained sections to select areas for core punching using either an automated or manual array device.

Patient-Derived Models

Investigators interested in PDX/PDO models either receive training in how to develop and maintain models in their own labs or direct services involving the entire process, from harvesting of primary cells to initial culturing and propagation/expansion of specimens in either xenografts or 3D culture.

Training & Education

The TPSR provides education and training on:

1. Preparation of tissue samples for histological analysis, including microtome/cryostat use
2. Laser capture microdissection
3. Basic image analysis
4. Developing and maintaining PDX and PDO specimens

TPSR organized three seminars in 2019-2020, co-sponsored with Nanostring and Akoya focusing on multiplex spatial imaging.

Meet Our Team

Andre Kajdacsy Balla, MD, PhD, TPSR Leader

Professor of Pathology, board-certified clinical and surgical pathologist began this position in September 2022, Andre Kajdacsy Balla, MD, PhD, has provided surgical pathology support to TPSR and UICC members since 2003 as Director of the Division of Transdisciplinary Pathology in the Department of Pathology. He has participated as a PI or as a collaborator in multiple grants on cancer biology and novel imaging methods such as FT-IR spectroscopy and Spatial Light Interference Microscopy.

Eileen Brister, PhD, Research Tissue Imaging Core

Eileen Brister, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology with expertise in imaging and image processing. They manage the day-to-day operations of the Research Tissue Imaging Core and develop digital pathology methods for reproducible, automated analysis of tissue morphology and biomarkers in human and animal tissues. They are available for consultations regarding tissue imaging and digital analysis approaches.

Subhasis Das, MSc, PhD, Patient-Derived Models Laboratory

Subhasis Das, MSc, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery with broad expertise in developing preclinical cancer models, including PDXs, PDOs, and metastatic models. He has established the patient-derived models’ core lab and plays a leadership role in creating and performing experiments using patient-derived models. He provides direct service and consultation to investigators studying potential drug responses.

Maria Sverdlov, PhD, MS, Research Histology

Maria Sverdlov, PhD, MS, is a Research Assistant Professor in Pathology, joined TPSR in 2016 after completing postdoctoral studies in pathology at Northwestern and UIC. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the research histology core and develops and validates novel and complex immunohistochemical and molecular (RNAscope) assays on human and animal tissue. She is available for consultations on sample preparation and experimental assay design.

Virgilia Macias, MD, TMA/LCM

Virgilia Macias, MD, TMA/LCM, is a research surgical pathologist with training in oncologic surgical pathology, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. She is currently a Research Assistant Professor in the Division of Transdisciplinary Pathology at UIC. She has been conducting translational research for 20+ years. In addition to LCM and TMA services, she performs central histology reviews of pathological entities.