Neuropathology

PROJECT SUMMARY—Neuropathology Core (Core D) Core D is a Neuropathology Core that plays a vital role in the UCSF FTD PPG. FTLD neuropathology has become increasingly exciting and complex, with major advances arising from work accomplished through this PPG. In this renewal application, we propose to continue to cultivate a world-class FTLD-oriented neurodegenerative disease brain bank at UCSF. The Neuropathology Core aims to: (1) Obtain and bank human brain and spinal cord tissue for neuropathological characterization and research from patients and healthy controls ascertained through the Clinical Core, (2) Render neuropathological diagnoses and enter findings into a secure database, (3) Expand digital neuropathology and provide quantitative data to Project 2 (Molecular Biomarkers), (4) Support PPG cores and projects with data and tissue, (5) Review tissue requests and distribute specimens, (6) Train the next generation of FTD-focused basic and clinical scientists in neuropathology principles and methods, and (7) Support neuropathologic methods innovation. These core functions will support the aims of this PPG by providing final neuropathological diagnoses to all projects and by supplying brain tissues and digital neuropathology data to Project 2. The core will also interact extensively with other cores. Overall, the Neuropathology Core will help to further develop a unique bank of specially handled CNS tissues for ongoing and future FTLD molecular, translational, clinico-pathological, and biomarker discovery research.