Oncology Tissue and Imaging Services

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Oncology Tissue and Imaging Services (OTIS) Shared Resource (SR) provides a number of technologies, services and scientific consultations to support the research of Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC) Members and other Johns Hopkins University (JHU) investigators. The now combined SR is comprised of the former Oncology Tissues Service (OTS) and Cell Imaging SRs. The OTIS SR provides traditional G-band metaphase analysis and fluorescent in situ hybridization technologies, as well as, light and fluorescence microscopy, stereo and confocal microscopy, infrared imaging, multiwell live-cell time-lapse imaging and laser capture microdissection. In recent years, there has been tremendous growth in the service of providing tissue cores from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks for RNA and DNA molecular analyses. Instrumentation and expertise are available to automatically capture high-resolution digital images of both standard histology/IHC-based slides and TMA slides. The OTIS SR obtained an automated slide stainer to convert laboratory discoveries of novel protein staining into clinical biomarkers. The SR also provides web-based software tools and two back-end databases (TMAJ/Spectrum) to facilitate all facets of research involving TMAs, routine slides and quantitative image analysis. Images can be acquired using a variety of video and charge-coupled device cameras and then analyzed and manipulated with cutting-edge image analysis software programs. The SR Manager is available for consultation before and during scheduled imaging sessions. Users receive technical support and detailed instruction in the use of all SR equipment. The SR Manager routinely monitors the performance of the SR's equipment and regularly receives updated technical training from manufacturers to meet the constantly evolving needs of the SKCCC membership. A Core Advisory Committee, composed of three senior SKCCC investigators, provides an additional level of oversight of SR operations and provides guidance for the acquisition of new technologies and capabilities. SKCCC Managed Shared Resource Reporting Period: January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020