Biospecimen Core

BIOSPECIMEN CORE – PROJECT SUMMARY The Biospecimen Core will support all P01 Projects by providing high-quality, clinically annotated biospecimens, services, and expertise. There are three main goals of the Biospecimen Core: 1) Prospectively bank biospecimens. The Core will oversee the processing and preservation of research and clinical specimens obtained during all four Projects. The Core will also standardize methods for sample cryopreservation, preclinical model creation, and ensure authentication of all models. The Core will ensure that essential pathological, clinical, and family history information needed for conducting a wide range of translational research activities are collected. 2) Track and share biospecimens. The Core will facilitate the sharing of biospecimens within the P01 team and with the broader research community. The Core will maintain a database that tracks biospecimens and includes important clinical and pathological information and specimen imaging. The Core will develop plans for collecting and distributing specimens. 3) Provide pathology services and specimen quality control. The Core will provide virtual pathological and quality control evaluation of all biospecimens. Blinded review by multiple pathologists and quantitative evaluation using HALO AI will ensure reproducible assessment of specimens obtained from both human and mouse tissues. The Core will standardize protocols for immunohistochemistry as well as purification of single cells, protein, DNA and RNA across all Projects. The use of a shared Biospecimen Core will enhance collaboration across the Program while ensuring that biospecimens are continuously tracked, high-quality, and expertly annotated. By providing these services, the Biospecimen Core will help the P01 achieve the goal of identifying the most promising progestins for the treatment of endometrial cancer and atypical endometrial hyperplasia and the patients who are most likely to benefit.