Imaging and Image Analysis Core

ABSTRACT The Imaging and Image Analysis Core will perform mRNAs spatial and cellular localization and expression levels analyses, immunofluorescence, as well as quantitative label free fibrosis imaging on human lung tissues-based investigations for each one of the Projects. Samples from specific functional lung regions of extensively phenotyped IPF lungs represent a unique resource that will benefit all three Projects in the Program, and these specimens will need to be carefully stained and imaged for mRNA and protein identification and quantification accumulation to assess ER stress, autophagy, UPR, cell senescence, apoptosis, and fibrosis. Centralization of advanced staining and microscopic imaging will also benefit all Projects by providing quality-controlled data for Project-specific investigations, thus improving the opportunity for inter-project collaboration and integration. This Core is therefore an essential integrative component of the Program. The Aims of the Imaging and Image Analysis Core include: • Design staining combinations and perform regions selection for whole transcriptome analysis with Nanostring GeoMX Digital Spatial Profiler. • Perform RNAscope in situ hybridization and microscopic imaging of IPF and control lung tissue to complement, validate, and contextualize the transcriptional profiles obtained by RNA-seq analyses and to address other project-specific needs. • Perform label-free second harmonic generation imaging of fibrillar collagens for fibrosis quantification. • Perform analyses and quantification of microscopic images. • Provide Digital Whole Slide Images storage in conjunction with the Data Management and Analysis Core (Core D). The Imaging and Image Analysis Core will be led by Evgenia Dobrinskikh, PhD who will coordinate, overview, and perform services for the Scientific Projects and coordinate with other Research Cores.