Core 1: Clinicopathological Analysis and Disease Modeling

CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS AND DISEASE MODELING CORE SUMMARY The primary objective of the Clinicopathological Analysis and Disease Modeling Core (Core B) is to catalyze the New York University Langone Health (NYULH) Metastasis Research Network Center’s research goals by providing high-quality, clinically annotated melanoma biospecimens, expertise in human and animal tissue analyses, and cutting-edge technological resources. To execute the central scientific strategy of the NYULH Metastasis Research Network Center, Core B will 1) procure both retrospective and prospective melanoma patient samples needed for cross-validation of murine data and hypothesis generation for animal model testing, 2) refine cutting-edge imaging technologies for multispectral immunofluorescence analyses, and 3) provide expertise in the pathological assessment of post- experimental mouse and human tissues to support the 3 main projects as well as pilot projects. Through a governance committee, Core B will also provide oversight of biospecimen use. Leveraging the resources of NYULH Melanoma Program including the recently awarded SPORE, Core B will serve both the NYULH Metastasis Research Network Center community as well as other Centers of the Network, avoiding duplication of efforts and maximizing cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Overall, Core B will provide high quality, annotated melanoma patient biospecimens, cutting-edge technological resources, and pathological expertise to all Center studies to support the NYULH Metastasis Research Network Center’s mission to uncover determinants of melanoma metastasis, focused on drivers of early dissemination and cross-talk with micro-environmental components.