Cell and Tissue Analysis Core

Abstract The Cell and Tissue Analysis (CTA) Core, a pivotal component of COBRE Phase 3, pioneers molecular, cellular, and tissue analysis technologies, advancing our understanding of cancer biology, therapeutics, and diagnostics. Serving as a central hub, the CTA Core extends its multifaceted services, expertise, and advanced instrumentation to COBRE investigators as well as other cancer researchers in Oklahoma. Under the leadership of Dr. Muralidharan Jayaraman, a seasoned cancer researcher serving as Director, and Dr. Kar-Ming Fung, an accomplished Core Pathologist as Co-director, the CTA Core is dedicated to scientific innovation. Core services include: 1. Experimental Design for Cell and Tissue Analysis: The CTA Core will closely collaborate with researchers to optimize cancer sample analysis, selecting techniques, sample preparation, and statistical approaches. It will ensure meticulous planning for robust, meaningful results and provide guidance on integrating advanced technologies for enhanced cellular and tissue-level investigations in cancer research. 2. Comprehensive Cell and Tissue Analysis: The CTA Core offers precision tissue microarray (TMA) construction and analysis, histochemical staining for mounted slides, comprehensive immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for paraffin-embedded and frozen tissues, immunocytochemical (ICC) staining for cultured cells, various staining techniques, as well as RNAscope- and BaseScope-, and miRNAscope-based in situ hybridization analysis. Additionally, the Core excels in empowering PIs with cutting-edge cell-based analysis, including the isolation and characterization of circulating tumor cells, metabolic flux analysis using Seahorse technology, and facilitating analyses within specialized hypoxic chambers. 3. Cell Authentication and Mycoplasma Testing: Upholding research integrity, the Core offers stringent Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiling-based cell authentication and mycoplasma testing services, aligning with industry gold standards. As the only facility of its kind in the state of Oklahoma, established in 2012 during Phase I of this COBRE, the CTA Core has played a critical role in meeting the scientific needs of COBRE investigators and other cancer researchers in the region. A strategic financial plan ensures the seamless integration of the Core into the Stephenson Cancer Center (SCC) Research Core Facilities network upon the culmination of Phase 3 COBRE. Throughout Phase 3, the CTA Core will continue to drive cutting-edge cancer research, poised for groundbreaking discoveries in Oklahoma and beyond.