Molecular Histopathology and Analytical Microscopy Core

ABSTRACT The Molecular Histopathology and Analytical Microscopy Core (MHAM) is a state-of-the- art facility, created to provide advanced histopathology and microscopy services to researchers and clinicians conducting research at LSUHSC, including promising junior principal investigators (JPIs) included in the second phase of the Center for Translational Viral Oncology (CTVO). The MHAM provides investigators with access to archival clinical samples, experimental planning design and imaging studies on the histology and pathology of tissues. MHAM can assist Phase 2 CTVO JPIs in assessing the expression of cell surface and intracellular molecules including viral proteins, using bright field, and confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunohistofluorescence, multiplexing, in situ hybridization, and in situ proximity ligation (DuoLink). The various methods are also used to determine protein and mRNA levels, their subcellular localization, protein-protein and RNA-protein interactions in the cells and tissues. Given the translational nature of the CTVO, this Core is led by a trained pathologist, Dr. Luis Del Valle who, in addition to offering imaging services, also provides histopathological information and evaluation on patient tissues. The MHAM, works in close collaboration with the new HIV/Clinical Tumor Biorepository (HCTB), the Department of Pathology, the Louisiana Tumor registry and different to provide Phase 2 CTVO investigators with access to clinical samples, which are crucial to investigate the molecular and cellular pathways in virus-induced cancers. Moreover, the MHAM core assists investigators to develop the necessary imaging and data for the submission of manuscripts and grants.