We at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) provide support for innovative cancer research through the following research resources:
Cancer Cell Organoid Core
The Cancer Cell Organoid Core (CCOC) is an Oncological Sciences resource for the establishment of human tumor lines from ISMMS clinical specimens. New techniques in sample processing and cell culture methods have made it possible to reproducibly establish such lines as novel in vitro models of studying disease and modeling therapeutic strategies that may one day be applied clinically.
Presently, breast tumors of different subtypes and stages are being explanted into culture on an as available basis. Researchers can submit a short research proposal to the CCOC to obtain such cultures for their investigations. Culture reagents are the responsibility of the individual researchers, but protocols will be provided to assist researchers in maintenance of these cells.
Contact Pamela Cheung at pamela.cheung@mssm.edu for additional information.
Histology
We provide tissue, embedding, sectioning and histochemistry services in support of ISMMS investigators involved in grant or institutionally funded cancer-related projects using a charge-back system for technologist time and effort. You can submit a request for limited support of non-funded pilot studies that are are aimed at developing preliminary data for cancer-relevant grant proposals. We can arrange for pathology consultation on an ad hoc basis.
Contact Rui Qiao at ruifang.qiao@mssm.edu for additional information.
ImmunoStaining
We offer fully automated immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence staining (IF), and in situ hybridization (ISH) on cells and tissues. Our Immunostaining facility, managed by Mihaela Skobe, PhD, is equipped with a LeicaBond RX instrument (Leica Biosystems) that can stain up to 30 slides per run while testing multiple protocols simultaneously. The LeicaBond instrument offers the speed and flexibility required to optimize new antibodies or to process numerous slides/protocols in a timely manner with high-quality results. We can stain both frozen and FFPE tissues. We offer both validated protocols as well as direct assistance with protocol development.
For consultation and scheduling, contact Mihaela Skobe at mihaela.skobe@mssm.edu. You can reserve the LeicaBond RX online through eRAP.
Laser Capture Microscopy
We offer laser capture microscopy for micro-dissection of tissue sections. You can use this state-of-the-art equipment to identify and isolate fluorescent-labeled cells in tissue sections. We offer a free training session to allow investigators to use the equipment for a nominal charge ($25/hour). Our department technologists are also available to perform micro-dissection on a charge-back basis for time and effort. You can arrange for pathology consultation on an ad hoc basis.
Contact Rui Qiao at ruifang.qiao@mssm.edu for a cost estimate.
Mitochondrial Analysis Facility
The MAF operates a suite of Agilent (Seahorse) XF Analyzers that use label-free technology to detect discrete changes in cellular bioenergetics in real-time, providing a window into the critical functions driving cell signaling, proliferation, activation, toxicity, and biosynthesis. Real-time measurements of oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) are made by isolating an extremely small volume (2 μL) of medium above a monolayer of cells within a micro plate. The facility currently hosts XFe96, XFe24, XFp, and HS Mini machines, and routinely uses XF Glycolytic Rate, Cell Mito Stress, and Cell Energy Phenotype Test Kits. We provide a combination of access, training, collaborations, and experimental consumables. See Agilent website for further information related to analyzers, consumables, and applications (https://www.agilent.com/en/product/cell-analysis/real-time-cell-metabolic-analysis). We are located in the Icahn Medical Institute (IMI15-02A).
Contact Jerry Edward Chipuk, Ph.D. (Director) at jerry.chipuk@mssm.edu for discussions prior to project initiation.
Complete the request form to reserve a Seahorse Agilent Bioanalyzer.