The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai provides broad foundational support for innovative cancer research through a variety of robust research resources. These resources include supplying investigators with human tumor lines from clinical specimens, histochemistry services, immunofluorescence staining, mitochondrial analysis, and laser capture microscopy.

Histology

Using a charge-back system for technologist time and effort, we provide tissue, embedding, sectioning, and histochemistry services in support of Icahn Mount Sinai investigators involved in grant or institutionally funded cancer-related projects.

Researchers may submit a request for limited support of non-funded pilot studies aimed at developing preliminary data for cancer-relevant grant proposals. We arrange for pathology consultation on an ad-hoc basis. Contact Rui Qiao for additional information.

Immunostaining

At our Immunostaining facility, we offer fully automated immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and in situ hybridization on cells and tissues.

Managed by Mihaela Skobe, PhD, the facility is equipped with a Leica Bond RX instrument (Leica Biosystems) that can stain up to 30 slides per run while testing multiple protocols simultaneously. The Leica Bond 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, and we offer both validated protocols and direct assistance with protocol development.

Researchers may reserve the Leica Bond RX online through eRAP. For consultation and scheduling, contact Dr. Skobe.

Laser Capture Microscopy

We also provide laser capture microscopy for micro-dissection of tissue sections. Researchers may use our 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 per hour). Our technologists are also available to perform micro-dissection on a charge-back basis for time and effort.

Researchers may arrange for pathology consultation on an ad-hoc basis, and can contact Rui Qiao for a cost estimate.

Mitochondrial Analysis Facility

Located in the Icahn Medical Institute, the Mitochondrial Analysis Facility 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 and extracellular acidification rate 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.

Those interested should contact Facility Director Jerry Edward Chipuk, PhD, for discussions prior to project initiation. To reserve a Seahorse Agilent bioanalyzer, researchers must complete the request form.