1. Neuropathology Brain Bank and Research CoRE

For Researchers

RESOURCES

The comprehensive approach provided by the Mount Sinai Neuropathology Brain Bank and Research CoRE integrates two vital components: a cutting-edge brain banking facility and advanced histopathological services. This unique combination enables researchers to validate candidate pathogenic changes, discover new mechanisms, and translate experimental findings into clinical care. From large-format human brain sections to "mini-brain" organoids, our expertise spans the full spectrum of neurological research materials.

By facilitating access to brain banking infrastructure, post-mortem brain tissue, and specialized neuropathological studies, we empower physician-scientists and researchers to push the boundaries of neuroscience. Our commitment to innovation—including the use of digital microscopy, machine learning-based assessments, and modern inventory management systems—ensures that Mount Sinai Health System remains at the forefront of neurological research, driving forward our understanding of the human brain and paving the way for targeted treatments and therapies.

Our Facility and Services

The Neuropathology Research CoRE makes available state-of-the-art histopathological approaches to characterize fixed and frozen brain tissues, including routine stains (H&E, Silver, etc.), immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization. Preparations can be digitized and analyzed using quantitative morphometrics.

Our goal is to offer the highest quality neurohistopathological services to the Mount Sinai Health System research community. We have extensive experience working with large-format human brain sections to “mini-brain” organoids derived from human stem cells, and our services include:

  • Tissue trimming, cassetting, processing, and embedding
  • Cutting and routine staining of paraffin-embedded and frozen sections
  • Large-format tissue processing
  • Routine stains (e.g., H&E)
  • Special stains (LFB, Bielschowsky silver, etc.)
  • Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence for both routine and novel markers
  • In situ hybridization
  • RNAScope and BaseScope
  • Antibody optimization

The Neuropathology Brain Bank CoRE is focused on collecting and distributing superior fresh, frozen, and fixed human brain tissues to researchers. Our goal is to expand brain collections in targeted areas, including neurodegenerative disease, movement disorders, aging, and others. 

Our collection supplements existing collections and deploys modern banking protocols, including advanced inventory management (i.e., parcellation and barcoding), digital microscopy, machine learning-based assessments, and other state-of-the-art approaches. These protocols facilitate researcher access to tissue. However, being a new collection with limited but expanding inventory, we are also dedicated to assisting researchers interface with the brain collections inside and outside Mount Sinai to gain access.

The Brain Bank CoRE provides a flexible tissue repository platform to facilitate the collection, characterization, and distribution of tissues and data for research projects which have a neuropathology component. Our platform provides a modern high throughput and extensive, high-quality resources.  We strive for a fast turnaround time to bank and provide neuropathological data.  Through this platform, we provide:

  • Images (gross tissues, slide scanning with Leica GT450 or Leica Versa 8)
  • Brain tissue (fresh, frozen, fixed and FFPE)
  • Neuropathology data and reports
  • Consultation services and training
  • Histopathological scoring including National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center data points

Our tissues are made available to qualified investigators following internal review. The CoRE is partially subsidized by the Mount Sinai Dean’s Office and other sources. However, it also relies on investigator support through a cost-recovery mechanism to support brain tissue collection, characterization, maintenance, and distribution. Please contact us to access the complete list of fees associated with our services.

Neurodegeneration Under the Microscope

cell structure

LHE stain highlighting the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra in the midbrain.

Resources For You

Institute for Health Care Delivery Science
Electronic Lab Notebook
Departmental CoREs
Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics
Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute
Center for Therapeutic Antibody Development

iLab Reservation Portal

Main iLab Link
Biorepository and Pathology iLab Reservation
Flow Cytometry iLab Reservation
Microscopy iLab Reservation
Transgenic iLab Reservation
Irradiator iLab
Metabolomics iLab
Neuropathology Brain Bank and Research iLab
Stem Cell Engineering iLab
BSL-3 Biocontainment iLab