School of Medicine

Research

Molecular Histopathology & Analytical Microscopy (MHAM)

The Molecular Histopathology and Analytical Microscopy Core (MHAM) is a state-of-the-art facility created to provide advanced histopathology and microscopy services to investigators and clinicians conducting research at LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, including promising junior investigators of the Center for Translational Viral Oncology (CTVO). The MHAM provides researchers with access to archival clinical samples, experimental planning design, and imaging studies on the histology and pathology of tissues, 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). These multiple methods are used to determine protein expression patterns and localization, mRNA levels, their subcellular localization, and protein-protein and RNA-protein interactions in the cells and tissues. Moreover, the MHAM Core assists investigators in developing the necessary imaging and data for the submission of manuscripts and grants.

In addition to instrumentation, the Facility intends to collaborate with the investigators and contribute to all aspects of the research process. This includes consultation in experimental design, technical assistance in the operation of instruments, trouble shooting, data analysis and storage, interpretation of results and preparation and production of presentation graphics. The Facility is also communicating with investigators in other institutions and is devoted to introducing and developing new applications on our flow cytometers. In this way, investigators are provided with unlimited possibilities to answer questions regarding nature and function of cells by flow cytometry.

DIRECTOR

Luis Del Valle, MD

ldelva@lsuhsc.edu

The Molecular Histopathology section of the Core is prepared to handle conventional tissue processing through a Leica tissue processor, TP1020, with a capacity of 80 cassettes per load and different time programs. Paraffin blocks are prepared manually in a TBS Embedding Station. Tissue sections are cut in three Thermo HM340E Microtomes, one for human samples, one of which is dedicated to viral PCR procedures, and one exclusively reserved for experimental animal tissue. Average sections are 3-5 microns in thickness.

Microscopes:

  • Olympus FV1000 confocal microscope
  • Keyence BZ-X810 all-in-one fluorescence microscope
  • Nikon TE300 automated, inverted microscope equipped with a deconvolution software (SlideBook 5.0)
  • Olympus LCV110U fluorescent microscope (VivaView) live imaging and time-lapse
  • Olympus BX51 with multispectral imaging digital camera (Mantra, from Elkin-Elmer)
  • Motic EasyScan Pro6 digital slide microscope

Techniques Offered:

  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Immunofluorescence
  • Double labeling
  • Deconvolution
  • Multiplexing
  • In situ hybridization
  • Live imaging 
  • Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching
  • Comet assay

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A) COBRE CORE SERVICE
Molecular Histopathology
 COBRE Investigators Program Members Non-Members
Creation of Tissue Microarrays
 $40 per slide
 $56 per slide
 $80 per slide
Tissue Processing
Paraffin Embedding
Sectioning
 $4 per cassette
$3 per cassette
$4 per slide		 $5.50 per cassette
$4 per cassette
$5.50 per slide		 $8 per cassette
$6 per cassette
$8 per slide
Hematoxylin & Eosin
 $3 per slide $4 per slide $6 per slide
Special Staining I (PAS)
Special Staining II (GMS)
Special Staining III (Trichrome)
 $5 per slide
$8 per slide
$10 per slide		 $7 per slide
$11 per slide
$14 per slide		 $10 per slide
$16 per slide
$20 per slide
Special Staining I (PAS)
Special Staining II (GMS)
Special Staining III (Trichrome)
 $15 per slide
$12 per slide
$18 per slide		 $21 per slide
$17 per slide
$ 24 per slide		 $30 per slide
$24 per slide
$32 per slide
In situ Hybridization
 $20 per slide $28 per slide $40 per slide
Proximity Ligation Assay
(Duo Link)
 $20 per slide $28 per slide $40 per slide

The Molecular Histopathology and Analytical Microscopy Core is housed within the LCRC and offers a wide-array of flow cytometry services for LCRC researchers. In addition to flow services, this location is set up with an Auto MACS, BioRad Bioplex System, AID Elispot Reader System, and Luminoskan Ascent.