The Histopathology Core provides technical histology and interpretive pathology services to support IMS-MRL researchers and the greater scientific community.

Routine histology techniques include processing, embedding, and sectioning of fixed and frozen samples. Staining options range from Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) to special stains such as Picrosirius Red and Masson’s Trichrome.

The Core uses a Leica Bond RX autostainer to run high-throughput single and multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) assays. Automated in situ hybridisation (ISH) is available through RNAscope by ACD Bio. RNAscope uses a proprietary probe design to amplify target-specific signals but not background noise from non-specific hybridisation. The assay can label up to four RNA targets in a single section and can combine with IHC to demonstrate protein/RNA co-localisation in a single section.

Histopathology offers one-to-one sessions with a pathologist for slide reviews and training. Our pathologists can also provide quantitative analysis reports and images for publication. The Core can access additional support from pathologists with various specialities where required. 

For any enquiries, please contact us.

 

Services Provided

Histology: 

• Study design and optimisation relevant to histology endpoints.
• Advice and assistance on collecting, trimming, sectioning, and staining fixed and frozen tissue.
• Processing of formalin-fixed samples to paraffin wax block (whole tissue and cell lines).
• Tissue freezing and OCT block creation.
• Fixed and frozen sectioning.
• H&E staining.
• Special stains.
• IHC and IF optimisation and staining (commercial and novel antibodies, single and multiplex).
• ISH (RNAscope, up to 4-plex).
• IHC/ISH co-staining.
• Training and supervision (University of Cambridge only).

Interpretive Pathology: 

• Development of protocols for pathology endpoints.
• One-to-one slide review.
• Pathology/morphology teaching.
• Quantitative analysis of pathological findings
• Preparation of reports and images for publication.