Experimental Pathology

The Experimental Pathology Laboratory provides specialist facilities for the analysis of experimental models of cancer. The laboratory specialises in tissue sampling of mouse models, and provides expert advice on interpreting tissue and cell changes, and the parallels to human cancers. It also covers developmental analysis of embryonic lethal phenotypes. Staff provide training in many areas of histological technique and interpretation.

• Tissue analysis:

  Detailed dissections are performed with a protocol that encompasses all major tissues in a standardised fashion. The laboratory has developed techniques for specialised fixation, including modified Zinc based fixatives, to detect labile proteins or reporter genes such as lacZ in fixed tissues.
  
  Mouse specific immunochemistry, including optimisation of novel antibodies, is achieved with a mouse antibody library and the use of a Biogenix i6000 automated staining robot. Small organ and embryonic dissections are performed with the Nikon SMZ 1500 dissection stereo microscope with integrated high resolution photomacroscopy.
  
  There is access to X-ray or whole mount preparation for skeletal assessment and to laser capture microdissection (at Imperial College Laboratories).
  
  

• Microscopy and Gene Expression:

  Specialist results interpretation is provided via conventional microscopy linked to a consultation projection system with dual screen projection for comparison of control versus test tissue samples.
  
  The Laboratory also offers high resolution photomicroscopy and morphometric analysis for light and immunofluorescence on tissue sections using a Nikon E1000 microscope with EclipseNet and Lucia image processing software. The Intavis AG automated whole mount in situ system allows developmental gene expression analysis, which can be applied to embryos from other species including Drosophila and zebra fish.
  
  

• Gastric Carcinogenesis:

  In-house research is directed towards the interaction of fibroblast growth factor receptor interactions with gastric specific genes, trefoil factors and mucins, with the aim of creating new models of gastric cancer.
  
  

• 3-D tissue reconstruction:

  Using optimally prepared serial sections and Imaris software, we can demonstrate cell and tissue architecture of mouse tumours, isolated organs or branching structures, which will complement existing facilities at LRI for 3-D cell and organelle imaging.

The Laboratory is headed by Prof Gordon Stamp.