The Molecular Histopathology Laboratory provides support for tissue-based research. The laboratory has highly trained experts who conduct studies ranging from anatomic and toxicologic pathology to rodent necropsy, hematology, and clinical chemistry. We use tissue microarray technology, histological staining, laser capture microdissection, multiplex immunohistochemistry, multiplex in situ hybridization, and digital imaging and analysis.   

Human papilloma lesion labelled with 12 RNAscope probes and counterstained with DAPI: a novel approach to detect papillomavirus in HPV-related cancers.

Understanding disease mechanisms

Histopathology has been the primary tool used in diagnosis of diseases. The practice of molecular histopathology has emerged as an effective means to identify causative agents and the role of differential gene expression in the etiology of disease as well as a source of individualized approaches to therapy.
What is this? Human papilloma lesion labelled with 12 RNAscope probes and counterstained with DAPI: a novel approach to detect papillomavirus in HPV-related cancers.
Information
Multiplex fluorescent analysis combining immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Integration of research and diagnostic activities

Our state-of-the-art histopathology technologies and expertise help scientists develop and test hypotheses whose collective goal is to cure diseases. 
What is this? Multiplex fluorescent analysis combining immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization of zebrafish (Danio rerio).
Information
Image of a distal mouse femur with mineralization scored via random forest classification using HALO image analysis software.

Characterizing multiple mouse models of cancer

The Molecular Histopathology Laboratory investigates treatments for cancer and infectious diseases. Our group has experts in phenotyping genetically engineered mice, toxicological pathology, and immunotherapy treatments.
What is this? Image of a distal mouse femur with mineralization scored via random forest classification using HALO image analysis software.
Information
Surface-fill hydrogel for surface cancers

Treating cancer with miRNA packaged into nanoparticles

miRNA drugs for treating mesothelioma in a mouse model using surface-fill hydrogel to deliver nanoparticles.
Testing drug tolerability

Evaluating effects of trametinib, ganitumab in Rhabdomyosarcoma

Trametinib and ganitumab treatment inhibits tumor growth and alters pharmacodynamic markers in preclinical models.

Our capabilities and specializations

Basic and advanced histopathology support  

The laboratory provides comprehensive pathology support, including molecular and digital pathology, animal health monitoring, biomarker discovery and validation, and drug development support. 

  • Histology 

  • Fluorescent multiplex assays 

  • Immunohistochemistry 

  • RNAscope™ 

  • Laser microdissection  

  • Tissue microarrays  

  • Digital imaging and analysis 

Diagnostic pathology 

By using state-of-the-art technology and the most advanced diagnostic techniques, we facilitate the diagnosis of cancer and infectious diseases. 

  • Anatomic and toxicologic pathology 

  • Rodent necropsy 

Multiplex fluorescent analysis combining immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in zebrafish embryo.
Multiplex fluorescent analysis combining immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in zebrafish embryo.
Schistosomes in the portal vein of a non-human primate liver.
Schistosomes in the portal vein of a liver. The male shown in orange wraps around the female (green).
Slide on non-human primate superficial and intermediate squamous epithelial cells.
Slide on superficial and intermediate squamous epithelial cells.