Translational Laboratory for Shared Services (TLSS)

Overview of Services

About Us
The Translational Laboratory Support Services (TLSS) Core provides investigators with advanced technologies, technical expertise, and collaborative support to accelerate translational research. Our mission is to bridge laboratory discoveries with clinically relevant applications by offering integrated imaging, cell biology, organoid, bioinformatics, and preclinical imaging services.

Services
The Core provides support in:

• Microscopy imaging (brightfield, fluorescence, and spinning-disk confocal)
• Immunofluorescence staining
• Quantitative image analysis
• Patient-derived organoid (PDO) distribution and custom establishment
• Cell viability and in vitro drug screening
• Customized cell biology assays (e.g., migration, invasion, and 3D culture models)
• Bioinformatics and omics data analysis
• Automated liquid handling
• Preclinical PET and PET/MRI imaging
• Study design, assay development, data interpretation, and collaborative research support

Equipment & Technology
Key technologies available through the Core include:

• Andor BC43 automated microscope
• Spinning-disk confocal microscopy
• Widefield fluorescence microscopy
• Formulatrix automated liquid handling system
• Preclinical PET imaging
• Preclinical PET/7T MRI imaging
• Image analysis and bioinformatics platforms
• Patient-derived organoid culture capabilities

PET/MRI Facility

The PET/MRI facility offers either speparate Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or 7T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanning or combined PET/MRI scanning.  PET provides images of metabolic function.  Currently, the only radiotracer available is the glucose analog fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG).  It is used to identify metabolically active tissue and site of inflammatory tissue response.  FDG can be ordered through the facility.  MRI provides high resolution images of soft tissue, with the ability to separate different tissue types.  The system can image whole mice and the brains of rats.  In addition to imaging service, we also offer assistance in the project planning and the writing of methods sections for grant applications.  At this time, the system is only operated by facility personnel.

Leadership

John Maringa Githaka, PhD | TLSS Director

Raymond Raylman, PhD | PET-MRI Director

Maryam Hekmatara, PhD | Lab Manager

Location and hours of operation

Links and Resources

• https://wvumedicine.org/our-care/institutes/cancer/our-research/shared-research-resources/

Contacts