Tissue microarray platform (TMA)

• Subject Area: Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 544462957

The University Hospital Düsseldorf and the Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf apply for a fully digitized tissue microarray platform (copTMA). The applied ensemble includes an automated tissue arrayer and a research digital slide scanner linked with each other with system integrated software solutions. Aligned with the Faculty's strategic plan, this major research instrumentation complements ongoing efforts to consolidate research technologies in core facilities. The copTMA platform will be integrated aside local biobanks for sustainable sample logistics. The copTMA platform serves diverse high-potential projects outlined in a broad range of research questions contributed from ten different active research groups and clinics in this application. Beyond oncology, it aids projects in rheumatology, fibrosis, and inflammation research. Hence, a sustainable utilization is already granted by the faculty, but could as well extended to further projects from exisiting consortial collaborations. Regarding data management, the local collaboration with the data ingetration center and the Core Unit Bioinformatics takes place. The latter leverages future computational image based research aside the recently installed high-performance computational cluster. The further collaboration extends to the Center for Advanced Imaging, the Core Facility Advanced Light Microscopy and external researchers. The copTMA platform condenses cohorts for cost-effective analyses particularly in the field of spatial analysis, which includes various techniques (CODEX, Macsima, CYTOF, GeoMx, Cosmx). In more detail, the scanner enables basic fluorescence studies with a 6-spectra option. The punching robot with a PCR option facilitates liquid-based molecular genetics studies. The HPC collaboration introduces novel AI approaches. To achieve enhanced functionality personal contributions for data storage and interfaces are provided by the faculty. The long-term storage starts at existent 32 terabytes, stepwise expanded to 160 terabytes. Interfaces will be created to fulfill compatibility with the data integration center initiative, which comprises the connection to the campus licensed biobank laboratory information and management system, and the DICOM compatibility for integrative analysis with radiology images. Central funds from the Medical Faculty support the copTMA platform's development into a core facility. The copTMA platform installs tissue microarray expertise in Düsseldorf and adheres to current biobanking standards, FAIR principles, Biobanking 4.0, and quality management to fulfill highest research standards in this field.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Tissuemicroarray Plattform (TMA)
• Instrumentation Group: 3590 Sonstige Geräte für Gewebe- und Zelluntersuchung
• Applicant Institution: Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
• Leader: Professor Dr. Tilman Rau