Project Summary (2005-2009)

The Brown University SBRP requires a Molecular Pathology Core to allow scientists to characterize various exposure paradigms to complex chemical mixtures, at the molecular level, and assess the environmental health consequences associated with such exposures. Hence, the ultimate goal of the Molecular Pathology Core is to provide a state-of-the-art facility for the evaluation of pathological alterations associated with exposure to complex chemical mixtures. This goal is achieved by the following Specific Aims:

1. The appointing of a qualified director who is responsible for the management of the Molecular Pathology Core and a histotechnician for the processing of samples;
2. Through the acquisition of a high quality microscope, tissue arrayer, and autostainer to examine molecular alterations; and
3. By the gradual institution of a fee-for-service structure which ensures the long-term viability of the Molecular Pathology Core Facility.

The core is acquiring a multiheaded light microscope with digital projection capability, to be used as the major teaching and diagnostic microscope for the facility. The acquisition of a tissue arrayer and autostainer for immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization analyses allows investigators to determine the expression and localization of specific genes and/or proteins of interest to the proposed  research projects. The institution of a Molecular Pathology Core provides essential scientific resources for understanding the underlying disease processes associated with coexposures.