Mouse Histology & Phenotyping Laboratory
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
Our Mission
The Mouse Histology & Phenotyping Laboratory (MHPL) offers tailored and extensive histopathology and molecular phenotyping services to support research using diverse animal models. MHPL's broad range of services assists researchers in understanding:
- Gene function and mutations
- Etiology and mechanisms of diseases
- Immune responses
- Toxicology and drug efficacy
- The evaluation of new surgical techniques and implanted devices
Established in 2006 within the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern, this crucial shared resource has significantly expanded its capabilities and now handles samples from numerous animal species.
What We Do
COMPARATIVE HISTOPATHOLOGY
- Automated tissue processing (paraffin)
- Tissue grossing and embedding (FFPE, frozen and hydrogel)
- Microtomy (paraffin and cryostat)
- Training for independent use of cryostat and vibratome
- Cryostat and vibratome self-service rental
- Standard histology stains (H&E, MTC, PAS)
- Special histology stains (>30) and customized stains
- RNAse-free microtomy for FISH/RNAscope and spatial genomics applications
- Pathology interpretation and phenotypic scoring of stained slides
- Consultations in developmental biology, rodent genetics, necropsy and dissection
- Guidance in selection of markers, probes and design of multiplex staining experiments
MOLECULAR TISSUE ANALYTICS
- Chromogenic immunohistochemistry (IHC)
- Antibody validation and workups for IHC
- Enzyme histochemistry
- Lectin histochemistry or fluorescent stains
- Multiplex immunofluorescence
- Cell proliferation analysis (MKI67, MCM2, pHH3 IHC)
- Cell death assays (TUNEL, cleaved CASP3 IHC)
- Chromogenic and multiplex in situ hybridization (ISH: RNAscope, DNAscope, miRNAscope, RNAscope PLUS)
- Customized co-detection of protein and nucleic acid targets (multiplex IF plus RNAscope)
- Optical clearing of whole organs and tissues (X-CLARITY, Fast 3D Clear, or SHIELD)
- Whole-mount immunofluorescence (cell or tissue culture, vibratome sections, organoids, optically cleared organs)