Dr. Fiona Ginty
Principal Scientist, Life Sciences and Molecular Diagnostics, General Electric Global Research Center
Tumor heterogeneity revealed using high-order in situ multiplexing
The Centre for Systems Medicine is pleased to announce a seminar by Dr. Fiona Ginty from General Electric Global Research Center, Niskayuna, NY.
Abstract: Protein analysis in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues is typically limited to 1-2 markers per tissue slide using chromogenic stains, or up to four markers using immunofluorescence. The increasing demands on tissue for predictive and prognostic biomarker testing presents significant challenges for pathologists and oncologists to ensure that the most important markers are selected for patient care. Coupled with this, tumor and cellular heterogeneity may confound genomic results. To address these challenges, GE scientists have developed a multiplexed immunofluorescence technology that allows measurement of up to 60 markers at single cell level in a 5 um FFPE tissue section (MultiOmyx™). DNA FISH analysis may also be conducted on the same sample, following multiplexed protein analysis. Image processing and visualization tools allow interactive assessment cellular biomarkers in context of tumor histology and microenvironment. In addition to sparing precious sample, multiplexed analysis allows quantitation and visualization of extensive biomarker heterogeneity within the tumor, stroma, blood vessels and other cellular features. This platform will provide new opportunities for redefining and understanding biological mechanisms for basic and drug discovery research.
Please see also the publication Highly multiplexed single-cell analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cancer tissue PNAS 2013 110 (29) 11982–11987; published ahead of print July 1, 2013
The talk is free and open to everyone and will be held in Houston Lecture Theater, RCSI on the 16th of December 2013 at 4 pm.
This seminar is supported by the RCSI seed fund program.