# ShEEP Request for Iterative Imaging System (MACSima)

> **NIH VA IS1** · OKLAHOMA CITY VA MEDICAL CENTER · 2024 · —

## Abstract

Abstract
We are requesting funds to purchase a Miltyeni MACSima imaging system. These new technologies allow for
researchers to apply single cell proteomic analysis to cells in their resident tissue environment. For our
investigators in the aging, cancer, immunology, and neuroscience research fields, the ability to advance
conventional imaging analyses to examine an order of magnitude more proteins would provide much deeper
insight into their scientific questions. Automation provided by this instrument will also allow more efficient and
rapid analysis of more samples. The advantages of this new technology include using conventional antibodies
already in use by the investigators and easy to use instrumentation. The resultant data can then be analyzed
using state-of-the-art single cell informatic approaches. For example, this instrumentation would allow aging
researchers at the OKC VAMC to identify senescent cells in a tissue section, determine what type of cell they
are and examine senescence associated secretory factor – all in the same tissue section. Additionally, flexibility
with the type of samples, human/laboratory animal, fixed/fresh frozen should allow the greatest number of
investigators to benefit from this instrumentation.
Iterative immunohistochemical imaging is the result of advances in antibody reporter technology, imaging, and
automated image analysis. This enables single cell proteomic studies heretofore no possible. Samples are
collected according to existing methods but can then be probed much deeper than with conventional imaging.
The specific MACSima technology was identified through a needs assessment and offers greater simplicity of
use and less method optimization as compared to mass cytometry and nucleic acid barcoding approach. This
MACSima enabling technology has wide application to studies at the Oklahoma City VA Center and will advance
variety or research programs.
A survey of all VA researchers at OKC VAMC showed a wide variety of researchers will utilize the system. This
instrument will be used by eight major users, and two junior investigator minor users with VA career development
and pilot funding. The projects that will be enhanced by this instrumentation represent a large number VA Merit
and career scientist grants.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10740036
- **Project number:** 1IS1BX006050-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** OKLAHOMA CITY VA MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** WILLARD M FREEMAN
- **Activity code:** IS1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-10-01 → 2024-09-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10740036

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10740036, ShEEP Request for Iterative Imaging System (MACSima) (1IS1BX006050-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10740036. Licensed CC0.

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