# Core A: Pathology Core

> **NIH NIH P01** · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · 2020 · $226,306

## Abstract

Abstract – Core A (Pathology Core) 
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a uniquely challenging neoplasm because of the formidable 
complexities of its histopathology, and limited tissue availability and quality. The pathologic analysis of murine 
PDAC, and its cognate human counterpart, is an integral component for all projects of this P01. Broadly 
speaking, these activities include evaluation of genetically engineered mice (GEM), including mice with 
temporally regulated, compartment-specific disruption in epithelial and / or stromal components; analyses of 
tumor promoting signaling pathways with cell-type specific localization to either neoplastic cells per se, or 
within the host response in the tumor microenvironment (TME); identification and multi-dimensional 
assessments of cellular components within the TME; and the cross-species validation of observations between 
GEM models and human tumor samples. The Pathology Core (Core A) will collect, maintain, archive and 
record all human and mouse PDAC-associated biological resources. These materials include serially 
passaged patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) created from primary and metastatic human PDAC, and a 
repository of annotated low-passage PDAC cell lines. Core A will work in close collaboration with the 
Project Investigators to achieve three specific aims: i) to provide histology services and consultative expertise, 
including centralized review in the pathologic evaluation of mouse and human pancreatic neoplasms; ii) to 
provide infrastructure and technical expertise for a variety of immunohistochemical, immunofluorescent and in 
situ hybridization assays with quantitative image analysis; and iii) to generate, characterize and maintain PDX 
models, as well as early passage tumor and stromal cells cultures for use by the Projects and Core B 
(Experimental Therapeutics). A testament to this Core’s progress stems from the creation of >165 PDXs and 
>30 low passage PDAC cell lines during the previous cycle. Core A’s leader is Dr. Anirban Maitra at MDACC, 
assisted by Co-Investigator Dr. Huamin Wang - both with long-standing expertise and a strong publication 
record in the histopathological and molecular assessment of human and murine PDAC tissues. In addition, 
Core A brings together expertise from our partner institution, Harvard (Dr. Bardeesy, site PI at MGH), who is a 
prolific investigator in PDAC biology and an expert in GEM models thereof. Of note, despite the geographic 
distance, there exists outstanding published evidence for collaboration between this tightly knit team. To 
facilitate a seamless administration of Core A activities, we have instituted a system of regular communication 
through teleconferences, Skype and use of telepathology resources that enables the three significant 
personnel involved in the Core (Maitra, Wang and Bardeesy) to coordinate and serve the needs of this P01. 
Core A will build upon the solid foundation of prior and ongoing interactions b...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9904487
- **Project number:** 5P01CA117969-15
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** ANIRBAN MAITRA
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $226,306
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9904487

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9904487, Core A: Pathology Core (5P01CA117969-15). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9904487. Licensed CC0.

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