# Experimental Pathology Laboratory Shared Resource

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · 2020 · $49,923

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
The mission of the Experimental Pathology Laboratory (EPL) is to provide a comprehensive array of
histopathology services and expertise that enable UWCCC members to fully exploit the power of animal
models of human cancer to reveal mechanisms that contribute to cancer development, progression, and
responsiveness to therapies. EPL staff have extensive expertise in histology, histopathology, and cancer
biology and together possess nearly 100 years of experience in cancer research. EPL has served a total of 99
UWCCC members during the current CCSG funding cycle, and between 43 and 58 unique members per year
used EPL services during this interval. Both the number of members using EPL and the volume of services
provided have increased since the CCSG was last reviewed and data from a 2016 survey of members indicate
use will continue to increase. EPL prioritizes the following three aims: Aim 1 is to provide essential histology
services to UWCCC members. Our members utilize a wide variety of animal models to address important
questions pertaining to cancer etiology, prevention, and therapy. The EPL supports this research by providing
essential histology services and expertise. Tissue specimens collected by UWCCC investigators are
transported to the EPL where they are processed, embedded, sectioned, and stained according to the
requirements of the investigator and our Standardized Operating Procedures. EPL offers common staining
protocols, for example hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and can perform virtually any special stain. Expert
pathology consultation is provided by Dr. Ruth Sullivan, a board certified veterinary pathologist and EPL staff
member. Aim 2 is to facilitate the molecular analyses of normal and neoplastic tissues. UWCCC members
frequently evaluate expression, function, or localization of specific proteins as biomarkers or therapeutic
targets. Upon request of a member, the EPL will develop and implement a custom immunohistochemistry
(IHC) or immunofluorescence (IF) protocol that is specific to a protein of interest. Our members view this
service as invaluable and over 70 unique IHC or IF protocols have been developed, optimized, and validated
by EPL during the current CCSG funding cycle. Aim 3 is to provide histopathology expertise to UWCCC
members and researchers. EPL staff members are available for walk-in consultation on sample preparation
and handling or on operation of our Nikon fluorescence microscope for image acquisition. Dr. Sullivan provides
monthly slide reviews and tutorials to UWCCC researchers free of charge. In addition, Dr. Sullivan is available
for general pathology consults. Support from the CCSG allows us to provide UWCCC members with priority
access to high quality histopathology services at costs below those of commercial laboratories as well as to
provide expert consultative support at no cost to members.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9923031
- **Project number:** 5P30CA014520-46
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- **Principal Investigator:** Richard Brott Halberg
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $49,923
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9923031

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9923031, Experimental Pathology Laboratory Shared Resource (5P30CA014520-46). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-14 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9923031. Licensed CC0.

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