Neuropathology Core

Neuropathology Core Advances Brain Disease Research with Innovative Methods and Comprehensive Tissue Repository

Core Leaders:

Thor Stein, MD, PhD
Ann McKee, MD

 

 

 

 

 

The Neuropathology Core is dedicated to advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. Our primary objectives include:

  • Comprehensive Neuropathological Evaluation: Conducting in-depth examinations of brain tissue from donors with and without dementia or Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
  • Digital Pathology Library: Creating a digital repository of pathology slides for easy access and analysis.
  • Novel Method Development: Developing innovative techniques for qualitative and quantitative histopathological characterization of brain tissue.

Key Achievements:

  • Tissue Acquisition: Received 8 new cases over the past year, bringing the total to 288.
  • Data Management: Entered neuropathological data into REDCap, a database compatible with the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC), and generated reports for families.
  • Automation: Developed an automated report generation system from REDCap data.
  • Tissue Distribution: Implemented a rigorous tissue request review process and distributed samples to 2 investigators.
  • Research Output: Supported 8 original peer-reviewed publications and 7 currently funded grants.
  • Quantitative Analysis: Conducted detailed staining analyses and developed AI tools for analyzing pathologic density and cell types.
  • Machine Learning: Utilized quantitative protein densities for machine learning-driven disease progression modeling.
  • SuStaIn: Developed a machine learning toolset to model neuropathology progression through the brain.

Future Goals:

  • Tissue Distribution: Streamlining tissue distribution processes and communication with the Brain Tissue Repository Oversight Committee (BROC) and Data Team.
  • Legacy Case Analysis: Completing TDP-43 and Thal assessments on legacy cases.
  • Digitalization: Completing digital slide scanning.
  • Vascular Pathology Assessment: Expanding assessments of vascular pathologies.

By combining state-of-the-art techniques with a comprehensive tissue repository, the Neuropathology Core is making significant contributions to the field of neurodegenerative disease research.