Cell & Tissue Imaging Facility (CTIF)

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center’s Cell and Tissue Imaging Facility (CTIF) provides complex optical microscope platforms to assist members of the cancer center in understanding the molecular basis and potential therapeutic strategies for cancer.

The CTIF is the cancer-focused component of the Center for Biologic Imaging at the University of Pittsburgh. UPMC Hillman members have access to a small number of dedicated high-end imaging resources at The Assembly building in Shadyside and have access to the full allotment of capabilities in a facility located in Oakland.

The specific aims of the CTIF are to:

• Provide professional expertise in the design and implementation of experiments that use microscopy techniques and image analysis, including interpretation of morphological data.
• Prepare, store and optimally analyze tissues and cells via morphological and mRNA and protein localization techniques.
• Provide fixed cell and tissue imaging to UPMC Hillman investigators.
• Provide live cell, live tissue, and live animal imaging to UPMC Hillman project leaders.
• Perform detailed electron microscopy analysis of tissue structure.
• Provide training related to use of and access to all instrumentation used within the CTIF.
• Assist with experimental design and refinement, and evaluate experimental results including developing and implementing appropriate software algorithms to provide quantitative measurements.

Key Personnel

• Simon C. Watkins, PhD, Facility Director
• Donna Beer Stolz, PhD, Associate Director
• Claudette St. Croix, PhD, Associate Director
• Alan Watson, PhD, Assistant Director

Contact

Simon C. Watkins, PhD: swatkins@pitt.edu

Acknowledgment for Publications

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number P30CA047904 and the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Cell and Tissue Imaging Facility (RRID:SCR_028557).

Learn more about CTIF services.