Translational Science Lab

The Translational Science Laboratory (TSL) works closely with clinical and translational scientists to drive the development and utilization of novel biomarker assays to provide the most innovative pre-clinical and correlative science studies associated with early phase oncology clinical trials.

Overview

The mission of the TSL is to facilitate the translation of basic science research to the clinical setting and vice versa with the intention of improving diagnosis and treatment strategies for cancer patients. The primary goals of the TSL are to:

• Conceive and execute a strategic, correlative science plan for clinical trials at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center.
• Be a central laboratory for clinical trial specimen acquisition and processing for downstream analysis.
• Develop and validate a portfolio of novel biomarker assays that are available for translational studies.
• Provide education to faculty and staff regarding novel technologies.
• Provide project management for studies that utilize resources available through other shared resources, investigator laboratories, and outside vendors.
• Initiate collaborations and form strategic partnerships between Hollings clinical investigators and pharmaceutical corporations.

Services and Expertise

• Clinical trial sample receiving, storage, and distribution, tracked through a web-based database.
• PBMC, plasma, serum, and biopsy tissue processing.
• Automated Purification of DNA, RNA, miRNA from cells, blood, FFPE, or fresh frozen tissue samples.
• Custom targeted cancer NGS library generation.
• Single-Cell Sequencing (10X Genomics).
• Droplet digital PCR (BioRad QX200).
• Immunohistochemistry including multiplex chromogenic and immunofluorescence assays.
• In situ hybridization.
• Protein purification and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA).
• Data and imaging analysis.