Rachel Brody, MD, PhD
Director, Biorepository and Pathology CoRE
212-241-0678
Rachel.Brody@mountsinai.org

Annenberg Building, Room 15-05
1468 Madison Avenue, Box 1194
New York, NY 10029


The Biorepository & Pathology Core supports tissue and body fluid procurement, storage, and tracking from consented and de-identified collections. Pathologists responsible for procurement can be contacted for consultation to determine investigator requirements for human specimens in translational and basic research and then arrange procurement as feasible.

Our basic histology services include the capability to process, embed, and section fixed and frozen tissues (both animal and human) for the Mount Sinai Health System and the external academic and biopharmaceutical community. Additional services include histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization, laser capture microdissection, as well as a variety of special stains for routine light microscopic evaluation. We also offer full digital scanning capability with our quantitative and qualitative digital image analysis service (HALO), and support DNA/RNA/miRNA extraction from fluids and tissue specimens (both fixed and frozen) for downstream next generation sequencing and other applications.

The rapid pace of technological advancement in genome sequencing has created endless opportunity for novel discoveries across basic and translational sciences. To pioneer this data transformation, the Center for Advanced Genomics Technology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has built an extensive technology toolbox with unprecedented access to and application of novel and existing methods in a multitude of genomics technologies. These capabilities span bulk, single-cell, spatial, and in situ genomic sequencing methods, all of which are leveraged to generate complementary cross-platform, orthogonally validated datasets to foster novel discovery and advance clinical applicability using human cohorts and model systems

The primary mission of the Human Immune Monitoring Center is to advance our understanding of the human immune system and to apply this knowledge to improve human health. We accomplish these goals by leveraging advanced technologies and our extensive expertise to provide comprehensive immune monitoring for clinical and translational research. Our team of experts excels in the characterization of immune profiles and treatment responses across a diverse range of diseases, such as cancer, autoimmunity, allergy, and neuro-immune disorders. We strive to strike a balance between advancing innovative immunoassays and optimizing standard protocols and operating procedures to ensure the highest standard of data quality and reproducibility.

RNA NanoCore is a Core Facility at the Icahn Genomics Institute (IGI), which is part of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. RNA NanoCore offer custom-made lipid nanoparticles and RNA technology to develop new therapeutics and nanomedicines.

The CoRE provides access to an extensive collection of human postmortem brain tissues, including fresh, frozen, and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens, along with detailed clinical histories and neuropathological assessments. Available histology services include processing and embedding, slide sectioning for FFPE and cryosections, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and advanced RNA assays such as RNAscope, BaseScope, and miRscope. High-resolution digital slide imaging is performed using the GT450 scanner. CoRE scientists also collaborate with investigators and trainees to support project development, method optimization and troubleshooting, data analysis.

The ISMMS Metabolomics Core provides end-to-end mass-spectrometry solutions for small-molecule research. Our team supports experimental design, ensuring proper handling, appropriate controls, and adequate statistical power, and then executes analyses on Thermo Orbitrap IQ-X and Agilent 6495D LC/MS systems and an Agilent 5977C GC/MS system. Using validated methods annotated against a library of 1,000+ compounds, we maximize metabolite and small-molecule coverage. We also offer untargeted profiling for biomarker and novel metabolite and lipid discovery, as well as stable-isotope tracing for measuring substrate utilization. Results are delivered with custom informatics and statistical interpretation for faster, more approachable insights.

Transgenic and Genome Editing (TGE) Center of Research Excellence (CoRE) is equipped with cutting-edge technology and highly trained staff to offer full model creation services for Mount Sinai investigators and external users from consultation until delivery of germline-confirmed genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). To this purpose, we employ the latest genome editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 to rapidly generate GEMMs with diverse genome modifications such as humanization, large insertion, conditional knockout, base substitution and deletion. Animals produced in the CoRE are thoroughly genotyped by our comprehensive genotyping services to ensure timely delivery of correctly edited models. In addition, the CoRE continues to support model creation via the traditional transgenesis and the gene targeting in the embryonic stem cells. Other services provided by the CoRE include sperm cryopreservation, in vitro fertilization, rederivation and custom embryology supports.

The SCEC provides comprehensive services for the generation and characterization of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from somatic sources such as blood and fibroblasts, along with long-term cryobanking. The Core also offers access to a diverse collection of well-characterized iPSC lines derived from both healthy donors and patients with various diseases, representing a range of ethnic backgrounds and sexes.

A major focus of the SCEC is gene editing in pluripotent stem cells, with extensive expertise in CRISPR-based applications—from precise point mutation knock-in (correction or introduction) to the generation of reporter lines (e.g., GFP and other fluorescent reporters) and inducible systems such as Cre-lox, dTAG, and beyond.

In addition, the Core provides guidance and support for the differentiation of iPSCs into multiple cell types, using both monolayer and 3D organoid formats, enabling downstream disease modeling and functional studies.

Facility provides access to imaging equipment and analysis tools. It houses widefield, laser scanning confocal, spinning disk confocal, multi-photon, light-sheet, and super-resolution microscopes, along with two transmission electron microscopes and high-content screener. Offers centralized workstation for image processing, high-performance computing capabilities, and data storage. Provides access to several commercial software programs for image analysis and data quantification. Services include consultations for sample preparation, training on the microscopes, full imaging support, and assistance with analysis strategies. Provides several services related to transmission electron microscopy: tissue/cell processing, image acquisition training or assistance, and image analysis support. CoRE scientists can collaborate with investigators to develop novel imaging methods and analysis approaches.