PETRA“TECH”

A structuring action supported by the Cancéropôle PACA

Contact : COLIN Carole (PETRA Project Manager)

PETRA"TECH" is a platform developed within the framework of the PETRA network, the "PrEclinical and TRAnslational Neuro-Oncology Research" network, which aims to structure neuro-oncology in the Southern Region.

This network, which has been supported and accredited as a "Structuring Project" by the Cancéropôle PACA since January 1st 2023, focuses on three main areas at the preclinical and translational levels: the treatment of primary brain tumors, brain metastases and neurotoxicity issues. Its goal is to facilitate the transfer of research results to the patient's bedside to improve patient management.

For more information: https://canceropole-paca.com/propulser-vos-recherches/acceder-aux-technologies-expertises/

In this context, the PETRA"TECH" platform, specialized in the study of the tumor microenvironment, offers its expertise in preclinical human 3D models and in animal models. The models currently offered are preclinical models of glioblastoma, but models of brain metastases and models for studying neurotoxicity are currently being developed.

3D cell models and in vitro experimentations:

These models are made from surgical excision samples, in collaboration with the Center of Biological Resource of the APHM (CRB BB-0033-00097).

• Tumoroid cultures

  • Cryopreservation for later re-culturing, cryocuts, immunofluorescence staining

  • Paraffin-embedding for histopathological analysis, immunohistochemical staining, molecular analysis

  • Dissociation for flow cytometry analysis (MACSQuant10 flow cytometer, Miltenyi Biotec)

  • Preparation and storage for light-sheet analysis for imaging of large transparent samples (analyses performed on the INPHIM platform of INT: UltraMicroscope Blaze, Miltenyi Biotec)

• Cultures of explants

• Organotypic cultures (slices/inserts)

• Functional tests

• Pharmacological tests

• Videomicroscopy (Zeiss AxioObserver Z1 fluorescence microscope)

Models and services for animal experimentation carried out within CEFOS (Center for Scientific Functional Exploration, labeled Aix-Marseille Technological Platform):

• Syngeneic glioblastoma model GL261 (with or without cranial window)

• Tumor resection model

• Pharmacological treatment (intraperitoneal, gavage, intravenous)

• Brain and organ harvesting

  • Cryopreservation for molecular and biochemical analysis, immunofluorescence labelling on cryocuts

  • Paraffin-embedding for histopathological analysis, immunohistochemical staining, molecular analysis

  • Preparation and storage for light-sheet analysis for imaging of large transparent samples (analyses performed on the INPHIM platform of INT: UltraMicroscope Blaze, Miltenyi Biotec)

The acquisition of an irradiation device for small animals (SARRP, Xstrahl) is ongoing and will enrich the PETRA"TECH's offer in 2024. It will be localized at the CERIMED (European Center for Research in Medical Imaging) (IBISA and ISO 9001, NFX 50900 certifications), which is approved to house sources producing ionizing radiation and has its own space for housing rodents and for experimentation.

In practice

The PETRA"TECH" technical platform is located in the GlioME team 8 of the INP, on the 2nd floor of the red wing of the Faculty of Medical and Paramedical Sciences of the Timone campus.

This platform is open to academic and clinical teams as well as to private companies and industrial firms.

For any request for advice, collaboration, service, or training in a technique, please fill out the form downloadable on the website:

https://canceropole-paca.com/propulser-vos-recherches/acceder-aux-technologies-expertises/