Tissue Microarray (TMA) Service
TMA Services for High-Throughput Biomarker and Disease Research
At Creative Proteomics, we offer advanced Tissue Microarray (TMA) services to streamline high-throughput tissue analysis. This powerful technology allows researchers to analyze multiple tissue samples on a single glass slide, enabling the efficient investigation of biomarkers, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic targets. With our state-of-the-art facilities and expertise, we provide comprehensive TMA services tailored to meet the unique needs of your research.
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- FAQs
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What is Tissue Microarray (TMA)?
Tissue Microarray (TMA) is a high-throughput technique that enables the simultaneous analysis of hundreds or even thousands of tissue samples on a single slide. By creating a tissue array composed of small cores taken from paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, TMA facilitates rapid, reproducible, and cost-effective analysis of multiple tissues. This technology is widely used in cancer research, biomarker discovery, and drug development.
Our Service Offerings
Whether you need a custom array built from your own cohort or access to our extensive bank of clinically annotated tissues, we provide end-to-end solutions.
Custom TMA Design & Construction
We build TMAs tailored to your specific research goals using your donor blocks or ours.
- Core Diameters: Available in 0.6mm, 1.0mm, 1.5mm, and 2.0mm.
- Layout Flexibility: Standard grid or randomized layouts to reduce bias.
- Control Tissues: Inclusion of normal/positive control tissues on every slide.
Pre-Made TMA Library
Access our high-quality inventory of ready-to-use arrays.
- Oncology Panels: Breast, Lung, Colon, Prostate, Liver, and Pancreatic cancers.
- Normal Tissue Panels: Multi-organ arrays for cross-reactivity screening.
- Progression Arrays: Matched pairs (primary vs. metastatic, normal vs. tumor).
Downstream Staining & Analysis
We don't just build the slides; we help you generate the data.
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) & IF: Optimized antibody validation and staining.
- In Situ Hybridization (ISH/FISH): For gene amplification and translocation studies.
- Digital Pathology: High-resolution whole-slide scanning and automated image analysis algorithms.
- Spatial Omics: TMA-derived IHC/FISH data enable phenotype-driven sample pre-screening to guide targeted in-depth spatial omics profiling on matched whole-tissue sections.
Our TMA Service Workflow
We provide a seamless and reliable TMA service, from sample collection to data analysis. Our process includes the following steps:
1. Sample Collection & Preparation
Our team works with you to collect your tissue samples, whether they are fresh or archived paraffin-embedded tissues (FFPE). We ensure that samples are carefully prepared for TMA construction, maintaining the integrity of the tissue and biomarkers.
2. TMA Construction
Using state-of-the-art TMA equipment, we extract tissue cores from your samples and array them onto a single glass slide. Each core typically measures 1-2 mm in diameter, allowing us to integrate multiple tissue samples (tumor, normal, or diseased) in an organized, reproducible manner.
3. Tissue Sectioning
Once the tissue microarray is prepared, we cut sections of 5-10 microns in thickness. These sections are then mounted on slides, making them ready for downstream analyzes.
4. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) & Immunofluorescence (IF)
We provide customized IHC and IF staining to target specific biomarkers of interest. With our high-quality reagents and antibodies, you can study the expression of proteins and other molecules across multiple tissue types.
5. Advanced Imaging & Analysis
Our advanced imaging platforms ensure high-resolution visualization of tissue samples. We also offer digital pathology solutions for accurate, quantitative image analysis. Our team is skilled in extracting meaningful data and generating detailed reports to support your research objectives.
Applications of TMA
Our TMA services have broad applications in various research areas:
- Cancer Research: Study the expression of cancer biomarkers, identify tumor subtypes, and assess prognostic markers.
- Drug Discovery: Screen large numbers of tissue samples to evaluate the effects of novel therapeutics on biomarker expression.
- Biomarker Validation: Validate potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in diverse tissue types.
- Comparative Pathology: Compare tissue samples from different disease stages, providing insights into disease progression.
- Immunology and Autoimmunity: Analyze immune cell infiltration in various tissue types and disease models.
Why Choose Creative Proteomics for TMA Services
- High-Throughput Capability: Analyze hundreds or even thousands of tissue samples simultaneously, maximizing research efficiency.
- Expertise: Our team of skilled pathologists, molecular biologists, and bioinformaticians ensures the highest quality results.
- Customization: We offer fully customizable staining protocols, tissue selection, and array design based on your specific research needs.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Our TMA services are powered by the latest technology in tissue sectioning, imaging, and data analysis, ensuring the most accurate results.
- Comprehensive Support: From initial consultation to final analysis, we offer end-to-end support, guiding you through every step of the TMA process.
FAQs
Q: What core size should I choose for my TMA?
A: The optimal core size depends on the tissue type and your research goals:
- 0.6 mm: Best for high-throughput screening of homogeneous tissues. Allows for the maximum number of cores per slide (up to 300+).
- 1.0 mm – 1.5 mm: The industry standard for most tumor studies (e.g., breast, lung, colon), balancing throughput with sufficient structural context.
- 2.0 mm: Recommended for highly heterogeneous tissues or when evaluating complex architectural patterns.
Q: How do you ensure the cores are representative of the whole tumor?
A: We strongly recommend a multi-core strategy. By taking 2–3 cores from different areas of the same donor block, you can capture the heterogeneity within the tumor. Our board-certified pathologists mark specific Regions of Interest (ROI) on the donor block to ensure the most diagnostic and relevant tissue is sampled.
Q: Can you perform TMAs on frozen tissue?
A: Our standard service is optimized for Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissues, which offer the best morphology. Frozen tissue TMAs are technically challenging and are generally handled as a custom project. Please contact us to discuss feasibility.
Q: Can I send my own donor blocks for you to array?
A: Yes. We offer a "Client-Block" service. You ship us your donor blocks and corresponding H&E slides (if available) with the ROI marked. If you prefer, our pathologists can identify the ROI for you.
Learn about other Q&A.
Sample Preparation & Submission
To ensure high-quality array construction and minimize core loss, please follow these guidelines when submitting your samples. We accept standard Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks.
- Block Selection: Choose donor blocks with a tissue depth of at least 2.0 mm to ensure stable coring. Avoid blocks that are cracked or contain air bubbles.
- Marking the ROI: For every donor block, include a corresponding H&E stained slide. Using a permanent marker, clearly circle the Region of Interest (ROI) on the slide (not the block) where you wish the core to be taken.
- Data Submission: Label every block with a unique ID and email us a matching sample manifest prior to shipping.
Get Started with TMA Services
If you're ready to leverage Tissue Microarray technology for your research, Creative Proteomics is here to help. Contact us today to discuss how our TMA services can accelerate your research and help you uncover key insights in your field of study.
