Translational Research Services
At Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, we help bring your research from lab to market. With expertise in preclinical testing, 3D tumour models, bioimaging, and access to a vast tissue bank, we provide the proof-of-concept needed to validate your ideas. Our commercialisation project management skills ensure you’re supported during this critical stage of the translational pathway.
See how Gillies McIndoe Research Institute can help you along the translational pathway.
Gillies McIndoe Research Institute has been collecting donated patient tissue samples and relevant clinical information for over 10 years, covering a wide range of clinical conditions including cancer and vascular anomalies. Our tissue bank houses thousands of samples, including frozen tissue, serum, plasma, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPE), and digested cell lines. Thanks to our proximity to Wellington Hospital in Newtown, we can also actively collect new samples to support your research needs. Our services include:
Sample banking and storage services for researchers (with researcher-named ethical approval), including tissue digestion/cell line generation if desired
Access to “Future Unspecified Research” samples from our tissue bank – slides, cell lines, snap frozen tissue, bloods or FFPE blocks
Pathology and histological analysis of the sample – see Histological services.
Tissue and Cell Bank
Histological Services
Our pathology-grade histological suite is fully equipped with state-of-the-art tools, including the Leica tissue processor, embedding station, microtome, autostainer, coverslipper, and Leica BondRX fully automated research stainer, frequently used for biomarker discovery in pharmaceutical development. This comprehensive setup, along with in-house histology and pathology expertise, ensures we can maximise patient sample collection and tissue banking. External researchers and professionals are invited to utilise our equipment on a pay-per-use, fee-for-service, or collaborative basis, offering a flexible and high-quality resource for advancing your research projects. Our services can include:
Microtomy: cutting formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) slides
Pathology analysis on H&E slides
H&E and other routine dye-based staining
Routine immunohistochemistry (IHC) using Leica Bond ready-to-use stains
Nanostring spatial transcriptomics work-up on the BondRX system
Staining on the BondRx with ISH, FISH and multiplex staining
Drug Development Support
Early proof-of-concept studies are a critical phase of drug development. At our facility, we provide access to a wide range of normal and primary tissues, pathology samples, and cell lines to assess the efficacy of novel drugs. Our assays include routine tests for drug discovery, offering reliable and insightful data for early-stage research. Additionally, we support biomarker discovery and target validation using the BondRX system and samples from our extensive biobank, which enhances precision in pharmaceutical research and development. Some of the assays we regularly perform include:
Cell growth, proliferation, and viability assays (MTS, confluence, cytotoxic dyes)
3D tumour sphere growth assays
Novel 3D angiogenesis model
Fibrosis and wound repair
Apoptosis assays
Cell migration assays
ELISAs
Lab Space
We’re excited to offer high-spec lab facilities for short to medium-term leases, ideal for progressing translational research. Available spaces include a fully equipped, lentivirus-compliant tissue culture room, with access to shared labs and equipment for a collaborative, resource-rich environment. Rentals start at $1,600 per month + GST, and are negotiable based on space, resource requirements and number of personnel. Options can include exclusive PC2 tissue culture facilities, shared lab spaces, office space, parking, reception services, and shared equipment such as an Incucyte, confocal microscope, and -80/-150 storage, along with MPI permits and consumable ordering systems.