Texas Children’s Cancer Center Cytogenetic Shared Resources
Research Services
As part of the mission of the TCCC Cytogenetic Core Laboratory, our staff is dedicated to providing a means for investigators of the TCCC, Dan Duncan Cancer Center and other affiliated TMC investigators the access to an invaluable technical resource which aids in the pathogenetic discoveries in both pediatric and adult neoplasms.These discoveries may provide insight to the correlation of genetic aberrations with specific diseases and potentially, clinical outcome. Because cytogenetic evaluation of tumors continues to play a key role in the identification of novel gene rearrangements, overexpression, and/or losses of allele heterozygosity through chromosomal loss, it's use as an adjunct technology with other molecular-based testing remains a strong and logical solution for many cancer investigator's questions.
The TCCC Cytogenetics Core Laboratory provides a wide array of state-of-the-art technologies from routine chromosome analysis, to multicolor FISH to characterize complex genotypes, to single and multicolor gene mapping investigation.
- Routine Chromosome Analysis (G-banded Karyotype) on a variety of tissue types
- Fluorescent in situ Hybridization Analysis (FISH) using chromosome painting
- 24-color spectral karyotyping (SKY) - Human or Mouse
- Chromosome comparative genomic hybridization (cCGH) - Human or Mouse
- Gene mapping services including high resolution chromosomal band assignment of single copy genes (Plasmids, PACs, BACs and YACs) by FISH and relative ordering of multiple probes using multicolor FISH.
- Deletion mapping
- Identification of translocation junction breakpoints
- Relative ordering of multiple probes
- Project consultation with Associate Director of Research:
- Sample types and volumes
- Project investigator's goals and objectives
- Timeline for project completion
- For pricing of fee-for-service research projects, contact the Laboratory Manager
Prior to submitting samples, print and complete a Research Requisition Form
Research Lab Personnel and Contact Information
Main Laboratory:
Phone: 832-824-4768
Associate Director of Research:
Pulivarthi Rao, Ph.D.
Office: 832-824-4820
Email: prao@bcm.edu
Core Laboratory Manager:
Matt R. Folsom, B.A., CLDir, CLSp(CG)
Office: 832-824-4458
Email: mrfolsom@txccc.org
Research Technologist:
Yi-Jue Zhao, MD, CLSp(CG)
Lab Phone: 832-824-4768
Email:yxzhao1@txccc.org
Clinical Services – Cytogenetic Minimum Specimen Requirements
- Bone Marrow or Neoplastic Blood
3.0 cc in Sodium Heparin (green-top) vacutainer.
Transport at Room Temperature or Store at 2-8 C overnight (if necessary). - Peripheral Blood, High Resolution (non-neoplastic constitutional study)
5.0 cc in Sodium heparin (green-top) vacutainer.
Transport at Room Temperature or Store at 2-8 C overnight (if necessary). - Solid Tumor / Lymph Node / other Non-neoplastic Solid Tissues
~5mm cubed tissue biopsy transported in a sealed, STERILE container with RPMI media, Hanks balanced salt solution, or sterile saline.
Transport at Room Temperature or Store at 2-8 C overnight (if necessary).
Prior to obtaining a sample or when a sample is ready, please call the lab at 832-824-4457 or page the technologist on-call pager at 713-605-8989 x2569 to arrange for transport. Bone Marrow should be routed through the TCCC Hematology/Oncology Laboratory (x4-2227). Blood specimens may be transported to P-tube 510 (Please call the lab when sending).
Clinical Lab Personnel and Contact Information
P-Tube: 510
Main Clinical Laboratory:
Phone: 832-824-4457
Fax: 832-825-4846
Email: cytogenetics@txccc.org
(Your email will be forwarded to the Lab Director and Lab Manager)
Laboratory Director:
Rizwan Naeem, M.D., FACMG
Office: 832-824-4138
Email: rxnaeem@txccc.org
Associate Laboratory Director:
Pulivarthi Rao, Ph.D.
Office: 832-824-4820
Email: prao@bcm.edu
Core Laboratory Manager:
Matt R. Folsom, B.A., CLDir, CLSp(CG)
Office: 832-824-4458
Email: mrfolsom@txccc.org
Staff Cytogenetic Technologists:
Mohammad Azim (technical supervisor), MS, CLSp(CG)
Melissa K. Robinson, BS, CLSp(CG)
Ying Wang, MS, CLSp(CG), CLSp(MB)
Alejandra Boyanton-Cano, BS, CLSp(CG)
Research Cytogenetic Technologist:
Yi-Jue Zhao, MD, CLSp(CG)
Laboratory Technician:
Alvin Hollinger, III
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Our Physical Location:
Weekday Specimen/Package Delivery Address:
Texas Children's Hospital
Cytogenetic Laboratory
1102 Bates St., Feigin Center 10th Fl, Ste 1070.06
Houston, TX 77030
Weekend/Holiday Specimen Delivery Address:
Special Instructions - Please also include the lab phone # (832) 824-4457 on the airbill
Texas Children's Hospital
Cytogenetic Laboratory (C/O Central Distribution)
6621 Fannin, West Tower B1 Level, Ste B115.14
Houston, TX 77030
Send Mail Correspondence To:
6621 Fannin MC: 3-3320
Houston, TX 77030
FOR EMERGENCY ATTENTION:
On-Call Pager: 832-824-7243 x2569 or 713-605-8989 x12569 if calling from outside TCH
If no response, page Lab Director: 832-824-7243 x3677