The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Comprehensive Transplant Center Human Tissue Biorepository
What is CTCB?
The Comprehensive Transplant Center Biorepository (CTCB) provides biospecimens for current and future OSU-affiliated research.
They are a centralized clinical data and biospecimen repository within the Comprehensive Transplant Center and are supported as a core facility under the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute (DHLRI).
Their ultimate goal is to enhance human tissue research and further scientific discovery that will result in improved patient treatments and outcomes.
How do they partner with Lifeline of Ohio?
Through collaboration with Lifeline of Ohio, donor organs and tissues not suitable for transplant, but suitable for research purposes, may be accepted by the CTCB. When Lifeline of Ohio identifies these organs and tissues, they will call the Biorepository to determine if they can utilize these gifts.
Current research
LUNGS, etc.
Lung tissue:
The cells from these tissues are used for a variety of experiments looking at gene and protein expression. Researchers also use lung tissue to study specific cell responses to new treatments.
Trachea and airways:
These biospecimens are used to recreate airway tissue in a lab to study exposure to various treatments, viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.
BAL fluid and cells:
Experiments involving this fluid and these cells help researchers study different biomarkers. In addition, these cells can be isolated and grown in a lab to study a variety of treatments and interactions.
Nasal tissue cells:
This new project collects tissue found in the nasal cavity, which contains cells that are the first line of defense to foreign bodies and microorganisms. Researchers study these cells to find out 1.) how microorganisms might attach to their surface receptors and evade getting destroyed, or 2.) possible treatments to prevent infection of these cells (i.e., COVID-19).
BLOOD:
Immune cells and plasma collected from the blood samples are used by researchers in various studies.
RIB (5TH or 6TH rib):
Bone marrow, retrieved from the ribs, has a multitude of rare and immature immune cells, which allows researchers to study these cells on a larger scale.
LIVER:
The left lateral segment of a donated liver can be paired with the left lateral segment of a diseased liver, allowing researchers to make comparisons between the two.
KIDNEYS:
Researchers use these tissue samples to study different cell types found in the kidney, of which there are more than 25 different types!
PANCREAS:
These samples are quite powerful, because this is one of the most important organs in the human body and vital for life. The pancreas tissue contains very important hormone secreting cells that regulate blood sugar as well as other bodily functions. Cells from this donated tissue can be isolated and cultured or imaged for specific receptors and proteins.
Research, such as this, takes place only because of the generosity of those who said “yes” to donation. Lifeline of Ohio honors these donor heroes whose selfless gifts provide education that saves and heals lives.
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The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Comprehensive Transplant Center Human Tissue Biorepository
N257 Wiseman Hall, 400 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210
Sean D. Stacey, PhD, MS, Human Tissue Biorepository Manager
Andy Vrsan & Zachary Miller, Research Assistants
Dr. Brenda Reader Cuson, PhD, MBA, Director of Transplant Research Operations at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
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Thanks to Lifeline of Ohio Partner Services Project Manager Cherie Cook for providing the information for this article.