Human Postmortem Tissue Core
A multicenter resource for ALS and FTD research
The effort is co-directed by Drs. Robert Bowser (Barrow Neurological Institute) and Brent Harris (Georgetown University). Integrated with the Genomics Core, Target ALS provides researchers with high-quality postmortem Central Nervous System (CNS) tissue linked to de-identified clinical and genetic data. Tissues are well-preserved to allow for flexibility to conduct high-quality research using state-of-the-art techniques, and follow the same collection protocol for consistency in collection and storage of tissue. Results from postmortem tissue can be further evaluated in biofluid samples from living patients through our Longitudinal Biofluid Core.
The Postmortem Tissue Core is uniquely positioned as a multicenter resource that integrates high-quality ALS and FTD CNS tissue with genomic, pathological, and clinical datasets via the Target ALS Data Engine. Samples are provided with no authorship or IP restrictions, enabling researchers to rapidly translate discovery into validated insights.
What’s collected in the Human Postmortem Tissue Core?
- Brain, spinal cord, and muscle from ALS (sporadic and familial) and FTD cases as well as non-neurological controls.
- Samples processed under standardized SOPs for acquisition, dissection, storage, histopathological characterization, and QC.
- pTDP43 stained and digitized images on the whole collection, downloadable from the Target ALS Data Engine
- Data and metadata linked via the Target ALS Data Engine for integrated analysis across tissue, biofluids, and stem cell resources.
Insights from Human Postmortem Tissue Core data
Our approach
The Core’s philosophy is to say yes to every feasible request.
We work closely with investigators, particularly post-docs and early-career scientists, to optimize experimental plans and accelerate timelines.
Our approach draws on the expertise of neuropathologists specializing in ALS and FTD. Each tissue request is reviewed in consultation with Core Leaders, who provide guidance on how to best use the samples. To streamline access, Target ALS has established a single, pre-approved MTA used across all participating institutions, vetted by academic and industry legal teams to ensure distribution is truly no-strings-attached. Our goal is to accelerate your research by shipping samples within 8–12 weeks of the initial request.
Requesting samples
Postmortem CNS tissue requests are reviewed on a rolling basis to enable timely scientific discovery. Early engagement with the Target ALS team is encouraged to increase application success.
1. Initial Outreach (Recommended Pre-Submission Step)
Researchers are encouraged to contact Target ALS to discuss tissue availability and study feasibility before submitting a formal application. This step helps refine requests and improve approval likelihood.
2. Application Submission
Submit a formal request via the Target ALS Application Portal, specifying research objectives, sample requirements, and assay readiness.
3. Review Process
Applications are reviewed within approximately two weeks by Core Co-Directors (Drs. Bowser and Harris) and Target ALS leadership. Additional review by select IRC members may be included based on scientific scope.
4. Consultation Call
Upon preliminary approval, the Core Co-Directors schedule a consultation to confirm sample suitability and refine logistics.
5. Sample Validation (If Needed)
For assays not yet validated in human CNS tissue, blinded test sets can be provided to support assay development and feasibility testing.
6. Agreements and Execution
MTAs: Standardized, pre-approved for both academic and industry use, issued by the relevant Core site.
Shipment: Local site coordinators prepare tissues once MTAs are finalized.
Fees
Fees for academic researchers include shipping costs only.
For industry or for-profit partners, fees include $50 per slide and $200 per frozen tissue sample.
Methods and protocols
Researchers can access or reference detailed SOPs for tissue acquisition, dissection, and QC to bolster study design and ensure reproducibility
Leadership and sites
Our Human Postmortem Tissue Core is led by Marina Selenica at Georgetown University.
The Core is administered by a global team and sites:
- Robert Bowser, PhD (Barrow Neurological Institute)
- Brent Harris, MD, PhD (Georgetown University)
- Matthew Harms, MD and Neil Shneider, MD, PhD (Columbia University)
- John Ravits, MD, PhD (University of California, San Diego)
- Cindy Ly, MD, PhD (Washington University, St. Louis)
- Colin Smith, MBChB (University of Edinburgh, Scotland)
Contact
For questions about available samples or the request process, contact:
Marina Selenica
Program Manager, Postmortem Tissue Core
OR
Michael Marks
Scientific Manager, Target ALS
