UTHealth B.R.A.I.N.S. HumanBiorepository and Histopathology Core

Overview of Services for Histopathology

Welcome to the UTHealth Neurology Brain Biorepository and Histopathology Core, established in 2023 with a foundation built in 2021. Our mission is to support researchers by providing access to well-characterized postmortem human brain tissue, along with high-quality histology and neuropathology services.

The core is led by Dr. Chunfeng (Sheryl) Tan, a neuropathologist with international training and expertise in neurological disorders and brain bank operations. In collaboration with Dr. Xinhai Robert Zhang, a board-certified neuropathologist, we ensure each human case is supported by detailed clinical and pathological information, with standardized brain dissection and processing.

In addition to our biorepository, we offer histology and neuropathology services for investigator-submitted samples, including both human and animal tissues. Our services include tissue processing, sectioning, specialized staining, and expert neuropathological analysis. We also provide clear, publication- and regulatory-ready reports that integrate histological findings with experimental design.

Through this combined platform, we aim to deliver reliable data and meaningful interpretation, helping researchers move efficiently from tissue to insight.

About the Biobank

The Biorepository of Neurological Disorders, also known as the “Biobank,” is a comprehensive biological specimen repository that collects and stores plasma, serum, RNA, DNA, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), cerebrospinal fluid, and fecal samples from adult patients admitted across multiple Memorial Hermann Hospital sites. The biobank has particular emphasis on neurological conditions, including ischemic stroke, non-traumatic hemorrhagic stroke, and dementias such as cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

In addition to patients with neurological disorders, the repository includes samples from individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, along with longitudinal follow-up samples. It also encompasses samples from pregnant women with hypertensive disorders, such as preeclampsia and eclampsia, as well as other related conditions, alongside a cohort of healthy control participants.

Leadership

Chunfeng (Sheryl) Tan, MD, PhD | Assistant Professor (Neurology)

Gabriela Colpo, PhD | Program Manager of Research (Biobank)

Xinhai Zhang, MD, PhD | Assistant Professor (Pathology)

Hongyu Wu, MD, PhD | Senior Research Associate

Ashlee Arizmendez | Research Coordinator

Location and hours of operation

Contacts

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