R&D: Biological Tissue Collection

🎯 Objective of the BTC Portal

RHEM has developed, following the model of a human biobank, a web portal for querying a paraffin block repository derived from animal models of human diseases generated by researchers in Montpellier. This portal, named “Biological Tissue Collection” (BTC), aims to contribute to the 3Rs principle (Replace, Reduce, Refine) and to promote the valorisation of valuable biological resources.

🧩 Project Content and Support

Initially, only wild-type animal models, animals developing spontaneous pathologies, or genetically modified models will be included in this BTC. The integration of animal models receiving human/murine cell grafts or human tissues will be carried out at a later stage. This project is supported by the Occitanie Region, the European Union, IBiSA, BioCampus Montpellier, and the SiRIC Montpellier Cancer.

💻 Operation and Management

The BTC portal will rely on the histology platform management software (100lims4histo-RHEM) developed by ASA (Advanced Solutions Accelerator). This software records researchers’ orders, summarizing the collected samples along with associated data about the animal and the sample – species, genetic background, genotype, age, sex, organ, etc. – as well as all technical procedures performed: embedding the sample in a paraffin block, obtaining stained or immunolabeled slides from this block, scanning the slides, etc.

ASA (Advanced Solutions Accelerator)

🌱 Valorization and Ethical Impact

Through this portal, RHEM will provide researchers the opportunity to better valorize their generated paraffin blocks by making them searchable and visible. This will increase the scientific potential of the blocks produced by researchers, giving them a “second life.” From an ethical perspective, this tool aims to reduce the number of animals used in experimental research.