Animal facilities
Biomarker research
Cellular exploration
Imaging
Pharmacology

PrEclinical and TRAnslational research in neuro-oncology "PETRA-TECH"

The PETRA-TECH platform is specialized in preclinical models of brain tumors.

This platform is part of the « Platforms NeuroTimone » (PFNT) group.

PETRA-TECH platform has been recently developed since January 1st 2023 as part of the PETRA network, “PrEclinical and TRAnslational research in neuro-oncology” (2023 structuring action of the Canceropôle PACA), with the aim to structure neuro-oncology in the South Region. This platform is part of the PFNT (NeuroTimone Platforms) of the Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology (INP UMR7051).

The platform offers its expertise in 3D human preclinical models (explants, spheroids, tumoroids, organotypic cultures) and animal models, associated with a panel of analytical methods (functional tests, cryosections or paraffin sections of tissue, histological staining, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, transparency of large samples, video microscopy, light sheet ultramicroscopy, image reconstruction, etc.).

PETRA-TECH platform is also specialized in the study of the tumor microenvironment (invasion, angiogenesis, immune system). The preclinical models of adult and pediatric tumors currently available are models of glioblastoma and brain metastases derived from surgical excision samples, thanks to collaboration with the APHM Center of Biological Resources (CRB BB-0033-00097).

Cutting-edge animal experimentation techniques are also offered in collaboration with the CEFOS (syngeneic models, tumor resection models, pharmacological tests).

Technics

3D ex vivo Cultures (explants, tumoroids, organotypic slices)
Animal models (syngeneic models, tumor resection models, pharmacological tests)
Histology
Transparization (tissue clearing )
Flow cytometry

Equipments

Epifluorescence Microscope
LightSheet Microscope
Incubator
Tissus chopper
Agitator for tumoroids

Training

You are looking for a platform to train one or more staff on a particular technique or equipment? you’re at the right place!

PETRA-TECH is open to training sessions for students (BTS, BUT, DUT, Master, resident, doctoral students) and technical staff, in pre-clinical models and analysis tools available on the platform according to the following conditions:

any training request is made via the online contact form: https://petranetwork.fr/en/contact-us/, PETR-ADVICE section
the equipment on the platform has controlled access, only agents of the platform (permanent or in training) are allowed to use it.

Services subject to charges

You have a project that requires expertise, a technique or equipment that you don’t have? You’re not looking for scientific collaboration, but for the expert who can meet your needs? Then you’ve come to the right place!

PETRA-TECH is open to services for academic or clinical teams, private companies and industrial companies in the South Region, but also at the national and international level according to the following conditions:

the projects for which the platform is sought must be directly linked to neuro-oncology
any service request is made via the online contact form: https://petranetwork.fr/en/contact-us/, PETRA-TECH section
the prices of services are calculated using the pricing support tool for services provided by technical platforms (TaPla) set up by AMU, CNRS and INSERM. These prices are established as quotations and are available on request: contact@petranetwork.fr.