Division of Molecular Genomic Pathology

The Division of Molecular Genomic Pathology (MGP) was formed in March 2013 to integrate the clinical, educational and research activities of the previously existing Division of Molecular Anatomic Pathology and Division of Molecular Diagnostics at the Department of Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). The newly formed Division is located in the midst of a large hospital complex and performs molecular testing on a variety of clinical sample types over a wide range of diseases using conventional and novel technological approaches such as next generation sequencing. The Division offers more than 70 different molecular tests and processes over 35,000 samples each year in Solid Tumor, Hematologic Malignancies, Infectious Diseases, and Genetics.

Fellowship training opportunities are available for physicians who have completed an accredited residency in Anatomic and/or Clinical Pathology or an accredited residency or fellowship in Medical Genetics.

Faculty with Sign-out Responsibilities

Research Activities

Research efforts of the Molecular Genomic Pathology Division faculty are focused on the areas of molecular diagnostics in solid tumors. The main directions are: (1) identifying novel diagnostic and prognostic mutational markers of thyroid cancer using next generation sequencing (Yuri Nikiforov); (2) identifying novel tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes and tumor markers for prostate cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma using high throughput and comprehensive analyses (Juanhua Luo); (3) developing multi-gene panels for molecular oncology using next generation sequencing (Marina Nikiforova); (4) identifying novel miRNA markers for thyroid cancer and genetic markers for brain tumors (Marina Nikiforova); and (5) characterizing clinical significance and mechanisms of genetic changes, such as mutant allele specific imbalance, associated with KRAS, BRAF, and EGFR mutations in various types of solid tumors (Simion Chiosea). In addition, the High Throughput Genome Center (Director, Jianhua Luo) supports collaborations with faculty members in the UPMC and University campuses in using high throughput genome sequencing and high throughput microarray analyses for investigating novel mechanisms of signal transduction and identifying biomarkers for human diseases.

Teaching Activities

In addition to the in-depth training in molecular anatomic pathology for pathology residents and fellows, the Division is involved in teaching of medical students. MAP faculty provide teaching as part of the Genomics, Research Skills and Informatics in Pathology (GRIP) course for PGY-2 pathology residents. Their lectures cover principles of molecular testing in anatomic pathology, main targetable molecular pathways in solid tumors, laboratory techniques for molecular testing in oncology, and application of next generation sequencing for molecular testing in oncology. Additionally, MAP faculty offer a Mini-Elective course for medical students (Course Directors, Simion Chiosea and Marina Nikiforova) entitled "Personalized Medicine: The Impact of Molecular Testing on Patient Care." This course introduces students to principles and current applications of personalized medicine

Training Activities

The Division offers training in Molecular Anatomic Pathology for pathology residents and MAP and other subspecialty anatomic pathology fellows. The training providers in-depths exposure to all aspects of molecular diagnostics in anatomic pathology based on the routine testing of specimens received from the general surgical services at the Presbyterian and Montefiore University Hospitals, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Magee-Womens Hospital, as well as from other UPMC hospitals and the surgical oncology groups affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.

Trainees receive an introduction to the principles of molecular testing in tissue samples, molecular techniques used in clinical molecular anatomic pathology laboratory, and have direct exposure to molecular diagnostics assays performed on solid tumors, as well as participation in marking slides for microdissection, interpretation of tests results, and report construction. They also develop familiarity with basic administrative, technical, safety and quality control issues pertinent to the operation of the molecular diagnostic laboratory. The fellows and residents have an opportunity to participate in research aimed to develop and validate new molecular diagnostic assays in the area of oncology.

If you have any questions about any of the information on this website please contact the Division of Molecular Genomic Pathology at 412-802-6797 or by email at upmcmaplab@upmc.edu.