Pathology
REIMAGINED IN 3D
Alpenglow is transforming the field of pathology
Our end-to-end solution includes seamless workflow from sample prep to visualization with 3D analysis. We use an open-top light-sheet (OTLS) microscope with a patented geometry that allows for ease of use by analyzing entire tissue samples or conventional multi-well plates. This fully automated system facilitates high throughput analysis, while cloud computing and AI-enabled software allow researchers to visualize and quantify complex spatial biology applications in 3D.
Core applications where 3D is superior to 2D
3D Morphology of Convoluted Shapes
Most biological structures, such as vasculature, neurons, lymphatics, and glands, are best quantified in 3D. Alpenglow’s technology provides critical 3D Metrics, such as volume, total path length, mean diameter, branch count, branch angle, and fractal dimension.
Use cases:
Neuroscience, enteric nervous system, peripheral nervous system
Vascular changes in dementia, tumors, ischemia, neoangiogenesis
Fibrosis in a wide variety of diseases including liver, kidney, and lung conditions
Assessment of Complex Cellular Distributions
3D is the best way to understand complex architectures (i.e., microenvironment) in tumors, fibrosis, immune-mediated inflammatory disorders, etc.
Use cases:
Tumor microenvironment
Amyloid & tau protein distribution
Immune cell composition/colocalization
Detection of Rare or Sparse Objects
Identify rare cells or drug targets, 2D sectioning will often miss these objects.
Use cases:
Genetically labeled rare cells
Biodistribution of drug at target studies
Stem/progenitor cell studies
Subclones within PDX models
From Discovery to Diagnosis: The Power of 3D Spatial Biology
Mechanism of Action and Clinical Efficacy
Alpenglow’s 3D spatial biology platform delivers unparalleled insights into the mechanism of action of therapeutic candidates by revealing how drugs interact with their targets in three-dimensional tissue environments. This innovative approach is particularly beneficial for studying diseases like oncology, fibrosis, neuroscience, and skin disorders, where complex tissue structures play a crucial role. For instance, immune cells are often distributed unevenly within tissues, and only through comprehensive 3D analysis can we accurately map their localization and activation. Additionally, vital structures such as blood vessels and nerves—often obscured in traditional 2D histological sections—become fully visible in 3D, enabling a more thorough understanding of drug interactions. With AI-enabled 3D spatial analysis, researchers gain precise and objective insights into drug efficacy, far surpassing the limitations of conventional methods.
Target Confirmation and Biodistribution
In preclinical studies, visualizing the biodistribution of therapeutic candidates and confirming target engagement across tissues is essential for assessing safety and efficacy. Alpenglow’s whole-tissue 3D imaging technology provides a detailed view of drug localization, including interactions with critical structures such as blood vessels and nerves that might be overlooked in 2D approaches. This comprehensive methodology eliminates sampling errors inherent to 2D pathology and allows for early detection of toxicity, offering a more accurate picture of drug distribution and target engagement before progressing to clinical trials.
Predictive Capabilities
Alpenglow combines proprietary AI algorithms with whole 3D tissue imaging to extract complete and unbiased data, overcoming the limitations of traditional 2D sampling. This advanced capability ensures precise, comprehensive results unattainable with classical histology. By accurately visualizing complex structures like vessels and nerves, Alpenglow empowers researchers to make better-informed decisions. These predictive insights are instrumental in advancing personalized treatment strategies, streamlining drug development, and ultimately improving patient outcomes through more effective and targeted therapies.