Tumor Engineering and Phenotyping Shared Resource
Managed by the Cancer Center at Illinois, the Tumor Engineering and Phenotyping (TEP) Shared Resource is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s largest space dedicated to cancer research — serving investigators on campus and beyond. TEP operates as both a one-stop resource for experimental advice, tools, and validation, and a maker lab for developing novel tumor models that deepen our understanding of tumor structure, function, and dynamics within the surrounding microenvironment. Looking ahead, TEP is positioned to grow into a nationally distinctive center for cancer research.
TEP provides access to specialized technologies, cancer models, services, and expertise that enhance researcher productivity, collaboration, and scientific rigor. To that end, TEP maintains state-of-the-art facilities for cell and tissue evaluation using standardized protocols across both in vitro and in vivo platforms.
Researchers benefit from rapid access to novel pre-clinical tissue cultures and tumor models suited for drug screening, toxicity testing, mechanobiology, and mechanistic studies — enabled by emerging fabrication techniques including 3D bioprinting. TEP also invests in the next generation of scientists, offering hands-on training in experimental methods alongside expert guidance in study design and data analysis to help every team maximize their scientific and economic return.
Leadership
Core Services
Cell-Line Authentication (Human)
Histology
Mycoplasma Test
Sample Submission
Returning users, please submit orders on the online ordering system FBS. First-time users, please email huixu@illinois.edu to set up an account. Note: TEP does not accept cultures infected with HIV or Biosafety Level 3 or 4 agents. The cell line being submitted should be free of hazardous materials, agents, and carcinogens.
Working With TEP
If you are new to the TEP, here is an overview of the process of working with us.
- Visit us in the basement of the Beckman Institute (405 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801) or email Hui Xu (huixu@illinois.edu).
- First-time users: Please email huixu@illinois.edu to set up an account.
- Returning users: Please submit orders on the online ordering system FBS.
- Drop off samples at TEP (Beckman Institute, 405 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801).
- TEP processes samples.
- TEP updates data on the user’s account.
- User collects data.
- TEP bills the user’s account.
Acknowledgment of Work
All scientific work performed by the Tumor Engineering and Phenotyping Shared Resource must be acknowledged in scholarly publications, posters, and presentations. Proper recognition allows TEP staff to measure the impact of their work and supports initiatives in obtaining sponsored funding. In addition, TEP personnel who make a substantial intellectual or experimental contribution are deserving of further recognition as co-authors.
Have a question? Contact us!
For more information Cancer Center at Illinois Shared Resources, please email cancercenter@illinois.edu.