Molecular Pathology

Overview

The Molecular Genetic Pathology (MGP) division at UNM provides the most advanced molecular services including companion diagnostic tests in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, genetics, molecular microbiology/virology, post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation chimerism and HLA testing. Technologies available in the molecular diagnostic laboratories include next generation sequencing, Sanger sequencing, pyrosequencing, high resolution melting, and capillary electrophoresis, among others. The interpretation of the molecular assays is performed by board certified molecular genetic pathologists who are closely involved in all steps of specimen processing.

Highlights

• Current hematopathology-related assays include: analysis for mutations in JAK2 V617F and JAK2 exon 12, MPL, CALR, IDH1/2, and KIT mutations; quantitative minimal residual disease detection and treatment response monitoring of BCR-ABL1 and PML-RARA transcripts; B- and T-cell clonality assessment via IGH and TRG rearrangement patterns; IGHV somatic hypermutation analysis for prognosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia; and engraftment analysis post bone marrow transplant monitoring
• Current solid tumor-related assays include: analysis for mutations in EGFR, BRAF, KRAS, KIT and PDGFRA as stand alone tests as well as solid tumor targeted gene panel by NGS; microsatellite instability and MLH1 promoter methylation analysis for the detection of Lynch syndrome; and MGMT methylation analysis for prediction of treatment response in glioblastoma
• Current human genetics-related assays include: analysis for mutations in HFE (hereditary hemochromatosis), CFTR (cystic fibrosis), fragile x, and the genes encoding Factors II and V (thrombophilia)
• In addition to extensive molecular services provided to oncologists and clinicians who treat the patients with hematologic and solid tumor malignancies, there is ongoing new test development and validation with direct involvement of faculty and molecular genetic pathology fellows during their rotations in the molecular diagnostic laboratories. Ample opportunities for molecular-related research projects also are available to our MGP fellows and interested pathology residents
• We take a consultative and integrated approach to molecular test interpretation, working closely with clients to correlate molecular results with patients’ disease course or phenotype. Our molecular pathologists, fellows, and residents assist clinicians in the selection of appropriate tests
• The Molecular Genetic Pathology service works in collaboration with our full-service cytogenetics laboratory and transplant immunology/HLA laboratory to provide comprehensive assessments
• The Molecular Genetic Pathology service provides molecular oncology testing for regional patients as well as patients referred nationwide
• The Molecular Genetic Pathology service is fully accredited for two Molecular Genetic Pathology fellows

Contact Information

Molecular Consult Service: 505-938-8423

Mohammad Vasef, M.D.
Director, Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship Program
Professor
(505) 938 - 8468
MVasef@salud.unm.edu

Devon Chabot-Richards, M.D.
Associate Director, Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship Program
Assistant Professor
DChabot-Richards@salud.unm.edu

David Czuchlewski, M.D.
Associate Professor
(505) 938 - 8467
DCzuchlewski@salud.unm.edu

Barbara Masten, Ph.D.
Professor
(505) 272 - 8840
BMasten@salud.unm.edu

Rama Gullapalli, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
(505) 272 - 8249
RGullapalli@salud.unm.edu