In Vitro Analytical Core

Project Summary The Center for Cell Signaling Research (CCSR) focuses on delineating molecular mechanisms and cellular processes in

aging, stress, bioenergetics, and cellular metabolism, which requires the expertise and instrumentation to study cell-cell

interactions and to delineate intracellular pathways within a given cell type. To support the goals of the CCRS Research Project Leaders (RPLs), we propose to establish a new In Vitro Analytical Core (IVAC) facility. The IVAC will

provide training, instrumentation, and services for the development, analysis, and storage of in vitro cell models for a wide range of biological and medical investigations, as well as various types of sample preparations for downstream

analysis. Specifically, the IVAC will focus on the development of a stable cell lines, the performance of transfections that enables the use of genetically encoded biosensors for functional imaging of biochemical processes, the utilization of a wide range of protein analysis approaches (gel/blots/well-based/cell-based), and the preparation of samples for

downstream “omics” applications that can be completed by external IDeA cores. The IVAC will be equipped with instrumentation that is currently unavailable in Maine (e.g. the Thermo Scientific CellInsight CX5, a high content multiplexable quantitative imager for cellular/subcellular functional examinations, a QuantStudio5 384-well Real-Time

multiplexable PCR machine, and a Thermo iBright 1500FL 5-channel gel/blot imager for multiplex fluorescence analyses), as well as existing shared resources that are currently not part of a research core. All equipment will be consolidated into a centralized, newly renovated laboratory. Dr. Ling Cao, a successful alumnus of a previous COBRE

program, will serve as the Core Director and oversees the operation of the IVAC along with a full-time Core Manager and a Staff Technician. To ensure high-quality services and scientific rigor, the IVAC will 1) establish series of standard operation procedures, 2) design and implement new training programs for faculty, staff, and trainees, 3) be engaged in

method development/improvement, and 4) grow its collaborations with other core facilities within and outside of UNE. While keeping RPLs as the IVAC’s priority, establishment of the IVAC will also improve UNE’s research capacity and create a regional resource thus benefit investigators within and outside UNE. The IVAC will also work towards long-term

sustainability by implementing an efficient online management system, conducting regular evaluations, continuing professional development, and increasing its regional and national visibility and reputation. In addition, UNE has committed vital support to the future success of the IVAC, including renovation costs, matching funds for equipment

purchases and service contracts, and additional protected time for the Core Director. The following sequential steps are

outlined to enable us to establish the IVAC and accomplish its mission of enhancing research infrastructure and providing

quality services to support the research programs of the RPLs and other UNE investigators. Aim 1: Establish a functional IVAC facility; Aim 2: Support RPLs to achieve their project goals through comprehensive services.