Transgenic Mouse and Gene Targeting Shared Core Facility (Developing Core) It is clear that genetically altered mouse models are critical to understanding basic mechanisms underlying tumor development. In addition, these animal models can provide valuable tools in the drug discovery pathway, leading to novel therepeutic interventions. In fact, the NCI sponsored Mouse Models of Human Cancer Consortium (MMHCC), heavily emphasizes the use and development of new genetic mouse models, thus underscoring the recognization of their importance in cancer research. Read more.
Bioinformatics Core (Developing Core)
BioInformatics Core (BIC) is defined as the integration of biology, computation, and information sciences for the purpose of providing Cancer Center members with the current services needed to perform computer based queries and analyses that are guided by biological intuition in addition to solid informatics skills. Read more.
Biostatistics Core
The purpose of the Biostatistics Research Core is to provide a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary resource for design of clinical and basic science experiments, development of appropriate and innovative statistical methodology, statistical analysis, and summarizing the results. The BR Core has the following overall goals: to provide statistical consulting and collaboration on the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of all WCI investigators research activities and to provide, manage and maintain a high-quality research database that supports all WCI research projects and cores while preserving the confidentiality of all subject data. Read more.
WCI Clinical Trials Core
The WCI Clinical Trials Office (CTO) provides management and oversight under NCI guidelines to support all clinical research studies conducted by WCI investigators. This support includes protocol development, initiation of budget negotiation, regulatory document preparation and submission, registration of patients onto approved protocols, monitoring patient eligibility, data monitoring during protocol treatment, and assistance in data analysis. Additionally, the CTO serves as the interface with the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Biosafety Committee, Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), and the Office of Industrial Contracting (OIC). The CTO supports all efforts of protocol review and monitoring for oncology clinical trials. The core interacts regularly with the Clinical Trial Working Group, Clinical and Translational Review Committee (CTRC) and the newly established Monitoring Office. Read more.
Cell Imaging and Microscopy Core
The Imaging Core is a 200 sq ft. facility centrally located within the WCI. It is a fee-for-service core providing cutting-edge microscopy and imaging equipment to WCI investigators including confocal, epifluorescence, and transmitted light microscopy, as well as microinjection, and image analysis. This state-of-the-art facility is maintained by CIMC personnel whose primary objective is to ensure optimal image acquisition and analysis by providing users with comprehensive training sessions, ongoing assistance, equipment maintenance, and consultation on experimental design. Read more.
Human Tissue and Pathology Core
The Pathology and Tissue Procurement Core in its current form was initiated jointly by the WCI and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in August, 2006. The laboratory is located on the 5th floor of the WCI building (Clinic Building C) and occupies approximately 480 sq. ft. This Core provides WCI members with high quality pathology, histology, and immunohistochemical services for cancer research. The highest volume of services are general and complex histological techniques performed on tissues from animal models and human disease, including paraffin and frozen section histology, special staining, immunohistochemistry, tissue microarrays, and laser capture microdissection. Read more.
Biomarker Profiling Core
The Proteomics Core provides WCI members with state-of-the-art services for proteomic analysis, and solid-phase peptide synthesis. Proteome analyses include protein identifications, proteome mapping, quantitative proteomics, and analysis of post-translational modifications with emphasis on phosphoproteins. Cell extracts are fractionated by micro HPLC and 1D/2D gel electrophoresis prior to analysis by tandem mass spectrometry. Proteomics Core provides high capacity mass spectrometry, robotic sample handling at nano-scale, and data management through its computational infrastructure. Fmoc and Boc solid-phase chemistries are used to prepare routine and modified peptides such as phospho/sulfo-peptides, long-chain (>50 mers) peptides, isotopically labeled peptides, and peptide-based reagents for animal PET tumor imaging and quantitative proteomics. Read more.
