Human Biophysiology Shared Resource

University Of Rochester, Rochester NY

Investigators

Abstract

HUMAN BIOPHYSIOLOGY SHARED RESOURCE: PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The goal of the Human Biophysiology Shared Resource (HBSR) is to provide cutting-edge resources and expertise to integrate human performance and physiology assessment, biospecimen analysis, and clinical and biopsychosocial outcomes to support clinical and translational research studies primarily for Wilmot Cancer Institute’s (Wilmot) Cancer Prevention and Control (CPC) Research Program. Michelle Janelsins, PhD, MPH (CPC), director of the HBSR, brings more than a decade of expertise in the collection, processing, and analysis of biospecimens as part of clinical research studies, including large, nationwide R01-funded Phase III randomized clinical trials, as well as the usage of patient-reported instruments and several human physiology assessments in those trials. The HBSR assists investigators in all stages of conducting clinical trials, including conception; intervention development; implementation; quality assurance and fidelity monitoring; patient-reported and biophysiological assessments and assays; and data management, analysis, and interpretation. The HBSR provides state-of-the-art services in processing liquid biospecimens (e.g., serum, plasma, whole blood, and saliva) and employs several analysis techniques, including high-sensitivity SIMOA®, advanced multiplex Luminex, ELISA, and other customizable assays. In addition to lab assay services, the HBSR provides counseling and assessment services for study design, patient-reported and objective physical function, and physiological outcomes (e.g., symptom inventory, cardiorespiratory function, muscle function, and metabolism) through widely validated assay modalities (e.g., VO2max) and novel wearable mobile health monitoring devices. The HBSR is positioned to effectively address human health, symptom management, and physical, biophysiological, and psychosocial outcomes critical in CPC through innovative, high-impact resources and expertise in supportive care in cancer research. In total, the HBSR currently supports two P01-level, 10 R01-level funded research projects, three smaller research grants (e.g., R21), six career development awards, and ten pilot studies, including a CPC P01 in development. Member usage for 2023 is expected to be 51% greater than in 2022. Since 2020, the HBSR has supported 15 full members, five Wilmot junior faculty with NCI or other NIH career development awards, and five NCI T32 junior faculty fellows. The HBSR has contributed to 87 peer-reviewed publications since 2019 (25% high impact). Moving forward, a major HBSR focus will be enhancing assays for epigenetic and other biomarkers of cancer-related aging, virtual and centralized intervention delivery, and developing and conducting remote physical function assessments. In addition, the HBSR will expand sample type capabilities, expanding analyte detection in liquid specimens, such as saliva, urine, and stool, to support Wilmot investigators studying adverse immune-related events of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, dietary interventions, urinary toxicity from radiation therapy, and gut microbial community disruption during cancer treatments.