MUSC Digestive Disease Research Core Center

Medical University Of South Carolina, Charleston SC

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Overall The overall objective of the Medical University of South Carolina Digestive Disease Research Core Center (MUSC DDRCC) is to provide researchers focused on our thematic continuum with core resources, collaborative exchange, and other opportunities to further their scientific success in a thriving and interactive community. Closely linked to the Overall Component is dedicated leadership and a highly effective Administrative Core that directs the strategic direction of the Center and ensures focus on our vision and goals. Our vision is to establish and sustain the DDRCC as the driving force for digestive and liver diseases research at MUSC and in our entire state. With this vision comes our major goal, which is to create an enhanced infrastructure to support digestive and liver disease research capacity and for our Center to provide meaningful value to our Members. Our central theme is focused on the continuum of organ injury, inflammation, and fibrosis - leading to disease. This continuum is highly relevant for the vast majority of digestive and liver diseases. Our specific aims are integrated with the goal of serving our Members and are as follows: 1) Support and foster collaboration among digestive and liver disease researchers. Our leadership emphasizes collegiality and collaboration, and we will provide multiple avenues for Center Members to function in this manner. We will continue to foster this philosophy by supporting the career development newly recruited junior investigators as well as Members. Our supportive and attractive environment will continue to enhance our collaborative culture. 2) We will develop sustainable scientific core resources to support digestive and liver disease studies while leveraging institutional investments. DDRCC Cores include: a) A Cell Models Core; b) An Advanced Imaging Core; c) A Proteomics Core; and d) a new Bioanalytical and Biospecimen core offering biostatistics and bioinformatics support as well as a biorepository. Finally, we will 3) Promote the long-term success and sustainability of the DDRCC. We believe the key to our long term success is to build not only a superb infrastructure though emphasizing collaboration amongst our members, and by providing access to high performing Biomedical Research Cores, but to build Center membership through mentorship. The Center is made up of 36 Full Members focused specifically on our theme, representing growth of over 30% during the last 4 years and an additional 24 Associate Members. Finally, we will aggressively assess in an ongoing manner the success of all of our Cores, and the Enrichment and P&F Program. In aggregate, the MUSC DDRCC has made an enormous impact on our institutional and local community, addressing critical questions with consequential impact to the patients and communities we serve.