Molecular and Cellular Imaging Core

University Of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr, Oklahoma City OK

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Molecular Analysis and Cellular Imaging (MACI) Core is designed to eliminate technical limitations and barriers to research progress in the Geroscience CoBRE program through the use of ‘shared technical services’. Generally, one of the major barriers to progress on CoBRE grants is the availability of outstanding technical expertise at a level necessary to facilitate rapid progress related to grant and manuscript submissions. Our Cores are designed to address this limitation. Specifically, the RPL research projects proposed in the Phase 2 CoBRE, require the analysis of gene and protein expression, cellular localization, and assessment of complex biological structures. We provide these essential services and training for rigorous analysis of structure and function through access to scRNAseq, spatial transcriptomics, gene regulation, and advanced imaging technologies. Our technical experts ensure scientific rigor by validating reagents and techniques and ensuring that proper control groups are included in all studies. The leaders and technicians of the MACI Core have extensive experience related to technologies that would be difficult, costly, and time-consuming to duplicate in an individual laboratory. The availability of these ‘shared technical services’ (or concierge services) is a prudent use of funding and provides investigators a distinct advantage in research, publications, and grant applications. In Phase 1 of the Geroscience CoBRE, the MACI Core was used extensively by all the RPLs/PPLs. The use of this Core resulted in 71 publications to date and contributed to the 83% NIH funding success rate for our Phase 1 RPLs/PPLs. The capabilities of the Geroscience CoBRE and especially the MACI Core are extensive. We leverage the equipment and expertise in the Department of Cell Biology and the Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center to significantly expand our technical resources. The MACI Core also provides access to the latest gene expression analyses. Recently, there have been increased needs from RPLs to expand training and capabilities in single- cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq). The MACI Core purchased the 10X Genomics Chromium X and 10X Genomics Chromium Connect Systems and, anticipating future needs, we expanded our resources to bridge histology with genomics using the 10x Genomics Visium and Xenium Spatial Gene Expression technologies. In addition to training and performing experiments, the faculty and staff of the MACI Core consult on study design, experimental approaches, data analysis and interpretation, and preparation of grant proposals. In Phase 2, the goals of the MACI core are to: 1. Provide advanced, application-specific tissue preparation, cellular labeling, imaging, and image analysis services. 2. Provide advanced molecular analyses of gene expression and regulation. 3. Provide training, support, and molecular and cellular data analysis services. 4: Provide Evaluation and Use Metrics to meet the changing needs of investigators. The MACI Core is the focal point for our investigators to connect with state-of-the-art imaging and genomic services provided by OUHSC, the Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), and programs/services in other IDEA states.