Islet & Physiology Core

Indiana University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract (Islet & Physiology Core) The Islet & Physiology Core supports the overall mission of the Indiana Diabetes Research Center (IDRC) to promote cutting edge research in diabetes and related metabolic disorders; foster collaboration; and support training by providing comprehensive and state-of-the art services in rodent islet isolation, rodent and human islet characterization, human and rodent islet transplantation, and rodent metabolic phenotyping. These services support research initiatives aligned with core Scientific Goals outlined in the NIDDK Strategic Plan for Research by: 1) advancing the understanding of contributors to health and disease; 2) developing innovative technologies and resources to advance scientific progress, and 3) bolstering the pipeline of research investigators by enhancing development and training for both basic and translational scientists. The Islet & Physiology Core supports the work of IDRC investigators from Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) and its affiliated institutions, working closely with members to provide “wrap-around” services that include assistance with experimental design, efficient execution of experiments, and support for data analysis and interpretation. The Core serves both experienced and novice users and functions as an important conduit for facilitating entry into the field for investigators who have not traditionally worked with islets or performed metabolic research. In addition to consultative and experimental services, the Core provides training for investigators who wish to incorporate specialized techniques back into their own lab. The Director of the Core is Dr. Carmella Evans-Molina, and the Associate Director is Dr. Jason Spaeth. The Islet & Physiology Core closely interfaces with the IDRC Translation, Microscopy, and Data & Analytics Cores to meet the experimental needs of our User base, while adhering to the highest standards of rigor, reproducibility, refinement, and reduction. The Islet & Physiology Core will achieve the following aims: (1) Provide IDRC investigators with high quality rodent islets and facilitate the procurement of human pancreatic tissues for analysis. (2) Provide state-of-the-art human and rodent islet and pancreas characterization services. (3) Provide services for rodent metabolic analysis, including assessment of glucose and insulin tolerance, body composition, energy expenditure, activity levels, and food intake. (4) Provide consultation services and training that is tailored to fit the needs of both experienced users and users who are new to diabetes and metabolic research. (5) Ensure that Core services evolve to meet IDRC investigator needs and keep pace with new developments in the field.