Bioanalytical Core (Core B)

Univ Of Arkansas For Med Scis, Little Rock AR

Investigators

Abstract

Bioanalytical Core – Project Summary/Abstract The Bioanalytical Core (Core B) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) provides services to members of the Center for Studies of Host Response to Cancer Therapy and other researchers at UAMS and surrounding institutions for the detection and quantification of small molecules and elements in a wide range of sample types. This core supports the growing demand for highly sensitive detection and quantification of drugs and novel therapeutics in tissue, plasma and urine samples to determine drug metabolism and bioavailability and to quantify toxins, heavy metals, and trace elements in biological and non-biological samples for projects on environmental exposures. The core was developed during Phases 1 and 2 of the Center and has since seen steady growth in its user base. The core is now available as an institutional core that operates on a fee-for- service basis. In doing so, the Bioanalytical Core has built a strong infrastructure at UAMS for studies that require pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analyses, quantification of metabolites and nucleotides in molecular biology approaches, and assessment of population exposures to toxic compounds, among others. During Phase 3, the core will continue to build its user base and expand the methods it offers the research community by providing high-resolution and quantitative analysis of small molecule and element concentrations in a wide range of sample types (Specific Aim 1), and providing mentoring, training, consultation, and technical assistance concerning experimental design, sample preparation, method development, and data analysis as they relate to small molecule quantification (Specific Aim 2). The ultimate goal is to become a self-sustaining research core facility (Specific Aim 3). Core personnel are highly trained in the maintenance, calibration, and quality control of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry equipment. Every user request starts with a consultation to determine the user’s needs and the best approach for method development. The core trains select investigators on the use of the core’s equipment or performs the sample preparation and analysis for them. Metadata provided by the user and raw and processed/normalized data from sample analyses are stored in dedicated folders on a password-protected Box server provided by UAMS, and the user is given access to this folder. Core services are advertised with poster and oral presentations at departmental and institution-wide meetings and retreats, regional and national NIGMS IDeA conferences, and other local and national research symposia. In Phase 3, to support the expansion of the core’s user base, a voucher program is offered for first-time core users and faculty from undergraduate institutions in Arkansas. Regular surveys among core users will identify additional services that may be required, and with COBRE and institutional support, such services will be developed. As UAMS continues to expand its externally funded research programs in cancer research, drug development, and environmental exposures, the Bioanalytical Core will provide critical research infrastructure and training to support these research efforts in Arkansas.