Infectious Diseases Collaborative Technological Research Resources - Bethesda

National Institute Of Allergy And Infectious Diseases

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

In 2025, this project provides state-of-the-art research technologies that are developed, validated, and then applied in support of NIAID research. Technologies developed outside the NIH are likewise tested, evaluated, validated and, if appropriate, incorporated into the technology portfolio of the intramural program. Flow Cytometry The Flow Cytometry Section (FCS) provides the DIR with application-specific flow cytometric technologies, including instrumentation for high-speed cell sorting, spectral analysis and image-cytometry. Instruments include a BD FACSDiscover S8, Cytek Aurora CS, BD FASCSymphony S6, Sony ID7000, Amnis ImageStream, and others. In addition, the FCS provides training, consultation, method development, and analysis for experiments involving flow cytometry. This mission is accomplished through the efforts of dedicated staff with >200 years of cumulated flow cytometry experience. FCS also provides cost- and time-efficient methods of obtaining fluorescent-labeled proteins or antibodies. Resources available include custom hybridoma expansion; antibody purification from ascites, antisera, and hybridoma supernatant; and coupling of purified antibodies and proteins to various fluorochromes. Major goals are to provide access to state-of-the-art technologies, to help design and run experiments, to facilitate data interpretation and to provide results that are of consistent high quality. Project-specific research applications are developed for flow cytometry analysis and sorting in BSL-2 and BSL-3 environments. Biological Imaging The Biological Imaging Section (BIS) makes advanced light microscopy imaging technologies and expertise available to DIR scientists. The section collaborates in experimental design, instrument operation and in increasingly-sophisticated image processing routines to best utilize the power of these cutting-edge technologies. Experienced scientists can use the microscopes unattended with staff standing by for troubleshooting, thus allowing the DIR maximal use of facility infrastructure. BIS offers instrumentation and expertise in advanced light microscopy imaging technologies including confocal, fluorescence, light cell microscopy, and post-collection quantification and deconvolution. BIS is a resource for Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy, multiphoton confocal microscopy (intravital imaging), sample preparation, long time-lapse imaging, the NIAID Imaris licenses, and poster printing. Investigators participate in the collection of their data, either as direct microscope operators or by selecting cells of interest so that the staff can then collect the data. BIS advises on the most suitable instrument, appropriate labels, sample preparation, and best sampling regimens. BIS advises on the correct use of the most appropriate software analysis modules, as well as the best format for displaying the data. Frequently, the Section works with investigators to prepare images for publication including still images, video sequences, 3D reconstructions and time-lapse animations. Proteins & Chemistry The Proteins & Chemistry Section develops project specific applications in the fields of proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics, purifications, assay development, and mass spectrometry-based applications. The RTB designs qualitative and quantitative physical-chemical and biochemical methods of detection and analysis that are customized to meet the specific research needs of DIR investigators. Another major activity of the RTB involves the development of more efficient and effective methods of sample preparation with a strong orientation towards downstream mass spectrometry-based multiomics work. The Branch collaborates with DIR investigators on all facets of project design including experimental design, separation of biomolecules, sample preparation, data collection and analysis/interpretation of data. The metabolomics/lipidomics team (MetLip) is based our of RML while supporting investigators from all campuses and ICs. They use semi-targeted and targeted approaches to provide insight into biomarkers and mechanisms of disease. Genomic Research The Genomic Research Section (GRS) provides state-of-the-art next-generation sequencing, and other massively parallel genomic technologies to intramural investigators. In addition to managing high-end instrumentation, computers, and protocols involved in genome-wide assays, the GRS offers statistical analysis and bioinformatics for data interpretation. This support involves close collaboration with the investigators in both experimental design and data analysis to best utilize the power of these applications, as well as to convey a better understanding of the technology. GRS develops project-specific research applications for many analysis platforms at the DNA, RNA and protein level. The Section maintains instrumentation and resources for sequencing applications using the Illumina high throughput sequencing (NGS), including RNA-seq, DNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, Rep-seq, and single-cell RNA profiling and many others. Structural Biology The Structural Biology Section (SBS) provides specialized techniques and scientific expertise that enable NIH scientists to obtain biophysical and structural data for macromolecules. Through close collaborations with researchers, the SBS provides consulting/training, produces pure proteins, performs biophysical analyses, and determines structures of proteins and other macromolecules that are central to biomedical research. Biophysical analysis and structural biology require expertise in producing large amounts of correctly folded proteins at high-purity, in preparing diffraction-quality crystals, and in determining structures by X-ray and cryo-EM methods. With an emphasis on providing training in biochemical, biophysical, and structural methods, the SBS makes it possible for investigators to use well-characterized proteins and structurally based techniques in their research program. Integrated Data Science (IDSS) IDSS provides scientific consultation, training and workshops, computational and data science support and collaborates on data analysis and technology development projects with RTB sections. IDSS offers a fully integrated bioinformatics and data science resource for NIAID investigators that includes experimental design support through final data analysis and manuscript preparation. IDSS collaborates with NIAID and NIH scientists by providing bioinformatics, data science, and computational biology expertise for genomics, proteomics, biostatistics, structural biology, image analysis and visualization (including 3D models and reconstructions), machine learning and AI, and molecular modeling and simulation. IDSS is composed of domain scientists with strong computational expertise to address complex scientific problems and leverages a shared team approach as projects often require expertise in multiple areas of data analysis and domain science that are beyond the expertise and capacity of a single analyst. In addition to NIAID investigators, IDSS also supports NHLBI, NIDDK, NIAMS, and NCI. This allows IDSS to achieve an economy of scale and greater bandwidth to handle complex data analysis projects across a range of scientific domains. Electron Microscopy Unit (EMU) The RML Microscopy (EM) Unit provides expertise in advanced electron microscopy (EM)-related techniques and technologies to support the ultra-structural imaging needs of the DIR scientists both in Bethesda and at the Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML). Addition of focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), light microscopy (LM), digital spatial profiling system and expansion of the cryo-EM technologies both at the Bethesda and RML campuses provide greater access for DIR scientists to advanced imaging technologies and spatial genomic studies. The facility provides consultations, sample preparation, imaging, and analysis, ranging from basic structural studies and immune localization of selected antigens to high resolution and three-dimensional analyses for a wide array of specimens. EM Unit has put much effort into the critical first step of specimen preparation as evidenced by the development of application-specific chemical and cryogenic preparative techniques to optimally preserve structures of interest for visualization and interpretation. These techniques in combination with new advanced imaging technologies and the ability to plunge freeze for near native state preservation, now allows visualization of macromolecular complexes, viruses, bacteria, and host-pathogen interactions at high resolution and in three dimensions. Concurrently, our bioinformatics component continues to evolve for high-resolution analyses of increasingly complex structures, and more efficient and comprehensive data collection for higher and better throughput. The light microscopy operations now have expanded with extensive experience in studying bacteria, viruses, and human parasites and their interactions with the host, using an array of light microscopy technologies including live, low-light imaging, wide-field/deconvolution, and confocal microscopy. Through tech dev initiatives, the LM group has introduced advance imaging techniques such as RNAScope and tissue clearing. The Spatial Technologies Resource brings added capabilities by way of Nanostring, GeoMx DSP, 10X Genomics (Visium HD, and Xenium) platforms.