Imaging Core

PROJECT SUMMARY The Imaging Core of the Center for Cancer and Metabolism (CCM) is the technical service and support core for CCM project research laboratories and pilot project recipients. The integrated services of the Core range from the imaging capabilities of simple microscopes to imaging analysis by sophisticated and advanced imaging methodologies. The Imaging Core personnel assist users to operate the instruments and analyze imaging data. The Core provides advice for the current PIs in this Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) application to use the Imaging Core for their specific studies. The Imaging Core has provided tremendous help to the projects in Phase I of COBRE support and will continue to make its services readily available and easily accessible to all COBRE laboratories in order to generate high quality data. Toward the goals of providing efficient and high-quality imaging services and of establishing a robust imaging infrastructure within the CCM, we have added new features and new imaging systems to the Core. Our specific aims are: 1) to provide project-specific training and consultation for COBRE investigators; 2) to develop and adapt state-of- the art imaging techniques to enhance the research of early-stage and pilot project investigators; and 3) to develop and implement new methods, to enhance CCM imaging services and make such services available to COBRE and non-COBRE users. This Core will provide an easily accessible facility where investigators can evaluate their tissue and/or cellular samples using various types of imaging systems. Dr. Jianhang Jia, the Director of the Imaging Core, is a highly productive investigator who has successfully obtained substantial extramural research support including an NIGMS Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) (R35) award for established investigators that relies extensively on sophisticated imaging capabilities. He has worked closely with all graduated COBRE PIs, making significant contributions to their successes in obtaining independent research support. Dr. Jia has guided the development of the four CCM research projects in this Phase II application, and he will continue to advise CCM investigators on the design of experiments that use imaging modalities.