Molecular Mechanisms

Project Summary: Modern biomedical research to uncover the metabolic basis of disease – the theme of this COBRE – depends on the application of complex technology. In many cases, the required costs for equipment and the necessary technical expertise exceed the capabilities of individual laboratories - particularly those of investigators at the start of their careers. Hence, the overarching goal for the COBRE Molecular Mechanisms Core is to provide investigators with such technologies in the fields of functional genomics and molecular bioimaging, support with bioinformatics, and thus help them to apply state of the art approaches in their research projects. The Core seeks to achieve this goal in three Specific Aims: Specific Aim 1: To provide COBRE investigators with mentoring support for molecular bioimaging and functional genomics technologies. Covering the range from experimental design to data interpretation, the Molecular Mechanisms Core will serve as an intellectual and advisory resource for COBRE investigators. Specific Aim 2: To provide COBRE investigators with turn-key access to technologies to answer two questions: (i) which gene activities change in a disease situation, and (ii) where, or in which cells, do those changes occur? The answers are crucial to understand pathogenic mechanisms. Specific Aim 3: To provide bioinformatics support at all stages of bioimaging and genomics experiments. Bioinformatics provides the underlying fabric for success in both Aims 1 and 2. With the specific goal to enhance and strengthen the Center, the Molecular Mechanisms Core will provide extended bioinformatics support before as well as after experiments, thus covering the range from experimental design to data analysis, visualization, management, and sharing. Genomics and bioimaging have typically been viewed as separate technological realms in biomedical science. The Molecular Mechanisms Core has long held the conviction that this separation is an obstacle to scientific progress, and we posit that the synergy resulting from the merger of genomics, bioimaging and bioinformatics is essential for scientific advance. With strong emphasis on bioinformatics as the crucial element for this Phase II application, the Molecular Mechanisms Core is well positioned to contribute to that advance, and at the same time addresses critical needs in the health sciences: by training new investigators in cutting edge science and technology, and by providing direct experimental support. –