Cancer Model Characterization

PROJECT SUMMARY CANCER MODEL CHARACTERIZATION SHARED RESOURCE (CMC) The overall mission of The Jackson Laboratory Cancer Center (JAXCC) is to bring genomic solutions to cancer medicine. Our basic research goal is to tackle the question of “Genetics and Genomics of Aging and Cancer”, while our translational intent is to contribute new concepts, technologies, and clinical education initiatives originating from basic science to advance precision cancer medicine. The JAXCC Cancer Model Characterization Shared Resource (CMC) provides a broad array of services that enable JAXCC members to characterize mouse and cellular models of cancer, and patient samples, from the whole organism to the corresponding tissue, cell, or protein. CMC comprises six integrated services, each managed by domain experts who coordinate research projects seamlessly across CMC’s supported technologies. These services are: Genome Technologies; Single Cell Biology; Microscopy; Protein Sciences; Histopathology; and Flow Cytometry. This collection of technologies is structured to provide an integrated approach to phenotyping the experimental mouse and other relevant models being used by JAXCC members, combining high quality of delivery with cost- and time-efficiencies not possible when accessing these services separately. CMC services span a wide range of interconnected and complementary capabilities for studying genome structure, transcription, protein expression and modification, tissue organization, and metabolic function of cells, tissues, and whole animals at high resolution. The goal of the CMC is to provide a spectrum of profiling capabilities and technical support to enable JAX Cancer Center members to explore the full range of anatomical, biochemical, genomic, protein, and cell surface characteristics of their cancer models, across the lifespan. In support of this goal, CMC’s Specific Aims are: Aim 1: Provide consultation and project management support for the phenotypic characterization of cancer models at the cellular, tissue, and organismal levels; Aim 2: Provide JAXCC members with cutting-edge technologies for multi-dimensional genome analyses; and Aim 3: Provide the tools to dissect cellular heterogeneity of complex cellular systems.