Core G: Biofluid Biomarker Core

BIOFLUID BIOMARKER CORE - CORE G: PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Biofluid Biomarker Core (Core F) of the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (JHADRC) has several overarching goals. It is responsible for collecting, processing, and sharing blood and cerebrospinal (CSF) specimens acquired from participants in the JHADRC, and the data derived from them. It is also responsible for providing expertise to investigators conducting biofluid-based research in ADRD, and for assisting in training young investigators in the application of these valuable resources, as well as providing education to the lay community about the importance of biofluid markers for finding improved treatments for ADRD. To accomplish these goals, the Biofluid Biomarker Core will focus on the following aims: 1) to continue to acquire blood and CSF from participants enrolled in the JHADRC (working with the Clinical Core), 2) to oversee analysis of these specimens with state-of-the-art assay procedures, 3) to provide investigators both internally and externally with biofluid specimens from well-characterized participants, 4) to use the JHADRC database (overseen by the Data Core) to track the acquisition, processing and distribution of each sample as well as the data derived from these specimens, 5) to provide expertise and mentoring to investigators interested in using biofluid biomarker data, including those in the REC, and 6) to provide education in the community regarding the importance of biofluids in ADRD research, in collaboration with the Outreach, Recruitment, and Education Core (Core E). Through these efforts, Core G strives to: 1) support investigators associated with the JHADRC with these key resources, 2) provide expertise and mentoring to both junior and senior investigators working in ADRD research, and (3) promote an understanding of the importance of biofluid biomarkers for clinical/translational research in the community.