CORE C- Protein Expression and Purification

Project Summary/Abstract The proposed Animal Models and Tissue Analysis Core (Core C) is an essential component to the goals of this PPG. To support the research strategies and success of the individual projects proposed in this PPG application, Core C will serve each of the 3 projects of the PPG with a variety of animal models of arterial thrombosis, atherosclerosis, venous thrombosis, and spontaneous and pristane-induced systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In addition, it will provide comprehensive tissue, blood and urine sample analysis for each of the 3 projects. Furthermore, Core C will train fellows and technical staff of the individual projects to perform animal studies. Lastly, Core C has access to archival FFPE specimens at the University Hospitals that is overseen by Dr. Gilmore, a Co-Investigator of Core C, who will ensure that all IRB requirements for discarded tissue research have been met. Dr. Gilmore will locate appropriate tissues for the research of the PPG and provide Core C with the necessary clinical information to facilitate the analyses. The services Core C will provide require specialized technical skills and equipment. Core C will alleviate the need for each of the investigators to establish the techniques in their individual laboratories, thereby increasing efficiency, reducing experimental variation, and providing economy of scale. The main advantages and innovation of Core C are to provide a dedicated, highly skillful, accessible and cost effective resource for animal models and tissue analysis. The proposed Core C has extensive experience in animal models for cardiovascular research focusing on various disease models, including thrombosis, atherosclerosis, vasculitis, stroke, cardiac hypertrophy, analysis and quantitation of mouse tissue and fluids specimens. The models and analysis have been well-established and published (see Biosketch of Core C leader). Building on the experience with animal models and tissue analysis, Core C has also established both spontaneous and pristane-induced SLE models (See Figures 6 and 7 in Research Plan). Core C will be led by Yunmei Wang PhD, who has extensive experience in murine models of vascular injury, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, stroke, and cardiac hypertrophy. In addition, Dr. Wang's over 25-years' research experience working with animals has prepared her well for any additional expertise and skills involving animals if needed for Core C. Core C will quickly adopt any innovative animal models once they become available and are determined appropriate for the purpose of the projects. Furthermore, Dr. Wang has collaborated with all project leaders of the PPG (see publication in Biosketch).