Biomarkers Core RC3

RC3 Project Summary The goal of the RC3 Biomarkers and Preclinical Core is to provide UConn Pepper Center (OAIC) trainees, pilot and developmental project investigators and the broader scientific community with expertise and tools needed to interrogate biomarkers, drivers of aging and underlying mechanisms of chronic diseases in humans and animal models in order to promote function and independence in late life. Research supported by RC3 will advance these UConn OAIC goals by emphasizing approaches derived from precision gerontology, our thematic focus. To that end, RC3 will emphasize approaches and technologies capable of defining biological heterogeneity in a manner that can lead to biomarker discovery and improved targeting of interventions. RC3 will offer investigators guidance with coordinated access to existing UConn Health and Jackson Lab cores and resources. For investigators lacking deep familiarity with specific methods, advice and assistance will be offered in terms of project development to determine best approaches, assays and analyses for their proposed studies. RC3 will also provide biomarker analysis for all human subjects who participate in UConn OAIC studies. The Specific Aims are: (1) Assist investigators in the development of experimental protocols involving biomarkers of aging and related conditions such as chronic diseases, resilience, frailty and disability to achieve the goals of each project; (2) Facilitate interaction between investigators, established core facilities and RC2 Data Resource Core in order to achieve the goals for evaluating biological heterogeneity in each project; (3) Development of a biobank and biomarker discovery.