Analytical Services Core

Analytical Services Core: Project Summary/Abstract The purpose of the Analytical Services Core (ASC) and two Subcores (Lipid and Oxidative Stress) is to provide Vanderbilt Diabetes Research Center (VDRC) investigators with assays that measure plasma and tissue hormones, cytokines, amino acids, lipids/lipoproteins, nucleotides, markers of oxidant stress, and GCMS determination of isotopic enrichment and isotopomer distribution and mass used for metabolic flux analysis. These services require unique instrumentation and involve rigorous standardization of procedures. It is neither practical nor economically reasonable to establish these assays in individual laboratories. The consolidation of services into one core laboratory provides investigators with efficient, high quality, low-cost analyses performed by experts in the field. All services are tailored to meet the needs of the specific investigator in that the exact protocol followed may differ depending on the analysis desired by the investigator and the sample volume to be analyzed. Through training and education, investigators become more aware of the various services offered and how these services might address specific areas of interest. Finally, an important function of the ASC is method development, which not only enhances the spectrum of services offered but ultimately also increases efficiency by providing researchers with the opportunity to expand their research programs. The core provides space, equipment, and personnel for sample analysis. Investigators pay a fee-for-service that covers the cost of reagents, supplies, pro-rated service contracts for equipment, and a percentage of personnel salary. The core also serves as a valuable resource for investigators without ready access to wet-lab research space and personnel. Core services utilize the latest instrumentation run by experienced research personnel in a consistent, quality-controlled environment. The ASC works closely with other VDRC cores to develop standard operating procedures to facilitate translation of this technology to VDRC investigators performing in vivo and in vitro studies. Investigators rely on the Core and Subcore directors and their staff for advice on how to collect and process samples collected during in vivo studies. Thus, the ASC provides essential services to VDRC investigators that allow them to perform important and innovative diabetes research.