The primary role of the Core Laboratory is to serve the needs of investigators conducting research protocols in the CTRC by the development and performance of critical laboratory assays that are not routinely available from clinical laboratories.  Depending on the requirements of the study, the Core Laboratory offers sample processing, storage and shipping, assistance with research design, and performance of specialized molecular biology techniques.  In addition, training is provided for investigators, fellows, residents, students, and technical staff involved in CTRC based studies.  The Core Laboratory services offered include:

Sample processing, storage, and shipping

• Routine blood and urine specimen processing and aliquoting.
• Preparation of slides (smears).
• Isolation of buffy-coat.
• Isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
• Shipping samples to various satellite laboratories.
• Short and long term storage of processed samples.

 Molecular-based analysis

• Isolation and storage of DNA and RNA from tissues, blood, and PBMCs.
• Performance of DNA and RNA based analyses (PCR and RT-PCR assays).
• Molecular genotyping and polymorphism detection using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and allelic discrimination procedures.
• Pharmacogenomic testing (Cytochrome P-450 polymorphisms) using single nucleotide polymorphisms.
• Gene expression analysis by real time (Taqman) quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
• Protein expression profiling by Luminex platform: cancer, cardiac, cytokine, chemokine, growth factors, endocrine, transcription and metabolic markers, gene expression and genotyping.
• ELISA-based analysis (cytokines, etc.).
• Short and long term storage of patient samples for molecular analyses.

Training in molecular techniques

• Use of the facility for research-based activities (K-30 program teaching).
• Training is provided for CTRC based investigators, fellows, residents, students, and technical staff.
• Consultative services for investigators who wish to apply molecular biology tools to their research projects.