Imaging Core

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Project Abstract/Summary – Imaging Core The Imaging Core provides cutting-edge equipment and training opportunities to support the labs in the Tumor Microenvironment Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (TME CoBRE). Cellular and animal models of disease are important tools for translational research projects that promote understanding of the factors that influence the initiation and detection of tumors, progression of disease and the impact of potential therapeutic targets. Project Leaders will have access to imaging equipment that spans from super resolution intracellular imaging through to whole animal imaging. Rather than establish a new imaging core to support the proposed projects, the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center (WVU HSC) has chosen to expand the successful, existing imaging facilities through significant institutional commitments to provide the new equipment needed by the PLs that will yield high scientific impact. During Phase I, the Imaging Core expanded with addition of a light sheet microscope for 3D fluorescent imaging of entire tumors or organs from rodent models, a multiphoton microscope for high resolution, intravital imaging, an MRI for non-invasive structural imaging in mouse models and a new micro-ultrasound for measuring tumor volume and perfusion. This institutional commitment has also included new space dedicated to the core, as well as support for salaries and service contracts. These investments allow well-established cores to incorporate novel and cutting-edge technologies, as well as to continue providing established services to the research community. Support of the existing core resources provides efficiency of operations since the same staff will be able to operate and manage the new instrumentation. The long-term goals of this core are to (1) establish novel treatment and imaging resources in an existing core facility to support translational research projects targeting the tumor microenvironment and (2) provide training and support for investigators using preclinical models to study cancer biology. All of the Project Leaders in Phase I (including the Project Leaders in this application) have been supported by the Imaging Core, and this need will extend into Phase II. This TME CoBRE-supported core will synergize with other Institutional Development Award (IDeA)-funded projects including other CoBRE projects, the IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE), and the IDeA Clinical and Translational Research Award (IDeA-CTR) to enhance research competitiveness, improve therapy, and address health disparities, particularly in cancer. The Imaging Core provides opportunities for collaboration with other Centers at WVU, resulting in the broadest impact of CoBRE investment. Further, it is highly connected to the Flow Cytometry Single Cell Analysis Core Facility that will provide additional analysis tools for characterizing the tumor microenvironment. The Imaging Core is committed to mentoring and participates in the Technology Seminar Series in partnership with the other CoBRE Cores to enhance both education and collaboration across the CoBRE-supported initiatives.