Integrative Biology Core

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The WF OAIC Integrative Biology Core (IBC) is critical to the overall mission and goals of the WF OAIC. It plays an essential role in identifying and integrating biologic factors that contribute to aging-related disability processes. The IBC translates knowledge on biological aging translationally between preclinical animal models and humans to discover and test biological contributors to human functional decline. The IBC provides material support and guidance needed to test both traditional and novel biological factors in age-related functional decline and disability. In the next cycle, we will further the overarching IBC hypotheses that: 1) integrative biological processes influence aging-related loss of physical function, and 2) therapeutic modification of these biological processes will slow progression to disability. The premise behind the IBC’s work is that (a) specific cellular, organ, and systemic processes combine in an integrated manner to influence aging-related loss of function, and (b) therapeutic modification of these factors will slow progression to disability. The Specific Aims of the IBC are to: 1) Provide key services that advance the understanding of the cellular, tissue, and systemic biological factors underlying aging-related decline in physical function; 2) Facilitate acquisition and distribution of biospecimen resources in the OAIC-supported Integrated Aging Studies Databank Repository (IASDR) to efficiently generate and test novel hypotheses; 3) Develop new methods and collaborations that expand Core services for OAIC investigators. 4) Provide OAIC-supported faculty and trainees mentorship and education on biological factors underlying aging-related decline in physical function. Drs. Delbono and Justice will co-Lead the IBC, which uses state-of-the-art cellular and molecular techniques of the collective laboratories of IBC investigators and other WFUSM Core laboratories, to support novel research thematically aligned with the WF OAIC objective of “Integrating pathways affecting physical function for new approaches to disability treatment and prevention”. In Year 1 the IBC will provide supplies, technical resources, and consultative scientific support for: 2 pilots (1 led by a REC Scholar); 2 REC Scholars; 1 Development Project; and testing of new hypotheses by adding biological outcomes to be assessed in 10 Externally-supported Projects. The Core provides the OAIC with cutting-edge scientific instruments and technology, and breadth of expertise across the translational research spectrum required to accomplish our aims efficiently, with economy of scale, and in close coordination with the other OAIC cores.