Clinical and Translational Research Core

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The mission of the P30-supported DartCF Clinical and Translational Research Core (CTRC) is to increase translational research in studies on the effects of cystic fibrosis disease and treatments on the gastrointestinal tract and organ systems other than the lung. The CTRC supports basic science investigators and physician-scientists by facilitating access to and analysis of clinical specimens from patients with cystic fibrosis and comparator populations. The CTRC provides assistance with all aspects of research with human subjects including study design and approval, implementation, and analysis. In addition, by acting as a central clearinghouse, the CTRC works to coordinate our portfolio of clinically based studies to minimize the burden on our patient population and clinical care team and maximize scientific impact. Samples collected include stool, serum, urine, purified immune cells, bacterial and fungal clinical isolates from patient samples and accompanying patient data as allowed by IRB-approved protocols. The CTRC is able to collect patient samples as part of both longitudinal and cross-sectional studies; longitudinal studies in which samples are paired with patient health measures are particularly important for the analysis of the effects of the gastrointestinal microbiota on outcomes. The CTRC has developed a collection of banked samples for rapid hypothesis testing and this resource can be particularly useful for obtaining preliminary data for new studies. The CTRC is available to all CF researchers at Dartmouth and partner institutions. It is central to the success of our Pilot Projects and other ongoing studies directed by members of the Dartmouth CF research community. The CTRC has four specific aims which are: (1) to support the design and approval of CF clinical and translational research studies, (2) to facilitate collection of specimens and data from CF patients and control subjects, (3) to archive clinical samples for current and future research studies, and (4) to process and analyze clinical specimens efficiently. Through these aims, we seek support research that works towards improving our understanding of CF as a systems-wide disease in order to develop the best possible treatments and cures. !