Molecular Interactions and Imaging Core

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The Molecular Interactions and Imaging Core (MIIC) increases the rigor and sophistication of bioMT research projects by facilitating the use of molecular binding assays and imaging technologies. One goal of the MIIC is to eliminate barriers to these technologies and provide advice in the optimal collection and analysis of the data. In phase I of this grant, MIIC has centralized oversight of existing resources and participated in the acquisition of new equipment, both within the bioMT facility and in conjunction with two existing microscopy cores at Dartmouth. We have hired staff to provide training, guidance, and experimental support in the characterization of molecular interactions. We have also hired two imaging navigators to help investigators with experimental design, image acquisition, and image analysis. These activities significantly enhanced the ability of our phase I research project leaders (RPLs) and all bioMT investigators to conduct quantitative binding and imaging studies at Dartmouth, and thus contributed to their extramural and academic success. Our plans for the next funding period have been guided by an inclusive and intensive program review process. In phase II, MIIC has four specific aims. Specific Aim 1 is to provide customized support to help the four RPLs attain their research goals and achieve independence. As active participants in the development of the four research projects, the director and research navigators engaged with the RPLs to comprehensively assess the methods required by each. From this survey we identified key technologies to quantify binding interactions, to visualize molecular locations and dynamics of proteins and organelles in cells, and to assess distribution of cells within tumors in situ. Specific Aim 2 is to expand our services to three key areas: mass spectrometry/proteomics, higher resolution cellular imaging by super-resolution microscopy and electron microscopy, and cryo-electron microscopy analysis of macromolecular structure. In all three areas, MIIC will continue the cost-effective practice of leveraging existing equipment at Dartmouth and elsewhere to accomplish these goals. Specific Aim 3 is to extend support for image analysis, which is an increasingly pressing need for many investigators. Specific Aim 4 prepares for sustainability of the Core in phase 3. The MIIC works closely with the Molecular Tools Core, which is housed in the same, newly renovated bioMT Core Facilities Suite. In addition, the MIIC has established strong working relationships with existing cores at Dartmouth (including several supported by other COBRE awards) as well as at other IDeA partner institutions. Within all four aims, the MIIC has been designed to adapt flexibly to technological needs that emerge as bioMT investigators make scientific progress. The MIIC will also share best practices and ensure up-to-date training for all bioMT investigators interested in monitoring, and in most cases quantifying, binding interactions of their biomolecules, whether as purified components or within cells. It will thus directly support all four bioMT Research Projects as well as affiliated bioMT faculty, and will enhance the research infrastructure available at Dartmouth and among our regional IDeA partners.