Molecular Interactions and Imaging Core

分子相互作用和成像核心(MIIC)提高了生物MT研究的严密性和复杂性 通过促进使用分子结合分析和成像技术，开展了多个项目。MIIC的一个目标是 消除这些技术的障碍，并在数据的最佳收集和分析方面提供咨询。 在这笔赠款的第一阶段，MIIC集中监督现有资源，并参与了收购 在BioMT设施内并与两个现有的显微镜核心一起使用新设备 达特茅斯。我们已经聘请了工作人员来提供培训、指导和实验支持 分子间的相互作用。我们还聘请了两名成像导航员来帮助调查人员进行实验 设计、图像采集和图像分析。这些活动显著提高了我们第一阶段的能力 研究项目负责人(RPL)和所有生物MT调查人员进行定量结合和成像研究 在达特茅斯，并因此为他们在校外和学术上的成功做出了贡献。我们对下一笔资金的计划 在此期间，一直遵循包容各方和密集的方案审查进程。在第二阶段，MIIC有四个 明确的目标。具体目标1是提供定制支持，以帮助四个RPL实现他们的研究目标 并实现独立。作为四个研究项目发展的积极参与者，主任 研究导航员与RPL合作，全面评估每个RPL所需的方法。 从这次调查中，我们确定了量化结合相互作用、可视化分子位置的关键技术 以及细胞中蛋白质和细胞器的动态变化，并评估细胞在原位肿瘤中的分布。特定的 目标2是将我们的服务扩展到三个关键领域：质谱学/蛋白质组学，更高分辨率的细胞 用超分辨显微镜和电子显微镜成像，以及冷冻电子显微镜分析 大分子结构。在所有三个领域，MIIC将继续利用现有的具有成本效益的做法 达特茅斯和其他地方的设备，以实现这些目标。具体目标3是扩展对映像的支持 分析，这是许多调查人员日益迫切的需求。具体目标4为可持续发展做准备 MIIC与分子工具核心密切合作，分子工具核心位于同一 新装修的BioMT核心设施套房。此外，MIIC还建立了牢固的工作关系 与达特茅斯的现有核心(包括几个由其他科布尔奖支持的核心)以及其他Idea 合作机构。在所有四个目标中，MIIC的设计都是为了灵活地适应技术需求 这是随着生物转基因研究人员取得科学进展而出现的。MIIC还将分享最佳做法，并确保 对所有对监测感兴趣并在大多数情况下对有约束力的量化感兴趣的BioMT调查人员进行最新培训 它们的生物分子之间的相互作用，无论是作为纯化的成分还是在细胞内。因此，它将直接支持所有 四个生物技术研究项目以及附属的生物技术教师，并将加强研究基础设施 在达特茅斯和我们的区域创意合作伙伴中提供。

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.