MCBRC Project Summary MOLECULAR AND CELL BIOLOGY RESOURCES CORE (MCBRC) Molecular and Cell Biology provide an essential linkage among important basic fields of biomedical sciences, such as genetics, developmental biology, structural biology, immunology, neurobiology, and cancer biology. Centralized core facilities offering specialized equipment and services in molecular and cell biology, immunology, immunopathology, and microscopy are often called on to provide critical support for biomedical research. The Molecular and Cell Biology Resources Core (MCBRC) will provide, development, and training functions based on the variety of needs for advanced molecular/cell biology support by Louisiana Biomedical Research Network (LBRN) junior investigators. The main goals of the MCBRC are to: 1) Provide access to the sophisticated equipment and expertise of the biomedical research intensive (BRI) institutions throughout Louisiana, with the LSU flagship campus in Baton Rouge being the primary site (LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, LSU College of Science, Pennington Biomedical Research Center) 2) Train and support all LRBN investigators by helping them develop or adapt technological assays and methodologies needed for their projects. Access to expensive equipment and experienced technical support is facilitated through a four-prong strategy: i) PUI faculty and staff are invited to spend typically 2-3 days in the main MCBRC facilities to receive hands-on training, as well as advice about their research projects; ii) training through organized workshops and teleconference sessions, as well as “Works in Progress” sessions; iii) providing specific services and reagents via the internet communication and order managing tool iLab; iv) provide on-site support and consultations for PUI campuses through scheduled visits of MCBRC leadership and technical staff; v) provide “Core Bucks” funds for all PUI investigators regardless whether they are funded by the LBRN. MCBRC leverages the resources and expertise of three existing core facilities operated by the Division of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine (BioMMED) at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM): Gene expression and sequencing laboratory (GeneLab); Protein Production, Purification, and Characterization Laboratory (PPPCL), and the molecular immunopathology laboratory (MIPL). These three laboratories are co-supported by the NIH:NIGMS COBRE Center for Experimental Infectious diseases and the new COBRE Center for Lung Biology and Disease (CEIDR). The specific aims of the MCBRC are: Specific Aim I: To support the research efforts and activities of all LBRN investigators by providing advanced molecular cell biology, microscopy, immunology, and pathology services, and access to state-of-the-art equipment, expertise, and resources. Specific Aim II: To organize, coordinate and facilitate interactions among LBRN investigators, mentors and students; promote the development and use of new technologies and assays; an...