# Molecular Interactions and Imaging Core

> **NIH NIH P20** · DARTMOUTH COLLEGE · 2021 · $446,346

## Abstract

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
inte...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10271748
- **Project number:** 2P20GM113132-06
- **Recipient organization:** DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
- **Principal Investigator:** HENRY N HIGGS
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $446,346
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2016-05-15 → 2026-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10271748

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10271748, Molecular Interactions and Imaging Core (2P20GM113132-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10271748. Licensed CC0.

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