INSTRUMENTATION AND SERVICES CORE Project Summary/Abstract The goal of the MS INBRE Instrumentation and Services Core (ISC) is to enable research in the fields of multiomics (genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics/lipidomics), gene-editing, cellular assays, and imaging. The Core will continue to serve as a nucleus for the development of research and educational programs aimed at increasing the competitiveness of extramural research funding across MS through implementation of advanced technologies to answer important biomedical questions. During the previous funding period, the ISC had a major impact on supporting the MS INBRE and other MS researchers that overall involved 1,197 projects, more than 64,000 samples, and culminated in 376 abstracts/presentations, 200 peer-reviewed publications, and submission of 222 extramural grants. The ISC is committed to enhancing and maintaining state-of-art instrumentation and initiating and coordinating the use of research technologies for basic and clinical research initiatives in the state of Mississippi. To accomplish this mission, it will provide exemplary technical expertise in the field of multiomics, cellular assays, and cutting-edge imaging technology to Mississippi investigators with a focus on researchers at undergraduate institutions. ISC will operate with the goal of offering timely, high-quality data and analyses at competitive costs, and provide opportunities to educate and train students, faculty, and staff at academic institutions that would not have the independent resources to implement cutting-edge research technologies. Under the umbrella of the ISC, five core facilities (three established and two new) will provide robust Core-facility support that will benefit of all MS investigators and provide a mechanism for Core facility directors to build strong interactions with investigators across various disciplines in the state. In the proposed project period, as part of enhancing current infrastructure, ICS will implement new high-throughput sequencing methods, such as single cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, metabolomics, development of a new and innovative capability involving CRISPR/Cas9 gene- editing technology, along with new bioenergetic cellular assays to allow researchers a complete tool kit to interrogate gene function and biological mechanisms. The following aims were developed to accomplish the mission of ISC and to further the MS INBRE program: 1) to provide consultation, technical expertise on cutting- edge multiomics, gene-editing, bioenergetic assays, and imaging research services to MS INBRE investigators; 2) to provide education and training opportunities for students and faculty in the aforementioned technologies; and 3) to seek continuous improvement in existing assays, services, and enhance technological capabilities through acquisition of new cutting-edge instrumentation that will assist in the sustainability of cores. Synergistically...