SUMMARY The Molecular and Cell Biology Core (MCBC) of the Center for Lung Biology and Disease (CLBD) has been created to meet the need for advanced molecular biology support by PJIs. The current application includes four more JPI-led full projects that hold exceptional promise for being developed as independent investigators who can compete nationally for categorial NIH funding. These projects require advanced molecular and cellular biological principles, methods, and advances in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, immunology, and microscopy to delineate fundamental cellular mechanisms leading to disease outcomes. In this Phase II renewal application, the Molecular and Cell Biology Core (MCBC) proposes to continue to leverage, coordinate, and expand the resources and expertise of the Division of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine (BIOMMED) at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. BIOMMED administers and coordinates access to specialized Core Facilities, including the Gene Expression and Sequencing Laboratory (GeneLab), Viral Vectors Laboratory, Protein Characterization and Purification Laboratory, which also generates monospecific and monoclonal antibodies, and coordinates and facilitates access to a variety of other LSU Vet Med resources including the LSU Vet Med Microscopy Center and the Shared Instrumentation Facility (main campus) which provides advanced immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. MCBC offers biostatistics and advanced bioinformatics analyses to analyze complex genomic and transcriptomic data to LSU and Louisiana researchers in close collaboration with the LSU Center for Computation & Technology. MCBC aims to provide and coordinate access to advanced instrumentation and services and develop and offer new molecular methodologies. MCBC will also provide training for molecular biology and cell biology methodologies to all PJIs and other NIH-funded investigators to achieve their research objectives. The MCBC has two specific aims: Aim 1. To provide the Center and other NIH-funded investigators with resources and expertise on advanced molecular biology technologies, instrumentation, technical support, and development of molecular assays needed for their projects. Aim 2. To organize, coordinate, and facilitate interactions among COBRE investigators, mentors, and students; train PJIs and other faculty, staff, and students in advanced molecular biology technologies; and establish long-term sustainability of all core services and functions. The MCBC centralized molecular and cell biology services and training will provide outstanding capabilities in molecular and cell biology methodologies. MCBC will streamline experimental tasks to maximize efficiency, productivity, benefits, and efficient use of reagents, as well as assist PJIs in adopting and developing new technological molecular and cell biology approaches.