# Core B -- BioCore

> **NIH NIH U19** · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · 2024 · $626,872

## Abstract

ABSTRACT – BIOCORE
To obtain the full panel of biomarkers in the MIDUS project, collection and analytic efforts must be coordinated.
The BioCore (B) thus fulfills an essential role in MIDUS by providing centralized, reliable testing, processing,
and storage of biospecimens (i.e., hematological, endocrine, inflammatory, metabolic, bone turnover,
antioxidant, gene expression). All tests are performed by single laboratories to ensure consistent results over
time. Core B also assists in the standardization of protocols (i.e., identical collection and processing SOPs) and
monitors shipment integrity and testing at the analytic laboratories over time (i.e., Quality Control). Core B also
has the primary responsibility for storing aliquots from new samples and maintaining a complete set of archival
specimens in ultracold freezers. In addition to overseeing all testing, the BioCore conducts assays and
transports the samples that are tested at local clinical labs in Madison, WI. A centralized Core operation is
essential to ensure uniform entry of test results into a single record system. One corollary of this administrative
function is reviewing the reliability of data entry before transmission of results for dissemination and combining
with demographic/psychosocial data. Core B also has several advisory and pedagogical functions, which
includes providing “norms” for test results, meeting with investigators to advise on analyses, and conducting
educational workshops on the use and meaning of biological measures at MIDUS meetings. The future
performance of the BioCore will be facilitated by the extensive experience gained during the prior MIDUS
periods. The panel of biomarkers going forward is similar to the panels employed previously with some new
additions. The BioCore has previously assisted in establishing new methodologies (e.g., multi-cytokine arrays,
an assay of HDL anti-oxidant activity) and will also oversee new analyte testing related to risk for Alzheimer’s
Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) linked with the Ancillary U01 application. To highlight the BioCore’s
level of experience, over 100,000 specimens have been tested in the prior periods. Processing of blood and/or
cells for gene expression is also routine for Dr. Coe’s (PI, BioCore) laboratory. Dr. Coe has over 3 decades of
prior experience with endocrine and immune assays, including with many body fluids, different assay platforms
and cell separation protocols. In sum, Core B provides the infrastructure and required resources to ensure high
quality and reliable biomarker assessments in MIDUS.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10894192
- **Project number:** 5U19AG051426-08
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- **Principal Investigator:** CHRISTOPHER L COE
- **Activity code:** U19 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $626,872
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-07-25 → 2028-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10894192

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10894192, Core B -- BioCore (5U19AG051426-08). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10894192. Licensed CC0.

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