# Core C:  Visualizing Molecular Interactions Core

> **NIH NIH P20** · DARTMOUTH COLLEGE · 2020 · $256,811

## Abstract

We aim to establish a Visualizing Molecular Interactions Core to facilitate the utilization of key
instrumentation vital to the success of the research of the iTarget investigators. One goal of the
VMIC is to eliminate barriers to these technologies and provide advice in the optimal collection
and analysis of the data. As active participants in the development of the four research projects,
the co-directors engaged with the project leaders to comprehensively assess the methods
required by each. From this survey we have identified several key gaps in the visualization or
measurement of interactions, where technology or expertise was not readily available in house or
through collaborative arrangement. We have also identified barriers to entry for essential
resources that are available through Dartmouth and regional IDeA cores. To address these unmet
needs, the VMIC has three specific aims. Specific Aim 1 is to fill the gaps in the equipment or
features available on existing equipment. This includes a plate reader allowing for fluorescence
polarization, FRET and AlphaScreen measurements for in vitro monitoring of biomolecular
interactions. It also includes components to upgrade existing microscopes to provide extended
live-cell imaging and high-resolution characterization of dynamic protein associations within cells,
using fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy. Specific Aim 2 is to provide faculty liasons to
serve as navigators for the optimal utilization of the technologies, to enhance the progress and
impact of the iTarget faculty. To eliminate barriers to the use of our collaborating cores and
facilities, the VMIC has allocated funds to support reagents or user fees, when necessary.
Specific Aim 3 is to provide data-analysis support for the optimization of experimental design as
well as quantitative and statistical support for post-acquisition data processing. The VMIC will
work closely with the Molecular Tools Core, which will be housed in the same newly renovated
iTarget Core Facilities Suite. The VMIC has also already established working relationships with
existing cores at Dartmouth (many of them supported by COBRE awards) as well as in other
participating IDeA partners. Within all three aims, the VMIC has been designed to be flexible, in
order to be able to adapt to technological needs that emerge as iTarget investigators make
scientific progress. The VMIC will also function as a resource and training facility for investigators
interested in monitoring, and in most cases quantifying, binding interactions of their biomolecules,
whether as purified components or within cells. It will thus directly support all four iTarget
Research Projects as well as affiliated iTarget faculty, and will enhance the research infrastructure
available at Dartmouth and among our regional IDeA partners.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9882274
- **Project number:** 5P20GM113132-05
- **Recipient organization:** DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
- **Principal Investigator:** DALE F MIERKE
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $256,811
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → 2021-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9882274

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9882274, Core C:  Visualizing Molecular Interactions Core (5P20GM113132-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9882274. Licensed CC0.

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