Translational Research Technologies Core

The Northern New England region is among the most rural in the U.S. It has competent investigators with complementary expertise in biomedical research, who place a priority on collaborative team science and translational research. However, one challenge is limited access to consolidated state-of-the-art and rapidly advancing research resources, education, and technologies. The NNE-CTR now provides innovative and integrated shared technical resources at partner institutions to cost-effectively support approaches with education and training for optimal use by investigators and trainees in academic medical centers, practice- based research networks (PBRNs), and industry throughout the region.

We have consolidated strategic core facilities by leveraging expertise in genomic/epigenomic, proteomic, lipidomic, and imaging technologies with emphasis towards molecular diagnostics/precision medicine. Building upon our success, the goals of the Translational Research and Technologies Core (TRTC) are to provide investigators with support for research based on genomics, proteomics, lipidomics, cell and tissue analyses, molecular diagnostics and novel mouse models for preclinical studies. Our secondary goal is to advance collaborative partnerships among scientists, behaviorists, and physician investigators and support the career development of biomedical researchers. Coordinating with the Community Engagement and Outreach Core, the TRTC will expand educational efforts to facilitate bidirectional communication and to foster collaborations and discovery in translational and clinical research.

This research infrastructure, with expanded faculty development in translational and clinical research, will also strengthen the interactions and engagement with the NNE-PBRN and other clinician investigators to support mechanistic and clinical investigations of cancer, cardiovascular disease, substance abuse and other diseases prevalent in the northern New England rural population. Furthermore, the TRTC will build upon established IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) programs and multiple Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE), to effectively leverage resources established by these programs for the enhancement of young and established investigators. The TRTC is currently supporting the development of genomic and cellular imaging-based diagnostics for future public health challenges. TRTC will also support Department of Health initiatives in partnering states and private sector endeavors that likely will require molecular diagnostics.

In summary, the TRTC, by integrating unique and essential biomedical research expertise, technologies, and services, will enhance research capacity, credential research programs, and increase the competitiveness of investigators in the region for the benefit of northern New England institutions and the people they serve.

Grant Number: 5U54GM115516-09
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Frances Carr