The Clinical Biospecimen and Research Core

PROJECT SUMMARY The overall goal of the Clinical Biospecimen and Research Core (CBRC) is to facilitate the conduct of clinical and translational studies in the Columbia University Digestive and Liver Disease Research Center (CU-DLDRC). The CBRC will provide research navigation services to its members to access extensive collections and storage of digestive organ biospecimens. This resource will also combine biospecimen collection and analysis with comprehensive clinical data elements. In concert with other CU-DLDRC Biomedical Cores, CBRC will enable state-of-the-art single cell, imaging and organoid modelling-based analyses of its biospecimens through multi- core workflows, thereby linking to the central theme “Epithelial Cells and Their Interactions in Digestive Homeostasis and Disease” in human relevant settings. Through collaborative agreements with established structures in the Cancer Center and Human Immune Monitoring cores, we will offer subsidized services such as single nucleus RNA-sequencing, tissue microarrays, expert histopathological examination and biostatistical support, thereby enhancing the capability of the CU-DLDRC to conduct impactful translational research. Collaborative translational research and cross-fertilization between clinical and basic investigators in the CU- DLDRC will be fertilized through a central infrastructure and consultative services for clinical research design and application under the umbrella of organ-specific clinical-basic teams. The organ-specific clinical-basic teams will support the analysis of CBRC-provided biospecimens in the CU-DLDRC biomedical cores through combined clinical and basic expertise and dialogue, and vice versa, will bring novel basic research concepts from bench to beside. The CBRC will led by two highly qualified NIH-funded clinical investigators, Dr. Julian Abrams (Director) and Dr. Elizabeth Verna (Associate Director). The following Specific Aims will maximize benefits and added value to CU-DLDRC members and contribute to the mission of the CU-DLDRC: To provide comprehensive biobanking of digestive organ biospecimens with linked clinical data (Aim 1); to enable state-of-the-art translational analyses of clinical samples (Aim 2); and to provide tailored human subjects research training, education, and biostatistical support (Aim 3). According to user surveys, 96% of CU-DLDRC researchers plan to utilize CBRC services. In conclusion, the CBRC will provide a crucial interface between clinical and basic CU-DLDRC investigators that does not exist in this form at Columbia and promote high quality collaborative translational research through access to a wealth of biospecimens. Through these services, the CBRC will provide major benefits to basic and clinical CU-DLDRC researchers alike.