Institute on Human Development and Disability

URL: http://depts.washington.edu/chdd/iddrc/cores/bec.html

Services

The Behavioral Evaluation Center (BEC), operated by the Administrative Core, provides CHDD behavioral scientists access to four types of services to support human studies:

(1) a Behavior Observation Laboratory (BOL);

(2) an Eye Gaze Tracking facility;

(3) a behavioral testing consulting service; and

(4) a coordination service for access to UCEDD databases for research.

URL: http://depts.washington.edu/chdd/iddrc/cores/bi.html

Description

The Brain Imaging Core (BIC) provides technical and scientific support for multimodal brain imaging (including MR, PET, microPET and electrophysiologic imaging) for IDDRC Research Affiliates who wish to use neuroimaging methods to address research questions pertinent to intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The overall goal of the Core is to train and assist affiliates in conducting research using a variety of advanced imaging modalities. The Core is organized into four highly interrelated components:

1. technical support and development
2. image analysis
3. human electrophysiology
4. small animal imaging

All components of the Core are organized to inform CHDD affiliates of the advantages (and pitfalls) of useful technologies and to provide expert technical guidance for both investigators inexperienced in imaging techniques as well as experienced neuroscientists. To maximize resources in this highly complex field, the Brain Imaging Core operates in collaboration with the MR Research laboratory and the Integrated Brain Imaging Center (IBIC) which are part of the Department of Radiology.

Services

The Brain Imaging Core provides affiliates with assistance in all aspects of study design, implementation, and support using several modern brain imaging techniques that are capable of evaluating brain structure and function. Specifically, the Core provides:

1. expert technical guidance in study design, such as development of optimal imaging parameters, pulse sequence development, computer generated EEG source imaging methods, and appropriate functional brain imaging task design
2. expert technical assistance and support for image acquisition, storage, and transfer
3. training in multiple image analysis techniques
4. assistance in preparing research subjects for scanning
5. development of specialized custom techniques and equipment
6. assistance in developing experimental animal imaging protocols
7. training of affiliates and their graduate students and postdocs in safe use of the MR and EEG/ERP imaging equipment
8. opportunities for information sharing among affiliates interested in brain imaging research to promote collaboration
9. limited financial support for pilot projects involving these Core facilities

URL: http://depts.washington.edu/chdd/iddrc/cores/CTC.html

Description

The Clinical Translational Core (CTC) is designed to provide Research Affiliates with access to resources that facilitate the translation of research findings into the clinical setting. A major partner is the leadership at the Institute of Translational Health Sciences (ITHS), our regional entity supported by a Clinical and Translational Sciences Award. The overarching goal of the CTC is to accelerate the progress of translational research by CHDD Research Affiliates; that cycle is illustrated in the future and incorporates our existing Cores, ITHS services, and consulting services.

The Core Goals are:

• Provide direction and coordination for translational projects utlizing CHDD Cores, ITHS programs, and/or related UW resources;
• Establish and maintain an IDD Research Navigator Service for CHDD Research Affiliates to obtain facilitated access to key services and resources that will advance their translational research goals;
• Provide consultation on several key aspects of IDD-specific translational research including:
  • moving from gene identification to functional assays amenable to a compound screening approach
  • CNS specific approaches to understanding pharmacokinetics and toxicology
  • developing new animal models
  • identification of special issues regarding clinical research in IDD populations including access and ethics;
• Increase knowledge and understanding of the process and practice of translational research among CHDD Research Affiliates through educational seminars and research symposia;
• Promote the development of research collaborations among basic scientists, clinical researchers, and practicing clinicians working on common problems; and
• Educate the CHDD Research Affiliate community on how to organize their research programs towards advancing diagnosis, prevention, treatment, or amelioration of Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD).

URL: http://depts.washington.edu/chdd/iddrc/cores/genet.html

Description

The Genetics Core is designed to assist IDDRC Research Affiliates integrate state-of-the-art genomic methods into their existing research programs. Research Affiliates can now employ the full range of genomic tools to improve diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of IDD syndromes caused by factors ranging from genetics defects, to environmental toxin exposure, to preterm birth. A key feature of the Genetics Core is the coordination of the services available in other units of the University of Washington (see Linked and Coordinated Services).

The Genetics Core has two components: (1) the Human Genomics Component which supports technologies to identify all types of human genetic variation including copy number microarrays, targeted next generation sequencing (NGS), and whole exome sequencing; (2) the Functional Genomics Component which assists investigators to study global gene expression, non-coding RNAs, and proteomics. Extensive bioinformatics services are provided by both components.

Services

1. Provide direct proactive consultation to IDDRC affiliates regarding the integration of new and emerging genomics technologies into their research programs, addressing issues associated with sample preparation, study design, statistics, and data interpretation;
2. Provide direct bioinformatics and statistical support for a variety of experimental designs for DNA (sequence DNA methylation, histone methylation), RNA (gene expression, transcript variants, untranslated RNA expression), and protein/metabolite data;
3. Coordinate access for affiliates to cost-effective, state-of-the-art genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and other technologies;
4. Facilitate collaborations between affiliates and genetics and genomics investigators at the University of Washington to enhance existing studies and to foster innovation; and
5. Directly assist with grant and manuscript preparation