Translational Laboratory Shared Resource

Mission

The mission of the Translational Laboratory Shared Resource (TLSR) at UMGCCC is to generate data from preclinical and clinical sources for investigators to support cutting-edge research. The TLSR is a truly translational resource since we provide support for developing and executing in vitro and in vivo preclinical models for evaluation of novel anticancer agents or novel combinations of agents to translate scientific ideas into therapeutics.  We have supported many projects from the in vitro stage through to the Phase 1 clinical trial.

The TLSR is unique in that it provides a combination of services and resources usually not offered by any one core, predominantly supporting physicians engaged in clinical and translational research and preclinical investigators, fellows, and students conducting in vitro and vivo studies.  We also modify cell lines by CRISPR, specifically creating knock-out (KO) cell lines and introducing single nucleotide polymorphisms SNPs.

The TLSR supports many UMGCCC Phase I/II clinical trials by isolating biological specimens (plasma, serum, DNA/RNA, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and bone marrow) and developing and executing assays for correlative studies to support these trials.

A major focus of the TLSR is to provide research support to clinicians and investigators who do not have the expertise or the lab space to conduct cell-based, in vivo or clinically oriented assays but who would like to generate preliminary data for investigator-initiated clinical trials, grants, or letters of intent.
 

Impact to the Cancer Center

The TLSR has focused its efforts on supporting Phase I/II clinical trials; providing access to in vivo tumor models; generating preliminary data for numerous successful grant applications; and supporting submission of patent applications.  Our efforts often result in publications that include TLSR staff as coauthors, clearly demonstrating the positive impact the TLSR brings to cancer research at UMGCC. Over the last 5 years, the TLSR has provided support for more than 25 clinical trials, provided preliminary data for 4 new investigator-initiated trials; modified approximately 100 cell lines by CRISPR, and carried out hundreds of animal experiments in collaboration with principle investigators at UMGCCC.

Specific Aims

1. Provide support for Phase I/II clinical trials, including processing of specimens and performing assays that provide clinical correlates. This includes generating preliminary data for letters of intent for new clinical trials.
2. Provide expertise for in vivo studies offered to evaluate efficacy, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetic endpoints of novel and experimental cancer therapies.  We offer support for regulatory submission.
3. Develop and implement custom and routine in vitro assays for cell proliferation and apoptosis for cytotoxicity of novel agents.
4. Modify cell lines by CRISPR, specially to generate KOs and SNPs.
5. Maintain and offer access to a number of cell lines ranging from solid tumors to hematologic malignancies.
6. Offer members educational resources, consultation, and training opportunities to increase their ability to more effectively integrate translational methodologies, including in vivo and in vitro services, into their research programs.

Contact Information

Rena Lapidus, PhD
Director, Translational Laboratory
University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center
Bressler Research Building, BRB9-037
655 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
410-706-3715

Katharina Richard, PhD 
Assistant Director, In Vivo Service
410-706-4716