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Preclinical Research Resource Core (PRRC)



The Preclinical Research Resource Core (PRRC) serves the overall goals of the SA OAIC by providing resources and training to bridge translational geroscience through studies using the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). The PRRC assists with implementation of discoveries from basic geroscience and tests functional outcomes in aging marmosets as a model for human aging. In addition, the PRRC has played significant roles with SA OAIC investigators to develop novel approaches using reverse translation to develop models to study the mechanisms, pathogenesis and therapeutics of age-related dysfunction when current animal or laboratory models are inadequate. The PRRC educates and trains investigators, including REC Scholars and PESC pilot awardees, in developing research programs in translational geroscience that use marmosets by supporting them in data design and collection, preparation of manuscripts and proposals, and coordination with other SA OAIC cores to ensure successful development.

The PRRC is led by Adam B. Salmon, PhD, and Cory Ross, PhD, and Juan Pablo Palavicini, PhD as the Core’s leader in training.

The Pre-Clinical Research Core can provide to OAIC investigators:

  • Access to a unique colony of aging marmosets.
  • Resources required for studying effects of aging interventions on marmoset healthspan.
  • Biobanked tissues collected from marmosets across the age range.
  • Functional and physiological assessments of aging marmosets and potential outcomes of interventional approaches.
  • Coordination with other research cores of the OAIC to expand biological outcomes and promote translatability.
  • Research training and dissemination of research as part of the mission of the OAIC.

 

Marmoset Mother and Baby
Marmoset Mother and Baby

Scope of PRRC Functional Assessments in marmosets
General*Morphometry (weight, height, waist, chest and appendage circumference), physical appearance
Physical performance*Strength (grip, lower limb), Gait analysis (Noldus Catwalk), Deficit accumulation
Body composition*Dual energy X-ray absorption (DXA), Quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR)
Activity and sleep*48 hr activity, actimeter
Vascular function*#Echo-Doppler, blood pressure
Nutrition*Food intake, Diet manipulation
Metabolism*oral glucose tolerance test, indirect calorimetry#, stable isotope tracer methods#
Cognition & affect*Detoured reach, conveyor belt testing
Biospecimens*Collection of tissue (blood, CSF, skin, muscle), urine, feces; post-mortem tissue collection
Clinical labs*CBC, chemistry, HbA1c, urinalysis
Advanced imaging*Ultrasound imaging#, MRI spectroscopy§, brain PET§
*Parallel PRRC & CRRC assessment; #partnering with MPRC; §PCCR facilitating access to institutional services

Core Leaders

Core Co-Leader: Adam B. Salmon, PhD

Core Co-Leader: Cory Ross, PhD

Juan Pablo Palavicini, PhD

Associate Leader: Juan Pablo Palavicini, PhD