The Molecular Sciences Research Core (MSRC) represents a natural progression in the evolution of thecurrent WFU OAIC Genomics and Biomarkers Core. This Core has played an integral role in the success ofthe WFU OAIC by providing scientific expertise and resources for assessing a uniform battery of biomarkersto determine whether specific biological and/or genetic factors are predictive of sarcopenia, reduced physicalfunction, and/or disability in older individuals. The results from this work were pivotal in providing the insightthat led to the new OAIC theme. The MSRC will continue this work by providing and leveraging resources,contributing scientific expertise, and offering educational and training opportunities to support ongoing andnew research in line with the WFU OAIC theme of 'Integrating pathways affecting physical function fornew approaches to disability prevention'.The overall scientific hypothesis of the proposed MSRC is that specific molecular, physiological, andhistological mechanisms contribute to age-related increases in total and 'ectopic' (abnormally located) fat,thereby resulting in loss of muscle mass and strength and subsequent decline in physical function, and thattherapeutic modification of these factors can slow progression to disability. The MSRC will facilitatetranslational research in the WFU OAIC by providing Core resources for 6 externally-funded studies, 3 pilotprojects and 2 Research Development Projects during the first year of the new cycle. The scientificobjectives of the MSRC are: 1)To determine whether circulating and tissue levels of specific adipokines andother potential aging- and disease-biomarkers are associated with muscle mass, total and ectopic fat,measures of physical function, and physical disability in older individuals; 2) To determine whether specificbehavioral and pharmacological interventions will modify circulating and tissue levels of adipokines and otherpotential aging and disease biomarkers in older individuals; 3) To evaluate whether specific genetic markersare associated with clinical and/or biological measures relevant to the WFU OAIC theme; and 4) To developnew assays, apply existing molecular methodologies, and provide a biological tissue resource and aid inanalyzing these tissues to address novel research questions relevant to the WFU OAIC theme. In addition,the MSRC will educate and train research fellows and OAlC-supported junior faculty in the methodologiesand techniques used for the study of molecular, biological, and histological mechanisms and risk factors; andprovide educational opportunities (seminars, symposiums) to foster translational research and communicationof OAlC-supported research findings.
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