Cell Biology Core Director: Eugene B. Chang, M.D.
Phone: (773) 702-6458
e-mail: echang@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu

The Cell Biology Core of the DDRCC provides services vital to the study of the structure and function of cells of the digestive systems in the context of normal physiology, immune/inflammatory conditions, microbial interactions, and inflammatory bowel diseases. There are three major components: (1) Cell Culture, (2) Structural Biology/Imaging, and (3) Cell Physiology. In 1994, the Core’s services and facilities were centralized under one administration to enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and coordination of all components. It was revised again in 2001 when services and facilities of the Cell physiology component were added or adjusted to meet the growing and changing needs of Core users. The Administrative Director of the Cell Biology Core, Dr. Eugene Chang, oversees the operations of all components and also serves as the Director of the Cell Culture component. Drs. Deborah Nelson and Vytas Bindokas are the Directors of the Cell Physiology and Structural Biology/Imaging components, respectively. Directors are responsible for ensuring proper scientific direction and efficient use of services and facilities of their respective sections.

Preference for services and facilities are given to a) NIDDK funded investigators, b) recipients of current pilot and feasibility funds, c) non-funded junior investigators in digestive diseases, and d) established investigators outside of the area of digestive diseases who are interested extending into this area.

All components offer as part of their services training and consultation. Users are encouraged to take advantage of this if they foresee extended or heavy use of facilities. Users are asked to acknowledge the DDRCC in all resulting publications.

Services Offered by the Cell Culture Component:

• Established intestinal epithelial and non-epithelial cell cines (T-84, CaCo-2, IEC18, HT-29, etc.) – Full listing and on line request forms (website currently being revised)
• Special cell cultures preparations (e.g. transwells, transfections, co-culture, wound assays)
• Enteric microbiology Services
• Harvest of Tissues and Cells and Primary Cell Culture (Heptatic Ito, Epithelial, Fibroblasts)
• Special Procedures and Materials, Training, Use of Shared Resources, Purchase of Sera/Supplies

Utilization of Services and Facilities: Use of facilities and services will be subject to approval by the Core Director and Executive Committee.

Cell Physiology Section

Director: Deborah J. Nelson, Ph.D.
Phone: (773) 702-0126
e-mail: dnelson@drugs.bsd.uchicago.edu

Services Offered by the Cell Physiology Component:

• Whole cell and patch-clamp electrophysiology (facilities, training and consultation)
• Fluorescence signaling measurements (e.g., calcium, pH, Na Cl)
• Ussing chamber transmural flux measurements

Utilization of Services and Facilities: All potential users must fill out a one-page questionnaire, detailing their anticipated use of the Core and nature of their studies. Use of facilities and services will be subject to approval by the Core Director and Executive Committee.

Structural Biology/Imaging Section

Director: Vytas Bindokas, Ph.D.
Phone: 773-834-9040
email vytas@drugs.bsd.uchicago.edu
Director, BSD Light Microscopy Core Facility
web site for LMCF:
http://digital.bsd.uchicago.edu/index.html

Services Offered by the Structural Biology/Imaging Component:

• High resolution deconvolution microscope
• Laser Scanning Confocal microscopy (including FREP, FRAP, and colocalization)
• Immunofluorescence
• Data analysis, technical support, and consultation

Utilization of Services and Facilities: The microscopy facility is part of the University of Chicago Cores and operates on a recharge basis. DDRCC members receive a discounted rate for facility use of 10% and preferred user status. All potential users must fill out a one-page proposal for use, detailing their anticipated use of the Core and nature of their studies. Use of facilities and services will be subject to approval by the Core Director and Executive Committee.