The objective of the Clinical and Translational Research Core is to enhance and expand the translational research capabilities of investigators performing research studies in obesity and/or nutrition-related diseases. Obtaining human samples is often a challenging process and for many researchers, a significant research barrier.
Our Core will provide access to a biobank of obesity-relevant tissues. Additionally, we will facilitate collaborations among researchers by maintaining a database of obesity-related human research at both Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, and the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center. We will also provide consultative services to anyone embarking on a human nutrition- or obesity-related research project to both enhance the rigor of study, facilitate collaborations, and provide information on the nutrition-related resources available within the Texas Medical Center.
Tissue Biobank
The tissue biobank will contain adult and pediatric tissues across the age, sex, and BMI spectrum. Tissues that are currently available include:
Adolescents with severe obesity
- Subcutaneous adipose tissue
- Visceral adipose tissue
- Liver
- Plasma
- Serum
- Small intestine
- Buffy coat
- Red blood cells
Consultation
The Core will provide consultation for human obesity research studies, including help with the following:
- Research design and statistical consultation
- Pre-IRB protocol review
- Identifying available resources