Translational Research Core (TRC)

• Identifying relevant laboratory correlatives and collaborative labs
• Development of standard operating procedures and lab manuals
• Development of budgets
• Project logistics

• Sample retrieval
• Sample labeling and management
• Coordination with other labs and/or cores for sample storage and analysis
• Shipment of samples to other sites

• Plasma and serum separation
• PBMC isolation
• Nucleic acid extraction from cells and tissues
• Protein isolation from cells and tissues

• ELISAs
• Multiplex Analysis
• Flow Cytometry
• Western Blot
• Protein/nucleic acid quantification
• Unique assay development/assay optimization

• Short term ambient, freezer, and liquid nitrogen
• Coordination with SSF or another biorepository

Investigators and the TRC will meet to discuss the specific needs and details of the proposed or on-going project.

All samples brought to the TRC should be labeled with a unique identifier established by the investigator. The TRC will not disclose any information about your project to anyone without the express consent of the investigator.

Data generated by the core is kept on a secure server with access to core personnel only.  Communication of data to clients will be done using the cancer center’s secure intranet.

Each lab's folder is password protected and accessed only by lab and core personnel. Data or information (verbal and/or electronic) are not shared with any outside parties.

Before the start of any project, the investigator must fill out the authorization form which will provide the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center with the information necessary to bill the investigator for services.

If recovery of payment becomes an issue, the cancer center’s business managers will contact the customer and/or their department to collect charges owed. If there is a dispute in charges, the conflict resolution policy above will be followed.

All research work performed by the TRC should be acknowledged in all ensuing publications. Fees paid for services provided by the core should not negate the potential of co-authorship by core scientists. These acknowledgements and achievements are important for the existence and continued funding of the core facility.

Given that many validation procedures require advanced intellectual involvement by the core s scientists (examples listed below), it is expected that this acknowledgement will be in the form of co-authorship according to the guidelines for authorship recommended by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors.

TRC scientists performing one or more of the following tasks meet the criteria for authorship:

• Literature review and providing assistance in selecting/conceiving the experiments appropriate for the study goals
• Experimental design
• Assay development/optimization
• Data analysis and interpretation of data, or both
• Preparation of pertinent sections/figures for the manuscript and revisions to address reviewer concerns/questions

Core studies or services will be prioritized based on IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and/or IUSM membership followed by non members. Projects enter the core upon receipt of a study request form and approved animal study or amendment.

In the event that there is a backlog of studies, services will be prioritized based on IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and/or IU School of Medicine membership followed by non-members. Priority will be given to users with peer-reviewed grant funding.

Translational Research Core Authorization Form

Investigators will be charged for any kits or specialized reagents that are needed for their project, in addition to the TRC charge for sample processing or assaying samples.

For experiments that require the TRC to use other cores (ex. flow core or multiplex core), the investigator will also be charged the hourly rate for utilization of that equipment.

Effective: July 1, 2025

The TRC should be acknowledged in all ensuing publications. When acknowledging the TRC, please use the following guide:

"The authors thank the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center Translational Research Core for (insert service provided) as part of this study."

Performance of one or more of the following tasks by a TRC scientist meets the criteria for co-authorship:

• Literature review to develop biomarkers and/or experiments for the study
• Experimental and protocol design
• Optimization or development of assays
• Analysis and/or interpretation of data
• Preparation and/or revision of manuscripts
• Addressing reviewer comments

Routine sample processing and/or collection of data that does not require any optimization, troubleshooting, or interpretation does not meet the criteria for authorship.

Fees paid for services do not abrogate the potential for co-authorship by TRC scientists.