Islet and Pancreas Analysis (IPA) Core
The Islet and Pancreas Analysis (IPA) Core assists VDRC’s large group of renowned and collaborative investigators who are studying a broad spectrum of islet-related processes, ranging from the function of islet-enriched factors and intracellular signaling to in vivo physiology and maintenance of hormone secretory profiles. VDRC investigators, with the assistance of the IPA Core, are performing sophisticated functional, genetic, and molecular-level comparisons to various physiological stresses in islets (aging, predisposing genetic abnormalities, etc.) that underlie or profoundly influence both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
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Existing users:
Reserve equipment or request services NEW! View IPA protocols on protocols.io Please acknowledge our core: [Procedure] was performed using the Islet and Pancreas Analysis (IPA) Core supported by the Vanderbilt Diabetes Research Center (NIH grant DK20593). |
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New IPA Core users
Please complete the steps below before requesting services.
Imaging Quick Links
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Islet Isolation Calendar 🐭
You may request islet isolations (up to 6 mice/day) for any date labeled Available by filling out a request in iLab. |
Services and Additional Information
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📝How do I cite the IPA Core in my publication?
We really appreciate when you acknowledge the IPA Core in manuscripts! At minimum, please use the following text:
[Procedure, e.g., islet isolation, slide scanning, islet functional analysis] was performed using the Islet and Pancreas Analysis (IPA) Core supported by the Vanderbilt Diabetes Research Center (NIH grant DK20593). 🔬How do I access whole-slide scanning equipment?
Trained users can reserve time through their iLab account (see these instructions if you are not yet registered). Your PI or lab manager must also add a center number or PO to your profile for billing (request form here; requests are typically processed within 24 hours). To request training, see below.
🔬How do I get trained to use IPA Core scanners?
Both scanners require two training sessions on separate days, the second of which is performed using the trainee's own slides. Training sessions are 1-2 hours (1 hour for brightfield scanner, ScanScope CS; 2 hours for fluorescence scanner, ScanScope FL). After you complete the steps above to activate your iLab account and add billing information, please send an e-mail to Anastasia Coldren (anastasia.coldren@vumc.org) with the following information to schedule your training:
- Trainee's VUnet ID
- Trainee's employee number
- Billing cost center ($49/hour)
Your access to the scanner room (8434 MRB4) will be activated after successful completion of your training.
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Meet the IPA Core Team:
IPA Core Director
Research Professor of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism
Director, Human Islet Phenotyping Program (HIPP) of IIDP
IPA Core Co-Director
Research Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism
Anastasia Coldren
Senior Research Specialist
Corey Davis
Research Assistant III
Shaojun Mei
Senior Research Specialist
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The IPA Core offers a range of services in partnership with the VDRC. Our services include:
- Mouse islet isolation
- Islet perifusion
- Static Islet incubation
- Islet culture
- Islet number, purity, and viability measurements
- Islet RNA isolation
- Whole-slide scanning and image analysis
- Islet and pancreas histological analysis
We also work closely with the Hormone Assay and Analytical Services Core (ASC) and the Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center (MMPC) to meet the needs of our customers.
