The Florida Research and Innovation Center's Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering Core provides expert support and consulting in advanced bioinformatics analyses and state-of-the-art protein engineering.

Core to promote translation of basic science discoveries by Cleveland Clinic researchers into new therapeutics. Through collaboration with investigators we de-risk promising approaches and illuminate fundamental biology using small molecule chemical probes. We have established a pipeline of innovative research programs directed toward improving patient care with a true bench-to-bedside vision. To achieve these goals, we use state of the art technologies in small molecule library screening, fragment-based methods, X-ray crystallography, computational tools, and target validation towards generating starting points for nascent hit-to-lead and lead optimization campaigns.

Transmission (TEM), Scanning (SEM), 2D tile scanning SEM and 3DSEM electron microscopy are available in the Core for imaging and analyzing specimens at the ultrastructural level. Possible samples include fresh tissue specimens, cultured cells growing on a substrate, cells in suspension or subcellular fractions (for purity determinations). Sub-cellular localization of antigens within cells by immunogold labeling can be performed, as well as negative staining for visualizing samples such as microparticles and exosomes. Elemental analysis (EDAX) is also available together with SEM.

Core has maintained CAP (College of American Pathologists) and CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act) accreditations since 2001 and has maintained the required standards for the past 20 years. Core offers automated clinical chemistry, immunology and hematology assays. Tests range from commercially available FDA approved methods to research grade ELISA’s.

Core provides with easy access to state-of-the-art DNA and RNA services. Offers services, including Illumina microarray-based gene expression profiling, genotyping, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Equipped with Illumina MiSeq and NovaSeq 6000 platforms, enabling efficient targeted and transcriptome-wide RNA analyses, as well as whole genome sequencing (WGS). Prepares and normalizes libraries for various applications, including RNA-seq, miRNA-seq, DNA-seq, whole-genome sequencing, and single-cell RNA-seq. Additional services include DNA/RNA quality control using Agilent Bioanalyzer and TapeStation systems, and DNA/chromatin shearing using Covaris S2 technology. In collaboration with Genomic Medicine Biorepository, provides DNA and RNA extraction services. Provides letters of support for federal and non-federal grant applications and are open to research collaborations.

Engineers in the Polymer Core work closely with physicians, surgeons, and researchers throughout Cleveland Clinic to provide extensive services on medical device design, prototype and evaluation. We help our inventors to “prove the concept” of their novel inventions, which will ultimately benefit our patients. We also help research groups at Lerner Research Institute to fabricate or repair research instruments, which are not commercially available, such as cell culture fixture, test instruments, etc.

Core provides biomechanical testing of biological structures and biomaterials. Allows investigators to conduct research of mechanical properties of existing biological structures and constructs, as well as to quantify potential for new technologies and clinical advancements. Robotic simulators are built around the simVITRO software platform and are designed for in vitro simulation of major joints including knee, spine, foot, ankle, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist and more. Provides testing capabilities for range of biomechanical modalities and will offer expert advice and support for development of new test protocols, innovative techniques for instrumentation and data collection. Modalities include tissues, joints, and multi-articular units, such as foot or spine segments.

Mechanical Core provides variety of fabrication, customization and repair services for mechanical devices and equipment. Offers precision machining of metals and plastics, welding of structural and exotic metals, instrument refurbishing and mechanical repair.

Core provides mechanical and biomedical engineering expertise and services. Specializes in early-stage development and proof-of-concept prototypes. Utilizes 3D modeling, 3D printing, nitinol shape setting, and laser cutting to design and fabricate custom medical devices, test fixtures, and CT/MRI-based anatomy models.

Core provides investigators with resource for quantitative studies of cells, extracellular vesicles, and single-cell gene transcriptome analyses. Offers sample acquisition and analysis, cell sorting, and consultation for experimental design, interpretation and troubleshooting.

Core offers services in areas of peptide synthesis, peptide modification, purification and quality analysis, N-terminal protein sequencing by Edman degradation, and biomolecular interaction analysis and equilibrium and kinetic measurements.