Translational Research Core

Core Director

Jill P. Crandall, M.D.  

Assistant Directors

 Meredith A. Hawkins, M.D.      

  Carol Levy, M.D.          

JeanineAlbu, M.D.   

Mission

The primary mission of the Translational Research Core (TRC) is to promote high-quality translational research, through efficient delivery of services including consultation, technical support and training and mentoring in clinical and translational research methods that are specifically applicable to diabetes, its complications and related metabolic disorders. The Core’s services derive from the broad expertise of Core personnel, encompassing investigators with proficiency in first-in-human and mechanistic studies in integrative physiology, in clinical trials of diabetes and obesity, and in application of new technologies, thus serving a broad spectrum of our Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC) research base.

Objectives

1. To provide consultation on the design and implementation of human subjects research in the areas of diabetes, obesity and metabolism. The TRC engages with investigators to explore the feasibility of translation of laboratory-based discoveries to first-in-human studies, providing critical input in areas including regulatory requirements, patient safety and recruitment of appropriate research subjects. Consultation on diabetes-specific aspects of study design and selection and interpretation of relevant biomarkers and metabolic tests is provided to both laboratory-based and clinical investigators, particularly those new to diabetes research. The TRC also provides consultation in clinical aspects of diabetes and application of new technology (e.g., continuous glucose monitoring) for diabetes investigators involved in behavioral and health outcomes research (“T3-T4” translational research).
2. To provide specialized technical services for clinical investigation in diabetes, obesity and metabolism. TRC personnel with expertise in a wide variety of research methodologies provide technical support for the performance and interpretation of in vivo metabolic tests, including infusion protocols, substrate tracer techniques, clamp studies, meal challenges, and fat and muscle biopsies. Priority is given to studies that have strong potential to accelerate translation of basic discoveries to clinical trials and efficacy studies. The TRC provides access to specialized facilities, including a 24-hour metabolic chamber and BOD POD for measurement of body composition, via reduced fees for ES-DRC members.
3. To provide expertise and training in diabetes-specific research methodology. TRC faculty provide training for clinical investigators in performance of tissue (muscle, adipose) biopsies, clamp studies and vascular testing (e.g., reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry). A seminar series in diabetes research methodologies is offered to trainees at Einstein and Mount Sinai and provides exposure to a diverse array of research procedures and technology, thus promoting a pipeline of future diabetes clinical investigators. 

Services

The TRC provides resources for diabetes research via faculty expertise and consultation and collaborations with other programs and projects, as well as access to trained TRC personnel to assist with crucial aspects of human research protocol implementation. In addition, the TRC leverages resources of the recently renewed Einstein-Montefiore Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA, known as the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, ICTR) and the Mount Sinai CTSA’s Institutes for Translational Sciences (“Conduits”), which are key partners in our efforts to facilitate and promote translational research in diabetes. Both CTSAs provide research infrastructure and facilitate access to other institutionally sponsored services, while the TRC specifically focuses on support of the unique needs of investigators in diabetes, obesity and metabolism and provides direct services beyond the scope of CTSAs.

 The TRC is designed to fill critical gaps in the resources needed to promote the broad range of diabetes clinical and translational research by fulfilling the following Specific Aims: 

1) To provide consultation on the design and implementation of human subjects research in the areas of diabetes, obesity and metabolism; 

2) To provide specialized technical services for clinical investigation in diabetes, obesity and metabolism; and 

3) To provide expertise and training in diabetes-specific research methodology.

TRC Request for Services

To request services from the TRC, please complete TRC Request for service form . For any questions, please contact Josue Alicea, Study Coordinator, at josue.alicea@einsteinmed.org 

Fee Schedule