Rheumatic Diseases Core Center
Kent T. Keyser, Director; M. A. Accavitti-Loper, C. Weaver, Co-Directors

Rheumatic diseases are a complex group of human disorders that cause significant morbidity and mortality. With the identification of gene loci involved in human rheumatic diseases, the next objectives will be to identify the function, localization, and interactions of these gene products and to determine their role in the initiation and progression of rheumatic diseases.   To advance research into molecular and cellular basis of the rheumatic diseases, the Analytical Imaging and Immunoreagent Core will support RDCC investigators research programs with state-of-the-art imaging capabilities and through the generation of essential immunoreagents.

1. Service. The AIIC will develop, test, and distribute novel immunoreagents; provide RDCC investigators with assistance in experimental design, image acquisition, and image analyses with conventional imaging techniques and with new capabilities that include the super high-resolution imaging of Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) and live cell imaging.
2. Development: The AIIC will collaborate with RDCC investigators to identify and develop new methodologies and instrumentation to support rheumatic disease research in an ongoing manner. This effort will include the evaluation and implementation of new immunoreagent production methodologies and new imaging techniques such as fluorescence lifetime measurements to enhance the research programs of RDCC investigators.
3. Outreach and Education: The AIIC will provide consultation concerning choice and production of immunoreagents and one-on-one training in the use of imaging instrumentation. The AIIC will also sponsor annual symposia and workshops, and use the individualized Design of Experiment and Analysis Sessions (IDEAs) to consult with individual or small groups of investigators about experimental design. These activities serve both to educate and to enrich the scientific environment, and identify new ways that the AIIC can support the research programs of RDCC investigators.

The resources provided through the AIIC far exceed the capabilities available to individual laboratories and departments and together will facilitate the detailed analyses of the pathogenic mechanisms leading to rheumatic diseases.

The AIIC comprises an immunoreagent production and comprehensive imaging core that supports the research programs of many RDCC, CAMAC and UAB investigators, available on a fee-for-use basis: