Cores & Services
The Cedars-Sinai Digestive Diseases Research Center's (CSDDRC) cores consist of the Administrative Core (Core A), the Advanced In Vitro Model Systems (Core B), the Gnotobiotics and Gut Microbiome Core (Core C), and the Human Resources and Biomedical Imaging Core (Core D). The cores all leverage and build on Cedars-Sinai's strengths while providing access to unique resources.
The Administrative Core integrates the CSDDRC's components into a cohesive entity. It facilitates collaboration between clinical and basic investigators through the provision of cutting-edge services and technologies by three biomedical research cores, access to a robust Enrichment Program, support for Pilot and Feasibility Program projects, and overall thematic direction.
Led by Drs. Ekihiro Seki and Robert Barrett, the Advanced In Vitro Model Systems Core provides cutting-edge in vitro models to investigate specific metabolic, inflammatory, and fibrotic pathways and pathophysiology in intestine, liver and pancreatic disease. Key services include:
- Primary liver and pancreatic cells from rodents and humans
- iPSC-derived intestinal and pancreatic organoids
- Liver-, intestine- and pancreas-on-a-chip models
Contact Dr. Seki or Dr. Barrett for more information or to arrange services.
Led by Drs. David Underhill and Suzanne Devkota, the core provides tools for deep characterization of the gut microbiome and investigative strategies—including gnotobiotic animals and microbial culture and characterization technologies—to reveal the effects of microbiome in promoting specific pathways of inflammatory disease. Key services include:
- Microbiome sequencing and analysis service and support
- Aerobic and anaerobic microbial cultivation
- Gnotobiotic and germ-free mouse services
- Consultation on microbiome experimental design
Contact Dr. Underhill or Dr. Devkota for more information or to arrange services.
Led by Drs. Jonathan Braun and Debiao Li, the Human Resources and Biomedical Imaging Core provides the tools to facilitate the process of translating the role of inflammation in cell and animal models of digestive diseases to actual human biology. Key services include:
- Biospecimen collection and preprocessing service
- Archival biospecimen virtual repository service
- Large public datasets service
- State-of-the-art, high-throughput and highly quantitative proteomic and metabolomic analytic services
- Archival imaging virtual repository service
- Prestudy consultation service
Contact Dr. Braun or Dr. Li for more information or to arrange services.
Have Questions or Need Help?
If you have questions or would like to learn more about the CSDDRC, please contact Shelly Lu, MD, or Stephen Pandol, MD.
Davis Building, Room 2097
8700 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048