Overview

Guideline Regarding the Pediatrics Biomarkers Core Operations during Phase-2 Research Ramp-up effective from 6/1/2020 (Stay tuned for updates)


The Biomarkers Core provides state of the art equipment and up-to-date technology to provide high quality analysis of biological samples in the fastest turnaround time possible to support pediatric research. This core provides equipment and technical expertise to assay samples using methods that combine the features of gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.

The Biomarkers Core is located in the Emory-Children's Center in Room 310. When you have identified your project and needs, please contact Dr. Lou Ann Brown directly to discuss sample collection, preservation and analysis.

Core description for use in NIH Facilities & Resources page:

The Pediatric Biomarkers Core facility provides the equipment and technical expertise to assay samples using methods that combine the features of gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. These core services are applicable to a wide variety of sample types and will allow small-molecule metabolite profile identification. The Core has a Thermo Scientific Vanquish UHPLC/TSQ Quantis triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, an Agilent gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer and three Waters High Performance Liquid Chromatographs with fluorescence, UV and electrochemical detectors. The Biomarkers Core currently performs analysis of biomarkers of oxidative stress including reduced and oxidized glutathione, cysteine, cystine, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), isoprostanes, hydroxynonenals, and malonyldialdehydes. This core also analyzes Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE) from biological samples such as meconium, hair, placenta, blood, plasma as markers of alcohol use and exposure. The core is located in the Emory-Children’s Center building.

The Biomarkers Core currently performs analysis of biomarkers of oxidative stress including reduced and oxidized glutathione, cysteine, cystine, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), isoprostanes, hydroxynonenals, and malonyldialdehydes. This core also analyzes Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE) from biological samples such as meconium, hair, placenta, blood, and plasma as markers of alcohol use and exposure. The core will work with investigators to develop protocols to suit their needs.

Current analyses performed by the Biomarkers Core:

  • Biomarkers of oxidative stress including reduced and oxidized glutathione, cysteine, cystine, isoprostanes, hydroxynonenal, and malonyldialdehyde
  • Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE) from biological samples such as meconium, hair, placenta, blood, and plasma as markers of alcohol use and exposure
  • Intracellular levels of ribonucleoside triphosphates and deoxynucleoside triphosphates, useful in the study of cellular metabolism and nucleic acid synthesis
  • Creatine levels in cells and urine for the study of creatine disorders
  • Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs)
  • Amino Acids

Pricing is per sample and does not include protocol development. An intake meeting will outline all fees and necessary protocol development.

  • HPLC processing is $53 per run (sample/standard)
  • GC/MS and LC/MS/MS processing is $93 per run (sample/standard)
  • ELISA processing is $49 per sample/standard
  • Protocol development is $50 per hour
  • All new projects will include a minimum of 1 hour of protocol development to prepare the assay to investigator’s satisfaction
  • Other services to analyze biomarkers may be available. Contact Dr. Lou Ann Brown to discuss feasibility and rates

Pediatric researchers may be eligible for subsidized rates, up to $3,000 a year.  Please contact Dr. Lou Ann Brown to determine eligibility.

The Biomarkers Core includes equipment to perform High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Specific equipment includes:

  • Three Waters High Performance Liquid Chromatographs (HPLC)
      - One with Fluorescence Detector
      - One with Fluorescence and UV Detectors
      - One with Electrochemical Detector
  • HP Agilent Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS)
  • Thermo Scientific Vanquish Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatograph/TSQ Quantis Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (UHPLC-MS/MS)
  • Other analyte analysis available, including ELISA, colorimetric, or fluorometric assays; contact core director to inquire.

LIMITED MINI PILOT PROJECT FUNDING PROGRAM FOR THE BIOMARKERS CORE

Rolling deadline, call closes Dec 6, 2019 at 5pm
Maximum amount – services up to $3,000

A new child health related Mini Pilot Project Funding opportunity is available for a limited time to unfunded independent faculty investigators who aim to generate preliminary data using the Pediatric Biomarkers Core.  The goal of this call for applications is to support new child health related research projects that make use of the Pediatrics Biomarkers Core Services including GC/MS, LC/MS/MS, and HPLC with fluorescence or electrochemical detection. For more information on the Pediatrics Biomarkers Core, including the services offered, visit the Biomarkers Core page.

Awarded funds can only be used for Biomarker Core services.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicants must hold a regular Emory faculty appointment and be conducting research as an independent faculty member.
  • Applicants may not have any current source of extramural funding as PI.
  • Research project must be child health related.
  • Samples to be analyzed must be collected and delivered to the Biomarkers Core before December 13, 2019.

To apply, submit a letter of intent (2 page maximum) to Dr. Lou Ann Brown that describes:

  1. The research project title.
  2. The research specific aim(s) related to collecting Pediatric Biomarker Core data.
  3. Specific type of sample to be analyzed and the compounds of interest.
  4. The deliverable/goal (e.g. publication, grant application, etc.) and timeline for achieving that goal.
  5. An impact statement describing the child health focus of the research proposed.

Within five (5) business days of receipt of the LOI, the applicant will receive communication from the core leader(s) to establish a meeting time. At such meeting time, they will work to assess project feasibility, timeframes and logistics surrounding the scope of the project and use of the Biomarkers Core. The core leader will communicate a final award decision to the applicant within a week of the in-person meeting.

Awardee's requirements:

  1. Formally acknowledge the Pediatric Biomarkers Core and the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta on all publications that include data generated from this mechanism.
  2. Submit a brief progress report within one year of the end of the mini pilot.

The Biomarkers Core is generously supported by Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University. When presenting or publishing work completed using the core, please include "Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University Pediatric Biomarkers Core" in the acknowledgments.

To determine if you should use "Children's Healthcare of Atlanta" in your author affiliations, please see guidelines here.