Masonic Cancer Center Shared Resources

The Analytical Biochemistry shared resource provides state-of-the-art chemistry services and expertise in mass spectrometry, chromatography, and analytical biochemistry. 

To view the services and rates for each service, please follow the links below:

• Mass spectrometry

• Chromatography

• Analytical Biochemistry

New users should contact staff for consultation regarding analytical service. For service use iLab access.

The standard operating model for the facility involves extensive training of users in both the use of instrumentation and data analysis using a variety of available software tools. Staffing is minimal to keep instrument billing rates as low as possible. Basic operation model of lab is below:

• Users are billed based on instrument usage time
• Facility staff maintains and repairs instrumentation
• Users given basic training enabling them to initiate data collection and analysis
• Staff provides guidance in method development and sample preparation
• Lab troubleshoots problems related to users’ analyses
• Users are required to provide injection-ready samples

Access to the lab consists of four basic steps:

• Assessment of user's specific analytical needs by lab staff
• Registration with iLab site for instrument reservation capability at:

https://my.ilab.agilent.com/account/signup (include PI and chart string)

• Acquire access to the building and lab at: https://facilities.umn.edu/our-

services/research-facility-support-services/building-access/research-building-access

• Basic one-on-one training during initial instrument use

This is a cancer center supported resource with a subsidized rate for MCC members.

Biostatistical Design and Analysis Center (BDAC)

BDAC provides statistical support to MCC investigators with the following services:

Grant Proposal Preparation

• Study design consultation and evaluation

• Sample size and power calculations

 Statistical Analysis

• Protocol development and review

• Table, graphs, summarization, and interpretation of results

 Data management

• Database backup 

• Data extraction for analysis

 Manuscript preparation 

• Review of statistical analysis and results

• Edits and reviews of manuscript. 

To request statistical support, please go to the webpage (https://ctsi.umn.edu/services/statistical-support/biostatistical-support) and for more information contact ctsi@umn.edu.

This is a cancer center supported resource with a subsidized rate for MCC members.

The Cancer Genomics Shared Resource (CGSR) provides comprehensive genomic services and many state-of-the-art technologies via the MCC Cytogenomics Shared Service and the University of Minnesota Genomics Center (UMGC).

For more information on services and rates go to https://cancer.umn.edu/cancer-genomics or contact Molly Lynch at lynch199@umn.edu for assistance with technology selection.

This is a cancer center supported resource with a subsidized rate for MCC members.

Best Practices Integrated Informatics Core (BPIC) and Clinical Informatics Shared Systems (CISS) provides centralized clinical informatic services to MCC investigators. These services include access to clinical and genomic databases, data extraction and advanced analytics. 

For consultation please complete, Consultation form.

For further information on services and rates please go to CISS webpage or contact CISS (ciss@umn.edu).

The Clinical Pharmacology shared resource at the Masonic Cancer Center provides pharmacology services and expertise for funded cancer-related projects of Masonic Cancer Center members. 

Services include, planning, drug metabolite analyses, and pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and pharmacogenetic analyses.

For more information on services and fees, go to https://cancer.umn.edu/clinical-pharmacology or contact Jim Fisher at fishe101@umn.edu.

This is a cancer center supported resource with a subsidized rate for MCC members.

CPSR provides a broad range of support to MCC investigators with study assistance, tissue collection, processing, preparation of histological tissues, and manuscript publication. 

To find out more about CPRSR services and rates, click on that following link: Comparative Pathology Masonic Cancer Center. For further details, contact kovac001@umn.edu.

For questions regarding sample submission, project logistics, and billing - please contact CPSR Technical Coordinator Katalin Kovacs.

For questions regarding pathology services or project planning, please contact CPSR Director, Dr. Davis Seelig.

The Genome Engineering Shared Resource (GESR) is a Core dedicated for the use of all MCC members to provide (at cost) state-of-the-art genome editing services for human cell lines. 

For a service request, please download the Service Request Form. For more information on rates, go to https://cancer.umn.edu/genome-engineering or contact Christopher Meiers at meier466@umn.edu.

This is a cancer center supported resource with a subsidized rate for MCC members.

The Glasswashing core is primarily responsible for the cleaning and sterilization of reusable laboratory glassware, reagents, and equipment. 

For more information on equipment, services and rates go to https://cancer.umn.edu/glasswashing or Sandra Wagner at hornx001@umn.edu.

The University Flow Cytometry Resources provides consultation on experimental design, instrument operation, acquisition, and data analysis. 

For fees and services, go to the University Flow Cytometry website: https://flowcytometry.umn.edu/

To request a consultation appointment, contact UFCR staff via flowsort@umn.edu or 612-624-7680.

This is a cancer center supported resource with a subsidized rate for MCC members.

The University of Minnesota's Mouse Genetics Laboratory (MGL), a collaboration between the Masonic Cancer Center and the Institute of Human Genetics, provides a comprehensive range of mouse embryo manipulation services. 

For services and cost overview go to https://mouse-genetics-laboratory.umn.edu/ or contact Yun You at yyou@umn.edu.

This is a cancer center supported resource with a subsidized rate for MCC members.

The Proteogenomics Shared Resource offers two novel techniques for the molecular study of cancer. Using Proteogenomics, researchers can confirm the expression of novel protein sequences through multi-omic integration genomic sequencing data and mass spectrometry(MS)-based proteomics data, providing insight into cancer mechanisms and biomarkers. Additionally, using Metaproteomics, cancer researchers can integrate metagenomics and MS-based proteomics to predict and confirm expression of proteins of microorganisms found in cancer-relevant sample. 

Services offered by the Proteogenomics Shared Resource include:

• Study design, planning and strategy
• Design of pilot studies
• Analysis of pilot study data
• Testing and optimization of new software tools and workflows customized to user studies
• Introduction to example workflows and training of laboratory members in the use of bioinformatics tools to advance their research
• Assistance with publications and grant proposal preparation
• Making software tools and data available as required for publication and funding agencies

Investigators interested in utilizing the Proteogenomics Shared Resource should go to https://cancer.umn.edu/proteogenomics-shared-resource or contact the Co-Directors Dr. Tim Griffin and Dr. Pratik Jagtap via email.

The Translational Therapy Shared Resource (TTSR) provides state-of-the-art translational research support services to Masonic Cancer Center members to facilitate the monitoring of clinical trials and the development of novel cellular and immune-based therapies.  

TTSR has two major components:

• Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics (MCT)

• Translational Therapy Laboratory (TTL) 

For more information on facilities, services and rates go to https://cancer.umn.edu/translational-therapy-shared-resource or contact Rose Wangen at dewa0051@umn.edu.

This is a cancer center supported resource with a subsidized rate for MCC members.

The X-RAD 320 is a self-contained X-ray system for delivering a precise radiation dosage to specimens in a biological or small animal research laboratory.

For equipment information, rates, scheduling, and training go to https://cancer.umn.edu/x-rad.

This is a cancer center supported resource with a subsidized rate for MCC members.