The Antibody Characterization Laboratory (ACL) is the laboratory responsible for the development of well-characterized monoclonal antibody reagents. The NCI’s Office of Cancer Clinical Proteomics Research funds ACL as a resource to the entire cancer research community. ACL produces monoclonal antibodies to putative cancer targets selected by an Antibody Scientific Committee, and each antibody is characterized using optimized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Approximately once a year there is a reagent target request open to the extramural research community. ACL is operated by Leidos Bi… [learn more]

The Antibody Engineering Program (AEP) is located at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, which is part of the Center for Cancer Research (CCR), an intramural program at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). AEP focuses on generating therapeutic antibodies using phage display technology, including single-domain antibodies (also commonly known as ‘nanobodies’). Antibody-based therapeutics have emerged as a major component in clinical applications, and single-domain antibodies have shown promise in targeting difficult antigens and buried sites. Dr. Mitchell Ho and colleagues at the NCI have d… [learn more]

The Biopharmaceutical Development Program (BDP) provides resources for the development of investigational biological agents. The BDP supports feasibility through development and Phase I/II cGMP manufacturing plus regulatory documentation. The BDP was established in 1993. We support the development of monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, therapeutic peptides, and DNA vaccines, virus therapeutics and vaccines, gene therapy products, and other biological agents. Since its inception, BDP has completed more than 100 projects. The program has released over 220 lots of different products sinc… [learn more]

The CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource (CCBR) is a centrally funded resource group which provides a mechanism for CCR researchers to obtain many different types of bioinformatics assistance to further their research goals. The group has expertise in a broad range of bioinformatics topics, and as such, its goal is to provide a simplified central access point for CCR researchers. Requests for any type of Bioinformatics support should be through the CCBR Project Submission Form. Types of Collaborative Expertise: Next Generation Sequence (NGS) data analysis (RNAseq, scRNAseq, ATAC-seq,… [learn more]

Radiation Oncology Branch is part of CCR. Bioinformatics core is a collaborative resource to support ROB branch and provide service to ROB investigators from NCI and other Institutes access to new technologies, bioinformatics, statistical analysis related to genetics/genomics, and offers access to in-house built software tools. Bioinformatics analysis: work with research scientists to provide consulting prior to experiments, analysis of high-throughput sequencing, gene expression, metabolomics, proteomics, and other biological data to identify: prognostic biomarkers, transcriptio… [learn more]

The Spatial Imaging Technology Resource (formerly the Nanoscale Protein Analysis Section of the Collaborative Protein Technology Resource or CPTR) provides expertise and service in state-of-the-art protein analysis technologies to advance CCR research in basic discovery and translation/clinical studies. Applications include: Quantitative profiling of cell signaling and post-translational modification, Measurement of cytokine, metabolite, and serum/plasma markers, Identification and validation of biomarkers & therapeutic targets, Assessment of on‐ and off‐target dru… [learn more]

The Spatial Imaging Technology Resource (formerly the Nanoscale Protein Analysis Section of the Collaborative Protein Technology Resource or CPTR) provides expertise and service in state-of-the-art protein analysis technologies to advance CCR research in basic discovery and translation/clinical studies. Applications include: Quantitative profiling of cell signaling and post-translational modification, Measurement of cytokine, metabolite, and serum/plasma markers, Identification and validation of biomarkers & therapeutic targets, Assessment of on‐ and off‐target dru… [learn more]

The Spatial Imaging Technology Resource (formerly the Nanoscale Protein Analysis Section of the Collaborative Protein Technology Resource or CPTR) provides expertise and service in state-of-the-art protein analysis technologies to advance CCR research in basic discovery and translation/clinical studies. Applications include: Quantitative profiling of cell signaling and post-translational modification, Measurement of cytokine, metabolite, and serum/plasma markers, Identification and validation of biomarkers & therapeutic targets, Assessment of on‐ and off‐target dru… [learn more]

CCR VOLUME Electron Microscopy Core (CVEMC),  formerly known as volume Electron Microscopy (vEM), aims to develop new techniques in volume electron microscopy (vEM) and, in collaboration with CCR Investigators, apply these techniques to research cell biological questions well-suited for study by high-resolution 3D electron microscopy. CVEMC, headed by Kedar Narayan, uses focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), array tomography (AT), electron tomography (ET) and other complementary methods to visualize ultrastructural features of cells and tissues, including cell membranes, c… [learn more]

The Chemical Synthesis Group is a component of the Chemical Biology Laboratory. This facility provides synthetic chemistry resources and expertise to the NCI Intramural community.The facility’s capabilities include: Providing expertise, consultation, and experience in areas of chemical synthesis and purification., Providing custom synthesis and support for the development of small molecule tools or the synthesis of known ligands or probes which are not commercially available., Synthesis of materials for pre-clinical investigations., Support for small-molecule drug … [learn more]

The Chemical Synthesis Group is a component of the Chemical Biology Laboratory. This facility provides synthetic chemistry resources and expertise to the NCI Intramural community.The facility’s capabilities include: Providing expertise, consultation, and experience in areas of chemical synthesis and purification., Providing custom synthesis and support for the development of small molecule tools or the synthesis of known ligands or probes which are not commercially available., Synthesis of materials for pre-clinical investigations., Support for small-molecule drug … [learn more]

Bruker AVANCE 400 and 500 MHz NMR instruments. Helium Cryoprobe technology on the 500 MHz machine for added sensitivity, especially for Carbon-13 spectra. Access to a second 500 MHz instrument with Prodigy Liquid Nitrogen-cooled cryoprobe. User Accounts can be created for automated setup and experiment acquisition.  Use of ICONNMR automated software with 24-slot sample changers on each machine. User training available. Some service to those who are unfamiliar with NMR can be performed either as a one-time aid for compound identification or as a collaborative project for more extensive NMR nee… [learn more]

Bruker AVANCE 400 and 500 MHz NMR instruments. Helium Cryoprobe technology on the 500 MHz machine for added sensitivity, especially for Carbon-13 spectra. Access to a second 500 MHz instrument with Prodigy Liquid Nitrogen-cooled cryoprobe. User Accounts can be created for automated setup and experiment acquisition.  Use of ICONNMR automated software with 24-slot sample changers on each machine. User training available. Some service to those who are unfamiliar with NMR can be performed either as a one-time aid for compound identification or as a collaborative project for more extensive NMR nee… [learn more]

The COP evaluates novel therapies in pet dogs with cancer to improve outcomes for human patients and established the Comparative Oncology Trial Consortium (COTC), a collaborative effort of NCI and extramural comparative oncology centers at 24 veterinary schools across the United States and Canada. The goal is to integrate naturally occurring cancer models into the development path of new cancer drugs for humans. The COP complements translational research efforts through the characterization and use of relevant and naturally occurring cancer models that develop in pet animals… [learn more]

As a multi-user facility, the different instruments provide a wide range of imaging modes for EIB scientists, from standard immunohistochemistry, through brightfield and wide-field epifluorescence imaging, to highly complex live cell confocal microscopy and super-resolution STED imaging. LSM 880 microscope is capable of advanced imaging techniques, such as FRAP, FRET, photoactivation/photo switching, laser microirradiation, and spectral imaging. We continually develop or refine microscopy-based assays, aimed primarily at addressing questions related to cellular immunology, but we are not eng… [learn more]

The Clinical Flow Cytometry Laboratory provides extensive support for NCI clinical protocols by providing diagnostic testing for leukemia and lymphoma in patients either on NCI clinical protocols or undergoing testing to determine eligibility for NCI protocols. The Unit provides clinical flow cytometric evaluation of blood, bone marrow, fine needle aspirates, tissue biopsies and body fluids for hematolymphoid neoplasia in NCI and NIH patients. The majority of flow cytometric testing performed by the Unit involves detection of minimal residual disease (patients are status post-therapy at outsid… [learn more]

The CCR Molecular Modeling Core, under the direction of Dr. Stewart Durell, was established to provide a convenient way for experimentalists to take advantage of molecular modeling and computational biology. In the framework of consultations, scientists can explore how such tools could benefit their projects. The Core then acts as a clearinghouse to help set up and use appropriate software, and/or form collaborations with other scientists. Upon mutual agreement, Core personnel will enter into a collaboration to do the modeling work themselves. All services of the Core are free … [learn more]

The Molecular Pathology Unit is intended to spearhead opportunities for bridging basic and clinical research efforts by more precisely optimizing the development, characterization, and utilization of models of human disease. The initiative approach includes both applied research and collaborations aimed at developing new reagents, methods, and technologies in preclinical diagnostic medicine; thus enhancing capabilities to integrate molecular and systemic aspects of disease mechanisms. Designing and employing state-of-the-art medical and pathology investigative tools to the study of animal mode… [learn more]

The Molecular Targets Program (MTP) is an organizational entity within the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at NCI. The MTP provides the focus and infrastructure to enable CCR tenured and tenure-track Principal Investigators to initiate and pursue interdisciplinary, applied, collaborative, molecularly targeted drug discovery research within a matrix organizational format that is both supportive of and complementary to the traditional NCI/NIH intramural Lab/Branch organization. The MTP mission statement further defines the new organizational model. The initial goal of the MTP is to f… [learn more]

NCI established the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) to support the extramural research community to accelerate the progress of nanomedicine by providing preclinical characterization and safety testing of nanoparticles. It is a collaborative effort between NCI, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NCL performs: Characterization of strategies with proven efficacy for cancer therapy, diagnosis, or vaccines, Evaluation of novel, early-stage nanomedicine platforms with potential for cancer the… [learn more]

The goals of the Bioinformatics Training and Education Program within NCI/CCR are: To make researchers aware of the bioinformatics resources available to them, To provide training and guidance on these resources regularly and at the appropriate level for the researcher throughout their training or tenure, To enable them to perform as much of the bioinformatics analyses of their data as they wish to learn, [learn more]

We are a bioinformatics team within the Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology’s (CBIIT’s) Cancer Informatics Branch (CIB)—soon to be referred to as the Informatics and Data Science (IDS) Program. Headed by our chief, Dr. Daoud Meerzaman. Collectively, we have an extensive knowledge of data analysis fields and methodologies. We’ve even developed some of our own analytics tools! List of Services We provide bioinformatics analysis support for life sciences and clinical & translational research for intramural investigators in NCI’s Division of Cancer Epidemiolo… [learn more]

The NCI Clinical Research Correlatives Core provides non-CLIA-certified spectral flow cytometric assays to support clinical trials conducted in the CCR. The core specializes in immunophenotyping and immune monitoring assays. Established Technologies Spectral flow cytometry (Cytek), Services offered include: Assistance with the experimental design, Assay development/panel optimization, Sample processing and preparation, Sample acquisition, Data analysis, Immunoprofiling assays offered include: “a la carte” CYTEK expandable antibody panel… [learn more]

The NCI Clinical Research Correlatives Core provides non-CLIA-certified spectral flow cytometric assays to support clinical trials conducted in the CCR. The core specializes in immunophenotyping and immune monitoring assays. Established Technologies Spectral flow cytometry (Cytek), Services offered include: Assistance with the experimental design, Assay development/panel optimization, Sample processing and preparation, Sample acquisition, Data analysis, Immunoprofiling assays offered include: “a la carte” CYTEK expandable antibody panel… [learn more]

The Crystallization Facility provides an automated environment for setting up crystallization experiments in a high-throughput format, storing the resulting plates under controlled conditions, and monitoring the status of prepared droplets remotely. The Facility is in Building 538, Rooms 215 and 222. The Facility also provides support in interpretation of results as well as collaborative efforts for all stages of determination of macromolecular structures using X-ray crystallography—from crystal growth, data collection, and structure solution to structure interpretation. [learn more]

The NMR Facility for Biological Research operates six NMR spectrometers with proton resonance frequencies from 850 to 500 MHz. Three of the highest field spectrometers (850, 700, 600) are equipped with higher sensitivity cryoprobes optimized for high-resolution multi-dimensional and relaxation NMR experiments applicable to small to large biological systems studied in solution. These high field instruments are dedicated to research projects conducted by laboratories within Center for Structural Biology.  The second 600 MHz spectrometer is set up as reconfigurable development system with multip… [learn more]

The primary objective of the Protein Technology Core (PTC) is to establish an experimental screening pipeline for single-domain antibodies termed nanobodies. Nanobodies are antibody fragments consisting of a single monomeric variable antibody domain. The PTC, which has recently undergone renovation, is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to enable efficient screening of synthetic libraries utilizing ribosome display technologies and those derived from the immunization of alpacas. Enrichment of selection can be easily monitored by qPCR using QuantStudio5 for synthetic and immunogenic nano… [learn more]

The Mass Spectrometry Unit of the Collaborative Protein Technology Resource uses mass spectrometry for the study of proteins. We perform collaborative experiments with CCR researchers in areas such as: interactomes, quantitative global proteome analyses, and identification of sites of post-translational modification. In addition, we perform structural proteomics analyses. Finally, we also have an ICP-MS for analysis of inorganic atoms. Established Technologies Mass Spectrometry Characterization of protein or RNA interactomes, Identification of proteins in complexes, organelles, … [learn more]

Our operational objectives are to provide state-of-the-art OMICS technologies in support of the Genetics Branch (GB) investigators and collaborators. Research Services Wet Lab Single cell isolation from fresh, frozen, and FFPE tissue, DNA/RNA extractions from fresh, frozen, FFPE tissue, and tissues preserved by other methods, Cell free circulating DNA from plasma and serum, Quality assessment of nucleic acids by spectrophotometry, fluorometry, qPCR, capillary electrophoresis, digital droplet PCR, Next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preps, Sequenc… [learn more]

Our operational objectives are to provide state-of-the-art OMICS technologies in support of the Genetics Branch (GB) investigators and collaborators. Research Services Wet Lab Single cell isolation from fresh, frozen, and FFPE tissue, DNA/RNA extractions from fresh, frozen, FFPE tissue, and tissues preserved by other methods, Cell free circulating DNA from plasma and serum, Quality assessment of nucleic acids by spectrophotometry, fluorometry, qPCR, capillary electrophoresis, digital droplet PCR, Next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preps, Sequenc… [learn more]

The NCI High-Throughput Imaging Facility (HiTIF) works in a collaborative fashion with NCI/NIH Investigators by providing them with the necessary expertise, instrumentation, and software to develop and execute advanced High-Throughput Imaging (HTI) assays. These can be paired to screen libraries of RNAi or CRISPR/Cas9 reagents to discover and characterize novel cellular pathways by functional genomics. In addition to functional genomics screens, HiTIF also develops HTI assays to extract and quantify single-cell information about the molecular mechanisms underlying rare or heterogeneous biologi… [learn more]

The NCI High-Throughput Imaging Facility (HiTIF) works in a collaborative fashion with NCI/NIH Investigators by providing them with the necessary expertise, instrumentation, and software to develop and execute advanced High-Throughput Imaging (HTI) assays. These can be paired to screen libraries of RNAi or CRISPR/Cas9 reagents to discover and characterize novel cellular pathways by functional genomics. In addition to functional genomics screens, HiTIF also develops HTI assays to extract and quantify single-cell information about the molecular mechanisms underlying rare or heterogeneous biologi… [learn more]

The NCI High-Throughput Imaging Facility (HiTIF) works in a collaborative fashion with NCI/NIH Investigators by providing them with the necessary expertise, instrumentation, and software to develop and execute advanced High-Throughput Imaging (HTI) assays. These can be paired to screen libraries of RNAi or CRISPR/Cas9 reagents to discover and characterize novel cellular pathways by functional genomics. In addition to functional genomics screens, HiTIF also develops HTI assays to extract and quantify single-cell information about the molecular mechanisms underlying rare or heterogeneous biologi… [learn more]

The Medicinal Chemistry Accelerator (MCA) is a collaborative CCR resource that supports investigators in developing small molecule inhibitors for anticancer drug candidates. While CCR and NCATS have infrastructure to identify initial “hits” through high-throughput screening, advancing these hits into validated leads for preclinical studies requires specialized medicinal and synthetic chemistry expertise beyond the scope of individual sections. The MCA collaborates with researchers to design, synthesize, and optimize small molecules, improving potency and establishing structure-activity rel… [learn more]

The Medicinal Chemistry Accelerator (MCA) is a collaborative CCR resource that supports investigators in developing small molecule inhibitors for anticancer drug candidates. While CCR and NCATS have infrastructure to identify initial “hits” through high-throughput screening, advancing these hits into validated leads for preclinical studies requires specialized medicinal and synthetic chemistry expertise beyond the scope of individual sections. The MCA collaborates with researchers to design, synthesize, and optimize small molecules, improving potency and establishing structure-activity rel… [learn more]

The NCI Research Flow Facility provides cell sorting and benchtop flow cytometry services to NCI investigators. Services are program-specific and are not available to all NCI or NIH investigators. Please inquire as to availability. Established Technologies Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), Benchtop polychromatic flow cytometry, Laser scanning cytometry, Full-spectrum cytometry, Developing Technologies Stem cell analysis, Apoptosis detection, Integration of new laser technology into existing instrumentation, including solid-state diode and diode-pumped (DPSS) l… [learn more]

In order to meet increasing demands from both NIH intramural and extramural communities for access to a small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) resource, the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) under the leadership of Drs. Jeffrey Strathern and Bob Wiltrout established a partnership user program (PUP) with the Argonne National Laboratory Photon Source in October 2008. This PUP agreement secures a certain percentage of the Argonne synchrotron beam time for biomedical research. In 2013, CCR established the CCR SAXS facility with Dr. Yun-Xing Wang as the facility head and Dr. Xianyang Fang as its first … [learn more]

The Office of Collaborative Biostatistics, Office of the Clinical Director, is the statistical and data management component of CCR. The Section provides statistical leadership and data management consultation for CCR’s major clinical activities and is involved in the design, review, conduct, monitoring, and analysis of intramural clinical trials of experimental treatments for cancer and AIDS-related malignancies. BDMS also provides support, on occasion, for national/multi-center clinical trials. The BDMS also provides a broad range of data analysis and consultation services to CCR laborato… [learn more]

The Behavioral Health Core (BHC) is comprised of the two separate but interrelated components: Psychosocial Support and Research Program, and, Health Psychology and Neurobehavioral Research Program., These teams provide specialized expertise, such as patient-reported and neurocognitive outcome assessments, to support NCI clinical trials and natural history studies. They also develop behavioral science protocols to investigate specific psychosocial and neurobehavioral effects of chronic illness. The BHC investigators develop novel assessment tools to evaluate v… [learn more]