NYR-Diabetes Research Center (NYR-DRC)

Abstract This application is to continue the development of the previous regional Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center that has now expanded into the New York Regional- Diabetes Research Center (NYR-DRC). This center supports the discovery, application and translation of scientific knowledge for the treatment and cure of diabetes and related metabolic diseases. Building upon our highly collaborative and successful interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary interactions, the NYR-DRC will serve as a New York regional nexus to i) enhance diabetes research, education and training; ii) attract, mentor and retain research investigators; iii) provide state-of-the-art Core services to maximize research productivity; iv) foster collaborations locally and regionally, and v) promote the translation of scientific findings from the bench to the bedside. To accomplish these goals, we have reorganized the NYR-DRC with five cutting-edge cores spanning the basic, pre-clinical, and clinical research ‘translational’ divide: 1) Animal Physiology; 2) Stable Isotope & Metabolomics; 3) Human Islet & Adenovirus; 4) Human Therapeutic Organoid; and 5) Translational Research Cores. These Biomedical Research Cores support our larger and collaborative research base across multiple institutions both regionally and nationally. For studies directed at the molecular, cellular, tissue, animal based integrated physiology levels we provide the infrastructure to investigate the basic mechanisms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We have also organized a framework by which basic and animal model pre-clinical studies can be translated into human- based clinical investigation. To attain these goals, the Administrative Core manages integration and promotion of research and training among Einstein, Mount Sinai, Weill Cornell and our affiliated institutional faculty. This Core also provides support for our highly successful Pilot & Feasibility Study Program and coordination between the Einstein and Mount Sinai Clinical Translational Science Awards (CTSA). This infrastructure has also allowed us to maintain a strong Enrichment program, promote diabetes research and advocacy, support our philanthropic efforts, pivotal for our ongoing faculty recruitment efforts, manage and develop new initiatives. The five Biomedical Cores provide robust cutting-edge experimental and data interpretative services directly in-line with the specific support needs of our high successful, productive and extramurally funded research base. The Pilot & Feasibility continues to draw new young investigators that develop into exceptional independent senior research investigators. The NYR-DRC has created and maintains a robust academic environment for our recruitment of new and established investigators into diabetes and metabolism research. Lastly, the cross- institutional support and regional coordination of diabetes efforts are a direct result of the NYR-DRC leadership teams.