Biomedical cores complement the interests of CSIBD investigators and promote research in areas of recognized priority in advancing the understanding of IBD and digestive disease.

Human Genetics and Machine Learning Core

The Human Genetics and Machine Learning Core strives to provide the CSIBD community with access to current and emerging genetics and genomics technologies, definitive and up-to-date gene mapping data and tools, and the latest advances in machine learning needed to analyze diverse datasets and drive biological discovery in IBD and digestive disease. Access to these resources is achieved through the provision of technical services, analytic support, and training for CSIBD members. The Core's combined resources and expertise are at the forefront of best practices in genetics and machine learning.

Microbiome Core

The Microbiome Core seeks to develop the microbiome as a biomarker for precision IBD management and as a point of intervention for new and improved treatments. The Core meets the demands of the CSIBD research community for consultation, training, bioinformatics support, and access to methodology in service of cutting-edge IBD and digestive disease microbiome research. With an integrated variety of state-of-the-art microbiome techniques and services as well as computational resources, the Core is committed to pursuing robust performance at the highest quality standards and developing toward future needs.

Cellular Imaging and Immunology Core

The Cellular Imaging and Immunology Core aims to advance the level of instrumentation and support for research programs of CSIBD investigators focused on basic mechanisms of disease and clinical translation in IBD and digestive disease. This Core provides investigators access to high-end instrumentation necessary for morphological, immuno-cytochemical, cell biological, and immunological studies. For a wide range of existing and emerging methodologies, the Core provides cost-effective access to crucial instruments, reagents, and protocols as well as training, education, and expertise in study design, implementation, and analysis.

Clinical Core

The Clinical Core serves an integral function of the CSIBD by providing an infrastructure to facilitate the translation of basic research findings into a clinical setting. The Core serves as a hub between clinicians and basic scientists seeking to advance therapeutics and develop tools for early diagnosis and risk stratification. Key components of this Core are the PRISM (Prospective Registry in IBD Study at MGH) and GIDER (GI Disease and Endoscopy Registry) registries, which together include more than 5,500 enrolled IBD patients and healthy individuals. In addition, the Core provides clinical research support for consultations regarding study design, execution, and analysis for studies involving human samples.