The CIBC Systems Biology Core (SBC) incorporates existing systems biology instrumentation, methodologies, and expertise at UNL – the Microscopy Core Research Facility and the Molecular Analysis and Characterization Facility – under a single organizational structure. CIBC researchers make extensive use of these facilities and receive the proper support and training in the systems biology techniques that best fit their research needs. The long-term goal of the SBC facility is to create a sustainable systems biology facility that meets the ‘omics’ and microscopy needs of CIBC members, UNL faculty, and the larger scientific community. The short-term goal of SBC is to facilitate the adaption of systems biology technologies by CIBC and UNL investigators.

Typical Workflow for SBC

Project leaders meet with SBC staff to plan experimental methods for their projects. SBC staff work together to collect and interpret data and with the project leaders to address problems and discuss presentation of the results.

New technologies enable the measurement of ‘omics’ data to develop an understanding of the biological systems. SBC offers scientific advice and support for experimental design to your projects, complete platform to in-vitro and in-vivo models and a state-of-the-art mass spectrometry and NMR equipment to generate reliable omics data

The facilities of Systems Biology Core are located in personal lab space. Individuals who use SBC facilities need to:

(1) Get permission from SBC personnel

(2) Follow all lab rules

(3) Complete all required safety trainings (contact Chemistry safety chairs: https://chem.unl.edu/safety)

Current Project Updates

Please click on the below link to view current project updates. Learn More

Our Services

Proteomic Program

The proteomic program provides mass spectrometry-based analyses of proteins and peptides, including sample preparation, LC-MS acquisition and data analysis. Every experiment is unique and we collaborate to ensure that all aspects of experimental design, sample preparation, sample analysis, and data interpretation are thoughtfully planned to generate results of the highest quality. Data reports (PDF/Excel) containing details of your samples, methods used and results are available through our DMAC portal.

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Metabolomic Program

The purpose of our metabolomic program provides support to the life sciences research community to explore and understand the role of metabolomics in systems biology. This is achieved through identification and quantification of biochemical products from metabolism by NMR and MS analysis. We can help you to deal with samples of different origins, such as biological fluids, tissues, cells, plants and food products. You will receive a report (PDF/Excel) containing details of your samples, methods used and results of the data through our DMAC portal.

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The Microscopy Core

In the Microscopy Core, scientists will ask to have some background information about your research project(s) related to microscopy so that we can identify which imaging system is the best fit for your experiment and what kind of training is needed. We will follow up your request and schedule an appointment with a core specialist to discuss some specifics on sample preparation, imaging collections or training for using one of the systems in the Microscopy core.



Data Analysis and Sample Preparation

 The sample preparation is critical to getting good data on any instrument. SBC scientists can work with research groups on sample prep methodology or can do this work. 100 samples generally take 15 hours of prep work as well as consumables. For CIBC members all this costs $14/sample. Outside users must be charged for CIBC scientists time at $4/sample.

All users must meet with the CIBC scientists to confirm the number of samples and the methods needed for these samples.

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Guide for Metabolomics Experiments

 This guide provides a good practical foundation to guide our users through basic steps involved in metabolomic analysis by Mass Spectrometry. These guidelines can be applied to different types of samples to improvement the quality of the results.

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Impact

CIBC leverages and optimizes UNL’s strong base of existing research support by developing a centralized facility – SBC – that enables Center researchers to effectively integrate systems biology methodologies into their projects. SBC personnel also extensively collaborate with the DMAC facility to facilitate projects that require data mining and archiving; statistical, functional, and predictive analyses; and computational modeling. Rather than replacing existing facilities, SBC has been strategically designed to 1) enhance existing technology and enable the application of omics and microscopy methodology among users and 2) provide the necessary skills, tools, and training for systems biology analysis by CIBC investigators and other core facility users. Thus, SBC enhances infrastructure in an area of critical importance to CIBC investigators and UNL faculty and has a positive impact on CIBC researchers requiring streamlined access to metabolomics, proteomics, and microscopy instrumentation and methodology.