Biospecimen Core for Procurement of Human Somatic and Reproductive Tissues for Senescent Cell Mapping

Dr. Duncan (Sub-PI), Dr. Pavone (co-I), and Dr. Maniar (co-I) will be involved in the overall Cellular Senescence Network: Tissue Mapping Center application (RFA-RM-21-008) being submitted by the Buck Institute on Aging: Senescent cell mapping, identification and validation for human somatic and reproductive tissues. Dr. Duncan, Dr. Pavone, and Dr. Maniar will specifically be involved in the Biospecimen Core for Procurement of Human Somatic and Reproductive Tissues for Senescent Cell Mapping. The work described below will take place at Northwestern University: The goal of the overall Tissue Mapping Center is to generate a blueprint of cellular senescence in three tissues: ovary, breast, and muscle and their associated biofluids. This will be done using transcriptomic, proteomic, and morphologic approaches at single cell resolution. The Northwestern research team will be responsible for acquisition of the human ovarian tissue and associated biofluid (follicular fluid) for this project. The team will furnish the necessary materials, supplies, equipment, and service to do so. The team at Northwestern will: A. Collect human follicular fluid samples and matched plasma and urine from women undergoing Assisted Reproduction Technologies (N=50 participants). Participants will include those undergoing ART for egg donation, male factor infertility, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis for single gene disorders. This material will be collected and de-identified under the auspices of the Northwestern University Reproductive Tissue Library. De-identified associated demographic and general health data will also be made available. B. Collect human ovarian tissue samples and matched plasma and urine from women (N=50 participants) undergoing surgical removal for the following indications: uterine prolapse, fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia, and cervical dysplasia. This material will be collected and de-identified under the auspices of the Northwestern University Reproductive Tissue Library. De-identified associated demographic and general health data will also be made available. C. Send de-identified biological specimens and demographic/clinical health data described in A) and B ) to the Buck Institute on Aging for downstream processing and analysis. Dr. Duncan is an Assistant Professor-in-Residence at the Buck Institute, and the materials will be sent directly to her research team there. D. Hold regularly scheduled videoconferences to update the research team and Overall Center leadership on progress, review/analyze data, and discuss next steps. E. Interact with leadership and members of other cores (Administrative, Biological Analysis, and Data Analysis) F. Participate in broader SenNet activities.