MDC Human

What is the research approval process at Miami Dade College?

The MDC research approval process follows a two-step methodology that ensures ethical standards while maintaining institutional priorities. First, MDC's Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews human subjects research proposals to ensure: (1) the rights and welfare of human subjects are protected; (2) risks have been minimized; (3) potential benefits have been identified; (4) all human subjects volunteer after receiving legally effective informed consent; and (5) research is conducted ethically and in compliance with MDC standards . Second, once approved by the IRB, the proposal is routed to the College Academic and Student Support Council Research and Testing Subcommittee (CASSC R&T), which evaluates alignment with strategic priorities, institutional values, and potential burden on MDC resources . Researchers may not begin soliciting participants or collecting data until both approvals are secured .

What training is required to conduct human subjects research at MDC?

Research applications must include documentation that Principal and Co-Investigators have successfully completed training in the responsible conduct of research . MDC provides free access to the "Social & Behavioral Research Basic Course" for employees and students who need certification for coursework, grant work, or assignments related to the CASSC Research and Testing Committee, Data Liaisons, or IRB . The registration process requires using an MDC email address. Additionally, the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) offers various free online trainings based on the principles of the Belmont Report and the requirements of the revised Common Rule (2018 Requirements) .

What is the timeline for research application reviews at MDC?

Researchers should allocate 6-8 weeks for the complete application review process . Data collection cannot commence until researchers receive formal notification that their application has been approved by both MDC's IRB and the CASSC Research & Testing Committee . The review schedule follows specific deadlines throughout the academic year, with approximately two weeks between the IRB review and the CASSC committee review, followed by notification approximately two weeks after that review .

What methodological considerations exist for federally-funded human subjects research at MDC?

Despite revisions to Common Rule 45 CFR § 46.103 that removed requirements for IRBs to review entire grant applications, Principal Investigators remain responsible for ensuring consistency between IRB submissions and grant proposals submitted to federal agencies . Any federally-funded study or research involving human subjects receiving federal funding requires IRB approval . Some exemptions may apply under 45 CFR § 46.101 and 45 CFR § 46.104, but researchers should anticipate IRB review requirements when pursuing grant funding since Miami Dade College is largely a recipient of federal funding . This methodological framework ensures regulatory compliance while protecting research participants.

How does MDC ensure appropriate risk-benefit ratios in human subjects research?

MDC implements a structured approach to risk-benefit assessment through its IRB review process. Risks to subjects must be reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits (if any), to subjects themselves, and to the importance of knowledge reasonably expected to result . The IRB evaluates whether adequate provisions exist for all facilities, procedures, and professional attention necessary for subject protection . This methodological approach requires researchers to demonstrate that potential benefits justify any risks through systematic analysis, ensuring ethical research conduct while protecting participant welfare.

What requirements exist for ensuring diversity and representativeness in research populations?

MDC imposes methodological requirements for recruiting subject populations representative of the population base in terms of gender and minority representation unless scientifically justified otherwise . This approach ensures research findings have greater generalizability across diverse populations while avoiding selection biases that could compromise research validity. Researchers must describe their recruitment strategies and justify any limitations in population diversity as part of their IRB application, demonstrating how their methodology addresses representation concerns.

What is Human Macrophage-derived Chemokine (MDC)?

Human Macrophage-derived Chemokine (MDC) is a novel chemokine isolated through random sequencing of cDNA clones from human monocyte-derived macrophages . MDC represents a unique member of the CC chemokine family, sharing less than 35% identity with previously known chemokines while maintaining the characteristic four-cysteine motif and other highly conserved residues . The protein appears specifically synthesized by cells of the macrophage lineage and plays fundamental roles in the function of dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and monocytes . MDC has a molecular weight of 8,081 dalton, verified through mass spectrophotometry .

Which tissues and cell types express MDC?

MDC shows a distinct expression pattern limited primarily to cells of the macrophage lineage. Northern analyses indicate high expression in macrophages and monocyte-derived dendritic cells, but not in monocytes, natural killer cells, or several cell lines of epithelial, endothelial, or fibroblast origin . At the tissue level, high expression appears in normal thymus with lower expression detected in lung and spleen . This restricted expression pattern suggests specialized immunological functions in specific tissues and cell types involved in adaptive and innate immunity.

What methodological approaches have validated MDC's chemotactic functions?

Recombinant MDC has been validated through rigorous biochemical and functional assays. After expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells and purification by heparin-Sepharose chromatography, the purified protein was confirmed through NH2-terminal sequencing and mass spectrophotometry . In microchamber migration assays, monocyte-derived dendritic cells and IL-2–activated natural killer cells demonstrated dose-dependent migration toward MDC with maximal chemotactic response at 1 ng/ml . Freshly isolated monocytes also migrated toward MDC but required a higher concentration (100 ng/ml) for peak response . These methodological approaches definitively established MDC's function as a chemotactic factor with differential potency across immune cell subtypes.

How is MDC expression regulated during cellular differentiation models?

MDC expression regulation has been systematically studied using the HL60 cell line differentiation model. When treated with PMA (50 ng/ml), which induces differentiation toward the macrophage lineage, HL60 cells show clear MDC expression after 3 days, though at lower levels than primary monocyte-derived macrophages . Conversely, no MDC expression appears after 1 day of PMA treatment, in untreated cells, or in granulocytic cells generated by DMSO treatment . This experimental approach demonstrates that MDC expression is specifically linked to macrophage differentiation pathways rather than granulocytic lineage development.

MDC Research Application Timeline

The following table outlines the current application cycle deadlines and review timeframes for conducting research at Miami Dade College for 2025:

Researchers must submit applications by the specified deadlines to ensure timely review and approval . This structured timeline allows for methodical planning of research activities while ensuring compliance with institutional protocols.