Animal Resources

The CCR Animal Resource Program (ARP) plans, develops, and coordinates laboratory animal resources for CCR’s research programs. We also provide training, imaging, and technology development in support of moving basic discoveries to the clinic. Coordinates the use of animal holding spaces within the NCI animal facilities, NIH central animal facilities, and shared animal facilities., Oversees the use of all centrally funded animal resources., Assists with cost-effective options for animal technical support, off-site animal contracts., Coordinates/negotiates animal-related interagency ag… [learn more]

The COP evaluates novel therapies in pet dogs with cancer to improve outcomes for human patients and established the Comparative Oncology Trial Consortium (COTC), a collaborative effort of NCI and extramural comparative oncology centers at 19 veterinary schools across the United States and Canada, with the goal to integrate naturally occurring cancer models into the development path of new cancer drugs for humans. The COP complements translational research efforts through the characterization and use of relevant and naturally occurring cancer models that develop in pet animals. … [learn more]

The Molecular Pathology Unit is intended to spearhead opportunities for bridging basic and clinical research efforts by more precisely optimizing the development, characterization and utilization of models of human disease. The initiative approach includes both applied research and collaborations aimed at developing new reagents, methods, and technologies in preclinical diagnostic medicine; thus enhancing capabilities to integrate molecular and systemic aspects of disease mechanisms. Designing and employing state of the art medical and pathology investigative tools to the study of animal model… [learn more]

The Center for Advanced Preclinical Research (CAPR) specializes in evaluating the efficacy of preclinical compounds, existing drugs, or biologics (therapeutics) in genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models, GEM-derived allograft (GDA) models, or patient-derived mouse xenografts (PDX). We partner primarily with Center for Cancer Research (CCR) investigators and clinicians using an RFA mechanism described below. Projects outside of CCR may be considered on a case-by-case basis. List of Services: One of the key features that distinguishes preclinical studies performed at CAPR is the u… [learn more]

The Animal Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) provides a full range of diagnostic capabilities, including microbiological cultures on various culture medium, microscopic screening for parasites such as mites and pinworms, molecular detection of pathogens, serological evaluation of antibodies, and necropsy. The High-Throughput Animal Genotyping Lab (HTAGL) within ADL utilizes robotic liquid handling systems to assist in the genotyping of mice using quantitative PCR or end-point PCR analysis. Technologies: Molecular Testing of Biological Materials (MTBM), Molecular diagnostic for murine pat… [learn more]

NCI LASP Animal Research Technology Support (ARTS) provides customized technical support for basic and translational animal-based research to the scientific community. We offer a wide array of services ranging from expert colony management to the performance and development of technical procedures aimed at the disease induction, characterization, and treatment of animal models. Technologies: Development and implementation of specialized technical procedures for induction and characterization of tumorigenesis in preclinical animal models, Assessment of PK/PD and efficacy of investig… [learn more]

The Laboratory Animal Sciences Program (LASP) of the Frederick National Laboratory operates a Gnotobiotics Facility (GF) to support research focused on the role of microbiota in cancer inflammation, pathogenesis, and treatment response. The GF can rederive mice into germ-free status, expand colonies of axenic and gnotobiotic mice, and maintain microbiome-defined lines of animals. The team also has extensive experience working with animal models in basic and translational research, particularly in the fields of immunology and cancer. The GF works closely with Investigators throughout all sta… [learn more]

The Mouse Modeling Core assists NIH investigators by generating and preserving genetically-engineered mouse strains. Services include scientific consultation, gene-targeting in mouse embryonic stem cells, micro-injection of nucleic acids, proteins, or ES cells into mouse embryos, in vitro fertilization, cryopreservation of germplasm, and regeneration of mice from frozen stocks. The MMC also interfaces with the Genome Modification Core to generate genetically or epigenetically-altered lines of mice using CRISPR and other nuclease-based methods (TALENS, Zn Fingers). The NCI Mouse Repo… [learn more]

The function of the SAIP is to collaborate with NCI investigators in the development of mouse models, new molecular imaging probes for early detection and therapy, monitor tumors in vivo, and perform drug efficacy studies utilizing in vivo imaging techniques. In addition, the SAIP collaborates with the NCI Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD) Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) to analyze nanoplatforms as part of the cascade assay and assist DCTD initiatives in developing standards in small animal imaging, integrate imaging into drug development, and develop par… [learn more]

The NHLBI Murine Phenotyping Core carries out physiologic and behavioral testing in a diversity of mouse models for NHLBI and other NIH institutes. Established Technologies: Cardiovascular Phenotyping, Metabolic Phenotyping, Pulmonary Phenotyping, Behavioral Phenotyping, Exercise Physiology, Echocardiography, In vivo functional vascular phenotyping, Advanced Imaging Modalities (whole body high frequency ultrasound imaging, vascular imaging), [learn more]

The NIA Nonhuman Primate (NHP) Core Facility maintains a large colony of aging rhesus macaques at the National Institutes of Health Animal Center. The Core program was established in 2012 to support the experimental goals of intramural investigators and extramural collaborators. For over 30 years the NIA IRP has been conducting a longitudinal study of calorie restriction in rhesus monkeys.  As a result, we have extensive experience collecting a wide range of nonhuman primate physiological and behavioral data. Rhesus monkeys have an average lifespan of 27 years in captivity and can live to be … [learn more]

The core's goal is to help researchers of any expertise perform zebrafish experiments aimed at illuminating basic biology and human disease mechanisms, thereby advancing the NIH and NICHD 's research missions.  A typical research question might investigate the function or regulation of a zebrafish gene and/or its ortholog from humans or another species. We are also happy to offer consultation for any other zebrafish-related projects you may be considering. The core is equipped to assist with the following methodologies:Gene expression and regulation studiesIn situ hybridization to charact… [learn more]

The Division of Veterinary Resources’ (DVR) mission is to contribute to the advancement of NIH biomedical research programs by providing excellence in animal care, customer service, and specialized research services to support intramural research efforts. DVR’s diverse and dedicated staff emphasizes accountability to the NIH researcher’s needs in areas including humane animal and veterinary care, animal behavior and enrichment, diagnostics and health surveillance, surgery, pharmacy, procurement, nutrition, and animal transportation. Established Technologies: DVR professional st… [learn more]

The Division of Veterinary Resources Animal Surgery has supported large animal research and clinical care for more than 40 years. DVR surgeons provide outstanding and highly specialized large animal (rabbits, ungulates, etc.) research support in a state-of-the-art surgical suite. Specialty support includes surgical expertise, surgical and technical support, animal model development, and investigator training. We seek to support the unique needs and requirements of each investigator using animals in either basic or translational research. Established Technologies: Facilities and E… [learn more]

The Pathology Service, Division of Veterinary Resources (DVR), Office of Research Services (ORS), provides diagnostic gross and histopathologic evaluation of any species of laboratory animals used in the NIH Intramural Research Program due to morbidity, mortality or unexpected findings. In addition, mouse phenotyping and transmission electron microscopy services are available. Established Technologies: The Pathology Service offers a Mouse Phenotyping Service with comprehensive pathologic analysis for genetically engineered mice. The Service provides standardized gross and histopatholog… [learn more]

The FNLCR Molecular Histopathology Laboratory (MHL) provides comprehensive veterinary pathology support for animal health monitoring, biomarker discovery and validation, drug development, genomics, and proteomics on a cost recovered basis. The MHL is organized into multiple process groups with cross-trained experts in animal study design, phenotyping of genetically engineered mice (GEM), immunopathology, anatomic pathology, toxicological pathology, and specimen classification/selection for tissue microarray (TMA) construction or laser capture microdissection (LCM). Established… [learn more]