Animal Models Core

Effective use of state-of-the-art animal models is a daunting task as it requires a wide range of expertise covering the gamut of molecular biology to behavioral analysis and a similar range of resources to accomplish the creation of mutants, breeding and genotyping of test subjects and behavioral testing facilities. The purpose of the Animal Models Core (AMC) is to provide lines of genetically modified animals for use by the experimental program projects. The establishment of the AMC ensures an uninterrupted supply of animals for which breeding and husbandry conditions are kept under tight control. This control will reduce phenotypic variability in subject animals and greatly enhance the power of the experiments conducted under the protocols of the client projects. Specifically, the AMC has 3 general aims:

Aim 1. Mouse Breeding: We will provide a mutant animal breeding facility that will provide center members with several targeted mutations relevant to understanding of the interactions between mind, brain, body and health.

Aim 2. Mouse Creation. The core will generate several novel mutations that will provide us with powerful and unique leverage on how stress affects emotional, cognitive and physiological processes.

Aim 3. Behavioral testing: We will provide a powerful resource for behavioral phenotyping that can be used by all center investigators regardless of their current level of expertise in behavioral testing.

Services

The Animal Models Core (AMC) is contributing to state-of the-art investigations into the neural mechanisms of Mind/Body interactions. Our purpose is to provide lines of genetically modified animals and a full complement of behavioral testing and phenotyping for approved program projects. We utilize many different techniques from molecular biology to behavioral analysis in order to create mutants, breed and genotype subjects, and conduct behavioral testing. The AMC has 3 primary services: mouse breeding, mouse creation, and behavioral testing.

• Mouse Breeding: We develop and make available a mutant animal breeding facility with several targeted mutations relevant to understanding Mind/Body interactions. Without the AMC, essential animal subjects would be unavailable to Center researchers and other collaborators.
  
  
• Mouse Creation: The AMC can generate several novel mutations that will provide us with powerful and unique leverage on how stress affects emotional, cognitive, and physiological processes.
  
  
• Behavioral Testing: We provide a comprehensive resource for behavioral and visceral testing and phenotyping, including resources and consulting to investigators regardless of their current level of expertise in these techniques.

Eligibility and Fees
An investigator seeking to use Core services first meets with the Director or Co-Director to discuss the proposed projects, required services, potential costs, and availability of funding (as well as any time limits such as abstract or grant application deadlines). The Director and Co-Director determine the relevance of the project to the overall Center goals, eligibility of the investigator for use of the Core, and the appropriate Core specialist to work with the investigator and oversee the project.

The Core coordinator then works with the investigator to determine whether the project will require (1) only the use of specialized equipment or other resources, (2) training the investigator and his/her technical staff to perform a limited number of procedures, (3) performing a limited number of pilot or one-time experiments by Core staff, or (4) a full collaborative effort involving protocol and experimental design, experimentation, and data analysis. As a practical matter, projects using Core resources, facilities, and personnel are fit into the day-to-day operation of each Core specialist's laboratory activities. Highest priority is given to projects involving new investigators, particularly those that will be awarded Pilot and Feasibility funds. Any services required to meet deadlines for grant applications or abstracts also are given high priority. Instructing investigators and their staff in the use of specialized equipment and procedures also is given priority because it usually leads to independent activity with minimal investment of time. Collaborative projects, understandably, command the next level of prioritization, while pilot or one-time experiments with no time demands are done as time and resources permit.

Health Outcomes Core
Neuroendocrine Assay Core
Neuroimaging Core
Psychophysiology and Pain Assessment Core