Mouse Models Core D

Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland OH

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

MOUSE MODELS CORE D PROJECT SUMMARY The objective of the Cleveland DDRCC Mouse Models Core is to provide a comprehensive set of cost-effective services and shared resources to DDRCC investigators that augments their performance of in vivo studies focused on Mechanisms of Digestive and Liver Inflammation. The overall goal of this Core is to provide centralized mouse modeling services that will enhance the pace of in vivo digestive and liver inflammation research at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and provide communal, cost-effective access to unique mouse models on intestinal inflammation and liver disease, thus resulting in new research projects, funding opportunities, and collaborations in this area of investigation. During the past funding cycle, the Core has been successful, with an increase in the number of Core users and several important publications supported by the Core. The Cleveland DDRCC Mouse Models Core achieves these goals through the following specific aims: (1) Provide experimental cohorts of SPF SAMP1/YitFc, TNF∆ARE, and Winnie (new this cycle) mice to Center members, as well as breeding pairs to other DDRCCs and the US scientific community; (2) Provide germ-free (GF) experimental cohorts of SAMP1/YitFc, TNF∆ARE, and Winnie mice and microbiome-related services, including fecal material transfer experiments and GF re-derivations, through a GF sub-core (new this cycle); (3) Educate, consult, and train DDRCC investigators in the use of various mouse modeling techniques; (4) Provide high-resolution murine video endoscopy with well-validated scoring of intestinal inflammation and colonic tumors; (5) Quantify murine intestinal inflammation by 3-D stereomicroscopy with assessment of myeloperoxidase activity. The Core steering committee meets monthly to discuss operational issues, and the core director presents its operations to the DDRCC Executive Committee at their quarterly meetings to evaluate the effectiveness of existing services against the evolving needs of the DDRCC membership, assuring that the Core brings the most benefit to Center investigators and the scientific themes of the Cleveland DDRCC. Thus, the DDRCC Mouse Models Core benefits its members by providing uniquely available resources and cost-effective services that facilitate the development of research related to digestive and liver inflammation in the Cleveland scientific community and nationally.