Core B: Mouse Models of Aging and Cancer

PROJECT SUMMARY – CORE B Understanding aging in the liver and the role of aging in liver cancer development will require investigation in live animals as well as genetic and non-genetic interventions that target age dysregulation, for their ability to suppress the onset of liver cancer. The Mouse Models of Aging and Cancer Core (Core B) will achieve this goal by offering the following services: (1) Mouse husbandry, collecting tail-snips for genotyping, and longitudinal monitoring of key parameters (body weight, average food intake, tumor measurements); (2) Animal interventions, which include injections (intravenous (IV), retroorbital or tail vein, hydrodynamic tail vein injection (HDTV), intraperitoneal (IP)), viral and DNA delivery, agents delivery (oral gavage, modified diet or water, or injections), cell transplantation; (3) Efficient use of infrastructure and access to equipment for animal imaging to monitor tumor growth; (4) Animal health monitoring using the standard industry-wide practice of soiled bedding sentinels for quarterly viral detection and annual microbiology and histopathology testing; (5) Collection and storage of tissues for histological and molecular analyses; (6) Histopathology expertise to assess liver tissues for stage of disease; (7) A mouse colony database and a tissue banking database accessible to PPG investigators, in collaboration with Core A; (8) Hands-on training in animal handling and procedural techniques for project staff. Core B will benefit from personnel with long-term expertise in animal work. Performance of procedures by skilled Core staff will enhance the reproducibility and scientific quality of the data, as well as minimizing pain and stress for the animals. Core B will participate in all project planning sessions with the Administrative Core (Core A) and PPG investigators to ensure that Core B is functioning to meet programmatic needs. Core B will be responsible for reporting to the Administrative Core, documenting effort and evaluating Core contributions to individual projects. Core B will ensure a centralized maintenance of all animal models to minimize variables of different environments, and ensure rigor and reproducibility of the results.