Animal Models & Imaging

Project Summary/Abstract - ANIMAL MODELS & IMAGING SHARED RESOURCE The Animal Models & Imaging Shared Resource (Animal Models) supports basic and translational cancer research by providing UNMCCC members with guidance, collaboration, and services in animal models and in vivo imaging for cancer research. Faculty Director Mara P. Steinkamp, Ph.D. (CMO) supervises the Resource, which is operated by a full-time technical director with extensive experience in mouse models. The Cancer Center Research Administration provides administrative support for the Resource, which provides a range of services including experimental design, patient-derived xenograft implantation services, treatment and tumor monitoring, in vivo imaging, and training in employing animal models. The Resource Faculty and Technical Directors interface with the Health Sciences Center Animal Research Facility, which provides veterinary care and animal husbandry services for all research animals. Reservations, billing and usage are tracked through a centralized on-line system. The Resource Director and staff work closely with the Research Programs to develop new methodologies that promote innovative basic and translational research. The Resource actively facilitates and disseminates information about new in vivo technologies through an up-to-date web page and presentations at UNMCCC meetings and retreats. During the previous funding period the Resource had 37 UNMCCC member users who were supported by 43 peer-reviewed grants including 10 UNMCCC Pilot Grants. Work using the Resource was reported in 23 peer-reviewed publications. In the reporting year of July 2019 – June 2020, UNMCCC members were responsible for 95% of total Resource usage.