Genetic Models Core
Director: Qiang Fu, M.D., Ph.D.
The Genetic Models Core provides state-of-the-art services to create novel genetically modified mice and cell lines. This core was created by expanding an existing transgenic mouse facility at UAMS, which has a strong record of producing transgenic mice. An important new addition is the use of the CRISPR-Cas system to provide gene-editing services in both mice and cell lines. This expansion of services establishes a Genetic Models Core that, in addition to meeting the needs of the COBRE Project Leaders, provides new cutting-edge services to the research communities at UAMS, ACRI, CAVHS, and across Arkansas. The Genetic Models Core also provides maintenance services, including sperm cryopreservation, in vitro fertilization, and strain rederivation, all of which support the long-term needs of Project Leaders and other Center members.
https://uams.corefacilities.org//service_center/show_external/4244?name=transgenic-mouse-core
Histology, Biomechanics, and Human Tissue Core
Co-Directors: Jinhu Xiong, Ph.D., Elena Ambrogini, M.D., Ph.D.
This core provides state-of-the-art services for the characterization of tissue and cellular changes that underlie the pathological mechanisms of skeletal diseases in both mice and humans. The core offers three services: 1) high-quality and reliable hard-tissue histology services that help investigators identify the cellular basis of musculoskeletal changes and formulate new mechanistic hypotheses for disease processes; 2) comprehensive in vivo and ex vivo biomechanical testing to quantify the mechano-responsiveness, quality, and strength of the skeleton under physiological and pathological conditions; and 3) banking and access to human tissue samples from hip replacement surgeries and bone marrow cells with their associated clinical data from patients with various conditions.
Bone Imaging Core
Director: Jesús Delgado-Calle, Ph.D.
This core provides state-of-the-art musculoskeletal imaging and introduces new analytical technologies to generate, analyze, and interpret bone-imaging data. Also, provides training in bone imaging and supports educational activities.
Bioinformatics Core
Director: Intawat Nookaew, Ph.D.
This core provides cutting-edge analyses of large datasets. The Bioinformatics Core has assembled a team of bioinformatics specialists with access to a state-of-the-art computational facility.