Core Facilities
The Core Facilities provide services to all researchers at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. An Executive Oversight Committee provides the Senior Associate Dean of Basic Research, J. Edward Puzas, Ph.D. with recommendations for overall core facility strategic planning and management.
Sally Quataert, Ph.D., URSMD Core Facilities Director
(585) 273-2454
Sally_Quataert@urmc.rochester.edu
Biomolecular Interaction Laboratory
The Biomolecular Interaction facility seeks to give access to custom affinity reagents to researchers in the University. We utilize phage display to generate recombinant antibodies to user provided target molecules and produce the single-chain Fv proteins for the user. We also can perform affinity measurements using surface plasmon resonance or provide access to trained users to this equipment.
Contact: Mark Sullivan, Ph.D., (585) 273-1629, Mark_Sullivan@urmc.rochester.edu
Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Core
The Biosafety Level 3 facility (BSL-3) is available for the use of any researcher at the university whose work requires manipulation of biological agents that may cause serious or potentially lethal disease as a result of exposure by the inhalation route.
Contact: Marty Pavelka, Ph.D., (585) 275-4670, Martin_Pavelka@urmc.rochester.edu
Cold Storage Core (CSC)
The CSC provides a discreet area where investigators can keep freezers for long-term storage of research materials. The entire facility is alarmed and power protected.
Contact: Carrie Dykes, Ph.D., (585) 273-4104, Carrie_Dykes@urmc.rochester.edu
Confocal and Conventional Microscopy Core (CCMC)
The Confocal and Conventional Microscopy Core provides a new Olympus FV1000 laser scanning confocal microscope, an Olympus fluorescence microscope, and capability for large specimen imaging of gross and comparative histological samples. Current software capabilities include: StereoInvestigator, Image Pro Plus, full FV1000 software on workstation, and Image J. All users are provided the ability and expertise to characterize biologic specimens using sophisticated fluorescence and/or brightfield microscopy.
Contact: Linda Callahan, Ph.D., (585) 275-1317, Linda_Callahan@urmc.rochester.edu
Electron Microscope Research Core
The principal mission of this Electron Microscope Research Core (EM Core) is to provide University of Rochester researchers support in high magnification image analysis of cells and tissue in the fields of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and combined Scanning/Transmission EM (STEM).
Contact: Karen Bentley, M.S, (585) 275-1954, Karen_Bentley@urmc.rochester.edu
Flow Cytometry and Immunologic Analysis
Flow cytometry resources are now available in several locations within the medical center.
The mission of URMC Flow Cytometry Core is to provide investigators with state-of-the-art
instrumentation along with the human expertise to support all that is possible now, while
pushing the limits of what can be done with flow cytometry.
The Core currently has analytical tools including a FACSCanto (8-colors) and 3 LSR-II's
(one 11-color, one 12-color, and an 18-color instrument) from BD Biosciences. We also have a BD 13-color
FACSAria cell sorter, and our recent acquisition, an Amnis ImageStream Imaging Cytometer.
Instrumentation is only part of what we offer. In close association with the Human Immunology Center, we also offer comprehensive training for your staff, consultation for maximizing the effectiveness and cost of your experiments, as well as an environment that fosters success in both existing methods and crossing the boundaries into new frontiers.
Contact: Tim Bushnell, Ph.D., (585) 273-5535, Tim_Bushnell@urmc.rochester.edu
Functional Genomics Center
The Functional Genomics Center provides DNA sequencing, both traditional Sanger sequencing and ultra-high-throughput sequencing with SOLiD4 and Illumina GA IIx analyzers; DNA and RNA extraction, purification, and quality assessment; cDNA synthesis; gene expression measurement by microarray, quantitative RT-PCR, or RNA-Seq; fluorescent DNA fragment analysis; SNP analysis; clinical research genotyping; assistance with interpretation of results.
Contact: Stephen L. Welle, Ph.D., (585) 273-3117, Stephen_Welle@urmc.rochester.edu
Gene Targeting and Transgenic Core
At this time, the Gene Targeting and Transgenic Core provides expertise and assistance in the production of transgenic mouse models by either DNA microinjection or gene targeting in embryonic stem (ES) cells.
Contact: Lin Gan, Ph.D., (585) 273-1510, Lin_Gan@urmc.rochester.edu
High Throughput Screening (HTS) Core
The University of Rochester High Throughput Screening (HTS) Core provides investigators with relatively low cost access to screening chemical libraries for identification of novel molecules that can be used to perturb biological systems. We offer the capacity to develop assays for high throughput screening, the ability to screen relatively small libraries to obtain preliminary data for grant proposals as well as to screen much larger libraries for identification of leads for therapeutics.
Contact: Alan V. Smrcka, Alan_Smrcka@urmc.rochester.edu,
Ben Miller, Benjamin_Miller@urmc.rochester.edu
Rochester Human Immunology Center Laboratory
The Rochester Human Immunology Center (RHIC) and its core laboratory were established to acquire, refine and develop expertise in cutting-edge techniques and to support applications in Human Immunology research. The RHIC serves to enhance multi-disciplinary research initiatives catalyzing key clinical and basic immunology research in vaccines, HIV/AIDS, autoimmunity, allergy/asthma, transplantation as well as cancer immunology. The Center's core lab provides assistance and expertise in immunological method development, standardization and validation through individual and group training programs.
Contact: Sally Quataert, Ph.D., (585) 273-2454, Sally_Quataert@urmc.rochester.edu
Molecular Imaging Core
The Molecular Imaging Core provides researchers at the University of Rochester with access to state of the art instruments capable of detecting and quantifying the levels and positions of radio- and fluorescently labeled molecules in a variety of formats including gels, blots and microtiter plates.
Contact: Scott Butler, Ph.D., (585) 275-7921, btlr@mail.rochester.edu
Multiphoton Core Facility
The Multiphoton Core Facility is available to all investigators at the University of
Rochester to acquire and analyze high-quality images using cutting-edge multi-photon technology. The facility is equipped with a brand new Mai Tai HP Deep Sea Laser from Spectra Physics and an Olympus Fluoview 1000 AOM-MPM Microscope.
Contact: Linda Callahan, Ph.D., (585) 275-1317, Linda_Callahan@urmc.rochester.edu
Physical Exercise Activity Kinesiology Clinical Research Core Lab (PEAK)
The PEAK Lab is a clinical research core facility that supports investigators conducting multidisciplinary and translational research related to all forms of human movement (e.g., physical activity, exercise, and sedentary behavior). The PEAK Lab provides state-of-the-art assessments for metabolism, body composition, cardiovascular function (including VO2max and anaerobic threshold), pulmonary function, range of motion, strength, balance, and free-living activity/exercise. Examples include but are not limited to: graded exercise stress testing, pulse oximetry, EKG, bioelectrical impedance, balance force plate testing, actigraphy and more. The PEAK Lab operates in discreet clinical space located on the University of Rochester Medical Center Campus. We are able to perform assessments and deliver interventions in the inpatient and outpatient settings at the UR/URMC campus and at other medical or non-medical community locations. The PEAK Lab also provides consulting services for investigators in all stages of career and study development for research investigating aspects of human movement. The PEAK Lab services range from concept development, implementation, assessment, and staff training to fidelity and quality assurance assistance. The PEAK Lab supports local, investigator-initiated studies and also very large, complex, nationwide, multi-center clinical trials (phase I-IV).
Contact: Michelle Wharton, M.A. (585) 273-3148, Michelle_Wharton@urmc.rochester.edu
Proteomics Center
The University of Rochester Proteomics Center provides protein characterization support, predominantly in the form of proteomic technology. The analytical strengths of the core are mass spectrometry and separation sciences. In a classical proteomic application, a complex sample matrix, such as serum, is separated into individual protein fractions, the identities of which are then determined with mass spectrometry. The core processes a myriad of sample types, from complex clinical matrices to simple purified proteins, for identification of unknowns or verification of identity.
Contact: Fred Hagen, Ph.D., (585) 275-0336, Fred_Hagen@urmc.rochester.edu
RCBI (Rochester Center for Brain Imaging)
The Rochester Center for Brain Imaging (RCBI) provides researchers at the University of Rochester, as well as neighboring institutions, with access to a state-of-the-art 3T magnet for research using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Contact: Richard N. Aslin, (585) 275-8687, aslin@cvs.rochester.edu
Small Animal Imaging Resources
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CT) Imaging Lab, directed by Dr. Ruola Ning, may conduct small animal imaging scans for research. To request small animal imaging services please complete an Animal Imaging Request.
Multiphoton Core, directed by Dr. Karl Kasischke, is highly specialized for intravital imaging and systems physiology in small animals, e.g., mice and rats. The Core can record arterial blood pressure, EKG, body-temperature, laser doppler, tissue oxygen, electrophysiology, pulse-oximetry, blood-gases, and blood-glucose. Small animal surgeries are routinely performed at two completely equipped surgical areas in direct proximity to the multiphoton microscope. Physiological measurements can be started during surgery and continued during the intravital imaging session.
Rochester Center for Brain Imaging (RCBI), directed by Dr. Richard Aslin, has been hosting several projects using experimental animal models for imaging of normal physiology or various diseases. Commercial or custom-made RF coils and pulse sequences are available for studies using mouse, rat and larger animals such as monkeys and rabbits. Trained technologist can run experiments set up by users and staff scientists, and various image-processing computers and tools are available.
Small Animal Multispectral Imaging Facility, within the Center for Musculoskeletal Research (CMSR) is available for Investigators using the URMC vivarium (S-Wing and MRBX). The Facility houses an IVIS Spectrum (Caliper Life Sciences, Inc., Hopkinton, MA) and offers unique capabilities for sensitively imaging both bioluminescent and fluorescent reporters within the same animal without mixing the multi-spectra. The system performs both epi- and trans-illumination fluorescent imaging and uses high efficiency narrow band-pass filters coupled with spectral unmixing algorithms to differentiate between multiple shallow and deep fluorescent sources. This is useful in optimally enabling a wide array of fluorescence/bioluminescence research applications. The system is also capable of performing 3D tomographic reconstructions for BOTH bioluminescence and fluorescence, and potentially enables data co-registration with complementary modalities such as CT and MRI.
Contact: Hani Awad, (585) 273-5268, hani_awad@urmc.rochester.edu
Small Animal Ultrasound Imaging Core Facility within the Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI) is available for investigators using the CVRI vivarium location. The VisualSonics Vevo 770 High-Resolution Imaging System provides real-time, high-resolution micro-imaging and blood flow analysis for small animal, preclinical research.It is a non-invasive solution that facilitates longitudinal studies from embryonic analysis through adulthood and blood flow analysis for small animal research.The VisualSonics Vevo 770 offers image resolution of anatomical and physiological structures down to 30 microns.
Contact: Burns Blaxall, (585) 276-9791, Burns_Blaxall@urmc.rochester.edu
The mission of the Xenogen IVIS In Vivo Imaging Core is to allow the detection of bioluminescent tracer molecules in living small animals.
Contact: Randall Rossi , (585)
273-5495, Randall_Rossi@urmc.rochester.edu
Structural Biology and Biophysics Facility
The Structural Biology and Biophysics Facility is a University of Rochester research resource sponsored in part by the Developmental Center for AIDS Research (DCFAR). The goal of this newly established core is to provide non-specialist and specialist users with access to biophysical instrumentation designed to: (i) determine macromolecular structures by X-ray crystallography, and (ii) quantitatively characterize biomolecular interactions. We offer support services and access to state-of-the-art instruments to determine macromolecular X-ray crystal structures, and to investigate protein-protein, protein-nucleic acid, or protein-small molecule interactions. For more information, please visit the Structural Biology and Biophysics Core Facility website.
Contact: Jermaine L. Jenkins, Ph.D., (585) 275-2777, Jermaine_Jenkins@urmc.rochester.edu
Vivarium
The Vivarium is a centralized resource facility with staff and programs that support the research and educational uses of laboratory animals.
Contact: Jeff Wyatt, DVM., (585) 275-2651, Jeff_Wyatt@urmc.rochester.edu
