The Pediatric Clinical Research Services group (PCRS) is responsible for overall clinical research management for studies engaging a pediatric population, both grant funded and industry sponsored clinical and translational research studies. The group provides comprehensive study engagement and helps investigators enroll research subjects at both UPMC Children's Hospital and UPMC Magee Womens Hospital.

Core is CAP/CLIA-certified facility offering comprehensive next generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics services. Supports flexible workflows from nucleic acid extraction and library preparation to sequencing and custom data analysis. Services include DNA/RNA extraction, quality checks, various types of RNA/DNA library prep, NGS, methylation, proteomics (Illumina IPP), metabolomics, lipidomics, pharmacogenomics, and microarray analysis, with options for end-to-end or modular support. Advanced instrumentation includes Illumina NovaSeq X Plus and 6000 platforms, MiSeqDX, Hamilton , Eppendorf, and Tecan liquid handlers, automated extraction systems, and more. HTGC also provides clinical-grade sequencing.

Core is equipped with suite of cryostats and measurement systems for probing electrical, magnetic, and quantum properties at cryogenic temperatures. Sample preparation capabilities include tools for wafer processing, nanomaterial transfer, and inert atmosphere handling. Deposition systems support thin film growth and surface treatment using a variety of techniques. Wirebonding and related sample preparation tools enable precise device packaging and integration, supporting a broad range of experimental workflows in quantum and nanoscale science.

Facility permits interrogation of protein biomarkers in tissue through next-generation, quantitative histopathologic technologies. Utilizes Akoya Bioscience’s PhenoImager platform which includes multiplex IF reagent kits, multispectral imaging on the PhenoImager HT, and image analysis with inForm software.

Core provides multi-modal imaging services for academic investigators, national collaborators, and industrial partners.It facilitates longitudinal studies in animal models using MRI, PET, CT, and ultrasound, offering services such as image acquisition, analysis, and consultations for research, therapy assessment, and disease progression tracking.

Our facility utilizes the LabMAP™ system developed by Luminex Corporation. Luminex technology is a flexible, easy-to-use protein analysis system that permits the simultaneous quantitative analysis of up to 100 different proteins, peptides, or RNA molecules in a single microtiter well. We use all commercially available assays. Millipore, R&D Systems, Bio-Rad, and Thermofisher offer a robust network of assays for many different species and sample types. The useful nature of being able to multiplex and customize markers enables advanced detection of useful biomarkers.

Core provides histological services in order to facilitate productivity and success of investigators based in the Rangos Research Center and researchers in other units of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, as well as clients in other academic institutions in the Pittsburgh area.

Core offers full histology services including processing and embedding, cutting, staining, and immunohistochemistry. Our services can be customized to fit the needs of any research program.

Core provides services including generation of gene editing mice, transgenic mice, ES cell microinjection into blastocysts to create germline competent chimera, cryopreservation and long-term storage of mouse sperm/embryos, recovery of mouse lines from cryopreserved germplasm, in vitro fertilization for mouse line rescue and re-derivation of pathogen free mouse strains.

The Metabolic Core provides Instrument Services for analysis of 1) endogenous metabolic pathway intermediates or biomarkers from biological fluids, cell cultures, and tissues using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), 2) energy metabolism (cell bioenergetics) in “living” cells using a Seahorse® Analyzer, and 3) biomarkers/metabolites to quantitate pathway intermediates using HPLC with 3 detector options (ECD, UV-VIS, FLR).

The Health Sciences Research Data Center is a HIPAA compliant secure computing environment where study teams can store data and do analytics from anywhere with internet access. Teams work in a Windows virtual desktop with memory, storage, and computing power dedicated to each user. Knowledgeable facility staff can provide data management, help with regulatory documents like DUAs, maintain systems compliance, and custom application development.

The Pitt-Isotope Tracers Lab, formerly known as the Regional Stable Isotope Lab for Earth and Environmental Science Research, has capacity for a wide variety of isotopic measurements in a multitude of sample media. Our capabilities include:
Nitrate (δ15N, δ18O, D17O);
Greenhouse and trace gases: carbon dioxide (δ13C, δ18O), nitrous oxide (δ15N, δ18O), methane (δ13C);
Nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur (δ15N, δ13C, δ34S) in organic and other solid materials (e.g., biota, soils);
Ammonium (δ15N);
Dry reactive nitrogen deposition (δ15N-NH3, δ15-NO2, and δ15N-HNO3); and
Carbonates (δ13C, δ18O)

The ORC has a large collection of unique patient-derived organoids (PDOs) from breast cancer tissue. Our experienced staff provides high-quality training in organoid development and culture, consultation services to assist with experimental design, execution, and data analysis.

The Center for Research Computing supports leading-edge research with free access to advanced computing hardware and software.

The Peptide and Peptoid Synthesis core offers comprehensive services for the custom synthesis and characterization of peptides, peptoids and small molecule constructs. The facility has extensive capabilities for technologically advanced custom modifications such as bioconjugations and targeted therapeutic strategies. State of the art HPLC and mass spectrometry capabilities as well as services in support of protein, siRNA, antibody and small molecule quantification and characterization are available

Research Histology Services is located in the Thomas E. Starzl Biomedical Science Tower at the University of Pittsburgh. RHS lab serves as the Core Liver and Kidney Laboratory for the Immune Tolerance Network (ITN) and the Core Heart Lab for the Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation in Children (CTOTC04), providing histology services for ongoing clinical patient research studies throughout the United States and Canada. Provides range of histological research techniques that include decalcification, standard tissue processing, biopsy processing, paraffin embedding, OCT embedding of frozen tissues, serial sectioning, step/level sectioning, and cryostat sectioning. A wide spectrum of assays is available in addition to the routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain. Special histochemical stains routinely provided include; Masson Trichrome, PAS (periodic acid Schiff), Prussian Blue (Iron), Verhoff''''s Elastin Stain, Cresyl Violet, Toluidine Blue, and Luxol Fast Blue; additional histochemical staining is done upon request. Wide arrays of Immunoperoxidase and Immunofluorescent staining and apoptosis/ tunel stains are also available. Our goal is to return quality work in the shortest time possible.

Cell and Tissue imaging on confocal microscopes.
1. Zeiss LSM 710 confocal
2. Leical Sp8 confocl.
3. Leica Stellaris 5 confocal

The small animal ultrasonography core provides expertise and state-of-the-art high frequency ultrasound instrumentation suitable for image acquisition and analysis applicable to your research studies.

The Center for Research on Health Care Data Center provides cutting-edge expertise and research infrastructure across four key Cores of Biostatistics, Data Management & Information Systems, Qualitative Analysis, and Data Coordination.

The Bioinformatics Core Facility at the John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center provides bioinformatics as well as biostatistics services across a wide range of disease domains. The next-generation sequencing data analysis includes, but is not limited to, whole genome-, whole exome-, bulk and single cell epigenome-, bulk and single cell transcriptome, spatial transcriptome, microbiome, metabolome, proteome and lipidome data analysis. The facility specializes in T-, and B- cell repertoire data analysis, multi-omics initiatives, and multimodal analysis. Shiny dashboard and other web application development is also supported.

The Health Sciences Mass Spectrometry Core provides liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) services for metabolomics, lipidomics and proteomics. Expert staff provide assistance throughout the full lifespan of all projects from experimental design and sample preparation through statistical analysis and interpretation of datasets.

The Pitt Biospecimen Core provides human sample procurement in multiple UPMC hospitals across Pittsburgh. Standard operating procedures for procurement and processing are developed for each project in partnership with each study's principal investigator. A rigorous quality assurance program ensures SOP compliance. In addition to specimen banking and pathology consultation, research histology services by expert histology specialists are also available.

The Gnotobiotic Animal Core Laboratory is a BSL2-compliant mouse facility providing isolators for studies requiring a controlled microbiotic environment. All husbandry and upkeep services are provided. Additional specialized support is also available.

The Small Biomarker Core provides accurate and sensitive quantitative analysis in biological samples, with or without sample processing, using state-of-the-art ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). In addition to well qualified assays for common targets, experienced, knowledgeable personnel can provide assay development for novel targets

The Flow Cytometry Core at John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center is a BSL2+ compliant cytometry analysis and sorting facility located at the John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center in Lawrenceville serving investigators from across the University of Pittsburgh.

The Magnetic Resonance Research Center is dedicated to the development and application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for medical and biological research. MRRC is whole-body imaging capable with specialty in anatomical MRI imaging of brain, spine, extremities, liver, bladder as well as functional MRI to study cognitive, sensory, and motor function in the brain.

The Cryo-electron Microscopy Facility provides access to cutting edge instrumentation for high resolution structural analysis of proteins, protein complexes, viruses, macromolecular assemblies, cellular organelles, and bacterial cells.

The Drosophila Facility specializes in producing drosophila media in bulk and making it available to local investigators.

The Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design Core of Pitt's Clinical and Translational Science Institute provides consultation regarding study design, statistical analyses, power and sample size calculations and data collection for clinical and translational studies and grant applications. BERD offers consultation for collecting and managing data using the REDCap system. BERD also offers a series of workshops to provide essential elements involved in data collection, data management and creating reports for research studies.

MWRI’s Genome Editing, Transgenic, and Virus (GETV) Core Facility provides leadership, technical expertise, advice, and training for investigators both within and outside the University of Pittsburgh community. The core is comprised of three functional sections:

Molecular cloning (plasmid, virus, CRISPR/Cas9)
Viral vectors (lentivirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus)
Animal services (transgenic, knockout, cryopreservation, re-derivation, and more)

CORE SERVICES
Services offered:

Assistance for generating recombinant plasmids

Design and implementation of CRISPR/Cas9 technology for in vivo and in vitro work

Mouse and rat transgenesis, including transgenic and knockout/knockdown techniques using pronuclear injection, ES cell injection/chimera, and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing

Production of lentivirus, adenovirus, and adeno-associated virus vectors

Additional animal testing and procedures: teratoma and chimera testing to validate putative pluripotent stem cell lines, cryopreserve or re-derive of valuable transgenic lines (sperm or embryos)

GETV services are approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), the recombinant DNA committee, and the environmental health and safety office of the University of Pittsburgh

This facility specializes in training users in both solution phase and solid state NMR across all active nuclei and multiple NMR experients

The AIC has instrumentation and expertise for high-field Preclinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Microscopy. The facility has two instruments: a Bruker 9.4 Tesla/30 cm AVANCE 3 HD scanner and a Bruker 11.7 Tesla 89 mm AVANCE 3 HD micro imaging system.

Core specializes in electronics design, fabrication, and repair of research equipment and instrumentation.

Core provides flow cytometry and cell sorting services. Staff offers help with instrument setup, data analysis, and consultation for experiment design. Training is available to run analytical cytometers.Houses FACSAria cell sorters, Cytek Aurora Cell Sorter, LSR Fortessas , LSR IIs, ImageStreamx Mark II and 4 full spectral cytometers.

This facility provides sample submission services for small molecule crytalography,

This facility has walk up and sample submission for small molecule through some proteomics capabilites

This facility maintains a large array of instrumentation for the production and analysis of complex materials, including nanoparticles, thin films, polymers, ceramics, and molecular electronics. In addition, the MCL oversees the operations of the Department's Biological Instrumentation Cluster which provides access to specialized equipment used in molecular biology and biological chemistry.

cleanroom, nano and micro fabrication, electron imaging and surface analysis

The Single Cell Core offers single cell sequencing to the University of Pittsburgh and surrounding communities. Our services include single cell gene expression, immune profiling, ATAC, and multiome analysis.

The Glass Shop in the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh is responsible for fabricating and repairing intricate pieces of glassware and apparatus, as well as constructing complete high vacuum systems.

The Machine Shop is a core facility in the Dietrich School of Art & Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh specialize in the mechanical design, fabrication, and repair of research equipment and instrumentation.

Vision: Be a leading collaborative interdisciplinary organization that advances research, education, and training in quantum science and engineering

Mission
Energize, unify, and promote quantum science and engineering in our region through camaraderie, inclusivity, and a shared vision
Inspire and support members to grow their research in new directions
Host scholars and experts to pursue ideas, techniques, and applications on the leading edge
Advance research and technology in quantum science and engineering
Attract outstanding faculty and trainees to quantum research in our region
Support collaborative research through workshops, seminars and center-scale proposals
Train future leaders in quantum science and engineering
Educate and train students to have a deep understanding of quantum science and broad understanding of sensing, communication, and computing applications
Develop a diverse interdisciplinary cadre of researchers by offering formal and informal learning opportunities
Develop outside partnerships that extend and expand our community
Connect with team-based science intitiatives and shared facilities to expand our capabiliites
Communicate innovations and research perspectives to scientists and the general public

The Health Sciences Sequencing Core at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh offers Illumina next generation sequencing services to the University of Pittsburgh research community.

Our personnel are experts in next generation sequencing technologies and are committed to remaining abreast of advances that will impact the research effort of investigators. We encourage you to contact our Assistant Director to arrange for a consultation. Our staff is available to share their experience and expertise to assist with development of projects of all sizes, standard or custom assay design, and other specialized application needs.

The Microscopy and Imaging Suite is located at 101 Langley Hall. It is a shared facility equipped with state-of-the-art instruments for optical and electron microscopy, and Flow Cytometry. We are open to all members at the University of Pittsburgh and outside users. We are happy to assist students and researchers with their projects in all aspects. Please contact Chaowei Shang for experimental design, equipment training, staff-operated image acquisition, and image analysis. All users must be trained by Facility staff to access the equipment