Core facility offers fluorescence, confocal, super resolution, multi-photon, laser capture and atomic force microscopy. Provides central preparatory laboratory and high-end computer workstations for data analysis and image processing. Technical support ranges from investigator training on instrumentation, allowing independent use, to complete processing of samples and final imaging by facility staff. The facility is GRP accredited, undergoes annual compliance checks and provides extensive standard operating procedures for all instrumentation.

Mass spectrometry core lab performing proteomics, small molecule, and lipidomic analyses.
Provides access to advanced analytical equipment for quantitation and structural analysis. Offers assistance in sample preparation, method development, acquisition, and data analysis.

Core supports research requiring flow cytometry techniques in basic and translational research. Provides access to equipment, and technical and scientific expertise for comprehensive analysis of immune responses. Uses standardized and optimized SOPs and study protocols to obtain reproducible and quality results for our collaborating investigators in cost-effective manner.

The Nanobody and Protein Production Facility facilitates nanobody and recombinant protein production. The facility specializes in the production of nanobodies by immunizing alpacas and then isolating the nanobodies they produce. Projects are undertaken on a fee-for-service basis. A full time staff member maintains the core.

The primary focus of the COCVD is to identify mechanisms linking obesity to cardiovascular disease. The Obesity Core provides EchoMRI and indirect calorimetry equipment and technical expertise for measurement of lean/fat mass and whole body metabolism in mice.

The Pathology Research Core facilitates COCVD projects by providing equipment and technical expertise to paraffin-embed and section tissue specimens and perform chemical staining of tissue sections to be examined, photographed and analyzed chromogenically by light microscopy.

The Genetic Technologies Core provides a range of services related to the manipulation and delivery of nucleic acids to biological systems. Services include, but are not limited to:

Production and titering of recombinant viral vectors, including- Lentiviruses, Adenoviruses, and Adeno-associated viruses

Subcloning

Tagging of open reading frames

Development of plasmids and/or RNAs for CRISPR/Cas manipulation

piggyBac transposon delivery systems

Real-time PCR analysis

Recombineering

In vitro transcription

The Core maintains an extensive stock of plasmids that provide components for building constructs envisioned by the investigator and provides consultative services to devise an efficient plan for their realization.

The Core also provides training opportunities in the technologies described above, either as a for-credit, one semester class or on a project-related, fee-based basis.