The WVU Core Genomics Facility is a not-for-profit facility available to all researchers at West Virginia University, funded in part by an NIH COBRE Grant to the WVU Center for Neuroscience headed by Dr. George Spirou. Additional funding is provided by the Department of Biology, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the WVU Health Sciences Center. The facility performs next generation sequencing using an Illumina MiSeq instrument. We also run sequencing reactions and fragment analysis on an ABI model 3130XL genetic analyzer, as well as microarray analysis using the Affymetrix GeneChip system. We provide numerous services ot researchers, including consulting on experimental design, sample preparation, library construction, preparation of sequencing reactions, running of sequencing assays, and downstream bioinformatics analysis. We maintain several compute servers with a large suite of Bioinformatics software to facilitate a wide range of genome-scale analyses. We also have equipment available for self-service use, including a Real-Time PCR machine, a spectrophotometer, and a gel documentation system. The facility is staffed by two permanent full-time managers and a faculty director.

The Transgenic Animal Core Facility (TACF) at WVU offers pronuclear DNA injection for transgenic mouse production, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, and embryonic stem cell injection for chimera production. Cryopreservation and rederivation/resuscitation services are also available for the management of genetically modified mice. The core is housed within an SPF barrier facility on the Health Sciences Center campus. Free consultation is also available to assist in construct and CRISPR design, genotyping, colony management, and special husbandry needs.

The Animal Models and Imaging Facility (AMIF) is a full-service shared resource that provides state-of-the-art small animal imaging to West Virginia University (WVU) researchers and their collaborators, as well as extensive training and assistance with planning experiments and interpreting data. . The AMIF currently performs acute and longitudinal bioluminescence and fluorescence studies on mice using a Caliper IVIS Lumina II optical imaging system. In addition, the facility has recently acquired a VisualSonics Vevo 2100 for real time, micro-ultrasound imaging. The AMIF also offers services such as mouse colony management, tissue collection, cryopreservation of sperm, various surgeries and assistance with designing and writing imaging procedures for animal protocols. The AMIF is growing rapidly to support the preclinical imaging needs of researchers at WVU.

The Microscope Imaging Facility provides light microscopy image acquisition and analysis services on a fee-per-use basis. The facility currently has two laser scanning confocal systems, an inverted Zeiss LSM 510 Confocal system with 3 lasers (488, 514, 543 and 633nm) and an upright Zeiss LSM 510 Confocal with multiple lasers/laser lines (405, 458, 477, 488, 514, 543 and 633nm). These systems can do experiments such as 3D rendering and FRAP. The facility has an upright Olympus AX70 epifluorescent microscope equipped with the MicroBrightField Neurolucida and Stereo Investigator software packages. This system is used for color histology records, 3D neuron reconstruction, serial section reconstruction, anatomical mapping and morphometry analysis. For microdissection, the facility has a Zeiss PALM MicroBeam system for non-contact microdissection of single cells or groups of cells. The isolated cells can then be used for DNA or RNA analysis, proteomic analysis or for further cultivation. For live-cell imaging, the facility has a Nikon TE2000S epifluorescent microscope with Prior filter wheels and a Photometrics Coolsnap HQ CCD camera. This microscope also has an Eppendorf FemtoJet microinjection system. This system is run by the MetaMorph and MetaFluor software packages. This system can do multi-color time-lapse, FRET and calcium ratio imaging. For high-end live-cell imaging, the facility has a new Nikon Swept-Field Confocal system with 3 solid-state lasers (491, 561 and 638nm). This system uses a Photometrics QuantEM CCD camera with on-chip gain to maximize signal and to increase the rate of acquisition. This system is also equipped with a laser TIRF illuminator and a high resolution Photometrics Cool-Snap CCD camera. Tissue culture incubators, Bioptechs Delta T4 dish heaters, objective heaters and a micro-perfusion system are available to maintain live cell cultures. An off-line image analysis station is available to the facility users.