Scientific Cores
Our centralized facilities provide shared access to specialized equipment, technologies, services, and expertise to support scientific research, enabling ATRI researchers to conduct experiments and studies that require specialized equipment or expertise.
Neuropathology and Brain Bank
The Neuropathology Core and Brain Bank is located in the NTRD. Established in 1984, the brain bank has a large collection of brain tissue from individuals who were followed clinically. We have nearly 2000 brains from a variety of neurodegenerative diseases that are available for research. All brains have undergone clinical pathological assessment by our neuropathologists and have clinical, genetic and many other important datasets associated with them.
Biomarker Core
Established in 2008, the Biomarker Core has a large collection of CSF, whole blood, plasma/serum, DNA, buffy coats and urine samples from patients who have participated in clinical trials. All these specimens are available for research along with associated clinical, genetic, and protein bioassay data. The Biomarker Core is fully equipped to perform protein biomarker, genetic, and pharmacokinetic experiments as needed.
Animal Models
The NTRD has one of the largest collections of transgenic animal models for neurodegenerative disease research in the country. With over 5000 mice and multiple transgenic lines, there are cutting edge animal models for Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Systems Atrophy and Tauopathy research. The animal models core also has a variety of surgical and behavioral equipment for assessing treatment effects in these animal models. These models and resources are available for collaborations both within and outside the NTRD. The animal models core has several full time staff to assist investigators with all aspects of experiments.
Imaging & Microscopy
The NTRD has a variety of microscopes for research including multiple confocal, light and fluorescent and live imaging setups. These microscopes are equipped with cutting edge stereology and other imaging software that may help our investigators with their research. A full time imaging core technician is available to train investigators on the use of the scopes and help with figure preparation for manuscripts and grants, as needed.
Histopathology
The NTRD has a fully equipped histopathology core for cutting, processing, staining and/or doing biochemical analyses of human and animal specimens. The histopathology core has several full time technicians to assist with projects involving tissue processing.
Viral Vector
Viruses are highly efficient vehicles for delivering genes into cells and can be used to efficiently generate stable cell lines, uniformly transduce primary cell cultures for biochemical studies, and transduce tissues in vitro or in vivo. Using viruses in vivo also complements and expands the generation and uses of transgenic animals and technology.
The staff within the Neuroscience Viral Vector Core Facility provides experts consultation for the safe and effective use of viral vector technologies, and we offer custom design and production services. Viral vectors are currently available for use in the areas of neuronal degeneration, metabolic processes, vesicle/ endosomal sorting and gene regulation.