DERC Mouse Phenotyping | The Histopathology Laboratory | Body Composition |
Multiplex Protein Assays (MPAs) | Whole Body Metabolic Assessment

DERC Mouse Phenotyping Core

The Mouse Phenotyping Core is organized around the four services – Histopathology, Body Composition, Multiplex Protein Assays, and Whole Body Metabolic Assessment.

The Histopathology Laboratory of the Mouse Phenotyping Core provides a wide spectrum of sample preparation services. Investigators can employ the core to assist in the entire sample preparation, processing, sectioning and staining, or can seek assistance with specific steps. Preparation of samples, either frozen or chemical fixation, is performed by the Histopathology Laboratory staff. The core staff will perform embedding, sectioning and staining of tissue using protocols specific for each tissue. When necessary the staff will perform perfusion fixation at the time of animal sacrifice. In addition, the Histopathology Laboratory has developed a large series of protocols and identified appropriate reagents to perform immunohistochemical analysis of commonly studied antigens in tissue relevant to diabetes. Investigators contact the Histopathology Laboratory staff directly and submit requisitions directly.

Body Composition measurements can be made through two systems that the Mouse Phenotyping Core operate: Dual energy x-ray absorbance (DEXA) and more recently added nuclear magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) analysis. The DEXA scanner (Piximus2) machine is located outside the mouse barrier facility and is most often used for terminal measurements or when bone density measurements are required. The MRI is located within the Berrie barrie facility and is most useful for serial measurements in mice without anesthesia. Scheduling an experiment with the core staff is done directly.

Multiplex Protein Assays (MPAs) permit investigators to measure multiple protein/peptides in small volumes of samples, typically 30 ul of serum or plasma. The Mouse Phenotyping Core employs a bead-based assay system that is compatible with many commercial kits. To use the MPA of the core, investigators provide samples and purchase the analyte kit of interest. The samples are then processed and run by the core staff and the results provided to the investigator. Typically turn around time is less than one week.

The Whole Body Metabolic Assessment program allows researchers to study the affect of a genotype on a mouse’s metabolic activity. Through the system, the mouse’s energy expenditure, food intake, movement, gas expenditure and RQ/RER are measured, in up to eight mice per run. It is located within the Russ Berrie Barrier Facility. Scheduling an experiment is done with the core staff directly.

Questions about the core?