Research at Cincinnati Children's

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Research at Cincinnati Children's

Research Facilities

Our Facilities House Cutting-Edge Technology
Cincinnati Children’s is one of the world’s largest centers devoted to pediatric medical research. We provide 1 million square feet of research laboratory space to investigators working to improve child health, with plans under way to build an additional 300,000 square feet.

To support innovation, we have established a vast array of core services that provide investigators access to cutting-edge technology. Our capabilities include sophisticated biomedical informatics, expertise in developing transgenic mouse models, unique cleanroom facilities for viral vector development and cell manipulation, a new pluripotent stem cell facility, high-throughput DNA analysis, advanced pathology services and more.
Biomedical Informatics

We focus on computational approaches to problems in biomedical research. Our mission is to provide the skilled staff and technologies needed to acquire, store and analyze biomedical data using high-performance computational systems.
In addition to conducting basic research, we offer resources and services to investigators at Cincinnati Children’s and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
Learn more about our Computational Medicine Center and other Research IT Core Services.

DNA Analysis

We significantly expanded our genetic research capabilities with the 2011 installation of an Illumina HiSeq 2000 and HiScan system for the Division of Human Genetics. These “next gen” sequencing systems offer the fastest data generation in the field.
We also work with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine to provide infrastructure needed for integrated functional genomics research. Our cores support DNA sequencing, genotyping, SNP characterization,NMR structure analysis, genetic epidemiology and statistical genetics. Visit the Genetic Variation and Gene Discovery Core Facility website for more information.

Gene Therapy Support

Our Translational Core Laboratories serve as a one-stop shop for translating research in genetic and cellular therapies into patient care. The laboratories include more than 20 people supporting 11,000 square feet of controlled-access cleanroom space.
These labs produce viral vectors and conduct cell processing for a variety of research projects including potential gene therapies for brain tumors, sickle-cell anemia and X-SCID, the rare condition also known as “bubble boy” syndrome.

Stem Cell Facility

Our new pluripotent stem cell facility – the first of its kind in Ohio, Kentucky or Indiana – reprograms mature human cells into embryonic-like stem cells – which can become any of more than 200 cell types.
Our stem cell team already has coaxed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into forming functioning intestinal tissue, retinal cells, liver cells, cardiomyocytes and more.

View the Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility slideshow.

Advanced Pathology

In addition to performing nearly 2 million diagnostic tests a year for clinical services, our sophisticated pathology team also supports numerous research projects.
Our core morphology lab generates more than 22,000 histologic slides and 1,700 immunohistochemical stains a year. Our services include microbiology, virology, serology, chemistry, special chemistry, hematology, mass spectrometry and recently upgraded electron microscopy.
Learn more about our pathology services.

Laser Capture Microdissection

We support research projects by using advanced laser technology to directly extract single cells from any tissue section, providing a pure cell population for further molecular analysis.
Our second-generation device − the Arcturus PixCell II LCM System − integrates a laboratory microscope with a low-energy laser to collect samples in a one-step, aim-and-shoot method.
Learn more about laser capture microdissection.

Advanced Imaging

We have invested deeply in state-of-the-art technologies to advance research through musculoskeletal, cardiac and brain imaging.
Our capabilities include functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) using a dedicated 3-Tesla MRI scanner, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of brain metabolism, dynamic perfusion imaging, diffusion imaging and diffusion tensor imaging.
We also conduct in vivo microscopic MRI studies involving transgenic mice for obesity, arthritis and muscular dystrophy research.

Transgenic Mice

Cincinnati Children’s excels at producing transgenic and gene knockout mice for medical research.
Our Comprehensive Mouse and Cancer Core provides specific mouse strains used in cancer and blood disease research. This core also offers cell harvest, cell transplant and irradiation services.
Our Transgenic Mouse Laboratory specializes in embryo cryopreservation and the generation of genetically altered mice for a wide range of conditions.

Clinical Sciences Building To Boost Research Mission

$180M, 15-story tower opens in summer 2015
The new clinical sciences building at Cincinnati Children’s will add 425,000 square feet of space for expanded laboratories, an imaging center and supporting infrastructure. The expansion will help attract more of the world’s top pediatric scientists to pursue clinical trials, translational research, outcomes and improvement studies and more. Read more about the project.
Bringing Gene Therapy to Life

Here, in high-tech facilities kept cleaner than most hospital operating rooms, scientists combine re-engineered human cells with carefully modified viruses to deliver bold new gene therapies to patients.

3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026 | 1-513-636-4200 | 1-800-344-2462 | TTY:1-513-636-4900

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