Research Cores

  • Research Cores

    How Our Cores Can Enhance Your Research

    Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation is dedicated to advancing basic, translational, clinical and outcomes-based research. Why choose our cores for your research? We can provide you with cutting-edge, cost-effective technology and data analysis that would be unattainable on an individual research basis. Our fee-for-service program also offers unique studies that you can’t find anywhere else.

    Our faculty also has access to the research cores hosted at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
     

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    + Animal Behavioral Core

    Our behavioral and nonbehavioral assays will help you characterize the nervous system function in mice and rats. There is no fee for our services. Our mission is to form collaborative partnerships with researchers that will benefit science. Our measurement protocols include video tracking and photocell technology.

    Directors: Charles V. Vorhees, PhD and Michael T. Williams, PhD
    Phone: 513-636-8622

    Read more about the Animal Behavioral Core.

     

    + Cardiovascular Imaging Core

    We allow you access to state-of-the-art imaging technology and measurement tools for cardiovascular research. We also offer consulting, databases and education and training opportunities. Our equipment will enhance the quality of your research and save you time.

    Director: Thomas Kimball, MD
    Phone: Vicky Moore, 513-636-7489

    Read more about the Cardiovascular Imaging Core.

     

    + Cell Manipulations Laboratory

    We offer a controlled-access clean room facility that was designed and built to perform ex vivo cell manipulations, including gene therapy protocols, for Phase 1 and 2  clinical trials.

    Co-Directors: Diana Nordling, Carolyn Lutzko, PhD
    Phone: Diana Nordling, 513-803-1063

    For General Inquiries please email the CML Coordinator  

    Read more about the Cell Manipulations Laboratory.

     

    + Cell Processing Core

    We supply mononuclear cells, stem cells or other enriched cell populations from peripheral blood, bone marrow and cord blood.

    Co-Directors: Diana Nordling, Carolyn Lutzko, PhD
    Phone: Lab Coordinator: Kevin Link, 513.803.1062

    For General Inquiries please email the CPC Lab

    Read more about the Cell Processing Core.

     

    + Cincinnati Biobank

    We provide researchers with access to standardized and centralized acquisition, processing, storage and distribution of high-quality biospecimens. We will help you plan and execute sample collection protocols.

    Director: Michael Barnes, PhD
    Phone: 513-636-1319

    Read more about the Cincinnati Biobank.

     

    + Cincinnati Center for Nutritional Research and Analysis

    We are one of the leading nutrition research centers in the world, featuring first-rate quality control, turnaround time and personalized attention. Services include coding and data analysis for food records, dietary recall, menus, recipes and supplements.

    Phone: Marcia Gavin, 513-636-7644, or Brad Gruber, 513-803-1374

    Read more about the Cincinnati Center for Nutritional Research and Analysis.

     

    + Comprehensive Mouse and Cancer Core

    We can help you study cancer systems with animal models. We will provide you with specific mice strains as well as perform cell transplants, harvest and irradiation services and xenotransplant procedures.

    Director: Hartmut Geiger, PhD
    Phone: Jeff Bailey or Victoria Summey, 513-636-5879

    Read more about the Comprehensive Mouse and Cancer Core.

     

    + Confocal Imaging Core

    We will train you to use state-of-the-art confocal microscopes for your research. We provide access to confocal microscopes, deconvolution microscopes and computer analysis workstations. Once you’ve been trained by our staff, you may access our facilities 24 hours a day. 
     

    Director: Matthew Kofron, PhD
    Phone: 513.803.9055

    Read more about the Confocal Imaging Core.

     

    + Gene Expression Microarray Core

    If your research involves the study of developmental and disease processes, we can help you perform expression level analysis of thousands of genes in parallel. We use commercial microarrays available from Affymetrix and Illumina. We offer data analysis and guidance on preparing RNA for labeling.

    Director: S. Steven Potter, PhD
    Phone: Hung-Chi Liang, or Shawn Smith 513-636-0290

    Read more about the Gene Expression Microarray Core.

     

    + Genetic Variation and Gene Discovery Core

    We specialize in sequencing with template preparation from bacterial cultures, sequencing without template preparation and electrophoresis.

    Director: Greg Grabowski, MD
    Phone: 513-636-7290
    Lab phone: 513-636-2801
    Email: greg.grabowski@cchmc.org

    Read more about Genetic Variation and Gene Discovery.


    + Humanized Mouse Resource

    We offer a unique combination of animal services and mouse strains to assist in the generation of humanized mouse models to fit various needs.

    Director: Jim Mulloy, PhD
    Phone: 513-636-1844

    Read more about the Humanized Mouse Resource.

     

    + Imaging Research Center

    We make modern imaging technology available to researchers. Services include a whole-body scanner with EEG monitoring, clinical MRI scanners, CT, PET-CT and gamma camera and scanners, fluoroscopy systems and longitudinal imaging for animals.

    Director: Charles Dumoulin, PhD
    Phone: Deborah Ohl, 513-636-7230

    Read more about the Imaging Research Center.

     

    + Laser Capture Microdissection Microscopy

    Our technology directly extracts single cells from any tissue section, giving you a pure cell population for analysis. We will train you to operate the microdissection equipment and give general advice on preparing samples.

    Director: Xiaonan Han, PhD
    Phone: 513-636-7592

    Read more about the Laser Capture Microdissection Microscopy.

     

    + Lenti-shRNA Library Core

    Our high-throughput screening allows discovery of novel genes that affect biologic pathways of interest. Our mouse and human libraries encode 160,000 shRNA clones against 32,000 genes and have been designed for automated handling and production of lentivirus. You may choose either single-gene selection or whole-library screening for your research.

    Director: Jeff Molkentin, PhD
    Consultant: John Elrod, PhD
    Core Manager: Greg Davis
    Core Technician: Tim Dwyer
    Email: lenticore@cchmc.org

    Learn more about the Lenti-shRNA Library Core.

     

    + Mouse Cytogenetic Core

    The Mouse Cytogenetics Core is part of the Cytogenetics Laboratory in the Division of Human Genetics. We provide research investigators support for mouse classic karyotyping and molecular cytogenetic studies.

    Director: Liming Bao, MD, PhD
    Phone: 513-636-4474

    Read more about the Mouse Cytogenetics Core

     

    + Pathology Research Core

    Our services include tissue trimming, processing and embedding, slide sectioning, H&E staining, special staining, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, antibody or probe workup and electron microscopy. We will help you interpret results and, if desired, will collaborate on publications.

    Phone: 513-636-8159 or 513-803-0741

    Read more about the Pathology Research Core.

     

    + Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility

    We are dedicated to providing high-quality, well-characterized  and reliably archived human embryonic stem cells for distribution to researchers. Additionally, the facility will provide investigators with reagents and expertise for the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as well as expert training in the protocols and techniques for proper handling and manipulation of human pluripotent stem cells. Our mission is to facilitate all aspects of pluripotent stem cell experimentation to contribute to advancing stem cell therapies for human disease.

    Director: James Wells, PhD
    Email: PSCF@cchmc.org
    Phone:  513-636-3744

    Read more about the Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility.

     

    + Pyrosequencing Lab for Genomic and Epigenomic Research

    Our core specializes in measuring locus-specific DNA methylation, genetic variations and mutations in a high throughput fashion.

    Director: Hong JI, PhD
    Phone: 513-803-5055
    Lab Phone: Ashley Ulm, 513-803-0562
    Email: Hong.Ji@cchmc.org

    Read more about the Pyrosequencing Lab for Genomic and Epigenomic Research.

    + Research Flow Cytometry Core

    We will train you to use cytometers for your research. We provide cell sorting, data analysis and even computer workstations. Once you’ve been trained by our staff, you may access our facilities 24 hours a day.

    Director: Sherry Thornton, PhD
    Phone: Cell sorting appointments, 513-636-2770; analyzer training, 513-636-3575

    Read more about the Research Flow Cytometry Core.

     

    + Stem Cell Processing Core Lab

    We supply mononuclear cells, stem cells or other enriched cell populations from peripheral blood, bone marrow and cord blood.

    Co-Directors: Diana Nordling, Carolyn Lutzko, PhD
    Phone: Lab Coordinator: Kevin Link, 513.803.1062

    For General Inquiries please email the CPC Lab

    Read more about the Stem Cell Processing Core.

     

    + Transgenic Core

    We specialize in embryo cryopreservation and the generation of genetically altered mice and rabbits. The laboratory is accessible to non-Research Foundation faculty. Services are provided with a user charge.

    Director: Kenneth Cambell, PhD
    Phone: 513-636-0246

     

    + Translational Core Labs

    The Translational Core Labs include The Viral Vector Core, The Vector Production Facility, The Stem Cell Processing Lab, The Cell Manipulations Lab and the Translational Trial Development and Support Lab (TTDSL). We specialize in the translation and scale up of gene therapy and cell therapy including iPSC and HEK in addition to the patient testing associated with these trials.

    Lab Directors:  Punam Malik, MD, Diana Nordling
    Phone: Diana Nordling, 513-803-1063

    Read more about the Translational Core Labs.

     

    + Translational Trials Development and Support Laboratory (TTDSL)

    We coordinate and perform cellular and molecular testing required to document purity, function, clonal composition and overall safety of research preparations and preclinical and clinical samples. This is a CAP / CLIA-certified laboratory.

    Director: Elke Grassman, PhD
    Lab Manager: Kim Murphy
    Phone: 513-636-5998

    For General Inquiries please contact the TTDSL Lab

    Read more about the Translational Trials Developmental and Support Laboratory(TTDSL).

     

    + Vector Production Facility

    We provide GMP-grade viral vectors, master cell banks and master viral banks in support of gene therapy trials.
     
    Director: Han van der Loo, PhD
    Phone: 513-803-1066
    Email: han.vanderloo@cchmc.org

    Read more about the Vector Production Facility.

     

    + Veterinary Services

    We offer routine and specialized husbandry, surgical support and expert consultation on regulatory issues (IACUC submissions) and animal transfers.

    Director: Gary Keller, DVM
    Phone: 513-636-4441

     

    + Viral Vector Core

    We provide research-grade retroviral lentiviral and adeno-associated virus vectors.

    Director: Han van der Loo, PhD
    Lab Manager: Scott Cross, 513-803-1067

    Read more about the Viral Vector Core.