The University of Washington’s Department of Comparative Medicine (UW DCM) serves as a cornerstone for animal research across the university. Its Animal Resources Program is the central hub for laboratory animal care, excluding non-human primates, ensuring researchers have access to top-tier facilities and services. Dedicated to supporting groundbreaking scientific discovery, the department offers a comprehensive suite of resources, from animal management systems to specialized research cores.
Core Services for Animal Research at UW
The Department of Comparative Medicine provides a wide array of specialized services designed to streamline animal research and uphold the highest standards of animal welfare. These services are crucial for investigators across various disciplines at the University of Washington and beyond.
Streamlining Animal Management with AOps System
The Animal Operations (AOps) System is a vital web-based tool integrated with HoverBoard, UW’s electronic IACUC protocol management system. This user-friendly system empowers researchers to efficiently manage various aspects of animal resources. Through AOps, researchers can easily place animal orders, manage animal transfers, and handle invoicing and per diem payments, simplifying administrative tasks and allowing for more focus on research endeavors.
For assistance with navigating the AOps system, comprehensive AOps Quick Reference Guides are readily available. For personalized support, researchers can submit a HelpDesk ticket or reach out via email at [email protected].
Aquatic Animal Resources and Management
While the AOps system streamlines management for many animal resources, aquatic animal purchases and transfers sometimes follow different procedures. Researchers working with aquatic models are encouraged to explore the Aquatic Animal Resources page for detailed information on specific processes and guidelines related to these specialized models.
Gnotobiotic Animal Core (GNAC) for Microbiome Research
The Gnotobiotic Animal Core (GNAC) facility, expertly managed by the Department of Comparative Medicine, is located within the UW Health Sciences Center. GNAC provides a critical resource for investigators requiring animals with precisely defined microbial status. The core is available to researchers needing to maintain germ-free mice, completely devoid of microorganisms, or gnotobiotic mice, harboring only known microbial populations. This controlled environment is essential for cutting-edge microbiome research and studies requiring precise manipulation of the animal’s microbial environment.
In Vivo Services (IVS) Core: Expert Rodent Colony Management
The In Vivo Services (IVS) Core offers professional rodent colony management services, alleviating a significant burden for research laboratories. IVS staff, based within the Department of Comparative Medicine, are experts in overseeing the complete lifecycle of mouse and rat colonies. Their services encompass maintenance, breeding, weaning, identification, and meticulous record-keeping. By entrusting these time-consuming tasks to the IVS Core, researchers can dedicate their valuable time and expertise to core experimental design and data analysis. Furthermore, the IVS Core provides a range of technical services, including sample collection, compound administration, and drug testing in rodents, all available at an hourly tech time rate.
Rodent Health Monitoring Program (RHMP) for Pathogen-Free Assurance
Maintaining the specific pathogen-free (SPF) status of rodent facilities is paramount for reliable research outcomes. The Rodent Health Monitoring Program (RHMP) plays a crucial role in this effort at the University of Washington. RHMP diligently surveils and upholds the SPF status of all rodent housing facilities on campus. Their oversight extends to rodent imports and exports, ensuring the health and integrity of animal populations across UW research facilities.
Shared Rodent Service: Connecting Researchers for Resource Optimization
The Shared Rodent Service provides a unique and valuable platform for UW researchers. This service acts as a connection point, linking researchers who have surplus mice or rats with those in need. This free service promotes resource sharing and reduces animal waste, fostering collaboration and maximizing the utilization of animal models within the University of Washington research community.
Transgenic Resources Program (TRP): Advanced Genetic Engineering
The Transgenic Resources Program (TRP) is a leading core facility specializing in the creation of genetically modified mouse models. TRP utilizes advanced techniques, including pronuclear microinjection, targeted ES cell microinjection, and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing (in collaboration with the UW Mouse CRISPR Core), to generate transgenic and gene-targeted mice tailored to specific research needs. Beyond creating new models, TRP offers mouse rederivation services to establish SPF mice or revive cryopreserved lines. Embryo and sperm cryopreservation services are also available, ensuring the long-term preservation of valuable mouse strains and stocks.
UW BSL-3/ABSL-3 Facility: High-Containment Research Environment
Managed by the Department of Comparative Medicine, the UW BSL-3/ABSL-3 Facility is a state-of-the-art, high-containment research environment. This specialized facility is designed for both in vitro and in vivo research requiring biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) containment, including studies involving select agents. Research conducted within this facility is critical for advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. The facility is accessible to both UW researchers and external institutions, expanding its impact on global health research.
UW Mouse CRISPR Core (UWMCC): Rapid and Precise Genome Editing
The University of Washington Mouse CRISPR Core (UWMCC) is a cost-effective center administered by the Department of Comparative Medicine, offering cutting-edge CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. UWMCC provides a comprehensive, full-service solution for generating novel transgenic mouse models with rapid turnaround times and precise genetic modifications. Their standard service package includes expert consultation, design, testing, preparation, microinjection, and genotyping, all offered at competitive pricing. UWMCC is a collaborative effort, leveraging the extensive gene-editing expertise of the UW Transgenic Resources Program, the UW Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and the Vector and Transgenic Mouse Core of the UW Diabetes Research Center.
Veterinary Services: Clinical Care and Protocol Support
Veterinary Services within the Department of Comparative Medicine is dedicated to providing exceptional clinical care to all animals under the University’s care. Beyond clinical services, Veterinary Services plays a vital role in supporting research groups with protocol development and procedure refinement. Their expertise ensures ethical and scientifically sound animal research practices across the University of Washington.
Conclusion
The University of Washington Department of Comparative Medicine is a vital resource for the UW research community and beyond. Through its comprehensive Animal Resources Program and specialized core services, the department empowers researchers to conduct impactful animal research while upholding the highest standards of animal care and welfare. By utilizing these resources, researchers can accelerate their discoveries and contribute to advancements in science and medicine.
