Core Facilities Finder

Acute Care Biobanking Microbiome Core - RRID:SCR_022392

The goals of the Acute Care Biobanking Core, which is part of the PennCHOP Microbiome Program, are to encourage and facilitate microbiome-focused research in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of patients with critical illness. Many patients who are critically ill are subject to processes and complications with microbially-driven or infectious mechanisms. The Core will assist in research by providing de-identified samples with linked clinical metadata to support research in this area, collect specimens as needed in support of microbiome research, and offer support for development of such research in the critical care setting.

Animal Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility (ABSL-3) - RRID:SCR_022372

The ABSL-3 Core at the University of Pennsylvania is a high-containment facility that offers procedural and animal housing to perform in-vivo research with biosafety level 3 pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2. The core provides ABSL-3 services including consultation, specialized training, and basic/advanced technical services. The ABSL-3 laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to longitudinally monitor mice over the course of the infection. The animal housing space includes three ABSL-3 separate housing cubicles with Allentown BCU-2 animal cages. Animals will be housed under pathogen-free conditions at the AAALAC-accredited University Laboratory Animal Resources (ULAR) facilities within the Vernon & Shirley Hill Pavilion using animal protocols approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

Animal Model Core Facility: Penn Vet New Bolton Center - RRID:SCR_022435

The Animal Model Core at Penn Vet New Bolton Center at the intersection of science and the rapid advancements in health care technology is an ecosystem supporting the continuum from discovery to invention to innovation in medical translation. We are invested in understanding the value proposition of emerging technologies under consideration and how they target unmet clinical needs. This process informs animal model development to enhance scientific rigor during in vivo studies in experimental or naturally occurring disease models. Studies can be iterative starting on a small scale leading towards pivotal non-clinical IND/IDE-enabling trials in support of FDA or OUS-FDA submissions. The core hosts PIs, trainees and sponsors during clinical procedures to support and enrich their experience in a cross-functional team setting. Penn Vet New Bolton Center’s deep and multifaceted subject matter expertise and logistical capabilities in translational research directly impacts PIs, sponsors and associated faculty to continue to pioneer, enhance and support the translational research enterprise at UPenn.

Bioinformatics Core - RRID:SCR_022374

The Bioinformatics Core (BIC) of the Institute for Biomedical Informatics (IBI) provides professional bioinformatics services that include data analysis and consultation to Penn Biomedical research community. The BIC core is also dedicated to the building of efficient pipelines that handle various biomedical data including Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) data. Since its establishment four years ago, BIC has been serving 50 research groups from 20 Penn institutes and departments, helped the funding of multiple NIH grants, and co-authored in 20+ publications.

Biostatistics Analysis Center - RRID:SCR_022393

The Biostatistics Analysis Center (BAC) is a University of Pennsylvania service center, offered by the Perelman School of Medicine’s Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics (DBEI). The BAC is staffed by professionally-trained biostatisticians and biostatistical programmers, and provides a wide range of biostatistical and epidemiological consulting services to the University’s biomedical research community, as well as externally.

Brain Science Service Center - RRID:SCR_022394

The interdisciplinary Brain Science Center in the Penn Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences provides infrastructure support for research on human cognition, perception, affect, and disordered cognition in clinical populations. Currently supported infrastructure includes the Brain Science Center computing cluster, the UPenn Flywheel imaging informatics platform, the BSC Virtual Reality Lab, and behavioral testing facilities in the Richards and Goddard Labs.

CDB Microscopy Core - RRID:SCR_022373

The Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Microscopy Core is located in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Our facility houses eleven light microscopes, a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and two image analysis workstations. We are open to the entire University of Pennsylvania community as well as to researchers from other institutions and companies in the area. Our services include assisted imaging sessions, in-depth training on our microscopes, and consultation on sample preparation or image analysis.

CEAR - Community Engagement & Research Core - RRID:SCR_022408

The Community Engagement and Research Core (CEAR Core) aims to facilitate and build capacity for community-based research and community engagement, while enhancing the translation of research and technological developments to key public health and community stakeholders. The CEAR Core offers consultation on community engagement, training in participatory research methods, and assistance with the development, implementation, and evaluation of community translation activities. This Core is part of the Penn Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT).

Cell and Animal Radiation Core - RRID:SCR_022377

The Cell and Animal Radiation Core (CARC) is one of the most advanced cell and animal radiation research facilities in the US, essentially modeling state-of-the-art radiation modalities currently used in the clinic. The CARC provides “turn-key” services to users for performing precision, image-guided radiotherapy with both Photons and Protons (including FLASH proton radiotherapy) on cells, rodents and larger animals. A dedicated team of Physicists will also provide expert dosimetry and treatment planning capabilities. The CARC instrumentation consists of two image-guided SARRP 200 Small Animal Radiation Research Platforms (Xstrahl) capable of irradiating rodent tissues from 1 mm-120 mm in diameter; a research proton beamline (IBA, Roberts Proton Center); one X-RAD 320ix cabinet x-ray irradiator (Precision X-Ray); and two Cs gamma-ray irradiators (Shepherd Mark I), suitable for whole-body radiation of rodents.

Cell Center Services Facility - RRID:SCR_022391

The Cell Center Services Facility provides basic cell culture training and services in various cell culture and related procedures e.g. Mycoplasma and Endotoxin testing. The services include cell culture at various scales, expansion of primary cells, seed cell cultures from on-site cell bank, cell storage; large scale growth of hybridoma and other cell lines followed by antibody purification by protein G column or recombinant protein production; EBV induced transformation of lymphocytes. It offers hybridoma generation by cell fusion and screening and, the transfection of mammalian cells. The facility prepares specialized cell culture media, Drosophila media and, various tissue culture and molecular biological reagents.

Cell Center Stockroom - RRID:SCR_022399

The Cell Center Stockroom is a division of the Genetics Core Facilities (GCF). The GCF is a University service center, established in 1973 to provide consultation, training, and services in the areas of cell culture and hybridomas. The Stockroom serves University of Pennsylvania investigators and affiliate institutions by coordinating relations with various suppliers of molecular biological research materials. This involves not only bulk purchasing of these products, but the negotiation of discounts and convenient delivery arrangements. There are over 1,100 products on- site for immediate delivery in the Stockroom. Special ordering of non-regularly stocked products is available from 28 bioreagent vendors with discounted pricing and overnight delivery.

Center for Advanced Computer Tomography Imaging Services - RRID:SCR_022395

The CACTIS mission is to oversee proposed research protocols that involve human, animal, phantom or specimen studies in an effort to achieve two goals, to ensure that all research performed on the CT scanners comply with CACTIS and University policy, and Federal Regulations, and to determine if CACTIS can maintain the resources required to carry out each research protocol, including personnel, software, hardware and scan time. Additionally, CACTIS oversees the day-to-day operations of all CT procedures associated with research protocols, provides information regarding the use of the CT facilities to the research community at the University of Pennsylvania, provides CACTIS users with all of the policies of the institution governing research, and ensures that CACTIS is in compliance with these policies. The service center strives to support the Perelman School of Medicine’s research endeavors by providing CT research services for a fee designed only to cover actual costs.

Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine (CAMIPM) - RRID:SCR_022396

The Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine (CAMIPM) is dedicated to the development and application of innovative, novel magnetic resonance and optical imaging techniques. The facility’s core sections provide research and computing resources for numerous user, collaborative, and training projects. The focus of this resource is on developing instrumentation, methodologies, and data analysis techniques for the quantitative assessment of functional, structural, and metabolic parameters in humans with the use of multinuclear magnetic resonance, novel spectral, perfusion, functional, and optical imaging techniques.

Center for Advanced MRI and Spectrometry - RRID:SCR_022398

The overall mission of CAMRIS is to provide oversight in the responsible use and application of Magnetic Resonance in research through leadership, education, and guidance. These principles are manifested in the development of new research and collaborations inside and outside the Radiology Department which can translate into advanced clinical techniques; training in safe and efficient use of this investigative tool and dissemination of current, accurate and evolving MR Technology; scheduling upgrades of MR Systems and facilities; scheduling systems operations and personnel within the MR department; and receiving and acting on recommendations pertaining to the administration of CAMRIS Facilities.

Center for Biomedical Image Computing & Analytics - RRID:SCR_022397

CBICA focuses on the development and application of advanced computational and analytical techniques that quantify morphology and function from biomedical images, as well as on relating imaging phenotypes to genetic and molecular characterizations, and finally on integrating this information into diagnostic and predictive tools in an era of personalized medicine. Computational methods can contribute significantly to automated, reproducible and quantitative interpretations of biomedical images. One of CBICA's main goals is to translate advanced computational and analytical imaging methods to the clinic, by providing a forum in which interactions between researchers and clinicians facilitate the bidirectional flow of ideas, algorithms and data between the laboratory and the clinic.

Center for BioMedical Informatics Core (BMIC) - RRID:SCR_022401

BMIC coordinates biomedical informatics for ITMAT, the academic home of Penn's CTSA. BMIC promotes strong collaboration among all informatics groups within Penn, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS), catalyzing the pursuit of enterprise-wide transformational goals. BMIC has been promoting enterprise-wide transformational strategic planning and institutional developments, while also focusing on the practical applied informatics needs of research investigators. In particular, resource development efforts are being targeted towards essential informatics infrastructure and applied informatics services for the wider research community.

Center for Host-Microbial Interactions: Penn Vet - RRID:SCR_022434

The PennVet Center for Host-Microbial Interactions (CHMI) offers consultation and laboratory services for high-throughput sequencing (HTS) experiments, with particular expertise and interest in microbiome/metagenome and RNA-seq applications. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, including an Illumina NextSeq 2000 and single cell platforms from 10X genomics and 1CellBio. CHMI offers full-service options, as well as hands-on instruction for trainees who want to learn best-practices for wet-lab aspects of genomics experiments. Finally, CHMI offers consultation services for all phases of HTS studies, from study design to bioinformatics analysis.

Center for Human Phenomic Science - RRID:SCR_022402

The Center for Human Phenomic Science (CHPS) was formed with the receipt of the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA), an NIH Roadmap initiative. The CHPS has child and adult specific components at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and University of Pennsylvania, respectively, as well as joint components. The CHPS merged the General Clinical Research Centers (GCRCs) at both institutions, and introduced new programs and services. The goal of the CHPS is to provide the resources, environment, operations, and training to support and promote high-quality clinical and translational research by qualified investigators. For specific information regarding the CHPS at CHOP please visit: https://chps.research.chop.edu/

Center for Preventive Ophthalmology & Biostatistics Biostatistical Consulting - RRID:SCR_022400

The CPOB Consulting Service supports consultation and collaboration in the areas of biostatistics and epidemiology to Penn vision scientists. Biostatisticians and data management experts provide advice on study design, and offer services in sample size determinations, data management, data analysis, data interpretation, and data presentation. They are active participants in the development and writing of grant applications and manuscripts. Consulting personnel are CPOB members. In addition to their methodological and technical expertise, consultants are knowledgeable about ocular conditions under study in the Penn vision community, about the commonly used measures that are unique to vision research (visual acuity, refractive error, visual field indices, etc) and the specialized statistical analysis techniques required for many experimental designs used in vision research (correlated data techniques to handle appropriately data from two eyes of the same subject). The majority of the projects are patient-oriented researchers; however, the CPOB Consulting Service also works on data analysis with bench laboratory scientists.

CFAR Virus & Reservoirs Core - RRID:SCR_022403

The core facility provides comprehensive Viral and Molecular support to serve the needs of Penn/Wistar/CHOP investigators in the area of basic, translational and clinical HIV research. In addition to an offering of standard services, we are available to develop customized viral and molecular support services as needed in collaboration with CFAR investigators, training for new personnel, and consultation, training, and mentoring as needed. The facility offers virology and molecular support services, as well as Deep Sequencing support and single genome amplification services.

Clinical Imaging Core Facility Service Center - RRID:SCR_022487

The Clinical Imaging Core Service Center was developed in 2010 jointly between the Department of Radiology and the Abramson Cancer Center to support cancer clinical trials. Since then it has evolved to provided services throughout the Perelman School of Medicine. The core is divided into three categories: RADCORE, Tumor Response Assessment (TRAC) and Research imaging guided biopsies. RADCORE is staffed by dedicated clinical research professionals with a wide range of expertise of imaging based clinical research protocols. The services we provide range from consultation through fully management of research protocols. This team also includes our dedicated Radiology IND/IDE support office. Tumor Response Assessment Core (TRAC) is staffed by a core team of Radiologist skilled in evaluating tumor response imaging assessments for patients enrolled in cancer clinical trials being conducted at UPHS. Research imaging guided biopsies: Staffed by an Interventional Radiology and technical lead to provide consultation with investigator to define biopsy protocol and pathology tissue collection.

Clinical Research Computing Unit - RRID:SCR_022404

The Clinical Research Computing Unit (CRCU) is an Academic Clinical Research Organization that expertly provides the full range of services essential for the conduct of clinical research projects, including Phase I-IV, multi-center, randomized, clinical trials, registry, and cohort studies. The CRCU employs proven technologies and tools to ensure superior data quality. We can also provide custom development solutions when appropriate for project needs. The CRCU has extensive experience in managing multi-institution research networks as the data coordinating center and offer expert staff with a prime focus on quality data. The CRCU specializes in study design and development, site management and training, data collection, processing, quality control, regulatory requirements and reporting, database development, administration, security, data storage and proposal development.

Cluster for Biomedical Image Computing - RRID:SCR_022406

The Cluster for Biomedical Image Computing (CUBIC) is a Linux-based High Performance Computing resource available to faculty conducting research related to medical imaging and informatics. There are over 150 compute nodes with more than 5000 Intel Xeon CPUs and 58TB of RAM, over 100 GPUs, and 600TB of storage in the cluster. The facility management structure is designed to encourage data sharing and use of common software on this powerful resource, particularly in the development of new software and the application of imaging to new domains. Please contact "request@cbica.upenn.edu" for more information

Comparative Pathology Core Facility: Penn Vet - RRID:SCR_022438

The Comparative Pathology Core (CPC) at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine aims to provide the expertise of our board-certified veterinary pathologists to support investigators utilizing animal models to study disease. The Comparative Pathology Core, an Abramson Cancer Center shared resource, provides expert pathological characterization and validation of mouse and other animal models used in biomedical research by offering the expertise of board-certified veterinary pathologists and access to state-of-the-art histology, immunohistochemistry, and digital pathology services.

Cooperative Human Tissue Network - RRID:SCR_022407

The CHTN is a prospective human tissue procurement service within the Department of Pathology at HUP, that assists investigators with collection, processing and preservation of research samples. Our staff will personalize sample acquisition and processing to meet project requirements. Samples (malignant, normal, diseased, etc.) and biofluids can be preserved in a range of methods (fresh, frozen, fixed, etc.).

CRISPR Cas9 Mouse Targeting Core - RRID:SCR_022378

The CRISPR/Cas9 targeting core at the Perelman School of Medicine has been fully operational since February of 2017. Jorge Henao-Mejia M.D., Ph.D. has served as Scientific Director of and Leonel Joannas as the Technical Director. The core is located in the Institute for Immunology and the Scientific and Technical Directors are part of the IFI. In addition, this recently established core is composed of 2 laboratory technicians that work under our guidance. The mission of the CRISPR/Cas9 targeting core is to streamline procedures to facilitate the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology by the larger UPenn/CHOP community to rapidly and economically generate novel mouse genetic tools. This core has had a significant positive impact in the community. Since we established this technology in campus we have generated over 200 new mouse models for 115 users at UPenn/CHOP and nationwide. In addition, our R&D efforts in this area should enable UPenn/CHOP to remain at the forefront of this technology.

DRC Radioimmunoassay and Biomarkers Core Facility - RRID:SCR_022405

The DRC Radioimmunoassay and Biomarkers Core Facility offers a large number of high quality immunoassay, metabolite, and HPLC services to basic, translational, and clinical investigators performing diabetes and related metabolic disease research. The RIA/Biomarkers Core is housed within in a new state of the art-laboratory within the Institute for Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism (IDOM) located on the 12th floor of the Smilow Center for Translational Research. Approximately 100 different diabetes, obesity and metabolism-related biomarkers from multiple species including human can be assayed using radioimmunoassay (RIA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, both absorbance and fluorometric), multiplex ELISA on the Luminex platform, and enzymatic and HPLC methods for an expanding variety of diabetes and metabolism related metabolites, hormones, catecholamines and cytokines derived from blood, urine, and tissue samples.

Electron Microscopy Resource Lab - RRID:SCR_022375

The Electron Microscopy Resource Lab is a research core organized into three interdependent facilities. The Ultrastructure lab offers training as well as a pay-per-service to Standard-EM and Immuno-EM for cellular ultra-structures of tissue samples. Cryo-EM Screening and Training offers training on Microscopes and ancillary equipment for Negative Stain Imaging, Single-Particle Cryo-EM and Cryo-Tomography of large complexes and cells. The Beckman Center for Cryo-EM offers a pay-per-service for high-resolution data collection of prescreened and well-qualified samples for single particle analysis and Tomography using Titan Krios microscope with Gatan K3 camera.

Electronic Phenotyping Resource (EPR) - RRID:SCR_022715

The Electronic Phenotyping Resource (EPR) is a shared resource of the Abramson Cancer Center dedicated to unlocking the power of electronic health records for clinical and translational research in cancer care. Electronic phenotyping involves querying electronic health record systems (EHRs) and other clinical information systems and databases to identify patients who meet a specific set of clinical characteristics. It can be used to support a variety of clinical and translational research pursuits, such as hypothesis generation, retrospective data gathering and hypothesis testing, research planning and grant preparation, subject recruitment for prospective clinical trials, and development of prospective research registries. The EPR provides consultative and technical services that leverage the oncology informatics team's deep expertise in clinical research informatics, intimate knowledge of the clinical information systems and workflows in use throughout the Penn Medicine Cancer Service Line, and unique and powerful "real world" data assets.

Engineered mRNA and Targeted Nanomedicine Core - RRID:SCR_023665

The Engineered mRNA and Targeted Nanomedicine Core is designed to address infrastructural barrier to
clinical and translational research in gene therapy, vaccine development (cancer and infectious disease),
stem cell reprograming, and other non-viral gene therapy-based applications by providing high quality in
vitro transcribed messenger RNA (IVT-mRNA) and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Our goal and focus are to lower the experimental barriers to PIs interested in exploring the mRNA technology, and lipid nanoparticles for various applications including tissue and cell targeting.
We offer the following services:
(1) Optimization and production of in vitro transcribed mRNA.
(2) Small-scale production of sequence optimized in vitro transcribed mRNA.
(3) Incorporation of modified nucleosides to modulate activity.
(4) Off the shelf in vitro transcribed mRNA encoding reporter genes (i.e. eGFP, mCherry, and Luc), or cancer antigens (i.e. OVA).
(5) Labelled mRNA (i.e. Cy 3, Cy 5.5, Cy 7) for nanoparticle tracking and microscopy.
(6) Encapsulation into commercially available proprietary (i.e. MC3, KC2 …) and non-proprietary lipid nanoparticles (i.e. DOTAP…) through the LNP core.

Extracellular Vesicle Core Facility: Penn Vet - RRID:SCR_022444

The Extracellular Vesicle (EV) Core Facility located in the Rosenthal building at 3800 Spruce Street provides comprehensive or selected services in the necessary isolation, quantification and characterization of EVs. Isolation of EV is based on size exclusion using high-performance (SEC- HPLC) or gravity fed (e.g. iZon column) liquid chromatography, ultracentrifugation, and/or density gradient ultracentrifugation. We can accurately characterize EV particle size distribution and concentration using resistive pulse sensing techniques (nCS1, Spectradyne, LLC).
Immunophenotype can be accomplished using nanoscale flow cytometry and/or chip array (ExoViewTM) techniques. We additionally provide services in training and education for individuals and lab groups in all methods above and study design consultation to ensure that your EV work is of the highest quality and prepared for high impact publication in this exciting and rapidly growing field.

Flow Cytometry Core: Penn Dental - RRID:SCR_022442

The Penn Dental Medicine Flow Cytometry Core features a Becton Dickinson LSR II flow cytometer equipped with four lasers. The Blue laser can be used to detect forward and side scatter and 4 colors (eg., FITC/Alexa 488, PE, PerCP-CY55, PE-CY7), the red laser can be used to detect 2 colors (e.g., APC and APC-CY7), violet laser can be used to detect 2 colors (e.g., Pacific blue, Am cyan) and a UV laser which can also be used to detect 2 colors (e.g., INDO1 blue, Indo1-violet/DAPI). The instrument is located in Room 330 in the Levy Building (240 South 40th Street).

Gnotobiotic Mouse Facility - RRID:SCR_022384

The Gnotobiotic Mouse Facility Core at the University of Pennsylvania is part of the PennCHOP Microbiome Program. The core provides germ-free mice, technical support and access to several experimental setups that are needed for a variety of studies. The core personnel assist with consultation, training, and specialized technical services.

The core is equipped with state-of-the-art isolators and isocage system as a solution for short period studies (ranging from days to 2–3 weeks), where experimentation with germ free mice can be done at multiple simultaneous conditions. In addition, specialized testing equipment can be introduced into isolators and isocages upon request.

The core maintains several common strains of germ-free mice at different ages that are available upon request, and provides re-derivation services for generating customized germ-free and gnotobiotic mouse strains. All animal protocols approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

High-Throughput Screening Core - RRID:SCR_022379

The High-throughput Screening Core (HTSC) in the Perelman School of Medicine provides expertise and infrastructure to facilitate the development and implementation of professional High-throughput screening services. We have the capabilities to perform HTS in both biochemical and cell-based assays using state-of-the-art equipment. We can perform genetic or small molecule screens to identify genes or small molecule modulators of diverse processes in diverse models including primary cells. The HTSC educates and assists scientists with HTS assay development, optimization, miniaturization, implementation, analysis, and validation. We can develop new assays or run validated HTS assays. In addition, the HTSC maintains libraries of siRNA, shRNA, cDNA, and FDA-approved/FDA-like organic small molecule libraries for HTS. Moreover, we routinely prepare custom libraries for single-point or dose-response screening. The HTSC provides robotics infrastructure and technically trained staff for primary HTSs as well as secondary screens to validate candidates. The HTSC also provides assistance with the preparation of grant applications and Letters of Support, offering HTS resources and analysis expertise for the proposed research.

Host-Microbial Analytic and Repository Core - RRID:SCR_022416

The Host-Microbial Analytic and Repository Core (H-MARC) is a core within the Division of Gastroenterology. We provide services which represents the intersection between the host and their microbes in both preclinical and clinical human subject research. Specifically, a human biospecimen repository with associated clinical metadata, instrumentation/access to critical analytic services to characterize expression (i.e. genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, microbial culture, etc.) in both microbes and their mammalian hosts, as well as expertise to extend pre-clinical in vitro and animal model research into the human clinical domain.

Human Immunology Core - RRID:SCR_022380

The Human Immunology Core (HIC) provides wet bench expertise and infrastructure support for early phase clinical trials and other investigations. The HIC offers online ordering of purified cell subsets from HLA-typed healthy human apheresis donors. HIC staff are internally and externally qualified to perform blood (PBMC) and tissue processing for viable cryopreservation following validated standard operating procedures. The HIC also offers a wide range of immunological assays including digital ELISA, ELISA, ELISPOT, Luminex, flow cytometry and immune repertoire profiling (NGS of BCR and TCR rearrangements in bulk and single cell formats). The HIC offers investigators expertise and guidance in study design, sample processing, regulatory compliance, immunology assay design and validation, data analysis and presentation, and grant writing support. 

Human Intervention Core - RRID:SCR_022412

The Human Intervention Core, which is part of the PennCHOP Microbiome Program, offers a wide array of services to assist with the design and implementation of microbiome studies. The core can assist with longitudinal studies as well as pilot studies. Pilot studies can be rapidly implemented with human intervention core staff, project managers and research coordinators.

IBI Clinical Research Informatics Core - RRID:SCR_022409

The Institute for Biomedical Informatics (IBI) Clinical Research Informatics Core (CIC) assists faculty, staff, and students with conducting research projects using electronic health record data. The CIC facilitates access to clinical data and performs data analysis using artificial intelligence, ontologies, natural language processing, machine learning, and visual analytics. The CIC’s mission is to provide innovative research services by applying data science to clinical data in order to learn actionable healthcare knowledge and develop impactful solutions for improving patient care.
Services include facilitating access to Penn Medicine clinical data resources, performing data analysis using diverse computational methods, and providing tools for exploratory data analysis/visualize with priority access to the IBI Idea Factory for immersive display of data and research results.

IFI CyTOF Service Center - RRID:SCR_022410

CyTOF enables multi-parametric high-dimensional single cell analysis of >40 markers per cell, with minimal background and compensation issues. The CyTOF Core offers a wide variety of CyTOF-related services including reagent distribution, consultation, antibody-conjugation, and data acquisition.

Imaging Core Facility: Penn Vet - RRID:SCR_022436

The Penn Vet Imaging Core (PVIC) provides access to cutting-edge optical imaging capabilities for researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Wistar Institute. The PVIC includes instruments and expertise to perform widefield, confocal, multiphoton/intravital imaging, fluorescence lifetime imaging, high content live cell screening, long term single cell imaging, second harmonic imaging, structured illumination super resolution, and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, as well as software tools for image analysis. The core also has an adjacent (in and out) ULAR approved facility to house animals for long term live animal studies.

Immune Health Platforms - RRID:SCR_024574

The Immune Health Platforms group provides infrastructure and technical support for scaling clinical immune profiling of large scale clinical cohorts. The Platforms group provides biospecimen processing, sample storage, high-dimensional immune assays, computational analysis, and project management. Services are only  available to investigators and teams whose cohorts have been approved by the Immune Health leadership.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility - RRID:SCR_022426

Our mission is to provide resources for disseminating human pluripotent stem cell technology within UPenn and surrounding research communities. Our services include derivation of patient-specific iPSCs, genome engineering of stem cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and lineage specific differentiation of iPSCs/hESCs in 2D and 3D organoid culture. The Core has a large collection of patient-derived iPSC lines and cell lines of the gastrointestinal tract (esophageal, pancreatic and intestinal) available to users. The core is also committed to training investigators in stem cell culture techniques and providing quality tested stem cell reagents to users. Please contact the Core director Wenli Yang, PhD (wenliyan@pennmedicine.upenn.edu) if you are interested in any of our services or technologies.

Islet Cell Biology - RRID:SCR_022411

The objective of the Islet Cell Biology Core is to provide state of the art support including experimental design, islet isolation, and performance of and/or training in an expansive range of assays for physiological, metabolic, and morphometric assessment of pancreatic islets as wells as many other tissues and cell types. We offer islet isolation and culture, free intracellular Ca2+ measurements, quantitative oxygen consumption of pancreatic islets, electrode based closed cell respirometry, and access to Agilent’s Seahorse Extracellular Flux Analyzer XFe96.

ITMAT Bioinformatics Facility - RRID:SCR_022486

The ITMAT Bioinformatics Facility provide project based bioinformatics support for ITMAT translational researchers. Our focus has been on providing the computational infrastructure and programming support needed to conduct high-throughput proteomics experiments. We also support other genomics high-throughput technologies to a lesser extent. The projects range from building Web applications for data analysis pipelines, scripting, clinical and basic science research support, and database and algorithm development. Recent efforts have focused on explorations of new models of computation, specifically cloud computing and GPUs, for use in genomic scale research.

ITMAT Study Design & Biostatistics Core - RRID:SCR_022413

The Study Design and Biostatistics (SDAB) Core works closely with existing resources to provide targeted study design and biostatistics support to ITMAT/CTSA investigators. The Core serves as a direct provider of services, including protocol review, study design, proposal development, and performance of simple to potentially substantial complex analyses. SDAB integrates the support available with the HUP and CHOP Center for Human Phenomic Science (CHPSs), the expertise and resources of faculty in the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics / Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology (CCEB/DBE), the Biostatistics Analysis Center (BAC), and the Biostatistics and Data Management Core (BDMC) at CHOP.

Johnson Foundation Biophysical & Structural Biology Core - RRID:SCR_022414

The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of Pennsylvania is privileged to have a wide range of unique equipment and expertise to facilitate modern biophysical characterization and structural analysis of proteins and other biomolecules. These facilities, funded in large part through the generosity of the Johnson Foundation, are available for use by the research community at Penn and beyond.

LDI Health Economics Data Analyst Pool: Wharton - RRID:SCR_022437

The Health Economics Data Analyst Pool (HEDAP) is a Penn service center supported and managed by the Leonard David Institute of Health Economics (LDI) to provide LDI-affiliated investigators access to high- quality, skilled data analysts. HEDAP recruits, trains, and manages a group of masters-level and PhD-level statistical analysts. These analysts work with multi-disciplinary investigators across funded projects using statistical software packages such as SAS, Stata, and R to manipulate and analyze health care data under the guidance of the investigators and other collaborators.

LDI Health Services Research Data Center (HSRDC): Wharton - RRID:SCR_022439

The Health Services Research Data Center (HSRDC) is a Penn service center supported and managed by the Leonard David Institute of Health Economics (LDI) that provides a secure environment for investigators analyzing protected health information (PHI). It coordinates the acquisition, storage, and analysis of data from private and government sources (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, and others) and facilitates their use by researchers who seek to answer important questions regarding health policy and health care.

Live Cell Imaging Core: Penn Dental - RRID:SCR_022443

Penn Dental Medicine Live Cell Imaging Core features a Nikon A1R Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy system. This powerful and versatile system offers a wide array of live cell imaging applications. The system is equipped with 4 laser lines to provide 6 different excitation/emission configurations; multiple photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), 32-channel spectral detector, full complement of microscope objectives, high speed image scanner, fully motorized stage and completely controllable environmental chamber. Moreover, users have access to NIS Elements AR software and 2D/3D deconvolution module offering sophisticated image analysis and processing features.

Metabolomics Core - RRID:SCR_022381

The Metabolomics Core is overseen by the Cardiovascular Institute and is a partnership with the Abramson Cancer Center and the Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism at Penn. The Metabolomics Core provides expertise in targeted and untargeted metabolomics of biological samples using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Our mission is to perform the assays and assist in the interpretation of the results. The core is available to the entire Penn research community, external research investigators, and industry.

Microbial Culture & Metabolomics Core - RRID:SCR_022417

The Penn Microbial Culture and Metabolomics Core provides aerobic and anaerobic culturing services and targeted metabolomics analysis, as well as consultation towards experimental design, method development, and data analyses.

Culture studies include isolation of microbial taxa from mammalian samples; interrogation of the physiology of microbial strains under different conditions (e.g., anaerobic/microaerobic/aerobic, differing nutrient limitations) using isolated strains or strains obtained from culture collections (another service offered by the core); co-culturing of defined microbial consortia to investigate microbe-microbe interactions, and; preparation of microbial products (live bacteria, heat-killed bacteria, bacterial supernatants) from single or defined-mixed microbial cultures for use in mammalian cell culture and/or animal model systems. The metabolomics component of the core provides researchers with targeted metabolomics of amino, bile, and short chain fatty acids and features a Waters Acquity uPLC System with photodiode and QDa single quadropole mass detectors as well as an autosampler.

MINS Machine Shop - RRID:SCR_022425

The Machine Shop serves the entire Penn community by designing and building novel instruments and apparatus for research to user specifications. The shop has been serving a wide range of laboratories in the Penn community for 50 years. The shop works with users to develop an initial project drawing, and will explore alternate designs to insure desired functionality. The shop will fabricate user devices to high tolerance, using state-of-the-art machine tools and materials, and can repair laboratory devices even if the devices were constructed elsewhere.

Mixed Methods Research Lab - RRID:SCR_022418

The goal of the Mixed Methods Research Lab (MMRL) is to foster the use of qualitative and mixed methods research methodologies with a focus on integrating key stakeholder perspectives and goals into research designs. The MMRL collaborates with investigators to address timely, pressing questions across diverse disciplines and works with investigators to provide conceptual as well as technical support for broad research programs, including clinical, community-based, and implementation science research questions.

Molecular Pathology and Imaging Core - RRID:SCR_022420

The Molecular Pathology and Imaging Core (MPIC) provides histological services, equipment, and technical expertise for the processing and analyses of all tissues from all species. Part of the Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases, the MPIC has particular expertise in the preparation of digestive, pancreatic, and liver tissues, as well as three-dimensional tissue culture models, and in the sectioning and processing of tissues for spatial transcriptomics.

Muscle Physiology Assessment Core - RRID:SCR_022422

The PMI Muscle Physiology Assessment Core provides investigators with state-of-the-art customizable tools and methodologies to assess in vivo exercise performance, metabolism and respiratory function, as well as in vivo and ex vivo muscle contractility. We also provide guidance and training to investigators who want to learn how to collect and process muscle samples for specific uses.

Neurobehavior Testing Core - RRID:SCR_022386

The Neurobehavior Testing Core (NTC) provides equipment and services to investigate behavior phenotypes of models related to neurological and other disorders. The core is utilized by scientists across disciplines that are interested in the behavioral consequences of unique physiological disruptions (e.g., metabolic, drugs etc.). We provide assessment of many domains of behavior including, but not limited to, sensory, motor, social, communication, affect-related behaviors and learning and memory. The NTC was established in 2012 through generous startup funds from the Penn School of Medicine, the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT), Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology (CSCN) and Penn Medicine Neuroscience Center (PMNC).

Neuroimaging and Cognitive Core (NICC) - RRID:SCR_022899

The Neuroimaging and Cognitive Core (NICC) at the University of Pennsylvania’s Brain Behavior Laboratory aims to facilitate cutting-edge research in cognitive neuroscience through use of the Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (CNB) and neuroimaging. The CNB is comprised of a series of tests that have been applied in neuroimaging studies and can be used either in a scanner as part of a functional neuroimaging study or outside a scanner for measuring individual differences in performance. Tests measure accuracy and speed of performance in major domains of cognition, including executive-control functions (abstraction, attention, working memory), episodic memory (verbal, facial, spatial), complex cognitive processing (language reasoning, nonverbal reasoning, spatial processing), social cognition (emotion identification, emotion intensity differentiation, age differentiation) and sensorimotor and motor speed.

Developed by Dr. Ruben C. Gur and colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania, the CNB has replaced pencil-and-paper tests and, since it is available on the web it has been in use by investigators worldwide. The CNB has been translated to over 15 languages and is adapted for children and adults. The tests are formatted like computer games and puzzles, and are administered as part of a comprehensive neuropsychiatric assessment. Details regarding the test development process and administration have been published (Gur, Erwin & Gur, 1992, Gur et al. 2001, 2007, 2010, 2012). The battery is still available on the web free of charge to investigators who work under the oversight of an IRB, and the Service Center has been created to help investigators with customized needs that could not be met simply by accessing the test online or who require extra consultation and technical support.

Neurons R Us - RRID:SCR_022421

The NRU (NeuronsRUs/Brain Cell) Core supplies suspensions of neuronal cells prepared from rodent brain for various downstream applications, including primary cell culture. The Core currently supplies rat or mouse cells isolated from cortex or hippocampus either in suspension or plates. Custom dissection services are available for other brain regions or for user-supplied genetically modified mice.

Nuclear Medicine Physics & Instrumentation Group - RRID:SCR_022423

Penn has a long history of development of nuclear medicine instrumentation in both SPECT and PET dating back to the pioneering work of David Kuhl, MD, in the 1970s. The Nuclear Medicine Physics and Instrumentation Research Group strives to continue this tradition in an environment that encourages the development of new technology and the collaboration between basic scientists and clinicians to evaluate new instruments and optimize their use for new applications in both clinical and pre-clinical (animal) imaging situations. The laboratory includes equipment to build, test and characterize detectors for PET imaging. In addition, the laboratory operates a cluster of high-powered Linux computers, which reconstruct, process, and analyze imaging data. Most recently, faculty has focused on the development of time-of-flight technology, which increases the signal- to-noise of reconstructed images for whole-body studies. The faculty also conducts research on SPECT imaging with an emphasis on applications to small animal and brain imaging. The Nuclear Medicine Physics and Instrumentation research group additionally oversees the operation of the cyclotron and imaging probe synthesis facilities.

OCRC Tumor BioTrust Collection - RRID:SCR_022387

The Ovarian Cancer Research Center (OCRC) has opened a Tumor BioTrust Collection (TBC) to the Penn research community on July 1, 2018. Specimens that are available through the OCRC TBC include gynecologic cancer specimens such as fresh and frozen tissues, plasma, serum, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, blood, formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples, Tissue Microarrays (TMAs), and various types of samples collected from rapid autopsies. All samples collected have clinical annotation including demographic patient profiles, pathological & clinical notations, treatment history, and detail disease information, etc. We are building and maintaining a centralized research database according to HIPPA specifications and Penn IRB standards.

Penn Cytomics: Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Core Facility - RRID:SCR_022376

Penn Cytomics is the sole flow cytometry shared resource laboratory (SRL) at the University of Pennsylvania. Our facility has 35+ instruments, which include analyzers, cell sorters, and small particle detectors. We also have a dual-fluorescence cell counter/viability instrument and a tissue dissociator for cell preparation, as well as an instrument to isolate single cells for RNA sequencing. We provide both on-site and off-site support to our instrument users, including analyzer and cell sorter training. We also have a research and development team that collaborates/consults with principal investigators in developing high-dimensional panels, as well as staining, acquisition, and analysis. Our core has ~10 nearby satellite locations to accommodate user needs. Penn Cytomics is an Abramson Cancer Center supported facility and has been recognized as "exceptional" by the National Cancer Center for over 30 years.

Penn Electronic Design Shop - RRID:SCR_021107

The Penn EDS (Electronic Design Shop) provide Electronic Design Services to the Penn research community and abroad. We support researchers with their electronic and embedded systems design needs also providing support with IoT (Internet of Things) as well instrumentation design for data collection devices. We provide electronic/embedded systems design to support laboratories with translational research interacting with mice, possums, and monkeys.

In addition, we support researchers by helping navigate the process of prototype to production run for their initial clinical trials. Our EDS provides firmware development and electronic consulting services that could help move an electronic device idea to a functional prototype and further to start the pre-production phase for device. We provide PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design and PCB assembly services as well as PLM (Product Life Management) electronic device documentation for CMs (Contract Manufacturers) to build production grade electronic devices.

Penn Genomic and Sequencing Core: DNA Sequencing Facility - RRID:SCR_024999

As part of the Penn Genomic and Sequencing Core, an Abramson Cancer Center Shared Resource, the DNA Sequencing Facility offers sequencing services on three platforms, gold standard Sanger sequencing on ABI capillary sequencers, next-generation sequencing (NGS) on Ion Torrent PGM and S5 and, Illumina MiSeq and Next-Seq along with consultation, experimental design and data analysis. The NGS service includes library preparation to sequencing to data analysis. Both amplicon-based and capture-based enrichments are offered for targeted sequencing. The capillary sequencers also enable Human Cell Line Authentication, microsatellite genotyping and fragment analysis for VNTR, SNaPshot etc. The molecular biological services include PCR, cloning, subcloning, mutagenesis, construct preparation and, plasmid DNA preps at different scales.

Penn Genomic and Sequencing Core: Molecular Profiling Facility - RRID:SCR_024999

As part of the Penn Genomic and Sequencing Core, an Abramson Cancer Center Shared Resource, the Molecular Profiling Facility provides full service whole genome and targeted molecular profiling of DNA and RNA on multiple platforms. The Core supports quantitative RNA profiling (gene expression) on Affymetrix GeneChips and high-throughput Gene Titan instruments, Fluidigm BioMark HD and, ABI QS 12K real-time PCR machine. DNA profiling (genotyping) is offered on Affymetrix SNP GeneChip and high-throughput Gene Titan instruments, Fluidigm BioMark HD and, ABI QS 12K. Agilent aCGH and, Affymetrix CytoScan and OncoScan platforms provide genome- wide chromosomal analysis. The users benefit from consultation and training available throughout their projects, including during experimental design and budget development, sample accrual, data management and analyses and, manuscript preparation.

Penn Genomic and Sequencing Core: Next Generation Sequencing Core - RRID:SCR_024999

As part of the Penn Genomic and Sequencing Core, the Next-Generation Sequencing Core (NGSC) provides a full set of services related to single-cell and bulk whole-genome, RNA-Seq, ATAC-Seq, BIS-Seq, Exome-Seq, ChIP-Seq, CLIP-Seq, etc. We recently acquired an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 in addition to our NextSeq and MiSeq sequencers - which all feature self-service as well as full-service operation. We have experience with difficult, low input samples as well as sequencing and analyzing novel library types. We have a small Oxford Nanopore sequencer which allows for full-length RNA or cDNA sequencing as well as very long read (100KB) sequencing from genomes. Come see us for experimental design services prior to starting your experiment.

Penn Medicine BioBank - RRID:SCR_022415

The Penn Medicine BioBank supports researchers by providing centralized access to a large number of annotated blood and tissue samples. This bank of samples and linked data will be an invaluable resource to the Penn Medicine basic, translational, and clinical research communities. Ultimately, this approach will enhance knowledge regarding the genetic and pathophysiological basis of multiple disease processes and will permit improved preventive and therapeutic strategies. Through these studies, researchers hope to find new ways to detect, treat, and maybe prevent or cure health problems. Some of these studies may be about how genes affect health and disease, or how genes affect response to treatment. Some of them may lead to new products, such as drugs or tests for diseases.

Penn Vector Core - RRID:SCR_022432

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) Preclinical Vector Core is a World-recognized resource for investigators requiring viral vectors for preclinical studies and other basic research applications such as gene therapies for acquired and inherited diseases. The mission of the Preclinical Vector Core is to provide the greatest service to the community through the production of high quality vectors and the widespread distribution of improved vector technologies. The Core has evolved considerably since its establishment over two decades ago, both in scope and capacity, as dictated by the needs of a changing field. The main objective of the Core is to provide investigators access to state-of-the-art adeno-associated viral vector technology.

PET Center - RRID:SCR_022429

The PET Center is dedicated to continuing the advancement of molecular imaging and seeks to build a network of collaborators to conduct translational research using existing and new radiotracers to help better understand the diagnosis, physiology and treatment of multiple diseases. The center strives to educate referring clinicians and their patients about the emerging benefits of PET/CT diagnostic procedures, other radiotracer imaging methods and radionuclide therapies as tools in their research and clinical practice. The PET Center is committed to providing opportunities and mentoring for individuals interested in pursuing work or collaborations within the molecular imaging field. The PET/CT Center
includes 4 scanners as well as a cyclotron facility.

Proteomics Core Facility (PCF) - RRID:SCR_023099

The Penn QPRC has now merged physically and administratively with the CHOP Proteomics Core Facility. With its combined resources ensuring optimized and efficient services, this newly unified core facility has been designed to meet the proteomics needs of the entire Penn/CHOP community from a single physical location within the Abramson Research Center. The combined core facility provides state-of-the-art proteomics services for investigators at CHOP, University of Pennsylvania, and outside institutions. A wide range of state-of-the-art quantitative proteomics experiments comprise the core of our services. These include but are not limited to post-translational modification analysis, protein identification, and targeted (e.g. co-immunoprecipitation) or comprehensive (e.g. protein expression profiling) proteome analysis. Proteome analysis may employ a number of different isotope-labeling strategies to enable quantitative measurements for deep proteome coverage or multiplexed targeted analysis of protein abundances. Quantitative analysis of phosphoproteomes, lysine acetylomes, ubiquitylomes and glycoproteomes together with whole proteome analysis are some of our signature areas of expertise. An efficient and comprehensive urine proteomic analysis pipeline is also well established in the lab. At the heart of all we do, are detailed quality control procedures to assure consistent peak performance of sample preparation and instrument analytical performance. Workflows for all the aforementioned proteome analyses are unique to each project and can involve optimization of a range of multi-dimensional separation techniques coupled to the appropriate mass spectrometer. For all but the most routine services, a strong interaction with PCF staff is encouraged throughout all phases of a project: planning, execution, and data reduction/interpretation. A full range of statistical and bioinformatics analysis can be tailored to the specific needs of larger, more involved projects as required.

Referral Center for Animal Models of Human Genetic Disease: Penn Vet - RRID:SCR_022440

The mission of the Center is to discover, create, characterize, treat, and share naturally occurring hereditary disorders in dogs and cats that are orthologous to those found in human patients. We have expertise in discovering, characterizing, and developing therapies for genetic disease in dogs and cats, which serve as models of the same diseases that occur in children. We specialize in: molecular discovery of mutations, clinical phenotyping, biochemical and histological characterization, development of therapies which are translatable to human patients and preclinical trials in animal models of human disease.

Research Instrumentation Shop - RRID:SCR_022424

The Research Instrumentation Shop [RIS] is a shared resource machine shop serving various University of Pennsylvania Schools and Departments. The RIS mission is to assist University researchers to design and construct both laboratory and clinical instruments. RIS provides mechanical and machining services to the University community.

Rodent Cardiovascular Phenotyping Core - RRID:SCR_022419

The RCPC provides an array of services to: 1) assess cardiovascular function in rodents, including genetically modified lines; and 2) to provide validated surgical models of human heart and vascular disease in order to probe disease mechanisms and to assess therapeutic interventions. We will work with investigators to design and implement the study along with any associated grant applications, animal protocol submissions and manuscript preparation. While the central focus of the facility is cardiovascular research, the imaging and surgical techniques employed are often useful to investigators in other fields. Our Core staff will work with you to assess your specific needs and to provide necessary training and scientific assistance in animal protocol preparation. The Core runs on a fee-for-service model. Accordingly, investigators will be responsible for the costs incurred for their projects and prior animal protocol approval by Penn IACUC.

Rodent Metabolic Phenotyping Core - RRID:SCR_022427

The Rodent Metabolic Phenotyping Core (RMPC, formerly MPPMC) is a state-of-the-art metabolic core directed by Drs. Joseph Baur and Paul Titchenell. Our facility offers cutting edge technology and phenotyping services to allow investigators in Penn’s Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism as well as the greater Philadelphia area to study metabolism in pre-clinical rodent models. Services include measurements of body composition (fat and lean mass) using NMR and DEXA, energy balance (food intake, locomotor activity, energy expenditure) using indirect calorimetry in either the Columbus Instruments CLAMS system or the Sable Systems Promethion System (with optional gas analyzer), and other in vivo metabolic phenotyping services (glucose clamps, insulin and glucose tolerance tests, telemetric monitoring of blood glucose or blood pressure, bomb calorimetry). The core employs a highly skilled surgeon, Qingwei Chu, MD, MS with more than 15 years of research experience in rodent models.

Small Animal Imaging Facility - RRID:SCR_022385

The SAIF combines state-of-the-art instrumentation and a nationally recognized staff to assist investigators with a wide range of imaging based experimental approaches. The SAIF currently provides a comprehensive suite of imaging modalities including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), spectroscopy (MRS), optical imaging (including bioluminescence, fluorescence, and near-infrared imaging), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and ultrasound (US). In addition, dedicated housing is available for mice and rats undergoing longitudinal imaging studies. Ancillary facilities and resources of the SAIF are devoted to radiochemistry and image analysis.

Stem Cell and Xenograft Core - RRID:SCR_010035

The Stem Cell and Xenograft Core is a comprehensive resource laboratory committed to supporting translational research. We offer services centered around 2 components: An extensive repository of live and fully annotated cells from adult patients with hematologic malignancies (AML, ALL, MPN, MDS), and hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells from healthy donors (BM, CB, and FL). A full array in vivo services and xenograft models (PDX, humanized immune system), in a dedicated BSL-2 barrier space equipped with optical imaging, for applications ranging from immunotherapy, cancer biology, infectious diseases and regenerative medicine.

Targeting Core - RRID:SCR_024573

Our mission is to support advancement of RNA biotherapeutics via enabling swift and low-failure solutions of targeting-related aspects – rationally designed and encompassed by chance by the Institute investigators. The Core’s resources – unique wealth of methodologies, equipment, reagents, and first, strong and friendly team of accomplished researchers immersed in collaborative projects on targeted drug delivery for several decades, will provide comprehensive support in identification of epitopes and ligands, molecular design and testing of the targeting RNA to diverse multitudes of desirable addresses in the body.

Tissue Processing Laboratory: Penn Dental - RRID:SCR_022863

The Penn Dental Medicine Tissue Processing Laboratory is located in Room 429 of the Levy Building. The laboratory services, available to Penn Dental Medicine researchers as well as other University and outside investigators, include tissue processing; H&E staining, trichrome, and other staining; creation of frozen sections; and deparaffinization. The laboratory also features a cryostat for use by investigators within Penn Dental Medicine; cryostat training is available for a fee. Investigators requiring the services of the Tissue Processing Laboratory should contact the facility to arrange a meeting to set up the appropriate protocols. Special handling, specimen orientation, and any unique aspects of the tissue being processed will be discussed at that time; in some instances, it may be advantageous for the investigator to be present initially when the specimens are being oriented in the hot paraffin prior to the actual sectioning.

Transgenic and Chimeric Mouse Facility - RRID:SCR_022388

The Transgenic & Chimeric Mouse Facility provides a centralized service to efficiently produce genetically altered mice for basic research. They include transgenic, chimeric and genome-edited mice carrying transgenes or gene “knockout” and “Knock-in” of specific interest. The Core also provides embryo and sperm cryopreservation as well as in vitro fertilization and re-derivation of live and cryopreserved lines, along with long-term storage of cryopreserved samples.

Transgenic Mouse Core Facility: Penn Vet - RRID:SCR_022441

The Transgenic Mouse Core located in the School of Veterinary Medicine is a state-of-the-art fee-for-service facility that offers a full line of embryological manipulation services, focused on, but not limited to, murine model systems. These services primarily enable the generation of genetically modified murine models, as well as experimental research in germ cell function and early embryonic development.

Tumor Tissue/Biospecimen Bank - RRID:SCR_022430

The Tumor Tissue and Biospecimen Bank (TTAB) is a centralized biorepository of human biosamples. TTAB is responsible for the collection, processing, and storage of human blood, fluid, and tissue at the University of Pennsylvania Health System. TTAB has a collection bench within the Surgical Pathology Suite at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP). Our collection bench sits adjacent to the frozen section teams managing clinical sample collection and allowing for tight integration of the tissue sample collection with the clinical pathology teams.

Ultrasound Research Laboratory - RRID:SCR_022431

The goals of the Ultrasound Research Laboratory are to develop new ultrasound technologies and clinical applications, to bridge the gap between technology and clinical applications, and to provide ultrasound imaging resources to other research groups within the Penn community and in other institutions. The laboratory consists of a core group of scientists, sonographers and technicians with expertise in ultrasound technology and computer programming. This group works with clinicians in multiple specialties; including radiologists, cardiologists and surgeons. Ultrasound Research Services, an arm of the laboratory, furnishes a state-of-the-art ultrasound scanner dedicated to research and serves the research community. There is a full-time sonographer and a part-time radiologist on staff to conduct clinical and pre-clinical imaging. The research laboratory has been a valuable resource to several groups working on diverse projects. These include studies involving the measurement of angiogenesis, vascularity, tissue elasticity, contrast agents, and the effects of various physical and pharmaceutical agents on blood flow and tissue vascularity. The studies span a range of clinical areas including research on cancer, cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal disease.

Viral Molecular High Density Sequencing Core - RRID:SCR_022433

We offer Illumina sequencing and bioinformatic expertise to assist researchers with gene therapy trial evaluations, viral integration profiling, CRISPR off-target analyses. We can also assist with bioinformatic analyses including RNAseq transcription profiling and 16S taxonomic assignments. These services are offered by the laboratory of Dr. Frederic Bushman in the Microbiology Department and as part of the CFAR consortium at PENN.