CCR Animal Resource Program

The CCR Animal Resource Program plans, develops, and coordinates laboratory animal resources for CCR’s research programs. We also provide training, imaging, and technology development in support of moving basic discoveries to the clinic.

The ARP Office:

  • Coordinates the use of animal holding space within NCI facilities, NIH central facilities, and shared facilities
  • Oversees the use of all centrally funded animal resources
  • Assists with cost-effective options for animal technical support
  • Coordinates/negotiates animal-related interagency agreements and memoranda of understanding
  • Serves as liaison to the NCI project officer, the NIH Division of Veterinary Resources, and program staff
  • Provides advice on working with animals and assists with animal study protocol development
  • Provides site visit animal resource documents

Requirements for Conducting an Animal Study

  • Complete NIH approved training courses
  • Register with the Animal Exposure Surveillance Program
  • Obtain approval from the NCI Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) for the proposed study
  • Complete safety registration of  human cells/tissue, pathogens, recombinant nucleic acid molecules and receive IBC approval for use in animal research 
  • Obtain approval to use animal holding space from the CCR Animal Resource Program Office
  • Complete facility specific instruction in animal facility operating procedures

Additional Resources

News & Announcements

  • Featured Core: NCI Gnotobiotics Facility(GF)  Did you know that the NCI GF core facility recently expanded capacity to support research focused on the role of microbiota in cancer inflammation, pathogenesis, and treatment response? For more information visit the GF website.  

  • NCI's Patient-Derived Models Repository (PDMR)  - Initially released 100 models across seven histologies including urothelial, squamous cell lung, renal, colon, pancreatic, adult soft tissue sarcoma and melanoma. See the PDMR website (https://pdmr.cancer.gov) for more details. 

  • NEW Genome Modification Core (GMC) Facility
    This new CCR-dedicated core, within the Laboratory Animal Sciences Program (LASP), will provide investigators with advice, training, and reagents using various methods (including CRISPR) to generate genome modifications in primary cells, cell lines, and in animals models. LASP has recruited Dr. Rajagopal (Raj) Chari to direct the GMC which will be located at the ATRF in Frederick. The core is now open to provide advice and full service will be up and running in the near future. For more information contact raj.chari@nih.gov. 

Contact Information

Mary Custer
Associate Director, Animal Resource Program 
240.760.7747
custema@mail.nih.gov

Kathy Divi
Scientific Program Analyst
240.760.7749
kathy.divi@nih.gov

Mailing Address:

Animal Resource Program
Center for Cancer Research
NCI, NIH, DHHS
Building 31 Room 3A11
31 Center Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892-2440