The Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics animal and genotyping core has been the foundation for many of the laboratory’s accomplishments. The goal of this project is to provide outstanding, reliable research support to several National Cancer Institute Investigators. This support revolves around creating and maintaining several mouse models for cancer including B cell lymphomas, plasma cell tumors, myeloma, skin carcinogenesis, melanoma, breast cancer and prostate cancer, osteosarcoma and pancreatic cancer. We are continually searching for ways to make the techniques we use every day more efficient by keeping up with new technologies, software and equipment. We also strive to adhere to the 3 r's of using animals in research- reduction, refinement and replacement. All our studies using mouse models are validated in tissue culture first, then moved into the in vivo models. All experiments using mice are carried out under approved animal study proposals.

Project Summary:
The mouse model animal and genotyping core provides support to the investigators in the Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics in several ways, all relating the mouse models of B cell lymphoma, myeloma, plasma cell tumorigenesis, skin carcinogenesis, melanoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer. In the animal core we maintain the genetic integrity and oversee breeding strategies required to maintain many different lines of mice (congenic, transgenic and other GEM models). The core carries out all genotyping/genetic monitoring. We routinely perform DNA extraction and genotyping of all mouse lines by PCR. We are careful to be sure this is done in a timely fashion so that animal usage and space is managed efficiently. We also are constantly striving to do this in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. We actively participate in the planning, design, execution and analysis of various types of experiments using animal models and in setting up and performing preclinical testing of various drugs for their anti-tumor activity. We also use a Lumina II imager to carry out drug studies using bioluminescence technology. We write many of the Animal Study Proposals and act as advisors for investigators in the lab who initiate new asps. We also write amendments and make sure that they are kept up to date and in compliance with NCI Animal Care and Use Committee. We actively participate in preparation for all inspections by the ACUC and AAALAC. The core is responsible for maintaining a bank of tumor cell lines that are not available elsewhere and for shipping these cell lines all over the world, thus providing a useful research tool to others in the cancer research community. The combination of animal and genetic expertise in the core assists our investigators in their mechanistic studies of cancer initiation, progression and metastasis.