Biomarkers and Preclinical Models Research Core
UConn Health
UConn Center for Aging
The Biomarkers and Preclinical Models Research Core assists investigators wishing to add biomarkers to geriatric research studies. It also develops and maintains mouse models needed for preclinical testing of interventions targeting specific geriatric conditions.
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Campus Address
UConn Health
Mailing Address
263 Farmington Avenue, MC-1835
Farmington, CT 06030-5215
Services
Mouse Models
Mouse models are developed and maintained for use in preclinical testing of interventions targeting specific geriatric conditions. Mouse strength and mobility, body composition, cognitive testing, bone density, host defense and bladder function can all be assessed.
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Specifications
- Strength and mobility testing: Equipment available includes a 5-lane Rotarod system, a DigiGait treadmill with ventral plane videography to analyze slight variations in gait kinematics, hanging test to assess physical endurance, and a grip strength meter to quantitate absolute and relative strength. Open field voluntary mobility assessment can be made via a photobeam activity system (PAS) open field system.
- Body composition analysis: Body composition (lean mass, fat mass, bone mineral density) can be accessed via a Bruker LF50 Body Composition Mouse Analyzer. In vivo luminescence can be detected by an IVIS SpectrumCT preclinical in vivo imaging system. Daily activity, food intake and oxygen consumption can be measured in a Comprehensive Laboratory Animal Monitoring System (CLAMS).
- Cognitive testing: Resources include Elevated Zero Maze, Barnes Maze, and Novel Object Location and Recognition Testing. Open field voluntary mobility assessment can also assess anxiety levels.
- Bone density: Extensive additional capacities to evaluate bone are available through the Bone Biology Program.
- Host defense: The response to vaccination and infection in older mice can be assessed including specific T and B cell responses, cytokine and chemokine production, pathogen clearance, and vaccine-induced protection from infection. Metabolic function of cells of the immune system can also be assessed via a Seahorse XF96 analyzer.
- Bladder function analysis: Capacities for bladder muscle strip and in vivo urodynamic studies including a platform for integrated measurements of bladder pressure, volume, and flow in mice are available
Biomarkers
This facility assists investigators wishing to add biomarkers to geriatric research studies. Biomarker capacities include a BioRad Magpix Bioplex system, quantitative PCR and ELISA. Additional analytic capacities are also available in terms of measurement of dietary antioxidants and phytochemicals (e.g., polyphenols and metabolites), lipids, oxidative stress markers, and metabolomics.
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