Core Facilities: Specialized Animal Resources

Timothy Kern, Ph.D., Module Director
Departments of Medicine and Ophthalmology
Phone: (216) 368-0800
timothy.kern@case.edu

Heather Butler, Module Manager
Department of Medicine
Phone: (216) 368-5427
heatherkiimbutler@gmail.com

Kathryn Zongolowicz, Assistant
Department of Medicine
Phone: (216) 368-5427
kathryn.zongolowicz@case.edu

Located in the Animal Resource Center, Basement, Biomedical Research Building
The Specialized Animal Resource (SAR) Module is intended to provide assistance and training in the maintenance of animal colonies with special needs. The primary focus is genetically altered mice (gene knockout or transfer) that require a clean environment, may be difficult to breed, and involve genotyping of offspring. In addition, the module manager is available for assistance and training in experimental procedures involving most animal models.

The function of the SAR Module Director is to approve and supervise use of the Module facilities. All requests for Module use must be discussed with the Director, who will coordinate the schedule of the Manager. Use of the SAR Module is limited to animals directly involved in eye research.

The SAR Module Manager will oversee the daily operations of the SAR Module facility in addition to providing technical guidance and training. The Manager will be an expert in fundamental techniques of breeding and maintenance of mice colonies along with genotyping, and preferably have prior experience training laboratory personnel

Equipment & Services Available
The services of the SAR Module will vary with each application, with details arranged with the Manager and approved by the Director. Specific functions that have already been identified are listed below, and may be expanded in the future.

* -Assistance in the design and maintenance of the breeding colonies.
* -Tagging mice for identification.
* -Genotyping of offspring (in conjunction with the Molecular Biology Core Module.)
* -Assistance with obtaining blood samples.
* -Specialized medical treatment (in conjunction with ARC staff.)
* -Assistance with anesthesia, surgery, or radiology.

The SAR Module facility is available to investigators with projects supported by the National Eye Institute. It can be available for projects directed at obtaining funding and for other vision research projects.

Please note that SAR will assist investigators until after mice are weaned, after which time it is the responsibility of the investigators.