CDLD Animal Models Core

Providing advanced animal models and training to support digestive and liver disease research

The Animal Models of Digestive Disease Core (AMDDC) provides investigators with access to state-of-the-art in vivo models, specialized facilities, and expert training to support research in digestive and liver disease. By enabling the development and analysis of complex animal models, the core accelerates discovery and strengthens research competitiveness.

The core focuses on animal models, in vivo experimentation, and microbiome studies.

Offerings

The role of the Animal Models Core within the Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) in Digestive & Liver Disease is to provide the expertise, infrastructure, and training necessary for investigators to develop and utilize sophisticated animal models for digestive and liver disease research.

• Generation of transgenic and specialized animal models
• Access to germ-free and conventionalized mouse models
• Surgical and non-surgical disease modeling
• Training and mentorship in animal procedures
• Support for experimental design and execution

Components

Animal Facility
Supports generation and analysis of mouse models using a range of experimental approaches

Gnotobiotic Animal Facility
Provides specialized housing and support for germ-free and microbiome-based studies

Impact on Research and Investigators

• Supports complex experiments for early-stage investigators
• Provided preliminary data for 14 NIH grants (~$6M)
• Supported 52 publications
• Expands infrastructure and promotes collaboration
  
  

Capabilities

Disease Modeling
• Induction of disease using biologics, chemicals, and dietary interventions
• Surgical models including bile duct ligation and partial hepatectomy
• Xenograft and organoid implantation models

Genetically Engineered Models
• Support for transgenic and genetically modified animals
• Collaboration with transgenic facilities

Microbiome Research
• Germ-free mouse production and maintenance
• Controlled microbial colonization experiments

Training & Mentorship
• Hands-on training in animal procedures
• Experimental planning and design support
• Ongoing mentorship and technical guidance

Expanded Services

Chemical & Dietary Models
• Ethanol, DEN, DSS, TNBS, CCl4 models
• Diet-based disease induction

Surgical Models
• Orthotopic implantation
• Hepatectomy
• Bile duct ligation

Genetic Models
• CRISPR, knock-in/out
• Transgenics
• Cryopreservation

Data Collection
• Tumor measurement
• Blood collection
• Chemistry panels

Colony Management
• Breeding design
• Genotyping
• Optimization

Training
• Hands-on training
• IACUC guidance
• Technical support

Key Scientific Aims

Aim 1: Animal Disease Models
Generate and support models of digestive and liver disease using surgical and non-surgical approaches.

Aim 2: Gnotobiotic Models
Provide germ-free animal models and microbiome experimentation capabilities.

Why This Core Matters

The Animal Models Core enables physiologically relevant in vivo research, strengthens experimental rigor, and supports investigator development. By providing access to advanced models and training, the core enhances the competitiveness and impact of Center-supported research.