University-subsidized facilities support research throughout the University and enhance training. Approximately 40 University-supported core facilities are available to faculty and students. Facilities most aligned with the research areas of faculty in the Interdisciplinary Training in Cardiovascular Research T32 are listed below in alphabetical order.
Animal Care
The UA Animal Care and Use Program is centralized under University Animal Care (UAC) and is overseen by the Director David G. Besselsen, DVM, PhD, DACLAM & DACVP. The facilities and animal care program is accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC), is a Registered Research Facility with the USDA and has an Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) Assurance Statement. The facilities of the University Animal Care research center are located at the University of Arizona Health Science Center (AHSC), Bio5, and the main campus Central Animal Facility (CAF). UAC is in charge of the campus-wide animal care and use program, and in conjunction with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) monitors and ensures compliance with federal and state laws, regulations and guidelines governing the care, use and housing of animal subjects used in research, testing, and teaching. UAC also provides services and resources needed by investigators to accomplish their animal research objectives and assists in providing training in laboratory animal care and use to technical personnel, students, and faculty.
Arizona Health Sciences Library (AHSL)
AHSL is the largest academic health sciences library in Arizona. AHSL's primary clientele are the UA Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health, and UA Health Network. AHSL is a member of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine/National Library of Medicine and serves as the designated resource library for all of Arizona. Faculty, staff, and trainees are provided with free access to RefWorks, EndNote Online, and other reference management software systems.
AziClinical and Translational Science Center (AziCATS)
PI: Dr. Joe (Skip) Garcia. Established in 2014, this is the UA Health Sciences academic home for clinical and translational research, providing funding, resources and education focused on translating ideas into health innovations. As the hub for clinical and translational science at the UA, the vision of AziCATS is to effectively address the unprecedented levels of health disparities among Arizona’s unique population. The Clinical and Translational Science Research Center provides both generalized and specific support for clinical testing. Services provided by AZiCATS include physical accommodations, phlebotomy services, IV administration for infusion therapy, PK monitoring, EKGs, spirometry, and chemotherapy, specimen processing and shipping, technological services, study coordination & data analysis. The Center for Biomedical Informatics and Biostatistics is under the umbrella of AziCATS; it’s mission is to enable data-driven healthcare and research to improve patient outcomes. Their strategy is to build a data-driven learning health system and advance precision medicine analytics. They seek to promote health equity via education and resource the research enterprise with data science and tools. The new Biospeciman initiative is also under the umbrella of AziCATS. In short, this is a major resource for engaging our trainees in meaningful bidirectional translational research including essential access to training in big data analytics. https://azicats.uahs.arizona.edu/home
Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center
Director: Dr. Fernando Martinez. The Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center is an interdisciplinary Center of Excellence at the UA dedicated to research, clinical care, medical education, and community service in the areas of adult and pediatric pulmonary medicine. The Clinical Research Unit is one part of the Asthma & Airway Disease Research Center dedicated to the innovative research of lung diseases like asthma and COPD through clinical trials. The Asthma & Airway Disease Research Center is one of 19 institutions in the United States designated an Airway Clinical Research Center by the American Lung Association. A major focus of this Center is to improve asthma care in diverse populations through clinical research studies. https://lungresearch.arizona.edu/
Behavioral Measurement Shared Resource
The Behavioral Measurement Shared Resource (BMSR) has more than 20 years of experience as a national leader in providing support to researchers investigating human behaviors such as: Diet, Physical Activity, Anthropometrics Measurement, Tobacco Exposure, General Behavioral Risk Factors, Quality-of-life, Sun Safety Behaviors, Sexual Practices, Health Habits.
Bio5 Media Facility
This Good Laboratory Practices-certified facility provides media and other materials to researchers at much lower prices than outside vendors. The Media Facility provides ready made and custom formulations for culture media and general consumables.
Biocomputing
The BioComputing Facility (BCF) provides comprehensive computational infrastructure for the life sciences. The BCF strives to facilitate inclusion of computational methods and techniques at various stages of the discovery process across all life sciences disciplines, with the primary aim of simplifying and automating these processes through innovation, education and training. The BCF provides state of the art support and services for data analysis, storage and management, management of high throughput and computer-intensive tasks, data mining and integration, software engineering, laboratory management, sample tracking, visualization and rapid prototyping, remote collaboration tools and infrastructure, as well as specialized hands-on workshops and training.
The majority of the campus has at least 1Gb switched Internet connections available, and most buildings are connected to the network at 10Gb transmission rates. High-performance and high-throughput computing systems are available free to the campus community. Systems include a 2.66 GHz dual 6-core Xenon cluster with 1,248 cores and 3.744 TB of memory, a 2.66 GHz distributed-memory system with 2748cores and 8.016 TB of memory, as well as a 2.66 GHz dual 8-core Xeon Cluster with 1776 cores and 2.688 TB of memory. Full-time research computing staff is available to assist research faculty and staff in use of these systems: a walk-up desk is available for immediate needs.
Bioinformatics
The Informatics/Bioinformatics Shared Service at The University of Arizona supports research in the following areas: genomics analysis (e.g. next generation sequencing, RNA-Seq, Chip-Seq and gene expression arrays, comparative genomic hybridization, DNA methylation, RNAi screens, genome and sequence analysis), genetic studies (SNP analysis and exome sequencing), proteomics, and other types of molecular data sets for cells and tissues, biological interpretation of the above data, including network, pathway and ontology analysis, systems analysis, genetic vulnerabilities for drug targeting, predictive patterns for outcome and data modeling, informatics support in the form of tissue and molecular databases, genome databases, and data sharing tools, and data integration of clinical, molecular, and genetic data utilizing CaBIG tools.
Biometry Shared Resource
The Biometry Shared Resource (BSR) brings together expertise in biostatistics, clinical trials, epidemiology, applied mathematics, statistical computing, and database applications. BSR personnel have wide-ranging involvement across research activities, including clinical, translational, basic, and population-based research. Biostatistical collaboration and consultation are provided for investigators.
Biorepository
This facility is responsible for collecting, storing, tracking, processing, and distributing human tissue, blood, and other types of biospecimens. The Biorepository’s mission is to provide high-quality, clinically annotated specimens and superior service to the University of Arizona research community as well as to other institutions and industry involved in biomedical research. The purpose of the bank is to collect and store samples (tissue, blood, and/or other biologic specimens), along with health/medical information for research purposes. Researchers can then use the stored materials for future research studies to learn more about cancer, diabetes, and other health problems.
Cytometry Core Facility
This facility offers instrumentation to analyze and quantify the characteristics of cells and particles in suspension. A number of state-of-the-art cell sorting machines with highly skilled dedicated operators are available at several locations throughout campus.
Flow Cytometry Shared Resource
The Flow Cytometry Shared Resource (FCSR) is a UA service with five state-of-the-art machines located throughout the UAHSC campus. This resource supports data acquisition, analysis, cell sorting, and the technical expertise to train research groups, interpret results, and develop methods. Workshops are given to update investigators on new techniques and applications.
Functional Genomics Core
The Functional Genomics Core’s mission is to provide researchers at the University of Arizona with the capacity to run high-throughput chemical, RNAi, and deletion library based screens for the purpose of network analysis, drug and/or target discovery. Assay and screen development services provided.
Engineered Heart Tissue
This core provides sophisticated analysis of myofibril contractile function, using myofibrils isolated from rodent muscle cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-generated myocytes.
Genomics/Genetics
The University of Arizona Genetics Core (UAGC) provides a range of services to assist investigators, students, staff and the biotech community with genetic and genomic analyses and educational support. Services include conventional, exome and next-generation DNA sequencing in its different applications (RNA-Seq, Chip-Seq, MEDIP-Seq), SNP, DNA Methylation, qPCR, HLA typing analyses, as well as full mouse genotyping services. Additional support services are also available, ranging from turnkey fee-for-service support for large projects (for example multiple genome sequencing) to assistance with specific equipment. UAGC also runs educational workshops and one-on-one training sessions, and integrates with the Biocomputing facility to enable efficient computational pipelines for data acquisition and analysis.
Imaging: Several imaging cores support the imaging needs of researchers on campus:
The Cellular Imaging Core Facility
The Cellular Imaging Core Facility is located in the College of Medicine and includes instrumentation (two state-of-the art confocal microscopes, one new Super-resolution microscope, both scanning and transmission electron microscopy, as well as several time lapse imaging setups) and expertise for specialized microscopic imaging techniques. Core staff have expertise in experimental design and implementation; quantitative structural analysis and interpretation of morphological alterations; training, consultation and technical assistance for users; and standard histology services.
The Biological Magnetic Resonance Facility (BMR) facility
The Biological Magnetic Resonance Facility (BMR) facility provides access to state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) instrumentation for biomedical research. This campus-wide facility provides expertise primarily in small animal imaging.
The Cancer Imaging Shared Service (CISS) at the Arizona Cancer Center
The Cancer Imaging Shared Service (CISS) at the Arizona Cancer Center provides access to advanced optical imaging systems, and to pre-clinical (animal) and clinical imaging technologies. It oversees access to the wide range of image acquisition modalities, including bioluminescence imaging, MRI/MRS, Ultrasound (VEVO), and PET/SPECT approaches for animal experiments. An image analysis facility acts as a central clearing-house to consolidate and standardize state-of-the-art image processing and analysis routines. The CISS also offers a developmental component to evaluate and initiate new research projects.
The Life Sciences South - BioSciences West Imaging Facility
The Life Sciences South - BioSciences West Imaging Facility houses three imaging instruments. A Deltavision Restoration Microscopy System can be used for automated multiple wavelength and/or time lapse imaging experiments on either fixed tissues or cultured cells. A Zeiss LSM 510 Meta spectral imaging microscope is a workhorse platform that can image essentially all available fluorochromes and fluorescent dyes. The system is equipped to perform FRET, FRAP, FLIP and ratio imaging. A stage incubator and objective heater provide stable temperatures for time-lapse imaging. In addition, the facility has a Cellomics automated microscopy platform for high-throughput imaging and data collection.
Marley Facility Imaging Core
The Marley Facility Imaging Core is dedicated to the acquisition of images for research, industrial and clinical applications. It offers multi-user access to high quality state-of-the-art technologies and cost effective analytical services - featuring confocal & multiphoton microscopes, electron microscopy (SEM, STEM), elemental microanalysis (EDS), and Raman spectroscopy. Examples of equipment in this Core include: Hitachi S-3400N variable pressure SEM with Energy Dispersive X-ray microanalysis (USIF), Hitachi S-4800 Field Emission SEM with Energy Dispersive X-ray microanalysis (USIF), Renishaw Reflex Raman (Optical), Zeiss LSM880 inverted confocal microscope, and Zeiss LSM880 NLO upright multiphoton/confocal microscope.
Of particular note is the world class imaging expertise within the Colleges of Optical Sciences, and Lunar and Planetary Sciences.
Infectious Diseases
The Infectious Disease Research Core (IDRC) designs, develops, validates, implements, and performs evidence-based assessments of new laboratory methods with the goal of diagnosing, treating and preventing infectious disease and public health threats. Nationally recognized Good Laboratory Practices are utilized for all aspects of IDRC research and technology development. Support services available to assist users include: clinical microbiology laboratory testing, molecular testing of infectious agents, project partnership, industry collaboration, and clinical trial coordination. The IDRC also hosts its own biorepository of clinical specimens, called the MicroBank, which provides academic and corporate investigators access to de-identified clinical specimens on a fee for service basis.
Ligand Discovery
The Ligand Discovery Lab (LDL) is a complex synthetic chemistry and screening facility supporting researchers with substances, libraries and screenings needed for research and education. The LDL produces unique compounds in combinatorial fashion or arrays and the lab’s primary objective is the design, synthesis, purification, characterization and screening of compound arrays. These compounds can be modified with markers or other non-functional parts for purification, imaging or further conjugation. The LDL uses the following technologies: solid-phase high-throughput-synthesis (96-well plates), one-bead-one-compound (OBOC) library synthesis, rational design of small molecule ligands, multimeric ligands, peptidomimetics, lanthanide-based time-resolved fluorometry in vivo binding assay, in vivo cell-adhesion-to-bead assay for OBOC library, synthesis of labeled probes (fluorescent, DOTA-Eu), logistics and QC.
Mass Spectrometry Facility
The Mass Spectrometry Facility provides first-class mass spectrometric and analytical services for molecular weight determinations, structure elucidations, and qualitative and quantitative analyses of organic and bio-organic compounds and complex compound mixtures.
Mouse Models
The Genetically Engineered Mouse Models (GEMM) Core provides mouse genetic engineering services to the University of Arizona academic community on a not-for-profit basis. This facility is run by Dr. Tom Doetschman, a pioneer in embryonic stem cell research and genetic modification of mice. Services include vector design & construction, gene targeting by homologous recombination and CRISPR technology, and blastocyst injection for the production of transgenic and gene-targeted mice. The Core also provides embryo derivation and strain cryopreservation services.
Native American Resources
- Programs at the UA that serve American Indian/Alaska Natives include, but are not limited to:
- Native American Student Affairs office
- Center for American Indian Resilience
- American Indian Studies degrees
- American Indian Language Development Institute
- Native American Cancer Prevention
- Native American Research and Training Center
- Native American Cardiology & Medical Services Program
- Native American Science and Engineering Program
- UA Udall Center/Native Nations Institute
- Indians into Medicine
- Border Latino and American Indian Summer Exposure to Research
- Integrated Optics for Undergraduate Native Americans (IOU-NA)
- Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
Professional Skills Development and Support
The University Arizona Health Sciences provides Grant Writing Support workshops and review services, maintains the Life Science (faculty and graduate program descriptions) and Faculty Research and Scholarship Databases, supports the Health Sciences Library and Biomedical Communications facilities, and houses the University Research Instrumentation Center.
Proteomics
Proteomics research support services are readily available through the Arizona Proteomics Consortium at The University of Arizona. The consortium offers the largest and most mature proteomic service in the state, serving investigators from the academic and private sectors in Arizona, nationally and worldwide. Proteomics research staff assist investigators with systematic analysis of proteins for identification, quantification, and functionality. Consortium researchers use state-of-the-art mass spectrometric measurements coupled with innovative bioanalytical techniques and bioinformatic tools.
Rodent Phenotyping Core
This new core, created for heart, vascular and lung research, provides cutting-edge resources and expertise to investigate genetically altered mice that mimic human disease. The core offers investigators full service support of in vivo and in vitro physiology studies in normal, exercise and diseased states through surgical models (MI, TAC, ACF), imaging techniques, and functional physiological assessments. The Core utilizes state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Some examples include: microsurgical operating room, Visualsonics Vevo 2100 echocardiography system, Scisense pressure-volume admittance catheters for cardiac catheterization and pressure-volume analysis, DSI Telemetry (heart rate, ECG, blood pressure), MRI, whole body plethysmography for non-terminal respiratory studies, FlexiVent System apparatus for invasive measurements of respiratory mechanics and lung function, ex-vivo and in vitro muscle mechanics and singe cells physiology. The Director of this core is Dr. Henk Granzier (a training mentor in the CVR Program) and is managed by a full-time PHD level scientist, Dr. Joshua Strom (who expertly performs and/or trains others in all procedures).
Statistics
The Statistics Consulting Laboratory (StatLab) provides statistical expertise, personnel and computing resources to the campus and local business communities in order to 1) facilitate study design, data acquisition protocols, data analysis, and the preparation of grants and manuscripts, 2) adapt and develop new statistical methods to address emerging problems in science and medicine, 3) raise the level of statistical practice through seminars, workshops, and short courses, and 4) foster discovery translation and economic development by consulting with public and private organizations.
Safety Office
The Office of Radiation, Chemical and Biological Safety oversees training of new personnel and procedures for review and approval of any research involving hazardous substances.
Sarver Heart Center
Director: Nancy Sweitzer MD/PHD; Co-Directors: Carol Gregorio PhD, Karl Kern MD. The Sarver Heart Center was founded as the University Heart Center in 1986 with the goal of preventing and treating cardiovascular disease through the principles of research, education and patient care. The Center continues to be dedicated to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease via the academic pillars of research (discovering knowledge), education (sharing knowledge) and patient care (applying knowledge). The Center emphasizes a highly interdisciplinary research environment fostering innovative translational research. The Center encompasses >135 scientist and physician members. It is also one of few Centers in the world with an endowed chair (Dr. Granzier) dedicated to the study of heart disease in women. Benefits to the CVR program are innumerable but include access to a robust Cardiology Grand Rounds program, IRB approved biobanking of CV clinical and surgical samples, Endowed Chairs for recruitment and retention (e.g., Granzier, Gregorio, Tardiff), funds for recruitment of training faculty, a robust philanthropy-driven grants program focused on supporting junior faculty, and providing seed funding for novel, innovative projects (many of our mentors and trainees have received funding for research projects) and funding to provide protected time for medical students and medical fellows who are interested in pursuing mentored research projects. http://heart.arizona.edu
Tissue Acquisition and Cellular/Molecular Analysis Shared Resource (TACMASR)
TACMASR offers expertise in histological and immuno-pathological techniques and expert pathological analysis of human and animal tissues and cells. TACMASR assists researchers with experimental design, analysis and interpretation of pathological findings. The following techniques are available: Routine Histology, Immunostaining, Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM), Design and Construction of Tissue MicroArrays (TMAs), Pathologic Analysis and Interpretation.
Underrepresented Minorities (URM) Resources
(often to include first-generation/low-income students)
Programs at the UA that serve all URMs include, but are not limited to the following programs:
- New Start
- Med Start
- Arizona Science Engineering Math Scholars Program
- TRIO-SSS-ASEMS
- Arizona Assurance Program
- Chicano/Hispano Cultural Resource Center
- Martin Luther King Center
- Asian/Pacific Islander Student Center
- Undergraduate research opportunities consortium prep program (UROC-PREP)
- The Student Affairs Research (STAR) Program
- Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program
- The Summer Research Institute (SRI)
- Minority Health Disparities (MHD) Program
- Border Latino and American Indian Summer Exposure to Research
- Frontera
- Environmental Sciences-Toxicology REU
- Pre-Medical Admissions Pathway (P-MAP) Program
- Additional resources for American Indian/Alaska Natives are listed above