Animal Models

University of New Mexico School of Medicine Cancer Center

Animal Models Shared Resource 

Overview of Services

The goal of the Animal Models Shared Resource is to provide high quality and cost-effective services for investigators using animal models of cancer. We provide services that cover traditional animal cancer models, including xenograft models (subcutaneous or orthotopic, cell lines or patient-derived samples), genetically modified models, and carcinogen-induced models. In addition, we maintain a breeding colony of “NOD SCID gamma” (NSG) immunocompromised mice, which are superior for engraftment of primary human tumors and tumor cell lines. The availability of in-house bred NSG significantly reduces the cost for our investigators.  We can guide new users in all aspects of animal model development in their cancer research, including protocol development and approval, experimental design, and choosing the right mouse strain and cells for their studies, and choosing an imaging modality. Other services we offer include training in and assistance with animal breeding, animal handling, tumor inoculation and monitoring, surgery, and euthanasia. A board-certified veterinary pathologist is available for assistance with necropsy, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, morphometry, and clinical pathology. We are actively engaged in research into cutting-edge technologies that add to the repertoire of services we can offer our users. Examples include the development of sophisticated orthotopic transplant models, development of “human-in-mouse” models that provide a more appropriate tissue microenvironment for human tumor growth and use of fluorescent and bioluminescent in vivo optical imaging for longitudinal studies of tumor progression.  We have state of the art instrumentation as part of the core including the IVIS Spectrum in vivo optical imaging instrument and the Faxitron MultiRad 225 Irradiator for radiation oncology studies.

Accessing Services: Potential users should initially request a consultation with the Shared Resource Director, Dr. Mara Steinkamp, or the veterinary pathologist, Dr. Donna Kusewitt,  through the iLab Solutions web portal (sign in at the top right corner of this page) by clicking on the "initiate request" button to the right. Following the initial consultation, and once a service has been agreed upon, use the "initiate request" button to request services or additional consultations.

Personnel

Director – Dr. Mara Steinkamp, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, UNM SOM Cancer Center

Veterinary Pathologist – Dr. Donna Kusewitt, Research Professor, Department of Pathology

Technical Director  - Dr. Irina Lagutina

Animal Technician - Lillian Fitzpatrick

Location and hours of operation