Research Centers and Core Facilities

The Center for Molecular & Cellular Signal Transduction in the Cardiovascular System

UNR Med received Phase II funding of $11 million, for a second five-year installation of the grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for a Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) to study molecular and cellular signals regulating the cardiovascular system. This grant established Nevada's first cardiovascular-focused basic science center, supporting groundbreaking research in the field.

 

Translational Research Center

The Translational Research Center (TRC) is an on-campus, 5,470-square foot research space located in the Center for Molecular Medicine. The TRC offers private outpatient rooms for research clinic visits, two blood draw stations, sample processing and storage and much more. This modern research center has a variety of resources and on-site staff to support researchers and students who are making important strides in health care. The TRC is equipped with 11 clinical examination rooms, each of which include an exam table, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, vital signs equipment and sink. Researchers also have access to the following equipment:

  • Basic specimen processing area and a refrigerated centrifuge
  • Ambient, cold and frozen secure storage in two 2-8°C refrigerators, a -20°C freezer, and a -80°C freezer
  • Ice and dry ice in contiguous lab space
  • Automated vital signs monitor, AED, limited anthropometric equipment, secure document disposal, printer/fax/copier/scanner, analog line for data transmission

Research Core Facilities

Research at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) is supported by institutional core facilities that offer advanced technologies, state-of-the-art equipment, valuable resources and faculty expertise to advance the development of groundbreaking research at UNR Med. These resources are available to faculty and researchers across the University and to external collaborators.

Cell Analysis

The Cell Analysis Core Facility (CACF) is a shared resources facility that offers analytical fluorescence-based flow cytometry and cell sorting. Featuring a full staff and laboratory facility, CACF’s mission is to facilitate scientific progress at UNR Med by providing researchers with state-of-the-art resources and support to advance their research.

Biosafety Level 3 Lab

The Biosafety Level 3 Lab (BSL-3) is designed for researchers studying infectious agents. This lab is only available to University faculty who have had their protocols reviewed by Institutional Biosafety Committee.

Transgenic Animal Genotyping and Phenotyping

The Transgenic Animal Genotyping and Phenotyping Core (Core B) collaborates with investigators to provide services, consultation, training and technical support for evaluating transgenic animal genotyping and cardiovascular phenotyping research. This facility conducts cardiovascular research to facilitate the development of novel drugs for the treatment of diseases. The goal of Core B is to offer major cardiovascular phenotyping techniques including: continuous blood pressure, heart rate, ECG monitoring by radio telemetry system, in vivo calcium imaging and optogenetics in live free-moving mice, echocardiography and laser doppler blood flow recording.

High Spatial and Temporal Resolution Imaging

The High Spatial and Temporal Resolution Imaging Core (HSTRI) performs state-of-the-art high spatial and temporal resolution imaging methodologies for studying cellular structure, signaling pathways and function in health and disease. Recent microscopy advances have produced a new generation of instruments and molecular tools that enable biomedical researchers to investigate the relationships between structure and function in biological systems with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. These modern technologies allow visualization of the ultrastructure of cells and how it impacts localized signaling pathways. HSTRI trains, educates and advises investigators in the use of these new technologies to maximize the Core's impact on cardiovascular research.

University of Nevada, Reno - Biomedical Research Cores

Nevada Genomics Center

The Nevada Genomics Center is a state-of-the-art facility that is revolutionizing the study of genomes through advanced biomedical research. Located on the University of Nevada, Reno campus, our fully-staffed facility is equipped with the latest technologies and instruments to serve both academic and industry researchers. A team of experts is available to support investigators at every stage of their research in the function and structure of genomes. Our services support a range of options and sequencing yield, from pilot projects to intensive, data-rich projects.

Nevada Proteomics Center

The Mick Hitchcock, Ph.D., Nevada Proteomics Center offers high quality mass spectral proteomic analysis using the latest technologies and techniques. We aim to make our services accessible to both public and private entities including research faculty, students and health care professionals. Our team provides insight into the physiological state of cells to expand research on immune response and underlying health conditions. Our goal is to assist investigators with qualitative and quantitative proteomic analysis to gain a greater understanding of physiological pathways, molecular interactions and regulatory signaling.