Core Facilities

Cutting-edge scientific cores

Research at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) is supported by two institutional core facilities: Core B and Core C. These facilities offer advanced technologies, state-of-the-art equipment, valuable resources and faculty expertise to advance the development of groundbreaking research at UNR Med.

Transgenic Animal Genotyping and Phenotyping Core (Core B)

The Transgenic Animal Genotyping and Phenotyping Core collaborates with investigators to provide services, consultation, training and technical support for evaluating transgenic animal genotyping and cardiovascular phenotyping research. This facility is under the direction of Yumei Feng Earley, Ph.D., and 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.

Available services and facilities

  • Breeding, genotyping and managing colonies of genetically modified mice to perform genotyping and data analysis of tail biopsy samples.
  • Monitor and record hemodynamic parameters including radio telemetry blood pressure, heart rate and ECG monitoring in up to 48 conscious, unrestrained mice.
  • Capture synchronized metabolic and behavioral information via the Sable Promethion Metabolic Cage System.
  • High-precision analysis and determination of fat mass, lean mass, free-water mass and total-body-water mass using the EchoMRI system.

High Spatial and Temporal Resolution Imaging Core (HSTRI) (Core C)

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.

Available services and facilities

  • Supporting the following instruments: Leica Stellaris X8 confocal microscope, Leica Stellaris 5 confocal microscope, Olympus-Based Spinning Disc and TIRF confocal microscope, 4-Line Olympus Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRFM) and FRET Microscope System Combined with a Patch Clamp Workstation, Leica DMi8/SR GSD-3D Super-Resolution Microscope and 3i Lattice LightSheet Microscope.
  • Managing Imaris Software for advanced image analysis.
  • Sample preparation equipment for histology, immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry.
  • Development and troubleshooting of methods and standard imaging procedures, including assistance with advanced image analysis techniques.
  • Optimization of histology sample preparation for imaging such as sectioning and staining for fixed and live cell imaging.
  • Education of core users with novel microscopy and imaging techniques surfacing on the horizon.
  • Technical support and training of core users

Facilities and major equipment

Our research facilities at UNR Med offer a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge equipment across multiple specialized areas to support a wide range of scientific investigations. From high-resolution imaging systems and advanced molecular analysis tools to cell culture and histology workstations, each facility is designed to meet the needs of complex research projects.

Transmission Electron Microscopy Facility

  • A Phillips CM10 transmission electron microscope equipped with an analog negative (5x7) photosystem and a Gatan digital imaging system (BioScan 792)
  • A fully equipped darkroom and two Leica (Ultracut S) microtomes with Reichert FCS cryo attachment for cutting frozen sections for electron microscopy
  • Additional microtomes are available for tissue preparation and light microscopy

Molecular Core Facility

  • Applied Biosystems ABI 7300 sequence detector for real-time quantitative PCR
  • Bio-Rad Molecular Dynamics PhosphorImager for gel imaging
  • Four 96-well PCR thermal cyclers
  • Additional instruments including a gel electrophoresis, rocking incubator, hybridization chamber, electroporation units, centrifuges, refrigerators, freezers and software for sequence analysis

Cell Analysis Core Facility (FACS, Flow Cytometry, Spatial Molecular Imaging)

  • A BD FACS Aria II SORP Cell Sorter with 4 Lasers (355nm UV, 488nm Blue, 561nm Yellow-Green, and 633nm Red) 16 Colors simultaneously, four nozzle sizes, inside a Biosafety cabinet for handling BSL2+ samples, Automated Cell Disposition Unit available for 96 or 384 well plate sorting
  • A Cytek Aurora Full Spectrum Cytometer with 5 lasers (355nm UV, 405 nm Violet, 488nm Blue, 561nm Yellow-Green, 633nm Red), Capable of handling 40 tubes automatically as well as 96 well plates or manual sample options
  • A Nanocellect WOLF Microfluidics Sorter with a single 488 Blue laser, optimal for cell culture post sorting, Capable of sorting into 96 well plates
  • A Beckman Coulter Cytoflex Cytometer with 3 lasers (405nm Violet, 488nm Blue, and 633nm Red), Ability to sample from Single tubes or 96 well plates
  • A Nanostring CosMx Spatial Molecular Imager
  • Formlabs Form 3B Resin 3d Printer
  • Prusa Filament 3d Printer

University of Nevada, Reno Core Facilites

Expanding the study of genomes using the latest biomedical technologies

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.

Discover the Genomics Center services and equipment

Advancing health through state-of-the-art proteomic analysis

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.

Explore the Proteomic Center services and equipment

Nevada INBRE

The Nevada Proteomics Center works closely with Nevada INBRE to offer services and support to their network of partners. Nevada INBRE, part of the IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) program that helps traditionally underfunded states build biomedical infrastructure and expand biomedical research and educational opportunities. Nevada INBRE’s scientific core services awards are vital in supporting the services offered by the Nevada Proteomics Center.

Learn more about Nevada INBRE