This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.The proposed core facility facilitates the UCC investigators the use of cultured neurons, glia and organotypic cultures. The investigators no longer need to develop by themselves the techniques to culture brain cells or organotypic cultures. The cultures are used, among others, for patch clamping, Ca2+ imaging and for in vitro models of diseases. The core facility consists of a coordinator and an experience technician. The model of culture core facility proposed here is based on a similar facility in UCLA where a single technician provides glial and neuronal preparations to investigators. The proposed budget is includes salaries of the technician, consultant and the coordinator. Funds are requested for starting material and supplies, for new projects and to allow for a smooth transition to a system of fee for service. The objectives of this core facility are. a) To be abreast of new methodology in culturing and doing a constant quality control of our cultures. For that purpose we need a consultant to keep us up to date. b) To provide a faster, less expensive alternative and to discourage the initiation of new neuronal culture laboratories throughout the UCC. By fulfilling our goals we promote high quality research and increase the efficient use of space and equipment. By providing the expertise in brain cell culture and technical labor involved this core facility leaves more time to the investigators for the scientific endeavor.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 167 publications