INTRODUCTIONThe Rodent Models Core provides technical support for the generation and characterization of transgenic andknockout strains of mice, access to expensive behavioral equipment for mice and rats that can be sharedamong several investigators, and expertise in the behavioral phenotyping of mouse and rat models of MRDDand related disorders of the CNS. In addition, the Core is responsible for the care, feeding, and recordkeepingrelated to the use of mice and rats by MRDDRC projects and the maintenance of specific rodentmodels of development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases. This Core has beenrenamed during the present project period, reflecting a sharpening of its focus and considerable new expertiseand services added during the past five years in order to be both responsive to the growing and changingneeds of MRDDRC investigators and to contribute to the evolving scientific agenda of the MRDDRC.The space allocated to this Core is in the midst of a major renovation that, as of January 2005, resulted in thetemporary relocation of all animals to other facilities on campus, with reassignment of the caretaker staff tothose facilities. While renovation is taking place, Core services are continuing uninterrupted at those alternatelocations. This description of the Rodent Models Core includes an explanation of how this Core will operatewhen the animals return in 2007, with newly trained staff who will operate this exceptional and fully modernizedfacility serving the diverse scientific needs of MRDDRC investigators using rodent models. In the descriptionbelow, the present tense is used to portray resources and services that continue uninterrupted in temporarylocations during the renovation, past tense is used to refer to improvements made prior to the renovation, andfuture tense is used to refer to new Core services that will be provided after the renovation is completed in2007. Therefore, the description of the Rodent Models Core reflects the strengths of past accomplishments aswell as the promise of future achievements.
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