Animal Models and Phenotyping Core

The Animal Models and Phenotyping Core (AMPC) provides services to NORC members in support of animal-based studies through its two subcores: the Genetically Engineered Models (GEMs) Subcore and the Animal Metabolism and Behavior (AMBC) Subcore. The Genetically Engineered Models Subcore provides services for the creation of genetically engineered rodents (i.e., mice and rats) as well as cell lines via gene editing. Novel animal models are then assessed in the Animal Metabolism & Behavior Subcore, providing advanced in vivo metabolic and behavioral phenotyping services. The AMPC functions interactively with NORC members in all phases of experimental planning, execution, data analysis, and interpretation. The AMPC coordinates with the Administrative Core, Molecular Mechanisms Core, and the Human Phenotyping Core to provide broad, state of the art expertise and support to scientists conducting nutrition and obesity research within the Pennington-Louisiana NORC.

The AMPC brings together experts in the areas of genetically engineered models, integrative physiology, and behavioral phenotyping who serve as a core resource for obesity research. The goal of the AMPC is to provide easy access to highly specialized equipment and expertise in the area of body composition, energetics, glucose homeostasis, and genetically modified animal models to support studies into the mechanisms, prevention, and treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases. Importantly, emphasis is placed on both consultation and those services that are technically challenging and cost-prohibitive for individual laboratories to maintain. The services provided are not available through any other mechanism except external commercial or academic alternatives that do not supply the complete set of services provided by the AMPC or are prohibitively costly in terms of both expense and/or time impediments.