The Genetically Engineered Mouse Phenotyping Core, located at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, serves investigators at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, The Rockefeller University and Weill Medical College, providing comprehensive baseline phenotypic profiles of genetically engineered mice, to be used by investigators unfamiliar with normal mouse anatomy, histology, physiology and age- or strain-related background lesions.

The center also aids in evaluating the entire mouse, as opposed to a specific tissue or organ system, for the purpose of identifying unanticipated phenotypic changes. A standard phenotypic profile at the center includes a complete hematology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, survey radiographs, gross necropsy, extensive microscopic evaluation, digital images of macroscopic and microscopic lesions and an electronic report.

The facility offers the use of a cabinet x-ray for high-resolution radiographs of small laboratory animals, excised tissue and paraffin blocks. Specimens can be placed on adjustable shelves within a shielded and interlocked enclosure to obtain images magnified up to five times. Other services at the center include postmortem investigation of specimens from genetically engineered mice and pathological evaluation of other experimental animals, tissues or histology slides.

The Gene Targeting Resource Center (GTRC) provides gene targeting and mouse embryonic stem cell technology for members of the Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and their collaborators. Since its inception in 1997 our center has generated numerous genetically engineered mice and embryonic stem cell lines that allow the investigation of gene functions in mouse models or ES cell culture systems. We continue developing and adopting innovative approaches to better assist biomedical research in our community.

The Genomics Resource Center offers comprehensive services for gene expression analysis on several major platforms, including Affymetrix and Illumina, for global gene expression profiling, custom cDNA/oligonucleotide microarray printing and data validation using high throughput real-time polymerase chain reaction detection.

Several genotyping platforms for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are also available, including those for whole genome association studies, whole genome and custom SNP analysis, small-scale SNP genotyping and individual SNP analysis.

The center also provides microsatellite genotyping for linkage analysis in human and animal models. The center's genome scan includes over 400 human microsatellite markers or over 100 mouse markers; marker-assisted mouse congenic strain construction; mouse genetic background checkup; and identity testing with a panel of 15 highly polymorphic markers.

The Monoclonal Antibody Core Facility provides researchers of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and The Rockefeller University with a broad spectrum of monoclonal antibody (MAb) related services. The center assists lab members in generating new MAbs and also produces, purifies, conjugates, isotypes and generates FAb fragments of MAbs.

A large selection of MAbs are in stock, ready for immediate delivery and use. Other services offered by the facility are weekly testing for mycoplasmal contamination, production of recombinant proteins from some mammalian cells and the generation of naive B cell libraries.

The university maintains facilities for both nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and optical spectroscopy. The Spectroscopy Center provides access to optical spectroscopic equipment for use in studies of the structure, function and dynamics of biological macromolecules. The center has different types of spectroscopic instrumentation: stopped-flow fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), circular dichroism (CD) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Educational efforts are devoted both to training frequent users and providing general background in applications of spectroscopy to structural biology and chemistry. Occasional users of the facilities may have spectra produced for them. More frequent users are encouraged and trained to operate the instruments themselves.

The center also provides access to nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers (one 400 mHz and one 600 mHz equipped with a cryoprobe) for use in studies of the structure, function and dynamics of macromolecules, as well as spectroscopic fingerprint of peptides and small organic molecules. The center offers extensive training in basic and advanced NMR experiments and also provides access to high field spectrometers at the New York Structural Biology Center.