Overview
The Small Animal Imaging Core [SAIC] is dedicated to providing state-or-the-art bioluminescent and fluorescent imaging capabilities for applications in small animal research models. This is a multi-focused core which will provide access and training for investigators using small animal models for studying cancer development and therapy. The SAIC provides bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging capabilities allowing non-invasive and real-time examination of molecular events occurring within a living organism. Examples of uses relevant to UPCI members include examination of tumor development, metastasis, angiogenesis and response to therapy; trafficking of biological therapies (e.g. immune cell, stem cell or viral therapeutic platforms) or host immune cell responses; or distribution, quantification and kinetic analyses of gene expression within a living organism. Data produced is both quantitative and qualitative, and multiple events may be examined within the same host. Imaging times are generally short (acquisition times of 1 second to 5 minutes), and imaging of multiple animals (up to 5) at one time allows high throughput screening.
The SAIC is also intended for use by researchers who may not have a strong background in imaging or consider imaging a primary focus of their research, but who have a need for pre-clinical imaging to achieve their research goals. The core will therefore provide a high level of consultation, training and support focusing on user-friendly and high-throughput imaging modalities (primarily optical imaging). The core aims to work alongside other facilities that provide more clinically relevant imaging modalities (PET Facility and MRI Facility), and to allow a natural progression from microscopic imaging (Cell and Tissue Imaging Facility) into macroscopic imaging.