Microbiology and Animal Resources Core Laboratory

The NERCE Microbiology and Animal Resources Core maintains two laboratories, a BSL-2 and a BSL-3 laboratory, to support the research efforts of all New England investigators conducting research on NIAID priority pathogens. Each laboratory provides the physical environment, equipment, and support personnel required for scientists to work with these agents.

The BSL-3 laboratory is an isolated suite that includes individual laboratory rooms and rooms for housing experimental animals, all within a single containment facility. The BSL-3 lab provides the extensive security and administrative support structure required for possession of CDC select agents. The laboratory acquires strains of viruses and bacteria, prepares seed stocks, and characterizes these seed stocks using phenotypic and molecular methods to ensure a well-characterized, pure biological reagent. Laboratory staff members assist investigators with experiments involving pathogen culture, fractionation of biological material, animal challenge, and vaccine and drug administration. The laboratory is equipped for commonly used analytical methods, including fluorescence microscopy, PCR, EIA, and ELISPOT. A single suite with both laboratory and experimental animal capability eliminates the need to transport infectious material between laboratories.

The BSL-2 laboratory provides support required by the BLS-3 facility, access to attenuated strains exempt from select agent registration, and laboratory space for visiting investigators. This lab is also equipped with fluorescence microscopy, PCR, EIA, and ELISPOT.

Resources and Services available

• Master stock and seed stock preparation
• Validation of master and seed stocks based on phenotypic properties, PCR, and restriction fragment length polymorphisms / pulse field gel electrophoresis
• Bacterial and viral culture
• Fluorescence microscopy: Olympus BX51 multicolor fluorescence microscope with motorized stage, and 10X, 50X, and 100X magnification
• Real-time PCR: BioRad iCycler IQ Real-Time PCR Detection System. Four color detection simultaneously from 96 wells
• RFLP/PFGE: BioRad CHEF-DR II Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis System
• EIA: Bio-Tek Multi-Detection Reader. Fluorescence, absorbance and luminescence measurement capability. Endpoint, kinetic, or spectral scanning. Reads 6- to 384-well formats. Automated microplate filler and washer available.
• ELISPOT: Cellular Technology Ltd. Series 3B Elispot Analyzer. Auto-illumination and auto-centering enable automated scanning. Scans 24- to 96-well formats. Simultaneous scanning and counting.
• MIC determinations
• Pharmakokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies
• Animal challenge experiments
• Collaborations involving select agent pathogens

Application: Investigators interested in working with the Microbiology and Animal Resources core laboratory should complete the Core A Request Form and send it to:

Christine Anderson, MS, MT(ASCP)
christine_anderson@hms.harvard.edu
617-432-5502
617-432-5506 (fax)

Download the Core A Request Form.

Fees: There are no charges for projects focused on NIAID priority pathogens and agents of emerging infectious disease.

Principal Investigator:	Andrew Onderdonk, Ph.D.
Assistant Directors:	Christine Anderson, M.S., M.T. (A.S.C.P) christine_anderson@hms.harvard.edu
	Sara Heninger, Ph.D. sara_heninger@hms.harvard.edu
Contact:	Christine Anderson, M.S., M.T. (A.S.C.P) christine_anderson@hms.harvard.edu 617-432-5502 617-738-7664 (fax)