https://www.resources.pitt.edu All Facilities __ Advanced Imaging Center The Advanced Imaging Center at Pitt is a high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) facility allowing high-resolution in vivo rodent imaging and ex vivo imaging of specimens and tissue samples for applications in life science, biomedical and preclinical imaging research. __ UPMC Montefiore University Hospital Clinical and Translational Research Center The UPMC Montefiore University Hospital Clincal and Translational Research Centerprovides state-of-the-art infrastructure, inpatient and outpatient facilities, specialized equipment, and experienced staff to support clinical and translational research. Administrative staff maintain rigorous oversight of all studies and assist investigators with every aspect of research from study design and budget development through implementation. __ Health Sciences Sequencing Core at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh The Health Sciences Sequencing Core (HSSC) at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh offers full-service next generation sequencing; including RNA/DNA extraction, library generation and sequencing on Illumina NextSeq 2 or MiSeq sequencers. Protocols are established to accept a wide range of input quantity and quality. The HSSC also specializes in spatial transcriptomics and offers full-service options for 1x Genomics Visium, VisiumHD and Xenium, and Curio Biosciences Slide Seeker (Slide-seq) __ Health Sciences Mass Spectrometry Core The Health Sciences Mass Spectrometry Core provides liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) services for metabolomics, lipidomics and proteomics. We also provide proteomics analysis using the O-link midplex platform. Expert staff provide assistance throughout the full lifespan of all projects from experimental design and sample preparation through statistical analysis and interpretation of datasets. __ Peptide and Peptoid Synthesis Facility The Peptide and Peptoid Synthesis Core provides comprehensive services for peptide & peptoid synthesis, custom modifications, purification, and characterization to research programs at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC. __ Pitt Biospecimen Core (PBC) The Pitt Biospecimen Core provides human sample procurement in multiple UPMC hospitals across Pittsburgh. Standard operating procedures for procurement and processing are developed for each project in partnership with each study's principal investigator. A rigorous quality assurance program ensures SOP compliance. In addition to specimen banking and pathology consultation, research histology services by expert histology specialists are also available. __ Small Molecule Biomarker Core The Small Biomarker Core provides accurate and sensitive quantitative analysis in biological samples, with or without sample processing, using state-of-the-art ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). In addition to well qualified assays for common targets, experienced, knowledgeable personnel can provide assay development for novel targets __ Health Research Record Request The Health Record Research Request (R3) is a service that provisions UPMC clinical data and authorizes UPMC data systems for research. R3 is available to University of Pittsburgh investigators and UPMC projects requiring research data. Under the Chief Research Informatics Officer (CRIO), on behalf of UPMC, staff provision data for research (in some cases as Honest Brokers) via our Research Data Warehouse, Neptune, and via other UPMC clinical data sources. The facility does not directly provide analysis services, but does enable collaborations with Department of Biomedical Informatics (DBMI) faculty and staff. __ Center for Biologic Imaging The Center for Biologic Imaging provides integrated elite level access and training on infrastructure used for research, education, technology development and collaboration in Microscopy, Biophotonics and Imaging __ Regional Biocontainment Laboratory The Regional Biocontainment Laboratory maintains BSL2+ and BSL3 compliant laboratory space for use by investigators working with controlled pathogens. Investigator personnel must receive training and perform all laboratory operations. The facility does not provide labor support. __ Health Services Research Data Center (HSRDC) The Health Sciences Research Data Center is a HIPAA compliant secure computing environment where study teams can store data and do analytics from anywhere with internet access. Teams work in a Windows virtual desktop with memory, storage, and computing power dedicated to each user. Knowledgeable facility staff can provide data management, help with regulatory documents like DUAs, maintain systems compliance, and custom application development. __ Multidisciplinary Acute Care Clinical Research Organization The Multidisciplinary Acute Care Clinical Research Organization provides all services needed to conduct clinical trials. Staffed by specialists in the areas of regulatory compliance, contracting, laboratory services, screening/enrolling, and trial/data management MACRO provides year-round 24/7 support for studies in critical care, emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and other limited areas based on need. __ Innovative Technologies Development Core The Innovative Technologies Development Core provides expert design and implementation of gene targeting strategies using various methods, including CRISPR-Cas9, in mice and cells. __ Mouse Embryo Services Core The Mouse Embryo Services Core offers a full range of services of genetically modified mouse lines including sperm/embryo cryopreservation and rederivation as well as consultation on mouse colony maintenance and breeding. __ Unified Flow Cytometry Core The Unified Flow Cytometry Core provides extensive flow cytometry and cell sorting services with instruments in BST and at the Assembly. Instrument capabilities include traditional, spectral and imaging flow analysis as well as chip cytometry and cell sorting. __ McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine Histology Lab The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine Histology Lab prepares and mounts tissue sections from fixed or frozen tissue. Due to health and safety requirements, human tissue must be fixed. Expert staff members support a variety of tissue staining methods and immunohistochemistry. Custom protocol development also available. __ Small Animal Ultrasonography Core The Small Animal Ultrasonogrphy Core provides high frequency ultrasound for non-invasive, in vivo, real-time, high-resolution imaging of tissue structure and function in small animals. __ Center for Biostatistics & Qualitative Methodology (CBQM) The Center for Biostatistics and Qualitative Methodology provides cutting-edge expertise and research infrastructure across 4 key Cores: Biostatistics, Data Management & Information Systems, Qualitative Analysis, and Data Coordination. __ Preclinical Phenotyping Core The Preclinical Phenotyping Core provides access to and expert professional assistance in characterization of behavioral and physiological phenotypes in rodent models. __ Single Cell Core The Single Cell Core provides library preparation and analysis using the 1X Genomics Chromium platform. All 1X Genomics single cell applications are fully supported including gene expression, V(D)J B cell and T cell immune profiling, ATAC, Multiome (gene expression with ATAC), cell surface protein markers and FLEX (single cell processing of FFPE tissue sections and formaldehyde fixed cells and tissues). The Single Cell Core can also work with researchers to pilot other single cell technologies. __ Magee-Womens Hospital Clinical and Translational Research Center The Magee-Womens Hospital Clinical and Translational Research Center is a dedicated outpatient facility that supports a wide range of clinical and translational research. Staffed by experienced research personnel and nurses, the unit includes spaces designed to accommodate flexible sigmoidoscopies, medication infusions, pharmacokinetic sampling, EKGs, biological specimen processing, and other research-related assessments. __ Bioinformatics Core Facility at the John G Rangos Sr. Research Center The Bioinformatics Core Facility at the John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center provides bioinformatics as well as biostatistics services across a wide range of disease domains. The next-generation sequencing data analysis includes, but is not limited to, whole genome-, whole exome-, bulk and single cell epigenome-, bulk and single cell transcriptome, spatial transcriptome, microbiome, metabolome, proteome and lipidome data analysis. The facility specializes in T-, and B- cell repertoire data analysis, multi-omics initiatives, and multimodal analysis. Shiny dashboard and other web application development is also supported. __ Gnotobiotic Animal Core Laboratory The Gnotobiotic Animal Core Laboratory is a BSL2-compliant mouse facility providing isolators for studies requiring a controlled microbiotic environment. All husbandry and upkeep services are provided. Additional specialized support is also available. __ Animal Imaging Core Laboratory at the John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center The Animal Imaging Core Laboratory at the John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center provides in vivo and ex vivo multimodal imaging services (MRI, MRS, ultrasound, CT, PET, SPECT, and IVIS) and microinjection for all areas of preclinical anatomical imaging, functional imaging, and molecular imaging, from small rodents, rabbits, goats and pigs to nonhuman primates as well as non-biological samples. __ The Cell Imaging Core Laboratory at John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center The Cell Imaging Core Laboratory at John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center offers cell imaging by confocal microscopy, including live cell as well as laser capture microdissection and LCM. __ Flow Cytometry Core at John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center The Flow Cytometry Core at John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center is a BSL2+ compliant cytometry analysis and sorting facility located at the John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center in Lawrenceville serving investigators from across the University of Pittsburgh. __ Histology Core at John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center The Histology Core at John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center provides high-quality individualized histological services, including tissue processing and embedding, sectioning, routine stains and novel antibody workup. __ Drosophila Facility The Drosophila Facility specializes in producing Drosophila media and making it available to local investigators. The media is provided in trays of vials (standard wide) or bottles __ Magnetic Resonance Research Center The Magnetic Resonance Research Center is dedicated to the development and application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for medical and biological research. MRRC is whole-body imaging capable with specialty in anatomical MRI imaging of brain, spine, extremities, liver, bladder as well as functional MRI to study cognitive, sensory, and motor function in the brain. __ Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Research Center The Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Research Center provides PET imaging for clinical research and pre-clinical studies. Radiotracer production and development are also available. __ Genomics Analysis Core The Genomics Analysis Core focuses on bioinformatics analysis of genomic data with emphasis on rigor and reproducibility. Professional analytical staff support all aspects of translational studies - from experimental design to data analysis to publication. __ Pediatric Clinical and Translational Research Center (PCTRC) The Pediatric Clinical And Translational Research Center (PCTRC) is a unique multidisciplinary setting that provides physicians the opportunity to investigate childhood diseases in a controlled environment on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. __ Cryo-electron Microscopy Facility The Cryo-electron Microscopy Facility provides access to cutting edge instrumentation for high resolution structural analysis of proteins, protein complexes, viruses, macromolecular assemblies, cellular organelles, and bacterial cells. __ Center for Research Computing and Data Center for Research Computing provides access to computing and data storage resources, training workshops on how best to use these resources, and personalized consultation on improvements to research codes and workflows. __ Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center The mission of the PIttsburgh Super Computing Center is to enable the advancement of science and research. The Center cultivates collaborative partnerships, empowers the next generation of researchers, and provides cutting-edge cyberinfrastructure. It strives to be the pioneering leader in advanced scientific computing and seeks to expand access to resources for breakthrough discoveries worldwide. __ Biobehavioral Oncology Facility The Biobehavioral Oncology Facility at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center provides wet lab support for specimen processing and a wide range of assays for biobehavioral researchers lacking access to wet lab space and/or necessary expertise. __ Biostatistics Facility, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center The Biostatics Facility at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center provides statistical and computational methods for design, execution, analysis, and reporting of cancer-related research studies and trials including biomarker analysis and grant development. Shadyside, HCC __ Cancer Bioinformatics Services, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center The Cancer Bioinformatics Services at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center provides bioinformatics support for translational genomics using sequencing, arrays, single cell, and other technologies. __ Cancer Genomics Facility, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center The Cancer Genomics Facility at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center supports genomics and transcriptomics platforms including nucleic acid extraction, sample QC, next-generation library preparation and sequencing, single cell and spatial analysis. The facility specializes in paraffin-embedded tissue samples. Location: Shadyside, SHDY __ Cancer Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Facility, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Cancer Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Facility provides accessible, economical, comprehensive, and state-of-the-art bioanalytical, pharmacokinetic and pharmacology research services that support preclinical and clinical research programs focused on oncology at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and medical institutions nationwide. Resources include HPLC-UV/fluorescence, ICP-MS, LC-MS/MS, LSC, ELISA, and in vivo rodent procedures, as well as advanced PK software suites and expertise for preclinical and clinical projects. __ Cytometry Facility, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center The Cytometry Facility at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center supports analytical cytometry and cell sorting. The facility also offers NanoString Digital Spatial Analyzer and nCounter service and support. __ Immunologic Monitoring and Cellular Products Laboratory The Immunologic Monitoring and Cellular Products Laboratory (IMCPL) operates 12 clean rooms and focuses on IND manufacturing under cGMP/cGTP. Operations are monitored 24/7 by expert staff. The facility director specializes in and collaborates on preclinical research development involving process conceptualization, technology transfer and testing implementation on human cell-based drugs for clinical trials. Immunological monitoring services are available to support clinical trials. The facility is a FACT-, CLIA-, CAP-, and FDA-accredited laboratory. __ In Vivo Imaging Facility, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (clinical research) The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center In Vivo Imaging Facility provides novel quantitative imaging assessments and metrics that include but not limited to standard FDA-approved clinical trial imaging assessments (such as RECIST, iRECIST, irRECIST, iiRC, RANO, Lugano, etc) to evaluate cancer therapy and more advanced AI imaging assessments using radiomics, radiogenomics, and AI-driven imaging biomarkers to enhance diagnostic, monitoring and post-therapy predictions and assessments. __ Luminex Core Laboratory, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center The Luminex Core Laboratory at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center performs assays using multiplexed, bead-based immunochemistry on minimal sample volumes. Luminex technology provides a method for profiling of up to 100 different proteins, peptides, or DNA molecules in a single microtiter well. Results have strong concordance to ELISA and mass spectrometry. Thousands of commercially validated kits are available for purchase through the core laboratory. A list of these assays can be requested. __ Magee Obstetric Maternal and Infant Database and Biobank The Magee Obstetric Maternal and Infant (MOMI) Database and Biobank contains a collection of obstetric biological materials from prenatal visits through delivery along with annotated clinical information. In addition to banked specimens, assistance with prospective specimen collection can be provided. __ Histology & Micro-Imaging Core The Histology and Micro-Imaging Core provides high-quality, rapid-tissue processing and imaging services. The tissue-to-image approach allows investigators to request services, drop off samples, and receive interpretation, images, or image analyses of their processed samples according to their needs. __ Genome Editing, Transgenic & Virus Core "MWRI’s Genome Editing, Transgenic, and Virus (GETV) Core Facility provides leadership, technical expertise, advice, and training for investigators both within and outside the University of Pittsburgh community. The core is comprised of three functional sections: 1) Molecular cloning (plasmid, virus, CRISPR/Cas9) 2) Viral vectors (lentivirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus) 3) Animal services (transgenic, knockout, cryopreservation, re-derivation, and more)" __ Cell Cytometry and Sorting Core at Magee-Women's Research Institute The Cell Cytometry and Sorting Core at Magee-Womens Research Institute provides the latest technology for cutting-edge flow cytometry research. The core facilities assist researchers in simultaneous, rapid examination of diverse individual cell types within a population of cells suspended in fluid. __ Confocal Microscope Core at Magee-Women's Research Institute The Confocal Microscope Core at Magee-Womens Research Institute can meet imaging needs from single plane acquisition, to Z-stacks and 3D reconstruction, and to live imaging on slides or in tissue culture dishes. Microscopes are user operated after intensive training and demonstration of proficiency. __ Neuropathology Brain Bank The Neuropathology Brain Bank is a biorepository specializing in the collection of brains from deceased adults with neurodegenerative diseases. A limited number of pediatric cases involving genetic disorders are included. __ Statistics Consulting Center The Statistics Consulting Center offers services to the Pitt community at no charge. A program of the Department of Statistics, the center is staffed by departmental graduate students under faculty supervision. __ Epidemiology Data Center, Pitt Public Health The Epidemiology Data Center at Pitt Public Health provides a research environment in which complex health questions can be explored and answered using the combined tools of biology and statistics. EDC establishes collaborations with clinical researchers to design, conduct and analyze multicenter, randomized clinical trials and epidemiological studies. __ Microscopy and Imaging Suite The Microscopy and Imaging Suite offers equipment and resources for light, confocal and electron microscopy. Flow cytometer is also available, as is software for image and cytometry analysis. Wet lab space is available for independent EM sample prep. __ Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Core Services The Clinical and Translational Science Institute offers specialist research services, as well as funding and educational opportunities, through the following cores: Regulatory Knowledge and Support, Trial Implementation and Enrollment, Community PARTners, Pilot Funding, Biomedical Informatics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design, Clinical Research Facilities, Implementation Lab, Innovation, Research Participation, Team Science and Workforce Development, IMPaCT Core, and Human-Centered Design. __ Pitt BioRepository Database The Pitt BioRepository Database is a searchable database of biorepositories at the University of Pittsburgh. Principal investigator contact information is provided to facilitate collaboration. __ High Throughput Genomics Core The High Throughput Genomics Core (HTGC) for clinical and translational medicine offers Illumina genome and exome sequencing using a semiautomated CAP compliant platform. __ Pre-clinical In Vivo Imaging Facility, Hillman Cancer Center The Preclinical In Vivo Imaging Facility at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center offers MR, PET-CT, optical and ultrasound for small animals. __ Health Sciences Library System Molecular Biology Information Service The Health Sciences Library System Molecular Biology Information Service office maintains institutional licenses to a number of analytical software tools. Training workshops are offered regularly on how to use many of those packages, including those used for RNA-Seq and single-cell transcriptomics analysis. __ Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design The Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design Core of Pitt's Clinical and Translational Science Institute provides consultation regarding study design, statistical analyses, power and sample size calculations and data collection for clinical and translational studies and grant applications. BERD offers consultation for collecting and managing data using the REDCap system. BERD also offers a series of workshops to provide essential elements involved in data collection, data management and creating reports for research studies. __ Office of Academic Computing The Office of Academic Computing (OAC) supports research and provide technology services for the Department of Psychiatry research community. We design and build customized research applications for data collection, manage, and securely store research data, and provide end-user computing support for researchers in the department. __ Tissue Culture and Histology Core Facility "The Tissue Culture and Histology Core Facility within the Department of Ophthalmology offers support from tissue processing to H&E staining for FFPE or fresh frozen specimens. Basic and advanced tissue culture techniques are available. The core is open to all researchers with a vision-related project regardless of department or institutional affiliation. Training is required for user-operated access to all equipment or services can be performed by facility staff." __ CMU-Pitt Brain Imaging Data Generation & Education Center The CMU-Pitt Brain Imaging Data Generation & Education Center is a research-dedicated neuroimaging facility, with a focus on advanced data analytics and basic science research. It is designed exclusively to support basic science research and the next generation of brain scientists. RRID: SCR_023356 __ High Throughput Genome Center The High Throughput Genome Center supports high throughput paralleled sequencing for genome, transcriptome and epigenome analyses through Illumina and Oxford nanopore platforms, and array through Affymetrix platform. In addition, the center provides collaboration on single-cell transcriptome and multi-omic sequencing. For spatial biology, we provide Cytassist and Stereo-Seq platforms for transcriptome analysis. The center also provides extensive bioinformatic analyses to investigators through collaboration. __ CRISMA Clinical Research Biospecimen Core CRISMA Clinical Research Biospecimen Core: The CRISMA Clinical Research and Biospecimen Core Laboratory (CRBC Lab) offers a range of biomarker/analyte quantification services utilizing various platforms – Luminex, ELLA, and ELISA. In addition, the lab can isolate and quantify DNA from whole blood samples. The CRBC Lab technicians have extensive experience supporting multiple projects from multicenter NIH-funded clinical trials to pilot studies. __ Organoid Research Core (ORC) The ORC provides long-term storage (-150 C) of organoids, training in organoid culture, compound screening, and consultation __ Pediatric Clinical Research Services The Pediatric Clinical Research Services group (PCRS) provides clinical research management, budget development, experienced clinical research coordinators, and regulatory support in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. These programs assist investigators in enrolling subjects, scheduling and conducting research visits, data entry, and sponsor engagement at UPMC Magee-Women's Hospital via the Newborn Research Support Service program (NuRSERy) and at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh via the Clinical Research Support Services program (CRSS). This cooperative model provides a bridge between the two institutions and a service solution that permits ongoing engagement as study participants age. __ School of Pharmacy Confocal Microscopy Laboratory The School of Pharmacy Confocal Microscopy Laboratory is equipped with an Olympus FV3000 confocal microscopy system with both galvo and resonant scanners ideal for high-speed time-lapse imaging of live physiological events, four detectors including 2 high-sensitivity detectors, and Tokai Hit stage top incubator for live-cell imaging. System also is equipped with cellSens software for Trusight deconvolution and TruAI analysis capabilities. __ Pittsburgh Pepper Center  The Pepper Research Network on Aging (PRNA) maintains two registries that are available for Pepper-approved researchers who are conducting aging-related research at the University of Pittsburgh. These registries include the Community Research Connection and the Platinum Senior-Living Registry based in long-term senior housing. __ Women’s Health Practice-Based Research Network  The Women’s Health Practice-Based Research Network (WHPBRN) promotes collaboration between practitioners and clinical investigators to improve women’s health. __ AAV Gene Therapy Core The goal of the VMI AAV core is to provide a novel platform for faculties in the VMI to win research grants and develop new molecular therapeutic technique from Bench to Bedside. We are actively working collaboratively with scientists and clinicians in the VMI and across the Department of Medicine. As a partner, the Core is open to all investigators at Pitt for grant applications __ Bruker Ultima 2pPlus Microscope CNBio Imaging Center offers cutting-edge microscopy services designed for in vivo imaging with four channels, high-speed 3D imaging, and a wide field of view, ideal for exploring complex cellular mechanisms. Beyond the microscope, the center provides comprehensive support services, including training, protocol development, hardware acquisition, and data analysis. By handling the technical and logistical aspects, CNBio enables researchers to focus entirely on their scientific discoveries without distraction. __ UCSUR, University Center for Social & Urban Research UCSUR is a university center focused on community-engaged research. We serve Pitt researchers and the region. Services for hire include: (1) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analysis, Ellen Kinnee, ejk40@pitt.edu; (2) Regional Economic Analysis, Chris Briem, cbriem@pitt.edu; (3) Data Literacy & Accessibility such as developing dashboards, facilitating civic engagement, and transforming public data sources, Bob Gradeck, rmg44@pitt.edu; (4) Survey & Qualitative Research, Anita Zuberi, anita-zuberi@pitt.edu __ Biomolecular NMR Shared Resource The Biomolecuar NMR Shared Resource (bioNMR-SR) is to provide to University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine faculty with state-of-the-art resources for detailed molecular analysis, including full structure determination of biological macromolecules with essential functions in normal cells and disease. The bioNMR-SR is equipped for analysis of biomolecules in both solution and in the solid state, with four solution-based NMR spectrometers (all equipped with high sensitivity cryogenically-cooled probes) and two solid state-based NMR spectrometers. Together, these provide a complementary set of tools for detailed molecular analysis of the structure, dynamics, and interactions of biological macromolecules.