Molecular Core
The Molecular Core supports research and education at VHS by housing technologically advanced equipment for analysis of DNA, RNA and protein. To aid in using the equipment within the Molecular Core, classes and training sessions are scheduled at various times during the year. Consultation with the Core Director is available by appointment. Equipment available within the core includes:
Nucleic Acid Analysis
- Nanodrop Spectrophotometers (1000 and 8000 models)
- Agilent 2100 Electrophoresis Bioanalyzer
- iSeq 100 Sequencing System
- Bio-Rad Real Time PCR Systems (Connect and CFX-96 models)
- Qubit 4 Fluorometer
Protein Analysis
- LI-COR Odyssey XF (near-infrared (NIR) and enhanced chemiluminescence)
- LI-COR Odyssey CLx System (NIR)
- Spectra iD3 Max Multi-mode microplate reader (Colorimetric functionality only)
- BioTek Synergy HTX Multi-mode microplate reader
- BioTek EL808 plate reader
- Nanodrop Spectrophotometers (1000 and 8000 models)
- Qubit 4 Fluorometer
Gel Documentation Systems
- Axygen
- Bio-Rad Gel Doc EZ
Other
- Refrigerated centrifuges (micro and preparatory)
- Heat blocks
- Speedvac
- Nucleofector
- Ultrasonicator (water-bath and Covaris ultrasonicator)
Fee-for-Service
- DNA sequencing (Sanger), Custom experimental service
Contact: 757-446-5916, VHS-MolecularCore@odu.edu
George L. Wright Jr. Center for Biomedical Proteomics
The is dedicated to excellence in biomedical proteomics. The center provides proteomics support to investigators in the cancer research center and the general scientific community. Located within the Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center, the Center for Biomedical Proteomics houses a variety of mass spectrometers and other instruments for protein isolation, separation, identification, characterization and data analysis.
- Thermo Q-Exactive Mass Spectrometer
- Thermo Orbitrap Fusion Lumos Mass Spectrometer
- HPLC, FPLC & UHPLC systems
- Fully Integrated Speed-Vac System for HPLC and Mass Spectrometry sample prep
- 2D-Electrophoresis System & Agilent 3100 OFFGEL Fractionator
- Thermo Fisher Scientific NanoDrop One Spectrophotometer
- Qualitative/Quantitative Proteome Analysis & De Novo sequencing and PTM characterization
- ArcturusXT Laser Capture Microdissection System
Location: Lester Hall, 4th floor; Contact: 757-446-5676, VHS-LTCCRC-Lab@odu.edu
VHS Biorepository and Histology Core
The College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited biorepository provides for the procurement, identification, collection, storage and distribution of biospecimens for research purposes. The biorepository has dedicated personnel for specimen procurement and distribution, data entry, hardware and software management, reporting and regulatory tasks and histology services. The environmentally-controlled facility, which includes spaces for storage of specimens as well as lab work is part of the VHS Pathology and Anatomy department. Immunohistochemistry, tissue micro array construction and microscope slide scanning services are available along with routine and specialized tissue processing, sectioning and staining in the histology core of the VHS Biorepository. Services and equipment within the Biorepository include:
- Subject consenting and specimen processing and procurement
- Tissue microarray design & construction
- Tissue processing, sectioning (microtomy & cryotomy) and high-resolution imaging using a Leica Aperio AT2 Digital Slide Scanner
- Routine and specialized staining including immunohistochemistry
Contact: 757-446-7910, ambrozma@odu.edu[OPR1] [PK2] ; clemenma@odu.edu
Flow Cytometry Core
The (Flow Core) provides access to flow cytometry instrumentation and expertise to support research at VHS and the research community of Hampton Roads. Flow Cytometry is a technique for measurement of individual cells in a stream of fluid for cell phenotyping, cell cycle analysis, cell signaling, protein modification, etc. Training can be scheduled with the Flow Cytometry Core Facility staff as needed. The staff is available to provide technical support in designing experiments, preparing samples and setting up the instrument. Additionally, the Flow Core proudly introduces two state-of-the-art additions: the NanoString nCounter for high-throughput gene expression analysis and the ImageStream MK II, providing exceptional resolution for imaging flow cytometry.
- Cytek Aurora Flow Cytometer Analyzer
- BD FACSAria Fusion
- Amnis ImageStreamX Mark II Imaging Flow Cytometer
- Meso Scale Discovery Meso Quick Plex multiplex reader
- Nexcelom Cellometer Auto 1000 cell counter
- NanoString nCounter Multiplex Gene Expression System that allows for multiplex analysis of up to 800 RNA, DNA or target proteins in a sample
- VetScan HM5 Hematology Analyzer
- VetScan VS2 Chemical Analyzer
Location: Lewis Hall 3052; Contact: ColemaKA@odu.edu, VHS-FlowFacility@odu.edu
Research and Infrastructure Service Enterprise (RISE)
RISE is a research support unit operated under the Office of Research and the Vice Dean of Research. The staff is comprised of Masters and PhD level statisticians and epidemiologists who are affiliated faculty from the Graduate Program of Public Health and the Office of Research.
RISE services include:
- Data analysis, coding, management, safety monitoring and collection methods
- Database design
- Evaluation methods
- General consultation
- Health policy analysis
- Interpretation of data analysis results
- Qualitative research
- Randomization and blinding
- Sample size calculation and power analysis
- Software usability or task analysis
- Study design
- Survey Design
- Research feasibility discussion to establish testable research hypotheses
- Results presentation for manuscripts and posters
Location: Williams Hall A wing; Contact: 757-446-7991, VHS-RISE@odu.edu
Microscopy and Imaging Core
The VHS Microscopy and lmaging Core provides access to upright and inverted microscopes, all equipped with cameras, as well as a JEOL 1200EXII TEM*, a Keyence BZ-X* fluorescent microscope, and a Zeiss 880 LSM confocal* to all faculty, staff and students of 亚色视频. Computers available in the facility are equipped with MetaMorph image analysis software. The core is available to institutions outside 亚色视频 and the VA Shared Research Cores Initiative MOU for a fee.
- Fluorescence, Brightfield, DIC, polarized light Olympus upright and inverted microscopes with cameras
- Zeiss in vivo and in vitro 880 Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope*, with incubation chamber and Zen Black software
- Zeiss Axio Observer Inverted Fluorescence Microscope, Zen Blue software
- Keyence BZ-X All-in-One Fluorescence Microscope*
- JEOL 1200EXll transmission electron microscope* with an AMT XR111 digital camera for ultrastructural examination of biological tissue
- Computers equipped with image analysis software (MetaMorph).
- ONI NanoImager Microscope
- Nikon Coolscope slide reader
Location: Lewis Hall 3084; Contact: 757-446-5658, kepowell@odu.edu
* For a fee
Pre-clinical Research Resources
Vivarium
The AAALAC accredited animal research facility located on [MS1] the VHS campus covers a space of approximately 16,000 ft2. The facility is able to house multiple species. BSL-2 rooms are available for use, if needed, and the animals are cared for by a full-time veterinarian with trained support staff. The vivarium is set up to assist the investigators with breeding programs, diet studies, drug delivery, and surgery.
The facility contains a modern surgical suite with 2 operating rooms, a scrub room, a prep room, and is capable of housing and working with most species. Imaging via 3D and 4D ultrasound, X-ray, and an IVIS Lumina imaging system is available. Additionally, the X-RAD320 a high-end, fully shielded, biological irradiation cabinet for use in Basic Sciences research is available. There are separate rooms available for procedures in each area of the vivarium. A necropsy room with down draft table is available for use. There are 2 separate cage wash units, as well as multiple autoclaves for use.
Management of animal facilities
The Division of Comparative Medicine (CompMed) supports every aspect of the animal care and use program in its role as the institutional entity responsible for animal procurement, animal husbandry, veterinary care and health surveillance, preventative medicine programs, animal quarantine, oversight and maintenance of the animal facilities and related equipment, personnel training, and specialized technical support. CompMed, along with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), is charged with guiding the animal care and use program in support of research and compliance with all federal, state, local, and VHS guidelines, policies and regulations. CompMed is managed by SoBran Bioscience, Inc., a nationally recognized provider of support services for biomedical research. The CompMed staff consists of the Attending Veterinarian (AV)/Clinical Veterinarian (CV), Project Manager (PM) and supporting technical and research specialist staff. The AV reports to the VHS Institutional Official (IO) on all matters related to animal care and use and participates in the IACUC. The IACUC members are appointed by the Dean/Provost, whom the IO reports to.
Core laboratory resource sharing agreement between Virginia research institutions
VHS (formerly EVMS) is one of seven academic research institutions in Virginia that have signed a to share core facilities and resources in an effort to advance the research enterprise in the Commonwealth.
