The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) supports a wide range of shared resources and core facilities designed to advance basic, clinical and translational research. Core facilities are pay-per-use research laboratories or analytical services, which allow investigators access to technologies and services not available in their own laboratories.

A research core facility is a shared resource that provides access to instruments, technologies and services on a pay-per-use basis. UAMS core facilities use iLab for managing service requests, sample processing, equipment reservations, usage tracking, billing/invoicing, reporting, lab requisitioning, and spend tracking tools. To register/sign-in to iLab or get iLab Help.

Brain Imaging Research Center (BIRC) – a Philips Achieva 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, a state-of-the-art research scanner that addresses focus issues related to human neuroscience. Natalie Morris, (501) 526-8339.

Digital Microscopy Core – operates and maintains computer controlled microscope workstations ranging from light to electron microscopy. We offer advice, training and user support for equipment operation (e.g., 3D SIM, PALM, CLEM, TEM) and sample preparation such as chemical fixation of cell culture and tissue samples. Jeff Kamykowski, (501) 526-7290

DNA Damage and Toxicology Core – provides expertise, equipment and facilities to perform DNA damage and toxicology studies related to toxic or hypoxic tissue/cell injury in drug development, diseases or aging. In addition to offering standard cytotoxicity assays, the core can measure oxidative damage and quantify levels of apoptosis and necrosis in cells and tissues by using quantitative cytochemistry, immunocytochemistry techniques, and 3-D imaging.

DNA Sequencing Core – provides researchers with sequencing data via an Applied Biosystems Model 3130XL Genetic Analyzer. We regularly achieve read lengths of 700-900 bases. Jennifer Johnson, (501) 686-6927.

Experimental Pathology (ExPath) Core – provides a variety of standard pathological stains for histochemical analysis of tissues, including hematoxylin and eosin, special stains, and immunohistochemistry. Jennifer James, (501) 686-8265.

Experimental Radiation Core – maintains and operates sources of ionizing radiation for use by researchers at UAMS. Services offered include training, experiment design advice using radiation, and dosimetry for new experimental setups. Marjan Boerma, Ph.D., (501) 686-6599

Flow Cytometry Core – provides multiple physical characteristics of individual cells in suspension. It can indicate relative cell size and density or complexity by measuring forward- and side-scattered laser light, respectively, as well as measure relative fluorescence from biomarker probes which bind to specific cell-associated molecules. Andrea Harris, (501) 686-6927.

Genetic Models Core – provides services related to the production and maintenance of genetically modified mice (e.g., transgenic mice in the C57BL/6 or CB6F1 genetic back-ground) and gene-edited mice using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Joseph Goellner, M.S., 501-940-7264

Genomics Core – uses state-of-the-art instrumentation to generate top-quality data with an efficient turn-around time and an affordable cost. A wide range of services are offered, for instance: DNA NGS approaches utilizing Whole Exome Sequencing, Whole Genome Sequencing, and targeted cancer panel approaches. RNA NGS approaches for mRNA and total RNA are also offered. All NGS approaches utilize the latest Illumina technology platforms.

Molecular Imaging Core – provides comprehensive services for non-invasive imaging with a 7 T Magnetic Resonance Imager (MRI) and a MicroPET (Positron Emission Tomography). Michael Borrelli, Ph.D., (501) 526-5897.

Proteomics Core – provides protein characterization by mass spectrometry. This includes identification of unknown proteins, quantitative comparison of proteins in biological samples, and mapping of post-translational protein modifications. Sam Mackintosh, Ph.D., (501) 526-6165.

Tissue Biorepository and Procurement Service (TBAPS) – specimen collection with over 12,000 tissue samples along with de-identified, sample-related pathology data available from a variety of organs and an extensive list of diagnoses. We have an IRB approved protocol and general consent form that allows us to consent patients, acquire samples from the pathology grossing room, and provide these samples to researchers with appropriate approval. Remelle Eggerson, (501) 686-7470.

Ultrasound Imaging Core – offers non-invasive assessment for cardiovascular, vascular biology and cancer research, including pulse-wave and color Doppler imaging and non-targeted/targeted contrast imaging with MicroMarkers. Marjan Boerma, Ph.D., (501) 686-6599.