|
National Institutes of Health |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Quick Links
|
Invertebrate Animal ResourcesON THIS PAGE: SEE ALSO: Bloomington Drosophila Stock CenterResearch Emphasis/ObjectivesThe center collects, maintains, and distributes genetically defined strains of Drosophila melanogaster with significant research value. Emphasis is placed on genetic tools that are useful to a broad range of investigations. These include basic stocks of flies used in genetic analysis such as marker, balancer, mapping, and transposon-tagging strains; mutant alleles of identified genes, including a large set of transposable element insertion alleles; defined sets of deficiencies and a variety of other chromosomal aberrations; engineered lines for somatic and germline clonal analysis; GAL4 and UAS lines for targeted gene expression; enhancer trap and lacZ-reporter strains with defined expression patterns for marking tissues; and a collection of transposon-induced lethal mutations. Services ProvidedApproximately 23,000 fly strains are currently available. Up-to-date stock lists are available for searching, browsing, or downloading/copying at the Internet site. An order form is available on the same site. One small subculture is provided of each requested stock. Larger quantities of animals cannot be provided by the center. Requests may be submitted via a web-based automated ordering system. Stock center scientists are available to answer questions about center stocks, use of the database, or general questions about Drosophila genetics for researchers new to the field.
New users of the collections must contact the center for a Bloomington
user number (BUN) before ordering stocks. Visit the
Web
site Contact InformationBloomington Drosophila Stock Center
Web site: flystocks.bio.indiana.edu NCRR cofunding of National Science Foundation grant DBI 9816125
Principal Investigator
Additional Contacts
Kathleen A. Matthews, Ph.D Drosophila Genomics Resource CenterResearch Emphasis/ObjectivesThe Drosophila Genomics Resource Center (DGRC) collects and distributes reagents and materials essential for Drosophila genomics research, including large clone sets, common transformation vectors, cell lines, and DNA microarrays. It also tests emerging genomics technologies and provides users with guidance in the use of resources. Services ProvidedClones: A collection of over 1,000,000 clones is distributed as individual clones and sets. For each clone in the collection, the DGRC web site provides relevant references, sequence information, restriction maps, and links to FlyBase entries. Transformation Vectors: The Center distributes general-purpose transformation vectors for use in flies or in cultured cells. Cell lines: The DGRC distributes Drosophila cell lines, provides Web site support for their use and handling, encourages further characterization of the lines that are less well known, and provides a general stimulus to Drosophila cell culture efforts. Researchers are currently conducting the necessary experiments to provide microarray gene expression profiles and karyotype information. Microarray Resources: The Center distributes DNA microarray slides, including genome tiling path arrays, transcriptome arrays, with some specialty arrays available upon request. Users must create an account prior to purchasing. In addition to purchase orders, online credit card orders are alo accepted. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis. Contact InformationThe Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics
Web site: http://dgrc.cgb.indiana.edu Grant No. P40 RR0117093
Principal Investigator
Additional Contacts
Thom Kaufman, Ph.D.
Jennifer Steinbachs, Ph.D. Caenorhabditis Genetics CenterResearch Emphasis/Objectives
The Caenorhabditis Genetics Center (CGC) acquires, maintains,
and distributes genetic stocks and information about stocks of the
small free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans for use by
investigators initiating or continuing research on this genetic model
organism. The CGC acquires and maintains a C. elegans
bibliography and publishes and distributes a C. elegans
research newsletter, The Worm Breeder's Gazette (WBG),
and a WBG subscriber directory. The CGC acts as a
clearinghouse for genetic nomenclature and maintains the C. elegans genetic map; these latter functions are managed as
a subcontract from the CGC by Dr. Jonathan Hodgkin at MRC Laboratory
of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 2QH, England. The C. elegans Web
site Services ProvidedAnimalsThe CGC's collection of more than 4,000 strains includes one allele of each mapped gene, all available chromosome rearrangements, and selected multiple-mutant stocks for genetic mapping. The CGC also has stocks of nematode species closely related to C. elegans. Requests for strains should include a brief statement of the research or training activity for which the stocks are intended. Information about CGC stocks can be obtained from the CGC Web site. The Worm Breeder's Gazette
The WBG is distributed worldwide to approximately 500
subscribers who pay a small subscription fee. Each volume consists of
six issues distributed over two years. Except for the last issue of
each volume, which is devoted to an updated genetic map, the WBG includes short abstracts of preliminary
findings, work in progress, and other news about C. elegans.
Access the electronic version of the WBG Nomenclature Information
Recommended guidelines and persons to contact for specific questions about C. elegans genetic nomenclature can be found at elegans.swmed.edu/Genome/Nomencl2001w.htm CGC Bibliography
A periodically updated C. elegans bibliography, including
abstracts, is available on the CGC Web site or from elegans.swmed.edu Contact InformationCaenorhabditis Genetics Center
Web site: www.cbs.umn.edu/CGC
Principal Investigator
Additional Contact Center for C. elegans AnatomyResearch Emphasis/ObjectivesThe center does ultrastructural research on the anatomy and development of the model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans. Transmission and scanning electron microscopic (TEM and SEM)studies are conducted in collaboration with established C. elegans researchers and with new students and postdoctoral fellows. Tissue defects in selected mutant alleles are compared with normal nematode tissues. Electron microscopic (EM) techniques are being developed and improved for C. elegans studies, including better fixations and embeddings for immunoEM and histochemical studies.
An archive of TEM images has been assembled for the normal
animal—adults, larvae, embryos, and in both sexes. The data are
being used to create an online database (WORMATLAS Current ResearchSeveral major themes are being followed. These include the ultrastructural anatomy of aging, axon guidance, cell death and autophagy, intercellular fusion, and gonadal development. Synaptic wiring in wild type and mutant animals is studied in serial thin sections; a principal effort is to complete the neuronal wiring of the adult male tail. High-pressure freezing and microwave protocols are being compared as methods for immunocytochemistry and for mutant analysis. Services ProvidedAdvanced training is available on a one-to-one basis to learn EM methods for C. elegans; that the student should have some background in electron microscopy in advance. Techniques include fixation, embedding, serial thin sections, antibody staining, and microscopy. Our technical staff can help in conducting research projects using these methods. The work is often shared with the collaborating laboratory, so that an outside investigator learns to use the microscope, collect images, and analyze the data. Select portions of the IMAGE Archive are available upon request by FTP or on DVDs. Contact Information
Center for C. elegans Anatomy
Web site: www.wormatlas.org
Web site: www.wormimage.org Grant No.: R24 RR012596
Principal Investigator
Additional Contact A Comprehensive Resource Base for C. elegans K+ ChannelsResearch Emphasis/ObjectivesThis is a resource base, which includes potassium channel cDNA clones in vectors suitable for functional expression and stocks of gene knockout strains. Supporting this resource base are studies showing the basic biophysical properties of the channels, studies showing the phenotypes of mutants, and information on the cell-type expression patterns of potassium channels. Current ResearchStudies of potassium channel cell-type expression patterns and functional properties; studies of behavioral phenotypes; generation of knockout mutants. Services ProvidedFull-length cDNAs encoding C. elegans potassium channels in a vector suitable for functional expression in Xenopus oocytes and mammalian cell lines are available on request. Information is also provided describing the cell-type expression patterns and basic biophysical properties of potassium channels. C. elegans strains carrying knockouts of potassium channels are also generated and deposited at the C. elegans stock center at the University of Minnesota. Data on behavioral phenotypes are also available. Contact InformationA Comprehensive Resource Base for C.
elegans K+ Channels
Web site: nt-salkoff.wustl.edu Grant No.: R24 RR017342
Principal Investigator
Additional Contact National Resource for AplysiaResearch Emphasis/ObjectivesThis resource provides research investigators with laboratory-reared Aplysia californica of known age and standardized environmental background, as well as their food source. Current ResearchPrimary goal is to optimize and standardize Aplysia used by NIH investigators. This includes a health monitoring program based on water quality testing and animal bacteriological screening. Ancillary projects include genetics and functional genomic studies to characterize the variation of laboratory-reared animals in comparison with natural populations, and neurophysiological studies of the nervous system during development. Services ProvidedTo Outside InvestigatorsSibling animals of known ages and stages are available to investigators throughout the year. On request, Aplysia and their food (red seaweed) are shipped via Federal Express, overnight priority. Shipping and handling costs are charged to the investigator. Special cohorts, procedures, or manipulations of animal groups can be arranged by contacting the persons named above. AnimalsThe colony currently contains more than 10,000 laboratory-reared animals at various life stages and known ages. All animals are produced from field-collected brood stock, monitored for health, and randomly tested for behavioral responses prior to shipping. Core StaffIncludes investigators carrying out studies of life history, animal husbandry, disease prevention, genetic and functional genomic variability, and neurophysiology. Guest Investigators and Graduate StudentsGuest investigators and graduate students interested in studies of life history, culture, genetics, and neurophysiology are encouraged to inquire. Selection will be based on the relevance of the proposed study and the availability of resources to meet individual needs. Contact InformationNational Resource for Aplysia
Web site: www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/sea-hares Grant No.: P40 RR010294
Principal Investigator
Additional Contact National Resource Center for CephalopodsResearch Emphasis/ObjectivesThe center serves the biomedical research community's increased needs for alternative invertebrate models by maintaining a consistent year-round supply of live cephalopod mollusks. These animals are suitable for a wide range of physiological and molecular biological investigations. Current ResearchInvestigations are being conducted in the area of life history related to improved animal husbandry. Further studies focus on improving culture system design through development of computer automation and innovative water filtration technology. Current biomedical research on cephalopods includes neurophysiology of the giant axon; anatomy and neurophysiology of the equilibrium receptor organ as a comparative model of the vestibular system of invertebrates; chemoreception, basic nutrition, and protein metabolism; cellular receptor function; and brain, behavior, and learning. Services ProvidedThe center has built a computer-automated, environmentally controlled, recirculating seawater laboratory for the purpose of culturing cephalopods. The tank systems can be used to conduct a variety of experiments never before possible with cephalopods. To Outside InvestigatorsVisiting researchers have access to dedicated facilities, including wet and dry laboratory space, office space, computer support and accommodations, as well as priority access to all available live animal resources. Off-site investigators can have live animals, dissected animal tissues/body fluids from all life stages, and a variety of molecular reagents (gene libraries and clones) delivered year-round. Staff expertise and an extensive literature library are available. Animals/MaterialsAll life stages of the squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) and the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) are available year-round from laboratory culture populations. The sepiolid squid (Euprymna scolopes) can also be cultured on request. The squid Lolliguncula brevis is available year-round from local waters; the squids Loligo opalescens, L. pealeii, and L. plei can be obtained seasonally on request. The chambered nautilus, Nautilus pompilius, and Octopus bimaculoides are available on request. Animal costs vary by species and size. Any tissue or body fluid from these animals can also be provided. Fees for special services are negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Contact InformationNational Resource Center for Cephalopods
Web site: www.nrcc.utmb.edu Grant No.: P40 RR001024
Principal Investigator
Additional Contacts
Leigh Walsh Resource Center for Tetrahymena ThemophilaResearch Emphasis/ObjectivesThis resource provides a centralized repository for genetically distinct strains of Tetrahymena thermophila, a ciliated protozoan that has served as a key model for studies of eukaryotic cellular and molecular biology for more than 50 years. The stock center will: 1) collect, annotate, and store experimentally useful cell lines; 2) establish a database that will provide essential information about these strains to the community at-large; and 3) supply actively growing cultures to researchers around the world. Contact InformationResource Center for Tetrahymena
Themophila
Grant No.: P40 RR019688
Principal Investigator |
 |
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Bethesda, Maryland 20892 |
 |
Department of Health and Human Services |
 |
