Our Science Initiatives – Animal Models
Laboratory
Animal Sciences Program (LASP) – The LASP provides NCI scientists
from both the Bethesda and Frederick, MD campuses with animal models of human cancer
as well as scientific support, including veterinary care, transgenic/knockout services,
cryopreservation and breeding, histotechnology and veterinary pathology, speed congenics,
and access to the Mouse Models of Human Cancers
Repository.
Animal Models Initiative (AMI) – CCR’s Animal Models Initiative lends expertise and recommendations to NCI intramural investigators whose research involves the use of animal models. The AMI also advises the CCR Director on animal models issues, providing in-depth analysis of emerging trends in biomedical research to inform scientific policy decisions. The AMI created the CCR-AMI Rodent List (CARL), an in-house database of useful mouse and rat models developed by and available to NCI investigators, and supports the NIH Mouse Imaging Facility (MIF), a shared intramural resource for animal-imaging studies.
Comparative Oncology Program (COP) – The COP will study naturally occurring cancers in pet animals as models for human cancer. Naturally occurring cancer in pets share tumor biology with humans and have similar tumor histology and response rates to conventional chemotherapy.
Comparative Molecular Pathology Unit (CPMU) - This unit works closely with the COP to develop, validate, and characterize animal models of human cancer and to advance CCR’s medical imaging, molecular diagnostics, and mouse proteomics capabilities.
Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) - Animals housed in NCI facilities are regulated by the ACUC. The ACUC follows the National Research Council’s Guidelines for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Public Health Service Policy, and the Animal Welfare Act. All CCR research involving animals is approved by the ACUC and conducted at programs that have received accreditation by AAALAC International. The ACUC reviews all Animal Study Proposals to ensure humane practice in the care and use of animals in biomedical research projects.
Animal facilities must meet or exceed all federal, state, local, and institutional standards. Although differences between governing bodies may exist, NCI researchers follow the most stringent guidelines for the protection of animals.
