• Animal Care and Research Core
• Biostatistics Core
• Confocal Microscopy Core
• DNA Sequencing Core
• Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorter Core
• Microarray Core
• Winnick Family Clinical Research Center (GCRC)
• Educational Programs

John Young, VMD, MS, Director
The institutional research animal care and use program is orchestrated through the Department of Comparative Medicine under the direction of John D. Young, V.M.D., M.S. The program has been fully accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC International) since 1967. The Department of Comparative Medicine is dedicated to the facilitation of biomedical research utilizing animals, while striving to maintain the highest quality of ethical, humane and appropriate animal care. The Department is committed to continue to improve the quality of services provided to research investigators for the purpose of improving the health of humans and animals.

The Medical Center's state-of-the-art animal care capabilities and facilities make it possible to house virulent species such as those used in AIDS research and to create and breed animals for the study of genetically-based diseases. Current research includes the development of diagnostic techniques to identify and treat heart disease, AIDS, diabetes, pulmonary and metabolic disorders, eye disease and cancer.

Other animal studies achieving critical success include the use of laser techniques to treat cardiac and peripheral arteriosclerosis and gallstones, as well as to perform ophthalmologic, neurologic and vocal cord surgery. Animal research is also used to develop refinements in surgical techniques and medical procedures involved in organ transplants.

Janet D. Elashoff, PhD, Director
The Biostatistics Core offers statistical consulting and analysis. Core staff utilize sophisticated software and a robust under-standing of advanced mathematical techniques to help medical researchers with issues such as study design, sample size selection and justification, the development of data entry and screening procedures, data base management, and statistical methodology for grant proposals. The Biostatistics Core staff also develops special purpose analyses and reports, assists with methods and results sections for manuscripts and with responses to reviewers, and serves on the IRB Committee.

John Adams, MD, Director
The Confocal Microscopy Core provides high resolution, multidimensional fluorescent imaging of cells and tissues to the Research Institute community. The study of molecular processes inside cells is of great importance for the understanding of disease processes. The confocal facility contributes by providing a wide array of state-of-the-art imaging and analysis methods. Interactions at a molecular level are visualized and quantified by Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer. 3D reconstruction and rendering of imaging data is essential for many publications and grant applications.

The confocal core provides guidance in immuno-staining and experimental setup, as well as to assure optimal results for its users. Confocal microscopy has become an essential tool for modern biomedical research.

Julie R. Korenberg, MD, PhD, Director
The DNA Sequencing Core (1) prepares and load gels, (2) runs dye terminator cycle sequence reactions, and (3) provides expert technical support. In addition, users can receive Sequencing Reaction Kits and publishable color printouts at a small additional fee. Operating an ABI 377 Automated Sequencer, the facility serves 15 laboratories in nine different research divisions at Cedars-Sinai. Investigators are provided with 400 - 650 bases of clear sequence and an optional long run providing 500 - 800 bases of clear sequence.

The core supports researchers by providing important data for journal articles and grant applications. The sequencing core is self-supporting, funded entirely by investigator initiated extramural grants.

John Prehn, PhD, Director
The Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorter Core (1) analyzes cells with light activated probes for the detection of molecular expression and cell characterization; (2) analyzes the life and death of cells, including cell destruction that may be useful in limiting tumor growth; (3) sorts cells, including quantification of cell surface determinants; and (4) assists researchers in understanding data and analysis programs.

John Adams, MD, Director
The Microarray Core at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center provides powerful research tools to aid investigators in understanding the regulation of gene activity at the molecular level. Microarray technology enables us to generate and analyze critical information from thousands of genes at a time. The Core is building a database that currently includes analyses of tissue from mice (aorta, fat pad, liver, pancreas), rats (muscle), and humans (pancreas, white blood cells). This high-technology laboratory uses the Affymetrix Gene Chip Instrument System with an Agilent Gene Array laser scanner to prepare and analyze DNA microchips, an ABI PRISM 7700 Sequence Detection System for quantification of individually selected genes for their activity, plus an Agilent Bioanalyzer 2100 and a GeneQuant spectrophotometer for quality control.

This Core serves as a springboard for investigators by providing support and continuing education for data generation, analysis and publication.

The Cedars-Sinai Research Institute regularly promotes educational programs that are consistent with the Burns and Allen Research Institute Goals.

A current affiliation with the California State University, Los Angeles, Masters Degree program, allows students to spend from ten to 30 or more hours per week in Research Institute laboratories.

A program for juniors at the University of Judaism who are applying for medical school offers them nearly 20 hours per week in laboratory, clinical and health services research activities.

A National Institutes for Health/National Center for Research Resources grant also provides both a salaried and a volunteer program to help students obtain research skills by working in Research Institute laboratories and/or clinical settings.