Maintenance of the Specific-Pathogen-Free Breeding Colonies at Emory National Primate Research Center

Grant Number: U42OD011023

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The Emory National Primate Research Center objective is to establish a specific-pathogen-free (SPF) rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) breeding colony at its Field Station facilities for use in HIV/AIDS research. The animals derived from the colony are seronegative for simian immunodeficiency virus, simian T-lymphotrophic virus 1, type D simian retrovirus, and Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (CHV1 or B virus). In addition, all animals are genetically characterized both in respect to pedigree information and selected major histocompatibility complex (MHC) alleles. The nonhuman primates derived from this colony are available for AIDS-related studies by NIH grantees, and all the above listed attributes are important for AIDS research.

Services Provided

SPF rhesus macaques may be requested for AIDS research by contacting the principal investigator. The Emory Resource Allocation Advisory Committee has responsibility for allocating animal resources to NIH-funded investigators. To apply for allocation of SPF rhesus monkeys, investigators must first complete an application form, which is available from the principal investigator.

Contact Information

Emory National Primate Research Center
Emory University
954 North Gatewood Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30322

Principal Investigator

Joyce K. Cohen, V.M.D.
Phone: 404-712-8103
Fax: 404-727-3756
jkcohe2@emory.edu

Additional Contact

Maria Crane, D.V.M.
Phone: 404-727-8653
mmcrane@emory.edu

Production of Pedigreed Specific-Pathogen-Free Rhesus Macaques

Grant Number: U42OD010990

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The objective of this program at the California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) is to produce pedigreed rhesus macaques of Indian origin that are free of selected viral pathogens. These agents include Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (herpes B), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), simian T-lymphotropic virus 1, type D retrovirus, and simian foamy virus (SFV). These animals are of known pedigrees confirmed by microsatellite testing and also are typed for Mamu-A*01 alleles by the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. Colony status is confirmed by frequent viral screening through the Simian Retroviral Core Laboratory.

Research programs are in place to use assisted reproductive technology strategies to expand numbers of Mamu-A*01-positive animals and other genotypes that may be of specific research interest. The CNPRC is also identifying additional viral pathogens to be excluded from the specific-pathogen-free (SPF) population. Genetic studies are underway to determine whether A*01-positive individuals are heterozygous or homozygous.

Services Provided

Animals

Scientists wishing to use pedigreed Indian-origin rhesus macaques should contact the principal investigator. Scientists wishing to conduct research at the CNPRC should contact the director. Information for research access to the primate center is available on CNPRC's website.

Other Services

Pedigree analysis and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) typing for rhesus macaques is available through the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory.

Contact Information

California National Primate Research Center
University of California, Davis
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616-8542
cnprc.ucdavis.edu

Principal Investigator

Jeffrey A. Roberts, D.V.M.
Phone: 530-752-6490
jaroberts@ucdavis.edu

Tulane National Primate Research Center AIDS Specific-Pathogen-Free Breeding Colony

Grant Numbers: U42OD010568, U42OD024282

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The objective of the specific-pathogen-free (SPF) rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) breeding colony resource is to produce well-characterized, healthy nonhuman primates (NHPs) for use in NIH-funded HIV/AIDS research. NHPs derived from the colony are seronegative for simian immunodeficiency virus, simian T-lymphotrophic virus 1, type D simian retrovirus, and Macacine herpesvirus 1 (MHV1 or B virus). In addition to the SPF target agents, the colony is monitored for infection with tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), measles virus, and additional infectious agents based on risk assessment.

The Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) is one of only three centers in the United States with an expanded SPF (eSPF) breeding program that supplies animals with an increased viral exclusion profile over regular SPF. The expanded viral exclusion profile includes opportunistic agents commonly seen in immunosuppressed disease states (cytomegalovirus, lymphocryptovirus, rhesus rhadinovirus, simian foamy virus, and simian agent 40). Because a high proportion of regular SPF rhesus macaques are infected with viruses that cause disease in immunosuppressed patients, studies specific to these agents cannot be performed in regular SPF rhesus macaques. Expanded SPF rhesus monkeys have been critical in the study of the pathogenesis of opportunistic disease in AIDS.

The TNPRC breeding colony management program centers on a philosophy of continuous improvement, which has contributed significantly to achieving SPF status for the entire breeding colony. Continuous improvement is fostered by the use of evidence derived from observation, controlled in-house studies, and the literature to drive decision-making. We employ this philosophy in many areas of the program, including housing, behavioral management, husbandry practices, nursery rearing, preventive medicine, and veterinary medical care. Using data analysis to drive management decisions has resulted in the development of a comprehensive, integrated breeding colony management plan. This plan produces quality animals for research while assuring stable growth into the future.

Services Provided

Animals

SPF rhesus monkeys may be requested for AIDS research by sending requests to the point of contact listed below. Once contact has been made, a Tulane Resource Allocation Committee animal allocation request form will be sent. The Tulane Resource Allocation Committee will review requests and prioritize allocation based on source of funding and research project to ensure that they are directed to NIH funded HIV/AIDS research as a priority.

Tissues and Other Samples

Tissues and other biologic samples from SPF animals may be obtained by sending requests to the point of contact below for Biologic Samples.

Contact Information

Tulane National Primate Research Center
18703 Three Rivers Road
Covington, LA 70433
tnprc.tulane.edu

Animals

Kathrine Falkenstein, M.P.H.
Animal Colony Epidemiologist
Division of Veterinary Medicine
Tulane National Primate Research Center
tnprc-vetmed@tulane.edu

Biologic Samples

Pyone Pyone Aye, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Assistant Director for Collaborative Research and Contract Research
Tulane National Primate Research Center
Associate Professor of Medicine
Tulane School of Medicine
nprcresearch@wave.tulane.edu

Principal Investigator

Rudolf (Skip) Bohm, D.V.M., DACLAM
Associate Director and Chief Veterinary Medical Officer
Chair, Division of Veterinary Medicine
Tulane National Primate Research Center
Professor of Medicine
Tulane School of Medicine
Phone: 985-871-6266
tnprc-vetmed@tulane.edu

Other/Resource Contacts

Kasi Russell-Lodrigue, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACLAM
Assistant Director for Clinical and Research Medicine
Tulane National Primate Research Center
Associate Professor of Medicine
Tulane School of Medicine
Phone: 985-871-6266
tnprc-vetmed@tulane.edu

Establishment of a Specific-Pathogen-Free Rhesus Macaque Colony

Grant Number: U42OD010442

Research Emphasis/Objectives

This program, which is located at the Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC) in San Antonio, Texas, produces Indian-origin rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) that are specific-pathogen-free (SPF) for herpes B virus, simian immunodeficiency virus, simian retrovirus, and simian T-lymphotrophic virus 1. The breeding colony produces high-quality genetically characterized and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-typed animals for use in AIDS-related research conducted by NIH-supported grantees. Occasionally, monkeys are available for other types of research or to non-NIH funded investigators.

Services Provided

Monkeys are available for sale to investigators who want to use the monkeys in research at the SNPRC and those who want to transport the monkeys for research conducted at other sites. Animal Biosafety Level (ABSL) 3 and ABSL-4 facilities are available at SNPRC and Texas Biomedical Research Institute for infectious disease research, including research with select agents.

Contact Information

Texas Biomedical Research Institute
Southwest National Primate Research Center
P.O. Box 760549
San Antonio, TX 78245-0549
txbiomed.org

Principal Investigator

Deepak Kaushal, Ph.D.
Phone: 210-258-9822
dkaushal@txbiomed.org

Specific-Pathogen-Free Rhesus Macaque Breeding Colony for AIDS Research

Grant Numbers: U42OD023038, U42OD010426

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The ONPRC maintains a specific-pathogen-free (SPF) Indian-origin rhesus macaque breeding colony in support of AIDS-related biomedical research. The research objectives are to (1) maintain a breeding population sufficient to supply nonhuman primates for AIDS-related research; (2) optimize the usefulness of this population for research by characterizing ancestry, parentage, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) type; and (3) ensure the population remains SPF through state-of-the-art surveillance technologies.

Current Research

The ONPRC's SPF Indian-origin rhesus macaque breeding programs have specific female breeder populations. All adults and juveniles are free of simian immunodeficiency virus, T-lymphotrophic virus 1, type D simian retroviruses, and Macacine herpesvirus 1. Frequent microbiologic monitoring is performed to ensure SPF status. Research objectives focus on maintaining a colony of pedigreed, genetically diverse breeding adults and offspring of Indian-origin ancestry and defined MHC class I genotype. Analyses based on genetic marker and/or pedigree information are used to verify parentage, identify genetically valuable animals, and monitor genetic diversity in the colonies. The SPF definition is expanded in the U42 OD023038-supported colony to include additional viral agents that are useful as models of opportunistic infections in AIDS research or as vectors for vaccine development, such as cytomegalovirus, rhesus rhadinovirus, spumaretrovirus, and simian virus 40.

Services Provided

Animals

SPF juvenile Indian-origin rhesus macaques are available for sale to NIH grantees and other qualifying investigators for AIDS-related research. Blood samples and other tissues and body fluids obtainable using routine, noninvasive clinical procedures are available to qualifying investigators with appropriate institutional approvals for research animal use. Cost estimates for collection, packaging, and shipping are available upon request. Allocation of animals produced under this cooperative agreement is determined by the ONPRC Animal Use Committee in consultation with the ORIP program administrator to ensure equitable distribution.

Other Services

The ONPRC's resources are available to collaborative NIH grantees with appropriate animal care and use (IACUC) approval and institutional contractual agreements. Resources include veterinary clinical services, biological safety level 3 laboratory and animal containment facilities, anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, microbiology, and flow cytometry. Further information is available from the Associate Director's office.

Contact Information

Oregon National Primate Research Center
Oregon Health & Science University
505 N.W. 185th Avenue
Beaverton, OR 97006-3499
ONPRC | OHSU

Charles Roberts, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Research
Phone: 503-346-5006
robertsc@ohsu.edu

Principal Investigators

Grant No. U42OD023038
Michael K. Axthelm, D.V.M.
Phone: 503-346-5540
axthelmm@ohsu.edu

Grant No. U42OD010426
Gregory B. Timmel, D.V.M.
Phone: 503-346-5311
timmel@ohsu.edu

Grant Number: P51OD011107

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) is a research unit of the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). The mission of the CNPRC is to improve human health and quality of life through support of exceptional nonhuman primate (NHP) research programs.

Current Research

The center has a diverse program of research utilizing NHPs. Research projects encompass many aspects of biology and medicine, including AIDS and other infectious diseases; reproductive issues, such as those associated with conception, pregnancy, and fetal growth and development; neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease; nutritional deficiencies; pulmonary disorders, such as asthma, emphysema, and other chronic obstructive lung diseases; xenotransplantation; cell- and gene-based therapies; acute and chronic stress; temperament and biobehavioral organization; social relationships; neurobiology; cognitive function; and behavioral development.

Services Provided

The CNPRC has four research units: Infectious Disease, Neuroscience and Behavior, Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, and Respiratory Disease. In addition, the CNPRC has four service cores: Flow Cytometry, Inhalation Exposure, Multimodal Imaging, and the Primate Assay Laboratory. We also provide other services, such as Primate Medicine Services. Research opportunities are available for investigators from national and international institutions, as well as scientists within the UC Davis research community. The CNPRC also is home to the Center for Fetal Monkey Gene Transfer for Heart, Lung, and Blood Diseases under the direction of Alice Tarantal, Ph.D.

To Outside Investigators

Specimens

Organs and tissues are provided when available; other biological samples are provided on special request. Shipping, collecting, and processing costs are charged to the requestor.

To Collaborating Scientists

Scientists wishing to conduct research at the center must have their projects reviewed and approved by the center director, research advisory committee, and campus animal care review committee. The center's services are available to collaborating scientists on a fee-for-service basis. Services include—

Core Services

• Flow Cytometry Core
• Inhalation Exposure Core
• Multimodal Imaging Core
• Primate Assay Laboratory Core

Contact Core Leaders at cnprc.ucdavis.edu/our-services/core-services.

Primate Medicine Services

• Preventive medicine and epidemiologic evaluation, surgery, radiology, therapeutics, specialized medical procedures

Diagnostic Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Services

• Bacteriology, biochemistry, hematology, parasitology, pathology, virology

Animals

• Center breeding colony: rhesus macaque (M. mulatta)
• Center research colony: Callicebus cupreus, M. mulatta

Contact Information

California National Primate Research Center
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA 95616
cnprc.ucdavis.edu

Principal Investigator

Simon J. Atkinson, Ph.D.

Center Director

Karen L. Bales, Ph.D.
Phone: 530-752-7059
klbales@ucdavis.edu

Additional Contact

Jeffrey A. Roberts, D.V.M.
Associate Director, Primate Services
Phone: 530-752-6490
jaroberts@ucdavis.edu

Grant Number: P51OD010425

Research Emphasis/Objectives

Empowering the delivery of leading-edge scientific discoveries to improve human health while promoting the highest standards of care, health, well-being, and conservation for primates around the world.

Current Research

The Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC) is host to diverse units of scientific excellence, including Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine; Global Conservation, Education and Outreach; Infectious Disease and Translational Medicine; and Neuroscience. These units are refining new nonhuman primate (NHP) models of human disease. Our researchers are either developing effective vaccines and therapies for SARS-CoV-2, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases, or they are advancing genetics, neuroscience, vision, or stem cell biology and therapy. Our Global Conservation, Education and Outreach unit is exploring the human–animal interface, conservation, and disease characterization in native communities throughout the world. The WaNPRC directly supports NIH’s mission to translate scientific advances into meaningful improvement in health care and medicine.

Services Provided

To Outside Investigators: The WaNPRC encourages the use of its resources by investigators from the national and international biomedical research communities. The WaNPRC is available for collaborative research initiatives involving center staff and outside investigators. In general, expenses are assumed by the initiating investigator, and collaborative research efforts are covered by grants acquired collaboratively.

Specimens: Banked serum, tissue, and DNA samples. Fresh blood, serum, plasma, tissues, and organs.

Animals: The WaNPRC maintains a colony of specific-pathogen-free pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) that are available for research projects. Additionally, housing capabilities are available for other macaque species and New World monkeys:

• Pigtailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina)
• Cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis)
• Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)
• Squirrel monkey (Simia sciureus)

Veterinary Technical Services: Timed pregnancies, tether, radiography, sonography, endoscopy, experimental surgery, experimental diets, nursery, behavioral assessment.

Pathology and Diagnostic Services: Necropsies, clinical chemistry, hematology, histology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology.

Research Support: Project support and specimen collection.

Bioengineering: Electronic circuit and instrumentation support.

PET Imaging: PET imaging capabilities.

Mucosal Immunology and Virology: NHP blood and tissue processing and cryopreservation, immunophenotyping, intracellular staining and multicolor flow cytometry, complete blood count (CBC) and subset analyses, viral load quantification.

Systems Biology: Study design, RNA/DNA isolation, DNA-Seq and RNA-seq library construction, DNA and RNA sequencing, rRNA 16S sequencing (microbiome), ChiP-seq and 10 X Genomics single-cell RNA-seq.

Global Programs: Focusing on conservation biology, field study training, and international outreach activities. Areas of focus include NHP population status, genetic characterization, habitat viability, population management, disease risk, and sustainability modeling.

Contact Information

Washington National Primate Research Center
University of Washington Box 357330
Health Sciences Center, Room I-421
Seattle, WA 98195-7330
wanprc.uw.edu

Principal Investigator

Mari Ostendorf, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Research
Endowed Professor of Systems Design Methodology
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Washington
Phone: 206-685-1751
vpresearch@uw.edu

Other/Resource Contacts

Michele A. Basso, Ph.D.
Director
Phone: 206-221-5718
Fax: 206-616-1710
mbasso@uw.edu

Deborah Fuller, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Research
Phone: 206-221-2328
fullerdh@uw.edu

Charlotte E. Hotchkiss, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACLAM
Associate Director, Animal Resources
Phone: 206-685-2881
chotchki@uw.edu

Tissue Distribution

Phone: 206-616-8122
necropsy@uw.edu

Grant Number: P51OD011133

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC) supports studies of nonhuman primate models of human diseases, including common chronic diseases and infectious diseases, and the effects that genetics and the environment have on physiological processes and susceptibility to specific diseases.

Services Provided

To Outside Investigators

The SNPRC encourages the use of its resources by investigators from the national and international biomedical research communities. The SNPRC also is available for collaborative research initiatives involving center staff and outside investigators. In general, expenses are assumed by the initiating investigator, and collaborative research efforts are covered by grants acquired collaboratively.

Specimens

Banked serum, tissue, and DNA samples. Fresh blood, serum, plasma, tissues, and organs.

Animals

Baboons (Papio hamadryasanubis, P.h. cynocephalus), chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), miscellaneous primate species as required for specific research purposes. Also, rhesus macaques with an LDL receptor defect that causes familial hypercholesterolemia.

Veterinary Technical Services

Timed pregnancies, tether, radiography, sonography, endoscopy, experimental surgery, experimental diets, nursery, behavioral assessment. Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL-3) and ABSL-4 laboratories are available for infectious disease research, including research with select agents.

Pathology Services

Necropsies, clinical chemistry, hematology, histology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology.

Immunology Services

Flow cytometry, cytokine and hormone Luminex assays, ELISA, ELISPOT, viral screening, cell separation.

Imaging Services

PET, MRI, ultrasound, neurocognitive assessment, image analysis, transcranial magnetic stimulation, event-related potentials.

Data Services

Colony database system, genetic analysis software, genetic typing services.

Contact Information

Texas Biomedical Research Institute
Southwest National Primate Research Center
8715 W. Military Drive
San Antonio, TX 78227-5302
snprc.org

Principal Investigator

Larry S. Schlesinger, M.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
lschlesinger@txbiomed.org 

Other/Resource Contacts

Corinna Ross, Ph.D.
Interim Director
Phone: 210-258-9298
cross@txbiomed.org

Grant Number: P51OD011106

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The Wisconsin National Primate Research Center's (WNPRC) mission is to increase our understanding of basic primate biology and to improve human health and quality of life through research. To accomplish this, the WNPRC—

• Helps discover treatments, preventions, and cures for human disease.
• Generates new knowledge of primate biology, from the molecular and whole-animal levels to the understanding of primate ecosystems.
• Facilitates research progress by providing expertise, resources, and training to scientists worldwide.
• Collects primate information and disseminates it to the research community and the public.

Quick Facts

• Personnel: The WNPRC employs 190 research, administrative, and student employees who support research by more than 258 scientists from the University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison), the United States, and around the world. The WNPRC supports 191 UW–Madison postdoctoral, graduate, undergraduate, veterinary, and other trainees, of which 22 are also employees.
• Funding: The WNPRC is supported by a $9.65 million NIH base operating grant to the WNPRC and UW–Madison. Scientists annually work on more than 200 research subprojects supported in part or in full at the WNPRC by other federal and nonfederal research grants.
• Colony: The WNPRC's 1,586 animals comprise 1,120 rhesus macaques, 221 common marmosets, and 245 cynomolgus macaques.
• Samples: The WNPRC distributes more than 55,400 research samples each year to scientists worldwide.

Current Research

The WNPRC focuses on four strategic areas of research and a diverse affiliate program:

Global Infectious Disease (GID): Transmission and pathogenesis of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), Zika, dengue, influenza, viral escape, vaccine development, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-defined animals, identification of new viruses with zoonotic and/or pandemic potential.

Regenerative and Reproductive Medicine (RRM): Pluripotent stem cell biology, including cellular therapies for hematologic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases; organ transplant tolerance; stem cell–based therapies for AIDS. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for nonhuman primate transgenesis; maternal–fetal health, including pregnancy loss and poor outcomes; intrauterine environment in metabolic and reproductive epigenetic programming; endometriosis; polycystic ovary disease.

Energy Metabolism and Chronic Disease (EMCD): Chronic disease and aging research, with an emphasis on the genetic, cellular, and whole-animal effects of calorie restriction (CR), as well as excess caloric intake resulting in obesity and metabolic syndrome. Diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, new studies on post-menopausal hormone changes and metabolic disease risks.

Neuroscience: Preclinical Parkinson’s disease research, translational studies of glaucoma, cognition, attention, visual perception, sensorimotor integration. Stress, anxiety, and depression. Basic studies of central nervous system mechanisms controlling fertility, puberty, menopause, and body weight. Neuroendocrine regulation of reproductive and social behaviors.

Services Provided

To Affiliate Scientists/Outside Investigators

Researchers interested in conducting research through the WNPRC and using any of the below services or resources should first contact the Scientific Protocol Implementation (SPI) Service, which integrates the expertise of Research Services and Resources and Animal Services to help researchers conduct leading-edge science supported by expert animal care.

Research Services and Resources

• Assay Services
• Genetics Services (host genotyping, viral pathogen sequencing)
• Immunology Services
• Virology Services
• Informatics and Data Services
• Stem Cell Resource
• Precision Medicine Resource

Animal Services

• Scientific Protocol Implementation
• Behavioral Services
• Colony Management
• Compliance and Training
• Pathology Services and Tissue Distribution
• Veterinary Services

To Collaborating Scientists

The WNPRC actively encourages national and international researchers to use its facilities and services and to conduct collaborative studies. Scientists wishing to conduct research must have their projects reviewed and approved by the WNPRC director and advisory committees and have independent funding to cover costs. Most of the WNPRC's services are available on a fee-for-service basis.

Contact Information

Wisconsin National Primate Research Center
1220 Capitol Court
Madison, WI 53715
primate.wisc.edu

Principal Investigator

Steve Ackerman, Ph.D.
Interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education
University of Wisconsin–Madison

Contacts

Jon E. Levine, Ph.D.
Director
Phone: 608-263-3500
levine@primate.wisc.edu

Jordana Lenon, B.S., B.A.
Public Information and Outreach
Phone: 608-263-7024
jlenon@primate.wisc.edu

Grant Number: P51OD011092

Research Emphasis/Objectives

The Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) is engaged in a spectrum of studies based in the scientific research divisions of Metabolic Health and Disease, Genetics, Neuroscience, Pathobiology and Immunology, and Reproductive and Developmental Sciences. Collaborative research that is initiated by external investigators is managed through the Collaborative Research Unit (CRU).

Current Research

• Metabolic Health and Disease: Diet-induced obesity, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, adipose and islet biology, cardiovascular disease.
• Genetics: Complex trait analysis, development of nonhuman primate (NHP) rare disease models, functional analysis of genome sequencing data, genome evolution, epigenetics and single-cell genomics. Research spans the fields of reproductive biology, neuroscience, cardiometabolic health, and pathobiology.
• Neuroscience: Research on fundamental and integrative mechanisms underlying nervous system dysfunctions and resultant disease states using the major scientific disciplines of neuroendocrinology, neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration, addiction, aging, and primate genetics. Specific technologies are produced and utilized, including novel methods to acquire in vivo imaging data, measure cognitive performance, introduce and assess genetic therapeutics, provide functional neuroanatomical links to behavior, and identify informative phenotypes for genetic analysis of traits.
• Pathobiology and Immunology: Cellular and molecular events controlling pathogenesis and immune responses of clinically important infectious agents (HIV/SIV, herpes family viruses, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, yellow fever virus, dengue, Chikungunya virus), novel vaccine development, and research in basic primate immunology, immune senescence, and biodefense.
• Reproductive and Developmental Sciences: Regulation of neuroendocrine, gonadal, reproductive tract and gamete function as related to advancing our understanding of reproductive physiology, the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, and the creation of novel contraceptives, as well as defining the genetic and epigenetic parameters necessary for normal growth and development.

Animal Colony and Resources

• Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), ~4,200
• Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata), ~350
• Cynomolgus macaques, ~100
• Baboons (Papio anubis), relatively few
• Squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus), relatively few

Specialized Animal Resources

• Aging Resource (aged rhesus macaque cohort)
• Infectious Disease Resource
• Precision Medicine Resource
• Obese Resource (rhesus macaque models of diet-induced obesity)
• Behavioral Sciences Unit
• Timed Mated Breeding Program
• Infant Laboratory
• Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL-3) animal research facilities for rodents and NHPs

Colony care and maintenance are the responsibility of the Division of Animal Resources and Research Support (ARRS), which includes 17 full-time veterinarians and about 153 support staff.

Services Provided

To Outside Investigators

Tissue specimens, organs, etc., are available from the Pathology Services Tissue Procurement Program. Costs are assumed by the requestor.

To Collaborating Scientists

Scientists wishing to conduct research at the ONPRC must have their projects approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Institutional Biosafety Committee, and Research Advisory Committee (RAC). The RAC does not typically evaluate proposals that undergo formal peer review by national review panels (i.e., NIH, U.S. Department of Defense, etc.). Investigators interested in collaborative work who do not have an existing relationship with an ONPRC investigator should direct enquiries to the CRU, which is headed by the Associate Director for Research (contact information below).

Collaborators have access to ONPRC research support cores and other services, which are listed below. Most services are provided on a fee-for-service basis.

Research Cores

• Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Procedures related to in vitro fertilization, nuclear transfer, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, culture media, gamete preservation.
• Bioinformatics and Biostatistics: Custom analyses for RNAseq, MethylSeq, whole-genome sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, variant discovery studies in NHP, mouse, or viral genomes.
• Endocrine Technologies: Steroid and protein hormone assays, including LC-MS/MS, Luminex, ELISAs, IRMAs, and RIAs; assay development.
• Flow Cytometry: Flow analysis and sorting.
• Integrated Pathology. Research histology processing, including tissue embedding and sectioning, slide preparation and scanning, staining, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, etc.; multiple microscopy platforms, including confocal, fluorescent, and laser-capture microscopy and stereology.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging: 3T Siemens magnet with Prisma upgrade, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, MRI training.
• Molecular Virology: Production of viral vectors and/or antigens from adenovirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), rhesus rhadinovirus (RRV), simian foamy virus (SFV), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and vaccinia (MVA). DNA synthesis and sequencing, cDNA probes, real-time PCR, maintenance of cell lines, media preparation, and lentivirus design and preparation. Viral diagnostic services span the range from tissue processing, extraction of viral DNA and RNA to highly sensitive detection of CMV and SIV viral loads in plasma, tissues, and excretions, virus isolation, co-cultures, and virus antibody serology.
• Primate Genetics. NHP DNA Bank (managing over 35,000 NHP samples from 11 NHP species), major histocompatibility complex (MHC) allele analysis, macaque ancestry assay and molecular parentage validation.

Additional Services

• Primate Multimodality Imaging Center: Dedicated 7,700 sq. ft. building for NHP in vivo imaging that operates a wide variety of radiologic imaging systems, protocols, and support services with equipment resources (angiography, ultrasound, CT, radionuclide imaging, PET, and X-ray), tracer development resources, and expertise necessary for guiding the creation and implementation of imaging protocols.
• Pathology Services Tissue Procurement Program: Necropsies, tissue distribution, consultation.
• Diagnostic Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Services: Bacteriology, biochemistry, hematology, parasitology, pathology, virology.

Primate Medicine

Preventive medicine and epidemiologic evaluation, surgery, radiology, therapeutics, specialized medical procedures.

Contact Information

Oregon National Primate Research Center
Oregon Health & Science University
505 N.W. 185th Avenue
Beaverton, OR 97006-3499
ONPRC | OHSU

Principal Investigator

Peter Barr-Gillespie, Ph.D.
Chief Research Officer and Executive Vice President
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, OR 97239

Additional Contacts

Rudolf (Skip) Bohm, D.V.M., DACLAM
ONPRC Director
Phone: 503-346-5005
bohm@ohsu.edu

John Hennebold, Ph.D.
ONPRC Associate Director for Research
Phone: 503-346-5006
henneboj@ohsu.edu