# Bioanalytic Core

> **NIH NIH P50** · EMORY UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $277,880

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY (Bioanalytic Core, Sanchez)
The Bioanalytic Core is a multifunctional core that will support the research efforts of each of the Projects by
providing histological services, developing new innovative techniques and assays, and by training members of
the Center to improve their own technical skills. The Aims of the Bioanalytic Core are: (1) To Provide basic
neurohistology services for verification of probe placement or injection sites for Projects 1-4, including brain
sectioning, histological staining, and immunohistochemistry for viral vector detection, and microscopy for
reconstruction of recording and injection sites. (2) To provide assay services and to develop new techniques for
molecular characterization of specific cell types, and for validating novel CRISPR viral vectors for Projects 1-4.
These services include OXTR autoradiography, and the highly sensitive RNAScope mRNA in situ hybridization
(ISH) technique to co-localize mRNA in cells for the purpose of molecular phenotyping. This technique will allow
for the co-localization of mRNA for OXTR with other neuromodulator systems such as dopamine D1 and D2
receptors or with choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). We will also develop PCR/sequencing or Western assays to
validate viral vector mediated CRISPR editing of OXTR or OT gene for Projects 1 and 3. Finally, the core will
perform genotyping for OXTR polymorphisms in prairie voles in support of Projects 1 and 2. (3) To provide
training in the techniques used in the Core to make sure that students, postdoctoral fellows, staff and trainees of
the Center gain experience in basic histology and staining, autoradiography, ISH, IHC, neuroanatomy and
fluorescent microscopy, which will be useful for their future career development. The services of the Bioanalytic
Core will facilitate progress in every project and will serve as the center memory for techniques as trainees come
and go. We will also develop new assays as needed and will perform basic neurohistology with standardization
across projects while freeing up time for trainees to make progress in their own projects. The Bioanalytic Core
is supported by the strong neuroanatomical expertise of the PI (Sanchez) in mapping neuropeptide and steroid
receptors in the primate brain, studies performed in collaboration with the Center PI (Young), who has additional
expertise with OT receptor systems both in rodent and primate brain. Co-investigator Kiyoshi Inoue brings critical
extensive expertise in situ hybridization using RNAScope, OXTR autoradiography, general histology for probe
anatomical verification, immunohistochemistry, and genotyping the prairie vole OXTR gene. These services will
facilitate the integrated research programs of the Conte Center by providing unified and standardized services
for each of the Projects, and allow investigators for the first time to identify the molecular phenotype of neurons
activated by the OT system, and facilitate validation of new techniques such a...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10090657
- **Project number:** 5P50MH100023-09
- **Recipient organization:** EMORY UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** MAR M SANCHEZ
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $277,880
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2013-07-01 → 2023-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10090657

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10090657, Bioanalytic Core (5P50MH100023-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10090657. Licensed CC0.

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