# Rodent Cancer Models Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $491,989

## Abstract

ABSTRACT – RODENT CANCER MODELS SHARED RESOURCE
 The Rodent Cancer Models Shared Resource (RCM) provides Duke Cancer Institute (DCI) members a full
service approach to the investigation of cancer biology, from the creation of rodent models through the testing
of chemotherapeutics. To achieve that goal DCI’s RCM combined two primary services: the Cancer Center
Isolation Facility (CCIF) and the Rodent Genetic Engineering Services Team (RGEST). CCIF is a 30,000 square
foot, stand-alone rodent barrier facility located in the heart of the Duke biomedical campus operated by the Duke
Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) and dedicated to cancer research. The CCIF physical plant
supports work with hazardous materials at biosafety level 2 (BSL2), recombinant DNA, chemotherapeutics, as
well as the maintenance of immunosuppressed (outbred athymic nude mice and inbred Nod SCID gamma (NSG)
mice) and specific pathogen-free (SPF) rodents. Occupying space in CCIF and in nearby facities, RGEST
produces custom designed, genetically altered, transgenic and gene-targeted mice. RCM personnel assist DCI
investigators who require assistance with breeding services, veterinary or diagnostic services, animal and
experimental protocol development, inoculation or testing of cell lines, and guidance for conducting safe and
efficient cancer biology research. CCIF also provides equipment and rodent housing space for the CCSG-
supported Optical Molecular Imaging and Analysis (OMIA) shared resource. Recently, significant investments
by the Duke School of Medicine have enabled upgrades to CCIF and RGEST equipment.
 In 2018, the RCM provided services to 78 investigators, 61% of whom were DCI members and who
accounted for 94% of total usage and represented all 8 DCI Research Programs. Use of this shared resource
by DCI Members contributed to 332 DCI publications over the project period, 103 of which were in high impact
journals (Impact Factor>9), demonstrating the value of RCM services. The immediate and long-term objectives
of the RCM are to continue to provide high-quality barrier facility services, low-cost, high-quality
immunocompromised and SPF mice and genetically engineered animal models using cutting edge approaches,
improve and upgrade services when possible, and to provide key expertise and services to DCI members
studying cancer biology and developing new agents for treating or diagnosing human cancers.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10323311
- **Project number:** 5P30CA014236-48
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** JOHN N. NORTON
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $491,989
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1997-01-01 → 2024-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10323311

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10323311, Rodent Cancer Models Core (5P30CA014236-48). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10323311. Licensed CC0.

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