# Animal Imaging Shared Resource

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2023 · $1

## Abstract

ABSTRACT 
Overview: The Animal Imaging Shared Resource (AISR) provides access to state-of-the-art animal scanners 
and expertise to study tumor progression, metastases, microenvironment and response to therapies using non- 
invasive imaging in animal models of cancer. The AISR, created in 2006, is the only comprehensive high-end 
Animal Imaging facility in Colorado. The AISR supports cancer research with high-end imaging services, 
validation of novel contrast agents, collaboration and training in animal imaging, study design, quantitative image 
analysis and translation of imaging technologies to human clinical trials. Equipment: Since the last renewal, the 
AISR worked diligently to leverage extramural and institutional funding to upgrade and maintain cutting edge 
imaging equipment, resulting in $4.3M in capital equipment investments since 2016. The AISR has added three 
state-of-the-art preclinical scanners - a Bruker 9.4 Tesla MRI, an IVIS Spectrum, and a Quantum GX2 CT to the 
existing Siemens Inveon PET/CT, Mediso SPECT/CT, IVIS200 and Bruker 4.7 Tesla MRI. Services and 
Expertise: The AISR, located within the UCAMC Animal Facilities, offers easy access to advanced imaging 
equipment and full-service support for imaging studies including study design, IACUC approved protocols, 
animal handling, image acquisition, multimodal image analysis, and preparation of grant proposals, study reports 
and publications. In addition to ultra-high resolution (20-50 microns) anatomical imaging, the AISR has 
established advanced imaging protocols for tumor physiology and microenvironment such as diffusion weighted/ 
tensor imaging (DWI/ DTI), dynamic contract-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), vessel-size imaging (VSI), iron oxide 
macrophage MRI, metabolic PET and peptide SPECT/CT protocols. Dr. Natalie Serkova, AISR Director since 
2006, has developed a robust imaging research infrastructure, based on her MR physics/ animal imaging 
expertise. Consultation and Education: The AISR offers advanced imaging and image analysis workshops 
regionally twice per year to enhance researchers' in-vivo study designs. Since 2016, over 300 participants across 
the State have enrolled in the AISR workshops. Management: The AISR is an institutional shared resource 
managed by the UCCC. Operating Budget: CCSG funding represents 42% of the current operating budget. 
Remaining support is from user fees (54%) and institutional support (4%). NIH shared instrumentation grants, 
matching institutional support and CCSG subsidies are critical to AISR's mission to serve UCCC members at 
the uppermost level possible while minimizing costs in a relatively expensive technology-centric field. Use of 
Services: Since 2016, 97 investigators have used the AISR, 42% (n=41) of whom were UCCC members who 
accounted for 66% of the total use. Future Directions: AISR is working to acquire two new imaging systems, a 
hands-free ultrasound and an upgraded PET/CT. The added scanners and continuing educatio...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10599138
- **Project number:** 5P30CA046934-35
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** RICHARD D SCHULICK
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $1
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1997-04-04 → 2027-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10599138

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10599138, Animal Imaging Shared Resource (5P30CA046934-35). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10599138. Licensed CC0.

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