PROJECT SUMMARY The primary function of the Animal and Metabolic Phenotype Analytic Core (Core B) is to provide support to the individual projects within the Program Project related to the generation of novel animal models and phenotyping thereof. The Aims of Core B are to insure consistency of background by generating all founder mice on a common background and prevent drift between projects and to rigorously phenotype these mice at baseline and as directed by Project leaders. Dr. David Stepp, with over 20 years’ experience in metabolic phenotyping and generation of novel animal models will oversee Core B. The four subject areas for phenotyping are 1) macroscopic anatomy, 2) microscopic anatomy, 3) in vivo cardiometabolic physiology and 4) in vitro vascular physiology. Core services will report out at monthly meetings of the PPG in terms of volume and output and to solicit feedback on core functions from PPG participants.