# Modern Equipment for Shared-use Biomedical Research Facilities: Advancing Research-related Operations

> **NIH NIH R24** · ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2024 · $350,000

## Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT: Modernization of SPF Rodent Housing in Shared-Use Animal Facility at Einstein
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine Institute for Animal Studies (IAS) facilitates high-quality animal
biomedical research and teaching while ensuring the most humane care possible. The IAS provides
comprehensive support for the generation, housing, and analysis of various animal models relevant to public
health, including animal models of human cancer and transgenic animals used in both basic and translational
research. Animal models of human disease are often developed using immune-deficient animals, requiring
careful biocontainment controls to protect their health to the fullest extent possible and reduce variability
associated with unplanned infection. We propose to establish a specialized sub-facility within the shared-use
specific pathogen–free (SPF) rodent housing facilities in the Chanin Building. This sub-facility will support basic
and preclinical research involving highly immunodeficient mice conducted by researchers affiliated with several
NIH-funded Centers, including the Einstein-Rockefeller-CUNY Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Institute for
Aging Research (IAR), Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center, and the National Cancer Institute
(NCI)-designated Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center (MECCC). Currently, barrier SPF mice
housed in the Chanin Building are maintained in static, filter-top microisolator cages. The microenvironment of
static cages is entirely dependent on the capacity of the HVAC system to provide fresh temperature- and
humidity-conditioned air, the airflow dynamics within the room, and animal cage stocking density. The inability
of the HVAC system to adequately manage heat and vapor loads can cause increased heat and humidity and
the accumulation of potentially dangerous microenvironments within each cage. Currently, we compensate for
these issues by increasing the frequency of cage changes. However, this extra husbandry activity is
burdensome for both our animal care staff and the animals we care for, resulting in increased animal handling
and a lack of stability in their microenvironments, which can introduce unnecessary stress and increase the
risks of introducing infection. In addition, frequent cage changes by our staff can create difficulties for
investigators who require frequent access to their animals. To support research conducted in
immunocompromised, immunodeficient, and transgenic animals, we will replace the racks and static, filter-top
cages in the sub-facility with new racks that support the use of individually ventilated cages, which will enhance
the biosafety of the animal microenvironment by ensuring adequate flow of sterile air and reduce the frequency
at which cages require changing. In addition, the proposed racks will increase the overall housing capacity of
the facility. Increased capacity will be needed to support the increased interest in and usage of preclinical
animal mo...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10987471
- **Project number:** 1R24OD037722-01
- **Recipient organization:** ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** HARRIS GOLDSTEIN
- **Activity code:** R24 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $350,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10987471

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10987471, Modern Equipment for Shared-use Biomedical Research Facilities: Advancing Research-related Operations (1R24OD037722-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10987471. Licensed CC0.

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