# Animal Models & Imaging Facility (AMIF)

> **NIH NIH P20** · WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $87,928

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The Animal Models & Imaging Facility (AMIF) provides state-of-the-art, preclinical molecular imaging services
for biomedical research at West Virginia University. Animal models of disease are a critical tool for the
translational research projects that promote understanding of the factors that influence the progression of
disease and the impact of potential therapeutic targets. Cancer researchers, in particular, need to be able to
study tumor growth and metastasis in the context of the microenvironment in real time and in living animals to
determine the events that initiate tumorigenesis, promote cancer progression or impact response to treatment.
As part of the Tumor Microenvironment Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (TME CoBRE), the AMIF has
expanded its imaging and preclinical treatment capabilities with the addition of new equipment for radiation
therapy, electron paramagnetic resonance and magnetic resonance imaging, and for high-resolution micro
computed tomography. The AMIF is the only facility on campus that can offer these longitudinal, non-invasive
imaging studies with sufficient resolution for working in small animal models. The long-term goals of this core
are to (1) establish novel treatment and imaging resources in an existing core facility to support translational
research projects targeting the tumor microenvironment and (2) provide training and support for investigators
using preclinical models to study cancer biology. This TME CoBRE-supported core will synergize with other
Institutional Development Award (IDeA)-funded projects including other CoBRE projects, the IDeA Network of
Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE), and the IDeA Clinical and Translational Research Award (IDeA-CTR)
to enhance research competitiveness, improve therapy, and address health disparities, particularly in cancer.
The AMIF provides opportunities for collaboration with other Centers at WVU resulting in the broadest impact of
CoBRE investment. Further, it is integrated with the Patient-Derived Xenograft Core Facility in this TME CoBRE
application through the study of mouse models using primary patient samples. In addition, it is highly connected
to the Flow Cytometry Single Cell Analysis Core Facility that will provide downstream analysis of cells recovered
from xenograft models. The AMIF is committed to mentoring and participates in the Technology Seminar Series
in partnership with the other CoBRE Cores to enhance both education and collaboration across the CoBRE-
supported initiatives.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9984427
- **Project number:** 5P20GM121322-03
- **Recipient organization:** WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Karen H Martin
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $87,928
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9984427

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9984427, Animal Models & Imaging Facility (AMIF) (5P20GM121322-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9984427. Licensed CC0.

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