# Core B - Animal and Preclinical Models Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2020 · $249,606

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT: P30 CORE B
Animal models have become an increasingly valuable tool for biomedical research. Animal models are
particularly relevant to the understanding of cystic fibrosis (CF), where they are used extensively to
characterize CFTR expression and function and investigate the pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis. Furthermore,
animal models are critical to evaluating the effectiveness of novel therapies. The purpose of Core B is to
support the research of numerous P30 investigators that involves animal models, and the innovative assays
available to characterize them.
Core B carries out three main functions as outlined in the Specific Aims. First, Core B breeds, genotypes, and
distributes diverse CF relevant animal models. It provides CF models of mouse, rat, ferret and pig to dozens of
local, national, and international P30 investigators. Second, the Core aids in the generation and procurement
of relevant animal models required by P30 investigators. The Core helps generate new animal models using
cutting edge recombinant technology, including the novel rat model centered at UAB and more recently
humanized versions of this species (designated a National Core Resource). In addition, the Core acquires
available animals needed by P30 investigators, such as the CF ferret and pig models. In this way, the Core
helps investigators develop and characterize innovative animal models that can be used to expand the current
body of CF research. Third, Core B has developed numerous endpoint measures to assess CFTR function,
epithelial physiology, preclinical endpoints, and biospecimen analysis in CF animal models. The endpoint
assays conducted by the core include: extensive CFTR physiological outcome measures; assays of epithelial
function; state-of-the-art imaging modalities of the GI and respiratory tract (including ultrasound, micro-CT, and
micro-optical coherence tomography (a second National Resource, see Core A); physiological assays such as
Flexivent lung function, plethysmography, and cough monitoring; survival bronchoscopy; and techniques for
drug delivery and monitoring. These cutting-edge endpoint analyses supported by Core B help to uncover
disease mechanisms and pathways, and to elucidate clinically relevant findings.
Core B provides significant resources and technical expertise that greatly augment the efforts of P30
investigators. The efforts put forth by Core B also foster the sharing of ideas and promote collaboration among
investigators. Furthermore, the Core contributes to significant cost savings by providing animal models,
electrophysiologic equipment, expensive imaging modalities, small animal bronchoscopy and tissue/specimen
processing, and resources that are shared among many investigators without the need to duplicate the same
capabilities in multiple laboratories. In these ways, P30 Core B is indispensable for the research priorities
delineated by the overall UAB P30, including studies of CFTR cellular biology, t...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9989102
- **Project number:** 5P30DK072482-14
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** David M. Bedwell
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $249,606
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2007-04-01 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9989102

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9989102, Core B - Animal and Preclinical Models Core (5P30DK072482-14). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9989102. Licensed CC0.

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